Drepung Monastery

Located 8 km west of Lhasa and at the foot of Mt. Ganpoi Uze, Drepung Monastery was founded by Jamyang Choje, a disciple of Tsongkhapa in 1416.

Before the construction of the Potala Palace it used to be the principal seat of the Geluk School. Its name means Rice Heap after its jumble of white monastic buildings piled up on the hillside. Known to be the world's largest monastery at some point with more than 10,000 monks, Drepung is still the largest monastery in Tibet. The unfolding of the huge Buddha image during Shoton festival is done in Drepung Monastery.