Drepung Temple
» Lhasa, Tibet

哲蚌寺

Situated at the foot of the Mountain Gambo Utse, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the western suburb of Lhasa, the Drepung Temple is known as Tibet's largest and the most important temple of Gelug Sect of Buddhism. It is considered one of the "Three Great Temples" (the other two are the Ganden Temple and the Sera Temple). Covering an area of 250,000 square meters, it held 7,700 monks in total and possessed 141 fazendas and 540 pastures in its heyday, and is the largest-scale temple among the ones of the same kind.

The origin of the name

Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the temple the appearance of a heap of rice. As such, it was given the name "Drepung Temple" which, in the Tibetan language, means Temple of Collecting - Rice.

The development of the temple

The Temple was established in 1416 by Tsong Khapa's disciple Jamyang Qoigyi, who was versed in both Esoteric and Exotoric Buddhism and became the first Kampo there. With the support of plutocrats, it developed as the richest temple of Gelugpa and became the mother temple of Dalai Lamas. In 1546, the third Dalai was welcomed as the first Living Buddha into the temple. At the invitation of Mongolia's king, he went to Qinghai Province to preach. He was dignified with the title "the third Dalai Lama" the first and second Dalai were entitled, too. It is the very place that the second, third, and the fourth Dalai Lama held the Sitting-in-Bed Ceremony, as well as the residence of the fifth Dalai before his nomination by the government of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Today, Drepung remains an active temple and attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Drepung is especially known as the site of the annual Shoton Festival, with its dramatic unfurling of a giant thangka on the hillside.

The organizational hierarchy

The organizational hierarchy of the temple is rather complex. The main branches of the organization consist of Coqen, Zhacang, Kamcun, and Myicun. Coqen is in the highest position, to which Zhacang belongs, and Kamcun is under the jurisdiction of Zhacang, with the Myicun as its subordinate. Monks belonging to respective Zhacangs cannot interblend with each other.

What to visit

The ground of the temple is organized on the caves and temples for Jamyang Qoigyi, together with two magnificent white pagodas. The buildings of the temple are centered on these pagodas, The major buildings are Ganden Potrang, Coqen Hall, the four Zhacangs (or Tantric colleges), and Kamcuns.

Ganden Potrang

The Ganden Potrang, in the southwest corner of the temple, was built under the supervision of the second Dalai Lama Gendun Gyaco around the year of 1530. It became the residence of the second, third, fourth, and the fifth Dalai Lamas. After the fifth Dalai Lama moved to the Potala Palace, it was served as the meeting place for the local regime for both politics and religion.

The Coqen Hall

The Coqen Hall is located in the center of the temple. In front of it, is a square occupying an area of about 1,850 square meters (2213 square yards). Stepping on the wide stone stairs, you will see the grand Entrance Hall. Inside is the Sutra Hall supported by 183 pillars, and spanning 1,850 square meters. Amongst the colorful decorations, there are fine and vivid statues of Buddha. The second story houses collections of precious sutras. There are a set of Gangyur Tripitaka written in gold powder, and woodcarving sutras of the Qing Dynasty. On the third story is enshrined a huge bronze statues of Qamba Buddha, which is said to be the future appearance of the Qamba Buddha in his 8th year. It is worshiped by the disciples of Buddhism.

The four Zhacangs

The temple is composed of 4 Zhacangs, functioning as the sutra-learning places and the subordinate organization. Loseling Zhacang is the largest with the most lamas. The Loseling, Gomang, and Deyang Zhacang focus on the Esoteric Buddhism, while the Ngaba Zhacang on the Exotoric Buddhism.

Courtyards

Several courtyards in the dense forests on the grounds of the temple are used for monks to debate on the sutras. The courtyards sites are always chosen near Zhacang and various trees are grown. After enduring the debating period in both Zhacang and the entire temple, the winner will obtain the qualification to attend the test for the senior degree of Geshi.

