The Drayur Gyagar Ling was originally the centre for the translation of texts, as depicted in the wall murals. There's an inner kora (pilgrim circuit) here. The main statue on the upper floor is of Sakyamuni, flanked by his Indian and Chinese translators.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
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About 170km southeast of Lhasa, on the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) is Samye Monastery, the first monastery in Tibet. Founded in…
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The central building of Samye, the Ütse comprises a unique synthesis of architectural styles. The ground and 1st floors were originally Tibetan in style,…
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Chim-puk Hermitage is a collection of cave shrines northeast of Samye that grew up over the centuries around the meditation retreat of Guru Rinpoche. Chim…
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Dating back to the 7th-century reign of Songtsen Gampo, Tradruk is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Tibet. It was founded at the same time as Lhasa…
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The red, fortress-like structure of Tsongkhapa’s mausoleum is probably the most impressive of the reconstructed buildings at Ganden. It’s above a…
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The recently renovated tsogchen (assembly hall) has statues of the 16 arhats (literally ‘worthy ones’) and two huge statues of Tsongkhapa (only visible…
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About 50km east of Lhasa, this monastery, founded in 1417 by Tsongkhapa, was the first Gelugpa monastery. Still the order's heart and soul, it's the one…
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To the east of the Assembly Hall's Ser Trikhang (Golden Throne Room) and slightly uphill, this residence contains the living quarters and throne of the…
Nearby attractions
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The restored Aryapalo Ling was Samye’s first building and retains a lovely ancient feel. The statue of Arya Lokeshvara is similar to one seen in the…
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If you pass this yellow-walled residential college between 11am and noon, or between 5.30pm and 7pm, listen for the sounds of teachings from the main hall…
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The central building of Samye, the Ütse comprises a unique synthesis of architectural styles. The ground and 1st floors were originally Tibetan in style,…
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About 170km southeast of Lhasa, on the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) is Samye Monastery, the first monastery in Tibet. Founded in…
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The Jampa Ling, on the western side of the Samye complex, is the site of Samye’s Great Debate, which determined the course of Tibetan Buddhism. On the…
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Once the monastery printing press, now serving as a small chapel. Look for the sacred stone in the centre of the chapel which was once used to hold ink…
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This small temple is dedicated to the moon (dawa), with notable old murals of Tara on the wall to the left.
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This charming chapel houses three huge prayer wheels and some lovely murals.