12 Best Monasteries To Visit In Tibet, China - Updated 2024

monasteries in tibet
Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 4 min read

Famous as the ‘Roof of the World’ for its sky-high peaks, Tibet is a scenic autonomous region that sits on the sprawling Tibetan Plateau. The enchanting region north of the magnificent Himalayas comes within China and it shares breathtaking Mt. Everest with the neighboring country Nepal. Besides its picturesque nature - and, of course, comfortable Airbnb vacation rentals, Tibet is also famous for its spirituality. The country is well-known for Tibetan Buddhism and is home to the most well-known monasteries in the world. A monastery is a system of buildings that houses domestic and work quarters of monks, nuns, and monastics. And, visiting these monasteries gifts you an enriching experience. Whether you’re staying in an Airbnb vacation rental in Lhasa or a inn nearby, make sure to include some popular monasteries in your itinerary. Scroll down to find some best monasteries to visit in Tibet, China, for a memorable travel experience.

1. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Tashilhunpo Monastery
Source: Photo by Flickr user travel oriented used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Since its founding in 1447, the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery has played a significant role in Tibet’s history. A culturally important Buddhist monastery, it was established by Gedun Drupe, a scholar and abbot who would later be recognized as the first Dalai Lama. It then saw major changes by the time the fourth Panchen Lama was recognized. Also known as “Pandita Chenpo” or the great scholar, the Panchen Lama has since become as important as the Dalai Lama in terms of influence in Tibetan Buddhism.

Today, Tashi Lhunpo is home to the Panchen Lama lineage. It’s also home to other significant artifacts, including the Jampa Buddha, one of the largest statues in the world. Plan a visit to this majestic monument when you stop by Shigatse in the U-Tsang region.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Address: 7 Jijilangka Rd, Sang Zhu Zi Qu, Shigatse, Tibet, China, 857003

Website: Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

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2. Rongbuk Monastery

Tibet - Mount Everest
Source: Photo by Flickr user Göran Höglund (Ka... used under CC BY 2.0

Rongbuk Monastery in the Himalayas is a must-visit stopover for those daring to climb Mount Everest. Since its establishment in the early 20th century, its unique setting has made it an ideal retreat for several Buddhist monks, nuns, and scholars. It is also where sightings of blue sheep and birds could be frequently found.

Following the destruction during the Cultural Revolution, it has since been rebuilt into a highly revered place for those living on the foothills of Mount Everest. Standing at about 4,980 meters (16,338 feet) above sea level, Rongbuk Monastery bears the title of the highest monastery in the world. Apart from being a picture-perfect spot, there are several accommodations nearby where you can stay overnight.

Rongbuk Monastery

Address: 5RWH+M2Q, Tingri County, Ri Ka Ze Shi, Tibet, China, 858200

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3. Ralung Monastery

Protective deities - Ralung Gompa, Tibet. 1993.
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Hill used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Visit the serene Ralung Monastery during your holidays in Tibet. Tsangpa Gyare founded this monastery in 1180. This sacred place is known for being one of the oldest monasteries in Tibet and is present in the western Tibet’s Tsang territory. It is famous for Tibetan Buddhism and for being Drukpa Lineage’s traditional seat. Find it soon after you cross the Karola pass and feel the spirituality in the air. Also, Ralung Monastery is well-known for being one of the sacred places that travelers look forward to visiting for a spiritually enriching experience. Impressive old paintings and worth-viewing statues of Kagyupa order are present here. Around 30 monks stay in this monastery.

Ralung Monastery

Address: Lhunzhub, Lhasa, Tibet, China

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4. Yumbulagang

Yumbulagang (22635148399)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Laika ac used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Yumbulagang, which is also famous as Yungbulakang Palace, is an elegant, ancient palace located in the tranquil Yarlung Valley in the south of Tibet. As per the well-known legend, this monastery was the firstmost construction in the region. Also, it happened to be the palace of Nyatri Tsenpo, the first-ever Tibetan king. Later, the palace turned into a monastery of Tibetan Buddhism’s reputed Gelugpa School during the era of the fifth Dalai Lama. Plan to visit this beautiful monastery and learn about its history and legends that you will find interesting.

Yumbulagang

Address: Nedong, Shannan, Tibet, China

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 9 USD

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5. Tsurphu Monastery

Tibet - Tsurpu Monastery 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user McKay Savage used under CC BY 2.0

Based in Gurum in Tibet at about 4,300 meters (14,107 feet) high above the sea level, Tsurphu Monastery is a fabulous place to visit when touring through this region. Dusum Khyenpa established this sacred monastery in 1187. It is known for being the traditional seat of the head of Tibetan Buddhism’s Karma Kagyu clan famous as Karmapa. Experience the serenity of the place as you explore it. Also, the monastery celebrates a festival every year in the fourth Tibetan month, which is around May.

Tsurphu Monastery

Address: Doilungdeqen, Lhasa, Tibet, China

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6. Ganden Monastery (from USD 177.0)

monasteries in tibet | ganden monastery
Source: www.viator.com

Learn about the cultural treasures when you visit the outstanding Ganden Monastery during your sabbatical in Tibet. It is famous as one of Tibet’s Great Three university monasteries and is a worth-visiting sacred site. The spectacular, 15th-century monastery sits on the Wangbur Mountain’s top at about 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) high. So, if you are fond of trekking, make sure that you trek to this praiseworthy religious site when touring through Tibet. Marvel at the sweeping views of the valley and mountain from here.