Cultural relics

The Drepung Temple houses many cultural relics, which adorn the temple and make it more superb. Statues of Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Sitatapatra found on the first storey of the Coqen Hall, rare sutras on the second storey and Jamyang Qoigyi's conch shell given by Tsong Khapa on the third one, all add to the wonderment of the temple. Exquisite statues of Tsong Khapa, Kwan-yin Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Amitayus, and Jamyang Qoigyi in other sutra halls, as well as flowery murals on walls also fully present the wisdom of the Tibetan people. Drepung was also listed as a national cultural relic in 1982.

Shoton Festival

Drepung is especially known as the site of the annual Shoton Festival, with its dramatic unfurling of a giant Buddha tapestry on the hillside.

Tibet has many colorful festivals that take place throughout the year and if your trip coincides with one of them, they should not be missed. The festivals are fantastic opportunities to feel, see and taste living Tibetan culture - this is when all of Lhasa comesout. One particularly impressive festival around Lhasa is the Shoton Festival, which is held from mid-August to early September depending on the Tibetan lunar calendar. During the festival, massive tapestries of Buddha hang from the mountainside and the POtala Palace. Monks from different temples spend an entire year constructing the tapestry as a form of meditation.

In order to see the unfurling, you will have to stumble up a narrow mountain path in the pre-dawn darkness as incense lights the many small shrines along the path. Only when first light arrives does it become apparent that you are amongst thousands of pilgrims who are also making their way along this circuit.

Senior Lamas and monks stand a large stage on the side of the mountain chanting sutras, flanking the stage are two giant horns held by two monks. The deep piercing bellow from those horns accompanied with the low guttural chants of the monks vibrates the entire mountain and the anticipation is contagious. Once the tapestry is unfurled, thousands of brightly colored pieces of prayer paper envelop the air while taras run down the side of the tapestry launched by pilgrims hopeful for Buddha's blessing.

Souvenirs

Lhasa has a fantastic array of exotic items and there are a number of truly unique items to buy.

  • Pulu
    Pulu is a hand-woven cloth made from wool and most clothing in Tibet is made from this material.
  • Tibetan joss sticks
    Tibetan joss sticks are made from local plants and are seen everywhere.
  • Tibetan knives
    Tibetan knives are both decorative and practical, most Tibetans carry one. The knives are inlaid with gold or silver with bone or wood handles. The scabbards are commonly carved with lion, dragon, tiger or flower designs and inlaid with gemstones.
  • Kadian
    Kadian are often woven into carpets or tapestries.
  • Tibetan Thangkas
    Another item that should be on the shopping list is the splendid Tibetan Thangkas which are Buddhist paintings. They are a part of Tibetan history and can be seen hanging from walls, often beautifully intricate and bold in color.

Where to buy souvenirs

  • Lhasa Carpet Factory
    A great place to purchase Tibetan Thangkas is the Lhasa Carpet Factory located south of the city gorvenment and west of Tibet University. All the tangkas sold here are handmade and use traditional vertical looms. Here you can see them being made; it is also a nice break from the temples.
  • Barkhor Street
    The Barkhor Street area is the most colorful and cheapest place to shop, items such as traditional turquoise jewelry, clothing, meditation beads, prayer wheels and white and colored prayer scarves (taras) are available. Bargaining in the street is a must and beware of fakes.
  • Temples
    Another place to buy souvenirs such as beautiful Buddhist protection amulets is in the temples. Here you will find less hassle, there is no need to haggle. Also if you purchase an item inside the temple, it will have been blessed by a Lama and the funds support the monks of the temple.

What to taste

Tibetan cuisine is basic and hardy and most dishes derive from yak milk and meat as well as barley flour. Because of the harsh climate, vegetable and fruits are scarce.

  • Tsamba
    Tsamba is made of barley flour and is a local staple. It is often mixed into porridge and eaten with butter tea for breakfast.
  • Dried yak
    Died yak is made by mixing cuts of yak meat with salt and chillies then hanging them to dry.
  • Butter tea
    Any time is good for a cup of butter tea made from a mixture of yak butter, tea and salt, occasionally milk and eggs will also be mixed in.
  • Yak yogurt
    Tasty yak yogurt is a refreshing treat.
  • Barley wine
    Another popular drink is barley wine and it is a little sweet.

