Ganden Monastery
Monastery
Founded by Tsongkhapa in 1409; an important place for understanding Gelug origins.
Background reference →PLACES · TRADITIONS · CULTURE
Monasteries & Buddhist Centres
Discover 20 representative places across Tibetan Buddhist traditions. This cultural directory is a starting point, not a complete list.
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20 places
Labrang Monastery
Monastery / monastic college
An important Gelug centre of monastic learning in the Amdo region.
Background reference →Kumbum Monastery
Monastery
Located in Lusar, Huangzhong; an introduction to Gelug monastic culture in Amdo.
Background reference →Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
Monastery
Founded in 1447 and associated with the successive Panchen Lamas.
Background reference →Sakya Monastery
Monastery
A principal monastery of the Sakya tradition, known for its architecture and textual heritage.
Background reference →Samye
Historic monastery
Closely connected with early translation, monastic ordination and Nyingma; its history spans several traditions.
Background reference →Sera Monastery
Monastery / monastic college
One of Lhasa’s three great Gelug monasteries; listed separately from the re-established colleges in India.
Background reference →Sera Jey Monastery
Monastery / monastic college
Continues the Sera Jey tradition of philosophical study. Consult the monastery for visitor requirements.
Official information →Namdroling Monastery
Monastery / monastic college
An important Palyul Nyingma monastery established by Penor Rinpoche.
Official information →Rumtek Monastery
Monastery
Also called Dharma Chakra Centre, an important Karma Kagyu monastery.
Official information →Kopan Monastery
Monastery / learning centre
A Gelug monastery in the FPMT network, with monastic study and introductory courses.
Official information →Shechen Monastery
Monastery / monastic college
The Nepal monastery of the Shechen Nyingma tradition, with a monastic institute.
Official information →Paro Taktsang
Sacred site / monastery
A cliffside sacred site associated in religious tradition with Padmasambhava’s meditation.
Background reference →Punakha Dzong
Dzong / monastic centre
Associated with Drukpa Kagyu, combining dzong architecture and monastic culture.
Official information →Thrangu Monastery (Canada)
Monastery
A Karma Kagyu monastery in Richmond, in the Metro Vancouver area.
Official information →Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism
Monastery / learning centre
A North American Sakya centre offering teachings and information about its monastic and cultural traditions.
Official information →Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre
Monastery / learning centre
A Karma Kagyu monastery and Buddhist learning centre in rural Scotland.
Official information →Lerab Ling
Buddhist centre / monastery
A Tibetan Buddhist centre in southern France associated with Nyingma study and retreat.
Official information →Nalanda Monastery (France)
Monastery / learning centre
A Gelug monastic community in the FPMT network, distinct from ancient Nalanda in India.
Official information →Chenrezig Institute
Buddhist study / retreat centre
Established in 1974, an early Tibetan Buddhist study and meditation centre in Australia.
Official information →No matching places. Try a different region, tradition or search.
Photos are archival views, not a guarantee of present conditions; resize only, with licences and credits linked. Some places await a suitably licensed photograph. Check official notices before visiting; opening hours and activities can change.