Drepung Monastery
Lhasa Attractions
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Introduction to Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺)
Freddie Spencer Chapman reported, after his 1936-37 trip to Tibet, that Drepung was at that time the largest monastery in the world, and housed 7,700 monks, "but sometimes as many as 10,000 monks." Since the 1950s, Drepung Monastery, along with Ganden and Sera Monastery have lost much of their independence and spiritual credibility in the eyes of Tibetans since they operate under the close watch of the Chinese security services. All three were re-established in exile in the 1950s in Karnataka state in south India. Drepung and Ganden are in Mundgod and Sera is in Bylakuppe. |
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Location Mount Gephel, Lhasa |
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Travel Information
Admission Fee: 55 Yuan |
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Main Sights Ganden Potrang, Coqen Hall, The Four Zhacangs |
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Travel Tips 1. The monastery is open all year but August is a great time to visit because of the Shoton Festival that usually takes place at that time. 2. You must walk from right to left clockwise in the temple. |
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Tour including Visiting Drepung Monastery (Lhasa) 8 Day Lhasa, Drepung Monastery, Gyantse, Shigatse and Everest Base Camp |