As the largest and most important monastery of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, Drepung Monastery is a must-visit on any Lhasa tour. Located just 5 kilometers from downtown Lhasa, it is easy to reach and often visited as a half-day trip.

Here, you can admire its grand Buddhist architectures, witness stunning Thangka unfolding during the Shoton Festival, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism as well as the daily life of monks. And joining our well-designed Lhasa tours is the best way to experience Drepung along with other highlights of the city.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about Drepung Monastery, including its location, history, tour highlights, best time to visit, and more. Read on to prepare yourself a smooth and inspiring journey!

Where Is Drepung Monastery and Why Is It Important?

Located in the western suburbs of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is around 9 km from the Potala Palace, standing on the slopes of Gambo Utse Mountain, at an altitude of around 3,800 meters. Built in 1416 by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, Drepung is the largest Tibetan monastery, covering around 250,000 square meters and once housing over 10,000 monks at its peak.

As one of the Great Three Gelug university monasteries in Tibet, the other two being Sera and Ganden, Drepung Monastery is the most important monastery of the Gelug tradition. The monastery was actually named after the sacred temple of Shridhanyakataka in Andhra Pradesh, India.

After its construction, Drepung Monastery became the seat of the first Dalai Lamas, until the 5th Dalai Lama moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Nowadays, it remains an important site for Tibetan Buddhism, pilgrimage and culture heritage.

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What Are the Unique Architectural Features of Drepung Monastery?

Drepung Monastery features a unique layout and structure, and its amazing buildings reflect the classic Buddhist architecture on a grand scale. From a distance, the monastery vaguely resembles a heap of rice lying on the hillside, and the name “Drepung” actually means “collecting rice”.

The layout of Drepung is wholly unique, and was built around the caves of Jamyang Choge, the founder of the monastery. The two white pagodas that stand out were original structures before the monastery was constructed, and serve as the center of the Mandala pattern that represents the Buddhist universe.

The central buildings of the Mandala include the Ganden Phodrang, the former private residence of the Dalai Lama, and the Coqen Hall. Several Kamcuns, and the four main colleges, extend out around this central core of the Mandala universe, with the monks quarters and the staff quarters around the outside. Drepung originally had seven colleges, which were incorporated into the four that remain today.

What Are the Highlights of Visiting Drepung Monastery?

1. Drepung Shoton Festival - Enjoy the Grandest Buddha Unfolding Ceremony

The Shoton Festival in Tibet is the top festival in the Drepung calendar, and is held at the monastery on the 15th day of the fifth month in the Tibetan calendar, which usually falls in August in the Solar calender.

Its origins go back to the 11th century, when the Indian master Atisha insisted that all monks go into seclusion for a period of 100 days, to prevent them from killing any living creatures. At the end of the fasting period, the locals would bring offerings of yak curds to feed the monks and to give thanks for their sacrifices. Over the centuries, this changed to yogurt, and the Shoton festival also became known as Yogurt Festival.

Today, the festival opens at Drepung with the dramatic unveiling of a giant Thangka painting at dawn. The massive Thangka painting is unfurled with horns and pipes playing, and the smoke of juniper branches wafting across the hillside. Once unfurled, the Tibetan people there throw white hada on the Thangka, pray and touch their foreheads to the hem, to receive the blessings of Buddha.

In the following days, most of the other festivities, including the Tibetan operas, the massive amounts of yogurt to be eaten, as well as the fun and games, normally occur in Norbulingka.

2. Drepung Kora - Follow Pilgrimage Circuit of Drepung Monastery

The kora route around Drepung Monastery is one of the grandest in Tibet, in terms of the awesome scenic views from this 3,900 meter high trek. The whole kora route can be covered in around 20 minutes, if you are taking it at a full trekking pace. However, with the stunning views, this is one kora that should be taken slowly, and a casual stroll is the best pace for this unique kora circuit.

The kora route starts at the front of the monastery, and climbs up the hillside to the left, running clockwise around the monastery. As you start the gradual climb, the route passes a number of rocks that are painted with Buddhist designs at the side of the trail, and heads up past the huge Thangka wall to reach the small ridge at the top, festooned with a multitude of prayer flags.

