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Best Drepung Monastery Tours & Trips

Drepung Monastery once stood as the world's largest monastic university, housing thousands of scholars in its golden heyday. Today, visitors wander through winding white-walled courtyards and ascend steep staircases to reach the main assembly hall, where the air hums with deep chanting and the scent of burning juniper. The complex offers sweeping views over the Kyichu Valley, especially from the rooftop terraces overlooking the iconic debating grounds where monks still test their logic under the bright Tibetan sun. Though partially restored after historical damage, its spiritual gravity remains intact, drawing travelers seeking both architectural grandeur and quiet contemplation amid fluttering prayer flags and ancient murals.

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12 Results

8-Day Classic Tibet Tour·Lhasa, Shigatse, Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

Guaranteed Departure

Daily breakfast

8-Day Classic Tibet Tour·Lhasa, Shigatse, Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

5.0

Tour Code: 741822

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

8.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse +19 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$1,115.67

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6-Day Essential Tibet Group Tour·Lhasa Highlights, Shigatse & Tashilhunpo Monastery

Guaranteed Departure

Daily breakfast

6-Day Essential Tibet Group Tour·Lhasa Highlights, Shigatse & Tashilhunpo Monastery

5.0

Tour Code: 741891

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

6.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse +10 more

Languages

Chinese Live, English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$915.67

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10-Day Legendary Tibet Group Tour·Lhasa Heritage, Shigatse Monasteries & Himalayan Wonders

Guaranteed Departure

Daily breakfast

10-Day Legendary Tibet Group Tour·Lhasa Heritage, Shigatse Monasteries & Himalayan Wonders

5.0

Tour Code: 742038

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

10.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse +21 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$1,558.40

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8-Day Tibet Tour from Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk & Mt. Everest

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

8-Day Tibet Tour from Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk & Mt. Everest

4.8 ~~( 14 reviews )~~

Tour Code: 203050

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

8.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +8 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$1,034.27

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6-Days Lhasa and Shigatse Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse and Shigatse**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

6-Days Lhasa and Shigatse Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse and Shigatse**Tibet Entry Permit included**

5.0 ~~( 6 reviews )~~

Tour Code: 203062

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

6.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +6 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$878.10

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4-Day Lhasa City Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monstery**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

4-Day Lhasa City Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monstery**Tibet Entry Permit included**

4.8 ~~( 7 reviews )~~

Tour Code: 203008

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

4.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery +3 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$559.86

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7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk and Kyilong**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk and Kyilong**Tibet Entry Permit included**

5.0 ~~( 5 reviews )~~

Tour Code: 203053

Start / End City

Lhasa, Kyilong

Duration

7.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +10 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$1,054.90

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13-Day Tibet Spiritual Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu: Shigatse, Saga, Tarchen and Gyirong | Everest Base Camp, Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash Kora

Shared Room Available

Select Meals Included

13-Day Tibet Spiritual Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu: Shigatse, Saga, Tarchen and Gyirong | Everest Base Camp, Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash Kora

4.8 ~~( 9 reviews )~~

Tour Code: 708954

Start / End City

Lhasa, Kathmandu

Duration

13.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +13 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$2,199.66

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15-Day Kailash Pilgrimage Small Group Tour: Lhasa, Shigatse, Mt. Everest and Mount Kailash**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

15-Day Kailash Pilgrimage Small Group Tour: Lhasa, Shigatse, Mt. Everest and Mount Kailash**Tibet Entry Permit included**

5.0 ~~( 4 reviews )~~

Tour Code: 203083

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

15.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +10 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$2,199.66

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10-Day Classic Tibet & Everest Base Camp Tour: Lhasa, Namtso Lake, Gyantse and Shigatse | Potala Palace, Karola Glacier and Yalong Zangbu Vally

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

10-Day Classic Tibet & Everest Base Camp Tour: Lhasa, Namtso Lake, Gyantse and Shigatse | Potala Palace, Karola Glacier and Yalong Zangbu Vally

4.8 ~~( 12 reviews )~~

Tour Code: 217015

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

10.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +9 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$1,493.94

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5-Day Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery and Yamdrok Lake**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

5-Day Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery and Yamdrok Lake**Tibet Entry Permit included**

4.8 ~~( 7 reviews )~~

Tour Code: 217012

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

5.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery +4 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group

From

$752.87

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7-Day Chengdu and Lhasa Private Tour: Giant Panda | Wenshu Temple | Sanxingdui Museum | Potala Palace | Jokhang Temple | Sera Monastery | Drepung Monastery | Barkhor Street

Daily breakfast

Select Meals Included

5.0 ~~( 5 reviews )~~

Tour Code: 712353

Start / End City

Chengdu, Lhasa

Duration

7.0 Days

City & Attractions

Chengdu, Lhasa, Chengdu Panda Breeding Center +6 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Private Tour

Tour Audience

Primarily English-Speaking Travelers

From

Live

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Best Time to Visit Drepung Monastery

Summer brings mild days around 22°C (72°F) and cool nights near 8°C (46°F), with frequent afternoon showers greening the Lhasa valley. This season hosts the vibrant Shoton Festival, where a giant thangka unfolds on Gebpeiwu Hill before thousands gather for opera and yogurt feasts. Visitors can explore the vast prayer halls, join monks in lively debates under ancient cypress trees, or hike nearby trails for panoramic views of the golden roofs against blue skies, making it a peak time for cultural immersion and spiritual discovery in Tibet.

