Dratang Monastery in Zhanang County, Lhoka (Shannan)
Chinese Name: 扎塘寺
English Name: Dratang Monastery
Location: Located in Zhanang County(扎囊县), Lhoka Prefecture(山南市)，Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Admission Fee: Free
Opening hours: All day
About Dratang Monastery
About 48km east of Gongkar airport is the turn-off to the 11th-century Dratang Monastery, located 2km off the main road in the Drannang Valley. This small Sakyapa monastery of only eight monks is of interest mainly to art specialists for its rare murals, which combine Indian and inner Asian styles. Bring a torch to see the murals.
History and Development of Dratang Monastery
Dratang Monastery is one of the earlier buildings in Tibet. Unique style murals have not been found in other areas besides the remaining Shalu Temple in the same period. These precious historical relics have a very high reference value for the study of early Tibetan murals, external influences and costumes. November 20, 1996, Dratang Monastery was listed as the national cultural relic protection units.
Attraction Transportation
Tourist can travel to Lhasa by air to Lhasa Kongga International Airport(拉萨贡嘎国际机场）or train firstly and then transfer to Lhoka by long-distance bus, which is the major choice.
Attraction Travel Tips
1. Traveling Hours: 1~2 hours
2. Traveling Seasons: All year, and the period between March to October is the best time.
3. High Altitude Sickness Avoiding: Bring enough water and some thick clothes, eating more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and so on.
4. Pay attention to respect the local customers in the monastery.
