Start here · Essential guide
Discovering the Ancient Monasteries of Tibet
An overview of Tibetan monasteries by school and region, how monastic life is organised, and how to visit respectfully while checking current permit rules.
Tibet, Himalaya and Silk Road
Great Monasteries of Tibet
Sera, Tashilhunpo, Sakya, Kumbum and other major Tibetan monasteries.
A Journey to the Heart of Tibetan Buddhism: The Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery near Lhasa is a major Gelug seat known for its public monastic debates. Learn what the debate means and how visitors can watch quietly and respectfully.
A Pilgrimage to the Sacred Site of the Tashilhunpo Monastery
How pilgrims experience Tashilhunpo in Shigatse: the clockwise outer circuit, the great Maitreya image and respectful conduct in the assembly halls.
The Significance of the Kumbum Monastery in Tibet
Kumbum (Ta'er Si) is a major Gelug centre in Amdo, known for its butter sculptures and festivals. Learn the traditions, and why festival dates should be checked locally.
The Significance of the Sakya Monastery in Tibet
The Sakya Monastery south-west of Shigatse: its grey-walled architecture, famous library traditions and the Sakya school's historical political role in Tibet.
The Significance of the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet
Tashilhunpo was founded by Gendun Drup, traditionally in 1447, and became the seat of the Panchen Lamas. A neutral account of its history and role.
The Spiritual Power of the Choglam Ringmo Monastery in Tibet
No well-documented Tibetan monastery named Choglam Ringmo can be confirmed. Learn how to verify obscure monastery names and approach small village gompas respectfully.
The Spiritual Significance of the Namgyal Monastery in Tibet
Namgyal is the personal monastery of the Dalai Lamas, historically linked to the Potala in Lhasa and re-established in Dharamshala, India, after 1959.
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Kumbum Monastery in Tibet
Kumbum (Ta'er Si) lies in Amdo, in present-day Qinghai, not the Tibet Autonomous Region. Learn its link to Tsongkhapa's birthplace and how the site developed.
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Shigatse Monastery in Tibet
There is no single Shigatse Monastery. This overview covers Shigatse city and the monasteries in and around it, chiefly Tashilhunpo, plus planning cautions.
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More in tibet, himalaya and silk road
Himalayan Monasteries Ladakh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and the high monastic seats. Silk Road and Gandhara Taxila, Bamiyan and the routes that carried Buddhism across Asia. Himalayan Routes and Treks Monasteries and palaces of the Tibetan plateau together with the great walking routes of the Himalayas. Lhasa The Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the sacred circuits of Lhasa. Tibetan Buddhist Lineages The Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug schools and their Himalayan heritage. Himalayan Pilgrimage Trails Kailash, Langtang, Manaslu and other routes walked by pilgrims. Sacred Sites of Tibet An orientation to pilgrimage across the Tibetan plateau. Sacred Himalayan Landscapes Lakes, valleys and highlands held sacred in Tibetan Buddhism. Himalayan Sacred Geography Mountains, rivers and foothills as Buddhists read them.