Monasteries and temples in Tibet

Iconic Monasteries and Temples

This collection highlights the architectural and spiritual pillars of Tibetan Buddhism, centered around Lhasa and Shigatse. It includes the Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and the Jokhang Temple, considered the region's most sacred site. The list features the 'great three' Gelug university monasteries alongside historic sites like Tashilhunpo, the seat of the Panchen Lama. These locations showcase unique Himalayan architecture, ancient murals, and the seat of the State Oracle at Nechung.

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace

A UNESCO World Heritage site and former winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century. The complex comprises the White Palace for administrative functions and the Red Palace, which houses religious halls and the golden burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas.

Sarat Chandra Das / Public domain

Jokhang Monastery

The Jokhang, or the Ra sa 'phrul snang gtsug lag khang, or Qoikang Monastery, or Zuglagkang, is considered the "heart of Lhasa".

John Hill / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is an historically and culturally important monastery in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Reurinkjan / CC BY 2.0

Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery is one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles north of Lhasa and about 5 km north of…

Antoine Taveneaux / CC BY-SA 3.0

Nechung Monastery

Nechung Monastery, Nechung Gompa or Nechung Chok, is the seat of the State Oracle of Tibet.

Antoine Taveneaux / CC BY-SA 3.0

Reting Monastery

Reting Monastery is an historically important Buddhist monastery in Lhünzhub County in Lhasa, Ü-Tsang, Tibet.

Team_A / CC BY-SA 2.5

Densatil Monastery

Founded in 1158 by Phagmodrupa Dorje Gyalpo, this monastery was the primary seat of the Phagdu Kagyu school. It was historically renowned for its elaborate 'tashi gomang' stupas and served as a major political and religious center during the Phagmodrupa dynasty.

Esiymbro / CC BY-SA 4.0

Changzhug

Tradruk Temple in the Yarlung Valley is the earliest great geomantic temple after the Jokhang and some sources say it predates that temple.

Anonymous Tibetan artist / Public domain

Gongkar Chode

The Gongkar Chö Monastery or Gongkar Dorjé Monastery is located in Gonggar County, Lhoka Province, Tibet Autonomous Region near Gonggar…

怀古 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Lamaling Monastery

Lamaling Monastery, also known as Zangdrok Pelri Monastery and Burqug Lamaling, is a Buddhist monastery located near the village of…

Lucag / CC BY-SA 2.5

Ani Tsankhung Nunnery

Ani Tsankhung Nunnery is a nunnery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in the city of Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Dieter Schuh / CC BY 3.0

Zhadun Monastery

Established during the 7th-century reign of King Songtsen Gampo, this monastery is one of the geomantic temples built to pin down a legendary demoness. It remains a significant historical site within the Tradün region.

Narthang Monastery

Narthang Monastery is a monastery located 15 km west of Shigatse in Tibet.

Evan Osherow / CC BY 2.0

Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery is one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles north of Lhasa and about 5 km north of…

Shan nan min zhu lin si ma ne la kang

A mani temple located within the Mindrolling Monastery complex, one of the six mother monasteries of the Nyingma school. Founded in 1676, the site is a traditional center for the study of Buddhist scriptures, Tibetan astronomy, and calligraphy.