Drepung Monastery

Located at the Gambo Utse Mountain, Drepung Monastery is known as the most important monastery of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the largest-scale monastery among the monasteries in Tibet, covering 250,000 square meters.

Seen from the distant, its grand, white construction gives the appearance of a heap of rice. Therefore, it was give the name "Drepung" which mean "Collecting Rice" in the Tibetan language.

Also, Drepung Monastery has been one of the most political influential monasteries in Tibet throughout its existence. Many of Tibet's most renowned leaders have studied there. Even at present, it continues to be influential.

Highlights of Drepung Monastery

Shoton Festival

The annual Shoton Festival is known for all tourist from home and abroad, holding in every late June or early July of Tibetan calendar. As the beginning of the festival, Buddha painting unveiling ceremony in Drepung Monastery is the most remarkable. The 500-square-meter painting of Sakyamuni is gradually open on the hillside back of the monastery as the light in the very first morning.

Religious Buildings

The architectural hierarchy of this Drepung Monastery is rather complex. The main buildings consist of Coqen, Zhacang, Kamcun, Myicun, Ganden Potrang, Coqen Hall, white pagodas and several courtyards.

Cultural Relics

The monastery houses many cultural relics, such as statues of Manjushri Bodhisattva and Sitatapatra on the first storey of the Coqen Hall; rare sutras on the second; Jamyang Qoigyi's conch shell given by Tsong Khapa on the third; and statues of Tsong Khapa, Kwan-yin Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Amitayus and Jamyang Qoigyi in other halls.

How to go there ?

Tourists can take minibuses from Barkhor Square to the base of Gambo Utse Mountain. It takes around half an hour and the fee is ￥3. After taking off the bus, walk up to Drepung Monastery, around half an hour.

Travel Tips

1. The opening time is from 09:00am to 05:00pm.
2. After entering the monastery, all tourists must walk clockwise from left to right.
3. In the afternoon from Monday to Friday, tourist can see the debating in the debating courtyard of the monastery at 3:00pm.
4. No photograph without permission.
5. Don't carry any water, fluid, lotion, etc, just like going onto the plane.
6. Don't step on the doorsill and smoke in the halls.
7. Don't wear a hat or sunglasses inside the palace.