Most Famous Tibetan Monasteries and Temples

Tibet, a place where the air is filled with Tibetan Buddhism atmosphere. According to statistics, there are more than 1,700 temples in Tibet so Tibetan monasteries and temples can be seen everywhere. Tibetan monasteries and temples have a profound influence on the cultural spread. It's no exaggeration to say that Tibetan Buddhism is the foundation of Tibetan culture. During your journey in Tibet, travelers will visit many historical and significant monasteries and temples to understand the deep-rooted culture.

There is the largest Buddhist monastery in the world, the beginning of the reincarnation of living Buddhas, the most sacred temple... so which temples must be visited? The most famous ones are the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Samye Monastery, Sakya Monastery, etc.

Monasteries and Temples by Region

Lhasa

Shigatse

Lhoka

Ngari

Gyantse

Pelkor Chode Monastery

Nyingchi

Lamaling Temple

Chamdo

Nagqu

Tashi Dor Monastery

Taboos for Visiting Monasteries

Please do not enter any monastery or temple without consent, and do not smoke in the temple. It's no problem to watch the objects in the temple but it's not allowed to touch the Buddha statues, scriptures, and photos without permission, let alone take pictures or record videos. For most Tibetan monasteries and temples, you should visit in a clockwise direction, but for Bon religion's monasteries and temples, please visit in a counter-clockwise direction.
In order to avoid the embarrassment of being blocked and not allowed to enter, please do not wear short sleeves, shorts, slippers, or short skirts. After getting into the hall, you should take off your hat and sunglasses. Not to step on the threshold with your feet.
When encountering religious facilities such as mani stone piles and pagodas carved with scriptures in the monastery, please go around from left to right.
Do not cross monk’s seats, utensils, clothing, and various blessing bowls, as well as the Buddhist statues and sutras.
Do not talk loudly, sing, dance, play, or kill lives in or around the monasteries and temples.
Do not use paper with written scriptures as tissue to wipe things.

Most Famous Tibetan Monasteries and Temples