Foreign Tourist Guide for Visiting Drepung Monastery in 2026
I would recommend Drepung Monastery to all tourists who want to have a deeper understanding of Gelug School monasteries. Not only does Drepung Monastery rank first in terms of the scale of monasteries, but it is also located near the center of Lhasa, just a few kilometers away from the Potala Palace. The supreme religious status that cannot be ignored and the geographical advantage make it so that when you come to Lhasa, you should not bypass Drepung Monastery.
Why Is It Recommended That You Spend Half a Day Visiting Drepung Monastery?
Although Drepung Monastery is grand in scale and half a day is a bit tight, if you master the core viewing route well, half a day is completely sufficient. I suggest that the first focus of your visit be placed on the Tsokchen Assembly Hall, also the main assembly hall of Drepung Monastery. It is the place where religious activities are most frequent. The huge Thangka for the Buddha unfolding ceremony of the Shoton Festival is carried out from this hall, and the chanting ceremonies of the monks are also often held here. Once you step inside, you will not only be amazed by the exquisite decoration and the sacred religious atmosphere, but also see countless treasures. On the first floor, there is a 12-year-old life-sized statue of Maitreya Buddha. On the second floor, there are Buddhist scriptures. On the third floor, there is an 8-year-old statue of Jamba Buddha.
Next, it is recommended to head to the prayer wheel area, touch these ancient rows of prayer wheels, and learn to push them clockwise slowly and carefully like the locals do. Drepung Monastery, due to its grand scale, has many Buddhist halls, main halls and corridors. When you wander through this building with historical depth, your heart is sure to be touched. The viewing platform at the back of Drepung Monastery is also a must-see. Here, you can not only overlook Drepung Monastery but also the urban area of Lhasa, making it an ideal place for taking spectacular photos. Finally, depending on the situation, you can watch the debate at Drepung Monastery's debating ground or take a walk along the kora path here.
Why Is It Recommended to Arrange the Visits to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery on the Same Day?
Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery are only about a 30-minute drive apart. After visiting Drepung Monastery in the morning, you can seamlessly head to Sera Monastery to watch the daily debating session starting at 3 p.m. Sera Monastery, like Drepung Monastery, is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug School, and there are countless religious connections among them. When you visit Drepung Monastery, your focus is on actively appreciating the grandeur and magnificence of the architecture and the exquisite cultural relics. However, when you visit Sera Monastery, your focus will shift to passively experiencing the life, vitality and wisdom of the monks through their intense and exciting debates.
Conclusion
The visit to Drepung Monastery is a bit physically demanding, so you are suggested to wear light and convenient sports shoes for easy movement. Another point worth mentioning is that Drepung Monastery has many Buddhist halls, but some of them close early in the afternoon. This is why it is advisable to visit Drepung Monastery in the morning.
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39 Comment ON "Foreign Tourist Guide for Visiting Drepung Monastery in 2026"
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.