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Autumn brings crisp air with temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 18°C (64°F), creating ideal conditions for exploring the vast complex near Lhasa. The clear blue skies and golden sunlight enhance the white-washed walls, while fewer crowds allow for serene contemplation. Visitors can witness vibrant monk debates in the courtyards, hike up Gambo Utse for panoramic valley views, or attend special prayer ceremonies as the harvest season concludes, making September to November a spiritually rich time to visit this historic Gelugpa seat.

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Winter with temps from -5°C (23°F) to 8°C (46°F), often dusting the golden roofs in snow. This quiet season offers serene views of the Himalayas and fewer crowds for exploring its vast prayer halls. Visitors can witness monks engaged in intense debate sessions in the courtyards, a unique cultural highlight. The nearby Ganden Valley provides stunning frozen landscapes ideal for photography. Experiencing the peaceful atmosphere during this period allows for deep reflection and authentic connection with Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

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Spring at Drepung Monastery (March-May) brings crisp air with temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 18°C (64°F), as snow melts on surrounding peaks. Clear skies offer stunning views of the white-walled complex against blue heavens. Visitors can explore ancient prayer halls, witness vibrant monk debates in courtyards, and hike nearby trails blooming with wildflowers. The Shoton Festival preparations begin late May, adding cultural excitement to this sacred Lhasa site.

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Reviews for Drepung Monastery Tours

Candy

December 03, 2023

4-Day Lhasa City Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monstery**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Excellent Tour Guide - Jamyang Tsering

So happy to be assigned to Jamyang Tsering as my tour guide in Lhasa. He is very friendly and patient. Always accommodating to my needs and takes good care of me. Also kudos to the driver, Nobu, who is professional. Thank you.

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Jenny

November 24, 2023

8-Day Tibet Tour from Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk & Mt. Everest

Tibet is beautiful

The tour was great! We visited amazing places and could feel the sacred atmosphere in all the temples. The nature is breathtaking with beautiful mountain and lake views. Our guide Jingme told us all about the history and showed us great places. All the hotels were much better than what I expected, nice, clean and warm. I had my birthday during the tour and thanks to our guide Jingme and the group it was perfect celebration with dinner, cake and candles. Thank you for the tour!

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Albert

November 10, 2023

Lhasa to Kathmandu

Can't recommend this company enough. We did it very last minute and got our Chinese visas a few days before we flew to Chengdu and got the train to Lhasa. Lycoris our contact was patient and reassuring over the applications. The trip itself was something else. Tibet is a stunning country and the Polata Palace and Mount Everest were among the many highlights.

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Mary

August 09, 2023

6-Days Lhasa and Shigatse Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse and Shigatse**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Super visit of Lhasa !

Excellent trustworthy organisation. Very nice guide with a lot of knowledge of local surroundings and culture and very good command of English. Thank you Dechen for the nice time

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FAQs about Drepung Monastery Tours

How do I get to Drepung Monastery from Lhasa Gonggar Airport?

Take the airport shuttle bus to Lhasa city center, then hire a taxi for the short ride west to the monastery. Public buses are infrequent and crowded. Ensure you have your Tibet Travel Permit ready for inspection at checkpoints along the route, as random police stops are common for foreigners visiting religious sites.

What is the best time of year to visit Drepung Monastery to avoid heavy rain?

Visit between October and May to experience dry, clear skies ideal for hiking the surrounding hills. The monsoon season runs from June to September, bringing frequent afternoon showers that can make the steep stone steps slippery and obscure mountain views. Winter offers fewer crowds but requires warm clothing for the high-altitude chill.

Do I need a separate ticket or pass to enter the main prayer halls at Drepung?

Your initial entrance fee covers the monastery grounds, but separate small tickets are often required inside specific main prayer halls or for photography. Carry ample small denomination Chinese Yuan cash, as digital payment apps may not work reliably within the older temple structures and no ATMs are available on-site.

Are there specific dress codes or customs I must follow at Drepung Monastery?

Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times; remove hats and sunglasses before entering any chapel. Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, never counter-clockwise. Ask permission before photographing monks or sacred statues, as flash photography is strictly prohibited inside halls to preserve ancient pigments and respect meditation practices.