When to visit

The weather in Lhasa is milder than other places in Tibet and April to October is the best time to go, expect snow outside these months. In July and August be prepared for temperatures of 0 C at night and up to 30 C during the day. Lhasa can also be rainy in August.

  • Opening Hours: 09:00a.m. - 14:00p.m.

Attractions around » Lhasa, Tibet

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Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

  Weather

  1. What is the best season to visit Tibet?
  2. Is it too cold in wintertime to visit Lhasa?
  3. What clothes to wear when traveling there?
  4. What about the climate in Lhasa?

  Transportation

  1. How far is it from Lhasa to Ginger International Airpor?
  2. Do many people speak English in Tibet?

  Shopping

  1. Is it easy to get the cash money from ATMs in Tibet?
  2. Where can I buy the Tibetan carpets and textiles?

  Travel

  1. How many temples/monasteries can we visit in the vicinity of in Lhasa?
  2. When is the Potala open?
  3. How long does it take by car to Gyantse, Shigatse?
  4. Is it possible to visit the Mt.Everest base camp?
  5. Do we need a special permit to visit Mt.Kailash?

  Customs

  1. Are there any festival days in Tibet?
  2. What need I bear in mind when traveling in Tibet?

  Other Hints

  1. Do we need special visas to enter Tibet?
  2. How can I get a Tibet Travel Permit?
  3. Is a Tibet Travel Permit necessary to enter Lhasa?
  4. How can I have an independent travel?
  5. What to pack for Tibet tours?
  6. Do we get altitude sickness when we are in Lhasa?
  7. In Tibet, what is the difference between budget guesthouse, comfortable hotel and the best hotel?
  8. Is there heating and oxygen facility in the hotel rooms?
  9. How many populations in Lhasa?
  10. Can we fly to Lhasa from abroad directly?
  11. What about time in Lhasa?
  12. Something need to know about taking photos of Tibetans
  13. Tips for you to have a good tour in Tibet

  • What is the best season to visit Tibet?

    Generally speaking, the period from April to October is the best time because of the pleasantly warm. But August is the rainy season. However, traveling in a winter tour can still be pleasant because of saving your tour budgets and avoiding the tourist crowds.

    Also, Lhasa becomes alive with nomads and pilgrims during the winter season, especially during the Tibetan New Year Festival.


  • Is it too cold in wintertime to visit Lhasa?

    Contrary to popular belief, wintertime is the perfect season to visit Lhasa as the summer rains have passed and it has averagely 10 hours of sunshine everyday!


  • What clothes to wear when traveling there?

    Because of the fluctuations in temperature between daytime and evenings it is recommendable to wear clothes in layers, (E.g. sweaters, pullovers) which can be added or removed as temperature varies during the day. In winter, a warm windbreaker and stout, comfortable shoes are especially recommended.


  • What about climate in Lhasa?

    Lhasa enjoys low humidity, moderate rainfall and an average of 10 hours of sunshine daily. With more than 3000 hours of sunshine annually, Lhasa is famed as the city of sunshine.

    Spring and Autumn are dry, 10-20C at daytime and 0-5C at nighttime.

    Summer has some rainfall and is 15- 25C at daytime, 10C at nighttime. Sunlight is extremely intense. Sunscreen lotion, a salve for the lips and sunglasses are a must.

    Contrary to popular belief, winter is magnificent time to visit Tibet. In Lhasa and it rarely snows in the Lhasa valley. Winter is very dry, 0-10c at daytime and 0-15minus C at nighttime.


  • How far is it from Lhasa to Ginger International Airpor?

    It is 95kms.


  • Do many people speak English in Tibet?

