Drepung Monastery, founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choje Tashi Palden, was once the largest monastery in the world with up to 10,000 monks. It sits at 3,800 m on Gambo Utse mountain 5 km west of central Lhasa and remains the principal Gelug seat alongside Sera and Ganden.
Overview
Drepung’s white buildings spill down the mountainside like a second city — the name means “rice heap” for the way the structures cluster. The Ganden Potrang was the Dalai Lamas’ residence before the Fifth Dalai Lama moved to the Potala in 1645. The Shoton Festival giant thangka unfurling happens on the hillside here each August. Allow two to three hours including the walk between upper and lower colleges.
History
Jamchen Choje’s teacher Jamyang Choje founded Drepung in 1416 as the first of the great Gelug seats. It became the power base of the Dalai Lama institution — the Second through Fourth Dalai Lamas lived here before the Fifth built the Potala. At its 17th-century peak, Drepung administered thousands of subsidiary monasteries across Tibet. Rebuilding after the 20th century restored the Main Assembly Hall and Ganden Potrang.
Architecture
The monastery covers 200,000 m² terraced across the slope. The Main Assembly Hall (Tsokchen) holds a 15 m Maitreya statue and seats for the full monastic community. Seven dratsang colleges branch off the central route, each with its own assembly hall and kitchen. The Ganden Potrang preserves the throne room of the early Dalai Lamas. The kora path around the perimeter takes 45 minutes at altitude.
Religious and cultural significance
Drepung was the administrative heart of the Gelug world before Lhasa’s political centre shifted to the Potala. The Shoton thangka — a 500 m² appliqué banner of the Buddha — is unfurled on the hillside on the first day of the Shoton Festival, drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims. Even on ordinary days, the scale of the kitchens and assembly halls conveys what monastic civilisation meant on the plateau.
How to visit
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ticket | CNY 50 |
| Hours | 09:00–16:00 |
| Elevation | 3,800 m (upper halls) |
| Shoton thangka | First day of Shoton Festival (~August) |
Visit after two nights at 3,656 m — the upper halls add 150 m of altitude. Combine with Norbulingka (both west of centre) on one afternoon if pacing allows. For Shoton timing see our weather and festival guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Drepung Monastery admission?
CNY 50 at the main gate. The ticket covers the Main Assembly Hall, Ganden Potrang and the principal dratsang route. Included in Tibet Daily tour quotes with no separate booking.
What is the Shoton thangka at Drepung?
On the first day of the Shoton Festival (August), monks unfurl a giant appliqué thangka of the Buddha on the hillside above Drepung. The ceremony begins at dawn; pilgrims gather from midnight onward. It is Lhasa’s largest single religious spectacle and pairs with the yogurt picnic at Norbulingka.
How does Drepung compare to Sera?
Drepung is larger and more spread across the mountainside; Sera is more compact with the famous debate courtyard. Historically Drepung outranked Sera as the Dalai Lamas’ seat before 1645. Most 4-day itineraries visit both on separate afternoons.
How long does a Drepung visit take?
Two to three hours for the main halls and a partial kora. Shoton thangka day requires a pre-dawn start and half a day. Upper halls at 3,800 m are tiring — plan a light morning before visiting.
Did the Dalai Lamas live at Drepung?
The Second through Fourth Dalai Lamas resided at the Ganden Potrang within Drepung. The Fifth Dalai Lama moved the government to the Potala after 1645. The Ganden Potrang room is preserved and open to visitors.
How do I include Drepung on my trip?
Standard on every 4-day Lhasa itinerary. For Shoton thangka, book August dates and request a pre-dawn Drepung start — permit filing remains 15–20 working days via the Tibet Tourism Bureau.