Founded in 1416, Drepung Monastery (Tibetan: Zhébàng Sì) on the outskirts of Lhasa was once Tibet’s largest and most influential monastery and the biggest Monastery of Gelug monastic sect.. In company with Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery, they are reckoned as the three biggest monasteries.

At first there was only seven monks and seven Zhacangs. Then it became the most influential monastery of the Gelug monastic sect. At its height, Drepung was the world’s largest monastery, having over 10,000 monks in residence, possessed 141 fazendas and 540 pastures.

Drepung monastery is the base monastery of the successive Lama. The Second, Third, Forth and Five Dalai Lama all held the Sitting-in-Bed ceremony here. The Fifth Dalai Lama lived here before he moved to Potala Palace.Since the Second Dalai Lama made Ganden Palace his main residence, Drepung monastery became not only the primary residence of the Dalai Lama but also the political base for the Gelug monastic sect. Today, Drepung remains an active monastery and attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

The most exciting ceremony in Drepung Monastery is Shoton Festival, which is one of the most magnificent religious activities in Tibet. Every year in early August, Tibetans celebrate their major festival - Shoton, also called the Yogurt Festival. The most important event of this festival - Giant Buddha Show is held in Drepung Monastery.
Admission is 55 yuan.
Open hours: 9:00 --16:00.
Photo taking costs 20 yuan in each hall.