From the crest, the route continues on down the other side of the monastery, passing an encased statue, as well as several more rock carvings and paintings, before heading around the front to the main gates again. The kora at Drepung is best done after properly acclimatizing in Lhasa, to avoid altitude sickness during the climb, which is almost 300 meters above central Lhasa.

3. Drepung Buddhist Debate - Watch Exciting Monk Debates

Similar to the famous monk debates at Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery also holds such debating sessions in its courtyard. These debates focus on Buddhist semantic and philosophy, and are vividly presented when monks make expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. It is a great chance for tourists to experience both Tibetan language and culture.

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When is the Best Time to Visit Drepung Monastery?

The Drepung Monastery can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is from April to October, the same period considered ideal for visiting Lhasa. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with generally clear skies. You can comfortably enjoy the kora, attend the festival celebrations, and explore every corner of the monastery.

Spring and autumn are shoulder months, when Drepung Monastery and the whole Lhasa city are less crowded with tourists. Summer is the peak season of most Tibet tours, including visits to Lhasa, while offering warm temperatures and lush greenery.

Besides, winter can still a good time to visit Lhasa, as admission fees of many attractions and monasteries may be discounted. You will enjoy snow-capped landscape and a quiet atmosphere with fewer tourists. Just be prepared for the cold weather and slippery road after rain or snow.

How to Visit Drepung Monastery: Join Our Lhasa Tour for the Best Experience

Drepung Monastery is a must-see attraction in Lhasa, and is usually visited as a half-day sightseeing trip. The best way to visit this unique monastery is to join one of our classic Lhasa tours, ensuring a smooth and meaningful travel experience.

One classic route is our 4-day Lhasa small group tour, which gives you the chance to explore the city with other like-minded individuals at best local prices. Generally, on the second day of the trip, after acclimatization upon arrival, we take you to visit Drepung Monastery. Here, you will explore the Coqen Hall to learn about Tibetan Buddhism, and Loseling College to understand Tibetan monks’ daily life.

This short trip to Lhasa also includes visits to the Potala Palace, the iconic landmark of Tibet; the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred monastery in Tibet; the amazing Sera Monastery, famous for its unique monastic debates on Buddhist philosophy and scriptures; and the lively Barkhor Street, kora route for the Jokhang Temple and a bustling shopping area.

The whole itinerary is well-designed to allow you to acclimatize slowly in Lhasa while exploring its highlights. The Tibet Travel Permit, experienced local Tibetan guide, private vehicle and seasoned driver are all included to ensure a seamless experience.

Of course, we can also customize your Lhasa tour with visits to Drepung Monastery, based on your travel needs and preferences. Just feel free to reach out to us in advance and tell us your travel ideas.

More Insider Tips for Visiting Drepung Monastery in Tibet

Drepung Monastery is a religious site of major significance in Tibetan Buddhism, and is a fully working university monastery. It is therefore essential to observe a few rules on behavior, dress, and demeanor while touring.

1. It is not permitted for tourists to take photos of the inner temples of the monastery without permission, so ask your guide to let you know where you can and cannot take photos once inside.

2. It is also considered to be rude and disrespectful to touch the monks, especially on their heads, take their photos, or point the soles of your feet at shrines, statues, and altars when sitting.

3. When watching any of the debates at the monastery, if you are there in the afternoon, then it is recommended to remain quiet, as these are actually lessons for the monks, and important learning.

4. If you are going to attempt the kora around the monastery, it is respectful, though not required, to walk around it clockwise, as this is the way it is done in Buddhism. Since your guide is Tibetan, and will not walk anti-clockwise, very few tourists would try and walk it in the wrong direction.

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Conclusion

Drepung Monastery is one of the most outstanding parts of any tour of Lhasa, and its vast size is truly impressive. You can visit the monastery at any time of the year, through experiencing it during the Shoton Festival adds extra excitement. For a smooth and enriching visit, consider joining our Lhasa tour, which also includes the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and other important attractions.

If you have any questions about Drepung Monastery or traveling in Lhasa, feel free to contact us or book your tour today. We are here to help you enjoy a memorable and hassle-free journey in Tibet.