Drigung Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Maizhokunggar County, Tibet, China

Drigung Monastery stands on a mountain ridge at approximately 4,465 meters elevation, with temples and prayer halls serving its spiritual community. Around 250 resident monks use these structures for daily religious practice.

The monastery was founded in 1179 by Jigten Sumgön and suffered destruction in 1290 from conflicts with rival sects. Reconstruction followed those damages, allowing the place to survive to the present day.

The monastery gives its name to the Drikung Kagyu school, one of the eight minor Dagpo Kagyu lineages. Legend says founder Jigten Sumgön chose the site while following a female yak (dri), and the monastery keeps the animal's horns. Each Tibetan New Year thousands of pilgrims, mainly from Kham, come to visit.

The monastery is accessible by shuttle bus from Lhasa's eastern station, with the journey taking approximately three and a half hours. Visitors should prepare for the high altitude and bring warm clothing.

The Drigung sky burial ground, called Drigung Til Chenja, lies about ten minutes' walk from the monastery and is considered the largest of Tibet's three great sky burial sites. It is said to have been opened by Jigten Sumgön, and monks have since closed it to uninvited visitors.