Drepung and Sera Monasteries

The two main Gelugpa lineage (yellow hat) monasteries - Drepung and Sera

Drepung Monastery

A visit to Tibet would be nothing without visiting the major monasteries. They are considered the spiritual centres of Tibetan Buddhism and hold beautiful representations of the various Buddha manifestations.

Drepung Monastry - was at one time one of the world's largest monasteries. Drepung means 'rice heap'. It was founded in 1416. The 2nd. 3rd and 4th Dalai Lamas are entombed here.
View of the valley from Drepung








Sera Monastery - about 5km north of Lhasa, founded in 1419, Sera once had more than 5000 monks, now less than 100. They fill the courtyard every afternoon to debate their philosophy in an active exchange, smiles and accent their points with a clap of the hands!







Debates in the courtyard of Sera Monastery

Prayer Wheels - Om Mani Padme Hum


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