Top 10 Most Important Monasteries in Tibet

What is the biggest highlight of Tibet? What is the essence of Tibet? It’s not the world’s highest peak Mount Everest, not the beautiful lake Namtso. It’s the hundreds of Tibetan monasteries scattering on the vast holy land, which keep the essence of Tibet culture, and play as the havens sites where the millions of Tibetan people express their best wishes and receive happiness from the Buddha. For tourists, these Tibetan monasteries are the best places to learn about most authentic and classic Tibetan culture. Besides, tourists can also receive enjoyment and knowledge when appreciating the spectacular architectures of different styles of different monasteries.

Following is a list of Top 10 Most Important Monasteries in Tibet, including the spiritual center Jokhang Temple, ancestral temple of Gelug - Ganden Monastery, official seat of Panchen Lamas – Tashilhunpo Monastery, magnificent Palcho Monastery, etc.

Jokhang Temple - A World Heritage Sanctuary of Tibetan Buddhism

Type: Religious Sites, Historical Sites

Altitude: 3,650 meters

Best time to visit: April to October

Never miss the Jokhang Temple for a real discovery tour in the mysterious and sacred land.
As the house of the Buddha, Jokhang is the holiest destination for all Tibetan pilgrims; as the spiritual center of Lhasa , Jokhang Temple is the perfect place for you to experience the devotion of Tibetans.
It is a real gateway to get close to the religious part of Tibet.

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Ganden Monastery - Birthplace of Tibetan Gelugpa

Type: Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings

Altitude: 3800 meters

Best time to visit: All year round

Gandan Monastery, commonly called Ganden Monastery, is known as one of the 'Three Great Temples', together with the Sera Monastery and the Drepung Monastery. It has been honored as the "holy monastery" of Gelugpa, which is an important sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

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Drepung Monastery Lhasa - Tibet's Largest Monastery Complex

Type: Architecture & Culture

Altitude: 3,800 meters

Best time to visit: All year round

Drepung Monastery, one of the three great Gelukpa monasteries of Tibet, was once the largest monastery in the world with over 10,000 monks there at its peak time.
Taking an exploratory tour to the most popular monastery to discover the charm of devoted belief.

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Sera Monastery - Best Place to See Tibetan Monk Debate

Type: Architecture & Culture

Altitude: 3,700 meters

Best time to visit: All year round

Sera Monastery, one of Lhasa's "Three Great Monasteries", has been a pivotal force in the development of Tibetan Buddhism—both historically and today. The featured Buddhism Debating is held here.

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Tashilhunpo Monastery - Home of Panchen Lama

Type: Architecture & Culture

Altitude: 3,880 meters

Best time to visit: Summer & Autumn

Tashilhunpo Monastery as one of the six Gelug monasteries is the seat of successive Panchen Lamas. Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, it is an important monastery in Tibetan history and culture. It keeps many treasures, including the giant priceless Future Buddha Statue, precious Buddha Stupas, and more manuscript Buddhist texts and numerous murals.

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Palcho Monastery - Collection of Tibetan Culture

Type: Architecture & Culture

Altitude: 3,900 meters

Best time to visit: April to October

Are you keen on Tibetan Art?
Are you curious about Tibetan Buddhism?
Buddhist sculptures, religion murals, monastery architectures...
In Palcho Monastery, you can find everything about the holy land.

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Sakya Monastery - The Origin of Sakyapa Sect

Type: Architecture & Culture

Altitude: 4,300 meters

Best time to visit: Summer & Autumn

Sakya Monastery is the principal monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, located in Sakya County, about 160 kilometers southwest of Shigatse, on the road to Tingri in Tibet. Built in 1073 by Khon Khonchong Gyalpo, on the hill side with gray earth surrounded, it means the “Grey Soil” in Tibetan.

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Samye Monastery - The first Monastery in Tibet

Type: Architecture & Culture

Altitude: 3,700 meters

Best time to visit: Summer & Autumn

Samye Monastery, with the central temple, symbolizes the center of the universe.
Having a visit, to explore the ancient heart of Tibetan Buddhist world.

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Rongbuk Monastery - The highest monastery in the World

Type: Religious Sites, Historical building

Altitude: 4,980 meters

Best time to visit: Summer & Autumn

Rongbuk Monastery, with ancient buildings and peaceful environment, is the world's highest monastery. Reaching to its perfect desk to appreciate the breathtaking view of Mt.Everest.
Prepare to climb higher and higher!

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Reting Monastery - Seat of Reting Rinpoche

Type: Religious Temple, Historical Site

Altitude: 4,150 meters

Best time to visit: April to October

Reting Monastery is a historically important Buddhist monastery with a history of over 900 years. It has a ruined dzong which is overlooked by a mountain of near-perfect conical proportions. During special festivals, kinds of activities are taken place in Reting Monastery lively.

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