    Not many people speak English in Lhasa. The formal languages are Chinese and Tibetan. Therefore, an English/Chinese/Tibetan speaking guide is recommendable for sightseeing trips.


  • Is it easy to get the cash money from ATMs in Tibet?

    Basically it is pretty hard to find ATMs in Tibet. The only place to get the cash money is from the local branches of Bank of China, Lhasa. For the sake of the convenience, it might be good to bring some cash money along the trip.


  • Where can I buy the Tibetan carpets and textiles?

    Tibetan carpets and textiles are famous worldwide, but in recent years most "Tibetan" textiles have tended to come from Nepal or India rather than Tibet. So it is not easy to find the good traditional textiles. In particular you will need to look beyond the tourist trap shops in the Barkhor and by the Potala, where most of what is on sale has not been made in Tibet (or anywhere near!).

    Two places where you can find authentic textiles are the Dropenling Handicrafts Center and the Tanva Carpet Workshop.

    Dropenling is a project started by the Tibet Poverty Alleviation Fund a few years back: its store is near to the Mosque (follow the sign by the Makye Ame cafe, or look for leaflets and posters in cafes around town). It sells good Wangden carpets made in the villages around Lhasa and distinctive apron fabrics.

    The Tanva workshop is a recently started venture in Nam village, on the road between Lhasa and the airport, using local handspun Tibetan wool and both traditional and contemporary designs. You can watch the carpet making process from start to finish and carpets can be bought in the showroom on site.


  • How many temples/monasteries can we visit in the vicinity of in Lhasa?

    Lhasa has numerous temples and monasteries. The major temples/monasteries are Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple, Drepung Temple, Sera Temple and Ganden Temple.


  • When is the Potala open?

    The Potala is open for the local public on Mondays and Thursdays. Usually, the Potala opens for tour groups also on other days of the week (except for Sundays).


  • How long does it take by car to Gyantse, Shigatse?

    Gyantse is 270km and Shigatse is 360km from Lhasa. It is possible to drive to Gyantse in one day (6 hours), stay overnight and leave for Shigatse the next morning (2 hrs).


  • Is it possible to visit the Mt. Everest base camp?

    Yes, local travel agencies organize trekking to the base camp. It is even possible to reach the camp by car (app.2 days from Lhasa).


  • Do we need a special permit to visit Mt. Kailash?

    Yes. This can be applied for in Lhasa and usually takes no more than two days to issue. This permit can only be issued with a valid TAR-permit and P. R. China visa.


  • Are there any festival days in Tibet?

    If possible, try to time your visit to Lhasa on one of the city's festivals. Pilgrims often flock to Lhasa at the time and the city takes on a colorful party atmosphere. The following Tibetan festivals are calculated according to the lunar calendar. Check before for the precise dates.