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Day Tour: Tibet Ganden Monastery

Duration: 8 hours

1 review

7. Samye Monastery

Samye Tibet
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 2.0

During your retreat to Tibet, the beautiful Samye Monastery deserves a spot in your itinerary. The sacred monastery is present in the Mchims Phu valley in central Tibet and enchanting scenery adorns it. View the magnificent Asian architectural designs and admire it. The mandala design over here is sure to please your eyes. This 8th-century religious site is famous for being the first Buddhist monastery in marvelous Tibet. Learn about the tales of King Trisong Detsen as you tour through this site.

Samye Monastery

Address: Sangyezhen, Chanang, Shannan, Tibet, China

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: Free

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8. Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery Lhasa Tibet China 西藏 拉萨 色拉寺 - panoramio (2)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hiroki Ogawa used under CC BY 3.0

Get some insight into the rich history and praiseworthy culture of Tibet at Sera Monastery, the renowned sacred heritage site here. This historic site is famous as one of the well-known Great Three Tibetan university monasteries. Its impressive 13th-century religious complex is known for organizing great debates between the senior monks and novice monks. Watch the debating monks during your visit to this site. Beautiful nature and trees surround the monastery so capture some panoramic views in your camera.

Sera Monastery

Address: China, Tibet, Lhasa, Chengguan

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 7.15 USD

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9. Palcho Monastery

Palcho Monastery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user en:user:Alberrosidus used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Delve into the prestigious religious heritage of Tibet by visiting Palcho Monastery during your holidays to Tibet. It is famous as the prominent monastery in the Nyangchi river valley, and it comprises a building complex with a temple and stupa. Palcho Monastery is quite different from the rest of the monasteries in Tibet, as it is home to three sects, namely Gelugpa, Sakyapa, and Kadampa. Watch various artistic Buddhist sculptures, impressive architecture, and well-preserved murals as you tour through this religious site.

Palcho Monastery

Address: China, Tibet, Rikaze Shi, Gyangze, Unnamed Road

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 9 USD

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10. Drepung Monastery

Great Assembly Hall Drepung Monastery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dennis Jarvis used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Nestled at the base of marvelous Mt. Gephel, Drepung Monastery is a worth-visiting religious destination to explore when you are vacationing in Tibet. It is well-known for being the biggest among all Great Three noteworthy sacred monastic universities in this autonomous region. This religious site is famous for being the central government’s seat until the fifth Dalai Lama constructed the well-known Potala Palace. Spend a fantastic time exploring incredible caves, beautiful pagodas, and sacred temples here that are open for tourists.

Drepung Monastery

Address: Chengguan, Lhasa, Tibet, China

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

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11. Sakya Monastery

Sakya monastery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Antoine Taveneaux used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Make sure that you visit Sakya Monastery in Tibet learn about its spiritual and religious significance. It offers you access to the teachings of the Buddha, and it’s well-known for being the biggest Sakya school monastery here. Based on the hill, this religious site has several sacred statues, various noteworthy buildings, scriptures, and a stupa comprising the sacred relics of Nyingmapa monk called KhonKhonchongGyalpo.

Sakya Monastery

Address: Sa'gya, Xigaze, China

Opening hours: 9am - 12pm, 2pm - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: 7.15 USD

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12. Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple Lhasa Tibet China 西藏 拉萨 大昭寺 - panoramio (5)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hiroki Ogawa used under CC BY 3.0

Do not miss visiting Jokhang Temple, also famous as Jokhang Monastery and Qoikang Monastery, when exploring Tibet. This iconic monastery in Lhasa is famous for being the supreme holy site for all pilgrims here and is well-known for being in the list of the World Cultural Heritage Sites. This 7th-century monastery features a unique example of impressive Tibetan Buddist architecture. Learn about various Buddhist traditions and the rich history of the sacred site. Take your spiritual journey to the next level by visiting this religious destination in Tibet.

Jokhang Temple

Address: Chengguan, Lhasa, Tibet, China, 850000

Opening hours: 11:30am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: 12.15 USD

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Get in touch with your spiritual side in Tibet

Tibet is indeed a mesmerizing region that follows and spreads spirituality. It’s home to several religious sites and monasteries, which acquaint you with the spirituality and Buddhist traditions. And, visiting them gifts you a pleasant, memorable experience. Now you know these amazing monasteries to visit in Tibet, China, make sure that you visit them and enrich your travel experience with spirituality.

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Frequently asked questions about the best monasteries to visit in Tibet, China

1. Which monasteries in Tibet are some of the oldest?

Yumbulagang is the oldest monastery in the list, having been founded over two millennia ago according to several credible sources. Jokhang Temple was established during the 7th century AD, making it the second oldest, followed by Sakya Monastery with its opening dating back to around 1073.

2. Which monasteries in Tibet are some of the high-elevation ones?

With an impressive elevation of around 4,980 meters (16,338 feet), Rongbuk Monastery claims the title of the highest-ever monastery in the world. Tsurphu Monastery is also considered one of the tallest, standing at about 4,300 meters above sea level.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

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