Introducing Drepung Monastery
Located at the foot of Mount Gephel, Drepung Monastery is one of the “great three” Gelug university gompas (monasteries) of Tibet. Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden (1397–1449), one of Tsongkhapa’s main disciples, and it was named after the sacred abode in South India of Shridhanyakataka. The monastery covers an area of 250,000 mètres carrés, and it is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries.
Drepung Monastery Fast Facts
• Nom Chinois: Zhe Bang Si 哲蚌寺
• Meilleure période pour visiter: de mars à octobre
• Heures de visite recommandées: Environ 2 heures
• Activités à faire: Photographie, Architecture, Bouddhisme tibétain
• Heures d'ouverture: 09:00-16:00
• Frais d'entrée: CNY 50
• Adresse: No. 276 Beijing West Road, District de Chengguan, Lhassa, Tibet
What to expect at Drepung Monastery
Drepung was the principal seat of the Gelugpa school and it retained the premier place amongst the four great Gelugpa monasteries. Le Ganden Phodrang à Drepung était la résidence des Dalaï-Lamas jusqu'à ce que le grand cinquième Dalaï-Lama construise le Potala. Drepung était connu pour ses normes élevées en matière d'études académiques,
In its heyday, Drepung Monastery had more than 10,000 monks. The monastery has trained a large group of talents for Tibetan Buddhism. The Fifth Dalai Lama lived here before he moved to Potala Palace. Drepung Monastery houses plenty of historical and cultural relics and Buddhist classics. In the exciting Shoton Festival, “Sunning the Buddha” by the monastery has been one of the most magnificent religious activities in Tibet. Every year in early August, Tibetans celebrate their major festival – Shoton, the Yogurt Festival. The most important event of this festival – Giant Buddha Show is held in Drepung Monastery.
How to get to Drepung Monastery
• En bus: prendre le bus n°. 16, 17, 24, 25, 34 or L1 to Zhebangsi (Drepung Monastery).
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Lhasa to Drepung Monastery.
Additional travel advice on Drepung Monastery
• Drepung Monastery is a religious site, donc les visiteurs doivent s'habiller modestement, se comporter correctement. Ne pas parler trop fort. Ne pas fumer à l'intérieur du temple.
• Selon le principe de la culture tibétaine, Marcher autour des temples, des palais et tourner les moulins à prière doit se faire dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre.
• Some chapels are closed in the afternoon, so it is suggested to visit Drepung Monastery in the morning.
• Les lunettes de soleil et la crème solaire sont toujours nécessaires pour se protéger des coups de soleil et du rayonnement ultraviolet intense pendant la journée.
