Drepung Monastery

哲蚌寺

Once the world's largest monastery with up to 10,000 monks, now home to several hundred, this sprawling complex demonstrates the scale and influence of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery sits on a hillside covered with whitewashed buildings and offers panoramic views of the Lhasa valley.

Things to do

• Explore the Assembly Hall (Tsogchen) — Visit the main prayer hall with its massive supporting pillars and gilded Buddha statues, the spiritual center where hundreds of monks once gathered for debates.
• Walk the Circumambulation Path — Follow the pilgrimage route around the monastery complex while observing monks and Tibetan pilgrims spinning prayer wheels and chanting.
• Climb to the Rooftop Viewpoint — Ascend to the upper terraces of the monastery for panoramic views of the whitewashed buildings cascading down the hillside and the Lhasa valley beyond.
• Visit the Printing House (Parkhang) — See the traditional woodblock printing press where Buddhist texts are still produced using centuries-old techniques.
• Attend Monk Debate Sessions — If timing permits, observe the philosophical debates (tsema) that monks conduct in the courtyards, a living tradition of Tibetan Buddhist education.
• Explore the Multiple Colleges — Wander through the distinct colleges (tsonyi) like Loseling and Gomang, each with their own assembly halls and residential compounds.

Food to try

• Butter Tea (Yak Butter Tea) — A traditional Tibetan beverage made with black tea, yak butter, and salt, served continuously throughout the day and essential for warming up at high altitude.
• Tsampa (Barley Flour) — Roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea to form a paste, the staple food of Tibetan monks and pilgrims that can be eaten quickly between prayers.
• Momos (Tibetan Dumplings) — Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, commonly sold at small vendors near the monastery entrance.
• Thukpa (Noodle Soup) — A warming hand-pulled noodle soup with vegetables and meat served at small restaurants around the monastery, perfect after long walking tours.
• Yogurt (Tibetan Style) — Thick, creamy yogurt served with a drizzle of honey or molasses, often consumed after meals and available at local shops.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Respectfully — Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and remove hats when entering prayer halls and temples as a sign of respect.
• Always Circumambulate Clockwise — When walking around religious structures or shrines, always move in a clockwise direction, following the prayer wheel tradition and the direction of pilgrims' movement.
• Ask Permission Before Photography — Always ask monks before photographing them or interior prayer halls, as some areas are restricted and monks may prefer not to be photographed during religious practice.
• Respect Prayer Wheels and Mantras — Never touch or spin prayer wheels counterclockwise, and avoid stepping on or over prayer carpets, mani stones, or religious texts you may encounter.