Taklung Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Lhünzhub County, Lhasa, Tibet, China

Taklung Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery characterized by red brick buildings constructed in traditional Tibetan architectural style. The complex consists of multiple structures arranged across the landscape, decorated with prayer flags and set among mountains north of Lhasa.

The monastery was established in 1180 and grew to become a major religious center in the region. It suffered extensive damage during the Cultural Revolution but has since undergone restoration efforts.

This monastery serves as the primary center for the Taklung Kagyu school and is home to monks who practice meditation and perform daily rituals. The sound of chanting and prayer bells echoes through the buildings, shaping how the space feels and how visitors experience it.

The monastery can be reached from Lhasa by traveling through the Phenpo Chu valley, with transportation services available in the area. Plan your visit during the warmer months when the mountain routes are most accessible and pleasant.

The monastery's great Tsuklakhang, called the Jokhang of Taklung, was finished in 1228, not the 12th century. Its massive 13th-century walls and the Red Temple (Markang) now stand as extensive ruins, while the Jampa Lhakhang, the Reliquary Lhakhang and the Dargyeling Temple have been rebuilt.