Lhasa · Neighbourhood ·
Drepung Monastery Area
哲蚌寺 · The western hills above Lhasa where the largest monastery in Tibet sits — a vast complex of white-walled buildings housing several thousand monks, with a quieter and more authentically monastic character than the touristed Jokhang.
About this neighbourhood
Drepung Monastery — Rice Heap Monastery, named for the white-washed buildings that cover the hillside like heaped grains — was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Chöje, a disciple of Tsongkhapa (the founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism). At its peak population, Drepung housed over 10,000 monks and was the largest monastic institution in the world by resident population.
The monastery functioned not only as a centre of religious education but as a political institution. The Ganden Phodrang Palace within Drepung was the administrative seat of the Tibetan government from the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama (who effectively merged secular and religious authority in 1642) until the palace was moved to the Potala in the 17th century. The Ganden Phodrang name became the official title of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala.
The monastery complex covers a substantial hillside area — a labyrinthine arrangement of assembly halls, colleges, residential courtyards, and narrow interconnecting lanes. The four principal colleges (Ngagpa, Gomang, Loseling, and Deyang) each have their own assembly halls and distinctive chapels; the main Tsokchen assembly hall is the largest single space in the complex, with capacity for the full monastic assembly and decorated with significant thangka collections.
The annual Shoton Festival (Yoghurt Festival, held in the seventh Tibetan month) involves the display of an enormous thangka from the mountainside above Drepung — a ceremonial unrolling of a painted silk image several storeys tall that is one of the most visually striking ritual events in the Tibetan calendar.
What to see
Drepung Monastery (Drepung Gompa — the largest Gelugpa monastery in the world, founded 1416), the Ganden Phodrang Palace within the monastery (the seat of Tibetan government from the 17th century until 1959), the Ngagpa College chapels.
What to eat
No restaurants within the monastery; the road to Drepung passes a few basic tea-stalls. Visitors typically bring their own provisions.
Transit
Bus from central Lhasa to Drepung village, then a 15-minute walk uphill. Taxi from Lhasa (about 20 minutes). The monastery is 8 kilometres west of the Potala.
Where to stay
No accommodation at the monastery. Day-trip basis from central Lhasa.
Hazards & notes
The approach walk from the road is at high altitude and can be tiring for unacclimatised visitors. Some chapels within the monastery complex are closed to non-Tibetan visitors or require monk escort. Photography rules within the chapel interiors are strictly enforced.