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.
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Jokhang Temple - Religious Center of Tibet
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.
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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 - The Holy Monastery of Gelugpa
Type: Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings
Altitude: 3800 meters
Best time to visit: April to October
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 a important sect of Tibet Buddhism.
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Drepung Monastery - Once the Largest Monastery
Type: Architecture & Culture
Altitude: 3,800 meters
Best time to visit: April to October
Drepung Monastery, one of the six great Gelukpa monasteries of Tibet, was once the largest monastery in the world with totally 10,000 monks there.
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Taking an exploratory tour to the most popular monastery to discover the charm of devoted belief.
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Sera Monastery - Noted for Tibetan Buddhism Debating
Type: Architecture & Culture
Altitude: 3,700 meters
Best time to visit: April to October
Sera Monastery, one of the “Three Great Monasteries” in Lhasa, is an important that played and is playing very important role in development of Tibet Buddhism. 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?
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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.
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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.
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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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