Xiazhulin Monastery Near Lhasa Gonggar Airport
Xiazhulin Monastery, also known as Shadrubling Monastery, sits on the slopes of Gongrigabu Mountain in Xue Village, Gonggar County of Shannan City, Tibet. Just 15 kilometers from Lhasa Gonggar Airport and a 90-minute drive from central Lhasa, Xiazhulin Monastery is a perfect addition for your Lhasa city tour, Tibet family travel, or arrival/departure day itinerary.
The moment you approach the monastery, you'll understand why Tibetan architecture has such a powerful presence. The buildings spread up the mountainside in layers, their red and white walls catching the afternoon light in a way that feels almost theatrical. Above them, the golden roof glints and flashes, and in the distance, you can see the Yarlung Tsangpo River curling through the valley below. Behind the monastery, the mountains rise up, sometimes dusted with snow depending on the season.
On the first floor, you'll find statues of Tsongkhapa and his eight main disciples, along with one thousand smaller statues of Tsongkhapa himself. There are also statues of the three Dharma kings from the Tubo period. If you head upstairs, the second floor holds the scripture library, where ancient Buddhist texts are carefully preserved. The atmosphere throughout is reverent but welcoming. Monks go about their daily routines, and if you're respectful, you'll likely find that they're open to answering questions or simply letting you observe.
Originally founded in the 15th century under the guidance of Jamyang Master, the monastery went through a significant shift in 1669 when the Ninth Living Buddha, Karma Wangchuk Dorje, changed its affiliation from the Kagyu school to the Gelug school. That's when it received its current name—Ganden Shadrubling—which connects it to the Gelug tradition most travelers encounter through monasteries like Sera and Drepung near Lhasa. The Shannan region itself is often called one of the cradles of Tibetan civilization. During the Tubo period, this area was where religious and political power intertwined, leaving behind a landscape dotted with monasteries, stupas, and historical sites.
Conclusion
Want to add this underrated monastery to your Tibet travel itinerary? Xiazhulin Monastery is rarely included in standard fixed group tours, which means the only way to experience its quiet beauty and sacred charm is with a custom private Tibet tour, built around exactly what you want to see.
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39 Comment ON "Xiazhulin Monastery Near Lhasa Gonggar Airport"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.