Top Tibetan Monasteries and Temples

Known as the ‘Roof of the World’, Tibet is known all over the world for its highland scenery, world’s tallest mountains, breath-taking lakes and other natural assets. In addition to its natural beauty, Tibet has something that’s unique and vital to its culture: the monasteries. Visitors to Tibet need not be a spiritual or religious person to appreciate these top Tibetan monasteries and Temples.

A visit to any of these Buddhist monasteries in Tibet will evoke a sense of wonder, spirituality and peace. From its architectures to its artefacts and spiritual activities, your encounters at these places of worship will leave a deep impression in you.

Here are the must-visit Buddhist monasteries in Tibet:

1. Rongbuk Monastery

Rongbuk Monastery is undoubtedly one of the top Tibetan monasteries as it’s the highest monastery (temple) in the world! Erected at 5,000 meters and located 8-km away from the northern side of Mount Everest, there’s no better place to view the world’s tallest mountain.

You’ll visit this great monastery when you go on any of our group tours that covers Everest Base Camp: 7 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp & Kathmandu, 8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, 10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp & Namtso Lake, 15 Days Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar.

image instagram @masaru_kung

2. Sera Monastery

Similar to both Drepung & Ganden Monasteries, Sera Monastery is a Gelug (Tibetan Buddhism school) monastery. What makes Sera Monastery one of the top Tibetan monasteries is its unique spectacle of debating monks. The daily debates in the monastery courtyard show its monks gesticulating and arguing passionately & vigorously.

Founded in 1419, Sera is situated conveniently in Lhasa. Almost all our tours include a visit to Sera Monastery.

image instagram @mierly

3. Ganden Monastery

Another Gelug (Tibetan Buddism School) monastery, Ganden was also built in early 15^th century. In addition to being one of the oldest buddhist monasteries in Tibet, it is also one of the oldest.

One of the main draws of Sera Monastery is the splendid views around it. Blue sky, mountains, hills and architectural structures all form part of this picturesque area.

Although it’s located just 40km northeast of Lhasa, only a number of our tours cover Ganden Monastery. The most popular tour that goes to Ganden Monastery is the: 10 Days Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery Trek

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4. Samye Monastery

As Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery that was built in the late 8^th century, Samye is naturally one of the top Tibetan monasteries.

Besides its long history, Samye Monastery is admired as of the top Buddhist monasteries in Tibet due to its combination of Chinese, Indian & Tibetan architectural styles.

image instagram @carrot_hu1986

5. Jokhang Monastery

Popularly known as Jokhang Temple or The Jokhang, many consider this monastery the holiest place of worship in the whole of Tibet. Because it’s strategically located in central Lhasa, Barkhor Square, Jokhang Temple is also the most visited place of worship in Tibet.

All our Tibet tours include a visit to this monumental temple. This is without a doubt one of the most popular Buddhist monasteries in Tibet.

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6. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Tashi Lhunpo means “a pile of glory” or “the collection of wealth & happiness here” in Tibetan. The first Dalai Lama commissioned and completed the building of this great monastery in early 15^th century.

With an area of 150,000 sqm, 57 halls and 3600 rooms, Tashi Lhunpo is the biggest monastery in Monastery. Many of our tours cover this great monastery in Shigatse.

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7. Sakya Monastery

Close to Shigatse and Tashi Lhunpo lies the spiritual Sakya Monastery. This 11^th-century monastery consists of 2 sections that are separated by river. Its distinguishing feature is the red, white & grey paint that dons its external façade.

Having been around for close to a millennium, it has accumulated many relics, stupas, artwork, thangkas and scriptures.

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8. Palcho Monastery

Palcho Monastery, also known as Pelkor Chode Monastery or Shekar Gyantse, interestingly has a Kumbum within its compound. A Kumbum is nine-storey Buddhist chapels with spiritual images and mandalas.

Located in Gyantse, many of our Tibet tours incorporate a stopover at this monastery. This is easily one of the top Tibetan monasteries that you cannot miss!

image instagram @k_sober

9. Drepung Monastery

Along with Sera & Ganden Monasteries, Drepung Monastery is one of the 3 great university monasteries. In terms of physical size, Drepung Monastery is the largest Tibetan monastery.

Situated just 5km west of Lhasa, a visit to one of the top Buddhist monasteries in Tibet is a must!

image instagram @wkrainietajfunow

10. Ramoche Temple

Founded all the way back in the 7^th century, Ramoche Temple is one of the oldest and most significant Tibetan monasteries & temples.

Many locals consider it to be second only to Jokhang Temple in terms of importance. In addition, it is also just 10-min walk from The Jokhang.

image instagram @felicityfeng