    • Losar, Tibetan New Year(1st-3rd day of 1st lunar month):
      It is the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times when the peach tree was in blossom, it was considered as the starting of a new year.
    • Monlam(great prayer festival of Lhasa):
      This is the greatest religious festivals in Tibet. Monks from the Three Great Monastery of Tibet assemble in Jokhang for prayer to Shakyamun's image as if it were the living Buddha. Pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet and donations are offered to the monks.
    • Butter Oil Lantern Festival (February or March):
      It's held on the 15th of the first lunar month. Huge yak-butter sculptures are placed around Lhasa's Barkhor circuit.
    • Tibetan Spring Ploughing Day (As per Tibet calendar 3rd March):
      Tibetans at Neqoin Village, Doilungdeqen County in rural Lhasa donned festive clothes on March 3, the fourth day after the Tibetan New Year, to celebrate the "Spring Ploughing Day."
    • Gyantse Damma Festival (As per Tibet calendar from 10th-27th April):
      The Gyantse Damma Festival has a history of more than 500 years. From April 10 to 27 of Tibetan calendar, Gongsang Raopa held the worship and recreational activities to memorize his father. Activities include the display of Buddha Portrait, sorcerer's dance in a trance, wrestling and bearing contest.
    • Saga dawa festival (May or June):
      It is the holiest in Tibet, there memorable occasions coincide on this day, buddha's birth and buddha's enlightenment. Almost every person within Lhasa join in circumambulations round the city and spend their late afternoon on picnic at "dzongyab lukahng" park at the foot of potala.
    • Gyantse horse race & archery (May or June):
      Contests in early times included horse race, archery, and shooting on gallop followed by a few days' entertainment or picnicking. Presently ball games, track and field events, folk songs and dances, barter trade are in addition to the above.
    • Changtang chachen horse race festival (10 august):
      As the most important festival in north Tibet during the golden season on the grassland, thousand of herdsmen throng to nakchu riding fine horses, and carrying the local products. They form as city of tens south of nakchu town. There will be thrilling horse race, archery and demonstrations of horsemanship. Songs and dance troupes from all part of Tibet will add to the fun.
    • Shoton festival (august):
      It is one of the major festivals in Tibet, also known as the Tibetan Opera Festival.
    • Ganden festival:
      On the 15th day of the 6th Tibetan month, 25 precious articles belonging to ganden monastery, which are normally locked in their treasure house, are displayed in the main shrine hall. A grand offering ceremony accompanies the display.
    • Harvest festival (September):
      The farmers in Lhasa, gyantse and shangnan to celebrating their bumeer harvest in this time. During that time, people enjoy with horse racing games, costume fashion show, songs and dance archery and picnic etc.
    • Bathing week:
      It is believed when the sacred planet Venus appears in the sky, the water in the river becomes purest and cure diseases. During its appearance for one week in the sky, all the people in Tibet go into the river for bathing.
    • Kungbu Traditional Festival (November or December):
      Long time ago, when Tibet was in danger of large scale invasion, the Kongpo people sent out an army to defend their homeland. It was in September and the soldiers worried that they might miss the New Year, highland barley wine and other good things. So people had the Tibetan New Year on 1st October ahead of time. To memorize those brave soldiers Kongpo people present three sacrifices and stay up at night from then on. And now it has become the Kongpo Festival for entertainment like Kongpo dancing, horse race, archery and shooting.
    • Tibetan Fairy Maiden Festival (As per Tibet calendar 15th December):
      December 15 marks the annual Tibetan Fairy Maiden Festival (Auspicious Goddess Festival). Tibetans gather in Lhasa around the Jokhang Monastery for presenting hadas to Auspicious Goddess.


  • What need I bear in mind when traveling in Tibet?

    Due to few communications with the outside world, Tibet keeps its own strong culture which is different from other parts of China. There are some tips for tourists travelling in Tibet to help to be aware of some cultural differences. Such as:

    • It's impolite to enter some places near Jokhang Temple. Please ask permit with your body language if they cann't understand English first before approaching.
    • No killing in the present of Tibetan people, including a fly.

  • Do we need special visas to enter Tibet?

    No. A valid tourist visa for the People's Republic of China is enough. However, an additional TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region) tourist permit-Permit Visa and an official guide accompanying with all sightseeing tour in Tibet is required. Tourist Permits to enter the Tibetan Autonomous Region can be issued through local travel agents.


  • How can I get a Tibet Travel Permit?

    You must be on an organized tour in order for a Tibet Travel Permit to be issued, which is usually done about ten days prior to arrival in Tibet. You need to provide their travel agency with copy of valid passport and visa and also some additional information, so the travel agency can apply for the permit.


  • Is a Tibet Travel Permit necessary to enter Lhasa?

    Yes. All non-Chinese passport holders and non-Chinese ID holders must have a Tibet Travel Permit. People who have Hong Kong passports and Macau passports do not need Tibet Travel Permits.


  • How can I have an independent travel?

    At present, independent travels are strictly prohibited by Tibet local authorities. Traveling in Tibet need certain travel documents issued by the local Tibet government. Without the assistances of the local tour operators, the travelers cannot obtain the required travel documents. In order to avoid the foreseeable difficulties aroused by independent travels in Tibet, taking the tours coordinated by the local tour operators should be good alternatives.


