Drathang Monastery
གྲ་ཐང
An 11th-century ancient monastery in Chanang County whose halls preserve rare early Tibetan murals that blend Pala and Central Asian styles.
Drathang Monastery was founded in 1081 by Drakpa Ngönshe and later came under the Sakya school. It is an important monastery from the early Later Diffusion period. The 11th- and 12th-century murals in its main hall and corridors have distinctive colors and figure styles, blending the Indian Pala style with Central Chinese and Central Asian elements. They are precious artifacts for studying early Tibetan painting and a national key cultural relic protection unit. The monastery is small and sees few visitors. It lies in Drathang Town, Chanang County, about 45 km from Tsetang, and can be combined with Mindroling Monastery. The hall is dim, and photography is prohibited.
Opening hours
Open during the day (per the temple)
Nearby sights
- Mindroling Monastery
- Riwo Dechen Monastery
- Tombs of the Tibetan Kings
- Tradruk Temple
- Sachu Sodang, the First Barley Field
- Yumbulagang Palace
- Gongkar Chöde Monastery
- Lhagyari Palace Ruins