  • What to pack for Tibet tours?

    • Sunglasses, sun lotions, chapped stick, hat, layered clothing and down-filled coat (the sun is very strong during the day but the temperature drops at night).
    • Wear comfortable walking shoes.
    • High-calorie snacks like cookies, chocolate and candies also should be packed in advance.




  • Do we get altitude sickness when we are in Lhasa?

    Lhasa is located on an altitude of 3600m above sea level. Most visitors experience some minor symptoms to get used to the thin air. Usually this will be over after a couple of days. Please refer to your own doctor for personal consultation.


  • In Tibet, what is the difference between budget guesthouse, comfortable hotel and the best hotel?

    Burying in mind that hotels in Tibet concerning its facility and service are not what you imagine. Not like hotels in New York, or Beijing, or Hong Kong.

    Budget guesthouse has a few kinds. One is the twin room with or without the bathroom in it. The other is triple, four-bed rooms, and more beds rooms named dormitory which all have no private bathroom in them.

    Comfortable hotels refer to middle class hotels, or standard hotels regarding to its location, or price, or comprehensive service ability. They are usually three star hotels, or comparatively good 2 star hotels.

    The best hotels are the 4 star hotels in Tibet. There are only three 4 star hotels in the capital city, Lhasa: Lhasa Manasarozar, HotelTibet Hotel VIP Tower, and Lhasa Hotel. The best hotels in the regions out of Lhasa are generally 3 star hotels, and in some places there are no star hotels.


  • Is there heating and oxygen facility in the hotel rooms?

    Many hotels in Lhasa are equipped with central heating and oxygen.


  • How many populations in Lhasa?

    Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, has a population of 270,000 people. It is the biggest city in Tibet.


  • Can we fly to Lhasa from abroad directly?

    Yes. During the high season (April-October) there are direct flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu (Nepal) two times a week. The other options are through Chengdu (P.R.C.).


  • What about time in Lhasa?

    Although the People's Republic of China covers five time zones, only Beijing Standard Time is adopted for the entire country. Early starts of tours in Tibet often occur in the early morning darkness. This is done to allow arrival into a particular city in time to catch all the sights.


  • Something need to know about taking photos of Tibetans

    It is always good to ask permission first. Tibetans are very friendly. However, it might arouse the upset feelings of local Tibetans by photo-taking without asking the permission first. In the Barkhor areas, sometimes they will ask you for money. But most of time it is ok to give them a little gift.


  • Tips for you to have a good tour in Tibet?

    • There are many old houses in eastern City with low roofs and doors, e.g. the Post Office at eastern end of South Barkhor Street. Be attention not to hit your head when entering these houses.
    • It is warm when walking on the street, but it would be cooler when staying in the shadow or in the house. Please bring with you a coat wherever you go.
    • Walk clockwise around the Barkhor Street, especially during the rush hour of pilgrimage from 9 am to 6 pm.
    • There are many beggars in the street. If you decide to donate, look around first to avoid be surrounded by crowds of beggars later. If you don't wish to give them a coin, just walk away and no one will complain you. When you can't get rid of them, reiterate "Ming du,"which means "no"in Tibetan language.
    • Watch the dog when you are walking in the local residential areas.
    • There are many WCs in Lhasa. You have to pay 0.2 Yuan entrance fee and 0.8 Yuan for tissue if you need one.
    • There are many Shops for Showering in Lhasa. Price varies from 3 to 5 Yuan per person.
    • There are many Internet Cafes around the Barkhor Areas. Price varies from 5 to 10 Yuan per room.
    • If you are interested in collecting coins, you can find various patterns of coins of major countries exhibited in PotalaPalace.




As Tibet's largest and the most important temple of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism, the Drepung Temple is especially known as the site of the annual Shoton Festival, with its dramatic unfurling of a giant Buddha tapestry on the hillside.

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