
Drak Yerpa Hermitage
Ancient Buddhist hermitage with cliffside temples and meditation caves, offering profound spiritual experiences and stunning Himalayan vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, mild temps

Drak Yerpa Hermitage
Best Time
Clear skies, mild temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Buddhist hermitage with cliffside temples and meditation caves, offering profound spiritual experiences and stunning Himalayan vistas.
"A beautiful and quiet monastery, a hidden gem of Lhasa, well worth the visit."

🎯 Acclimatize First!
Spend 2-3 days in Lhasa before visiting Drak Yerpa to avoid altitude sickness. Stay hydrated!
🚗 Hire a Car for Flexibility
Coach services can be unreliable. Hiring a car offers more control over your schedule and comfort.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cliffside Temples & Caves
The main complex
Ancient meditation caves and temples carved directly into the Himalayas, offering a glimpse into centuries of Buddhist practice.

Monastic Life
Monastery grounds
Witness the austere lifestyle of lamas living in seclusion, devoted to Buddhism and detached from worldly affairs.

Panoramic Himalayan Views
Upper reaches of the hermitage
Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, offering a sense of peace and perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude & Acclimatization
Getting There: Plan Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Acclimatize First!
Spend 2-3 days in Lhasa before visiting Drak Yerpa to avoid altitude sickness. Stay hydrated!
🚗 Hire a Car for Flexibility
Coach services can be unreliable. Hiring a car offers more control over your schedule and comfort.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for a Hike
The climb to the hermitage can be challenging due to altitude. Wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself.
🙏 Respect the Monks' Seclusion
Observe the lamas' simple living conditions with respect. They are devoted to their practice.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Acclimatize First!
Spend 2-3 days in Lhasa before visiting Drak Yerpa to avoid altitude sickness. Stay hydrated!
🚗 Hire a Car for Flexibility
Coach services can be unreliable. Hiring a car offers more control over your schedule and comfort.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for a Hike
The climb to the hermitage can be challenging due to altitude. Wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself.
🙏 Respect the Monks' Seclusion
Observe the lamas' simple living conditions with respect. They are devoted to their practice.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Drak Yerpa Hermitage is lauded as a beautiful and quiet monastery, a true hidden gem offering a profound spiritual experience. Visitors are awed by the ancient cliffside temples and the austere lifestyle of the secluded lamas. While the journey can be challenging due to altitude and terrain, the breathtaking views and the sense of peace make it a highly rewarding visit.
"A beautiful and quiet monastery. Well Worth the visit. Apparently, you can take coach to get there from Lhasa. But, we missed the coach and had to hire a car."
Kay Zhang
"Hidden gem of Lhasa. Beautiful monastery!"
Ngo Quang Minh
"It’s located in Himalayas 640 CE back"
Asghar Khan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While some mention coaches from Lhasa, they can be infrequent. Hiring a private car is a more reliable option, though it requires negotiation. The drive itself is scenic but can be challenging due to the altitude.
Public transport options are limited and often unreliable. It's advisable to arrange private transport or join a tour that includes this destination.
The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on road conditions and traffic. Factor in time for acclimatization stops if needed.
The route generally follows the Lhasa River valley before ascending into the mountains. The final approach involves a steep, winding road.
Yes, it's highly recommended to arrange your transport in advance, especially if you're not part of a tour. Your hotel or a local travel agency can assist.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal ticket booth mentioned, but donations are often appreciated by the monastery. It's wise to carry some cash for this purpose.
Specific opening hours are not widely published. It's best to visit during daylight hours, typically from morning to late afternoon.
While no explicit entrance fee for the caves is noted, donations are encouraged to support the upkeep of the hermitage and the monks' living conditions.
Yes, visiting during a festival can be a unique cultural experience, though it might be more crowded.
Dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the terrain and altitude.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore ancient cliffside temples and meditation caves, observe the monks' simple lifestyle, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.
The terrain can be steep and uneven, especially when climbing to the higher caves. The altitude also adds to the challenge. Take your time and rest as needed.
The hermitage is a place of deep spiritual practice. While there aren't designated meditation spots for visitors, the serene atmosphere is conducive to quiet contemplation.
These caves have been used for centuries by Buddhist practitioners for meditation and seclusion, dating back to the 7th century.
Facilities are very basic. It's advisable to use restrooms before you leave Lhasa and carry your own snacks and water.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas, but always be respectful and ask permission before photographing monks or inside sacred spaces.
The cliffside temples, the panoramic mountain views, and the serene atmosphere of the monastery grounds offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the landscape and the textures of the ancient structures.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive mountain vistas and the scale of the cliffside architecture.
Drone usage is likely restricted or prohibited in such a sacred and remote location. It's best to assume it's not allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Backpackers
🧘 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Drak Yerpa
The isolation and high altitude of Drak Yerpa contribute to its unique spiritual atmosphere. The thin air and vast, silent landscapes inspire a sense of awe and introspection. It's a place where one can truly disconnect from the hustle of modern life and connect with a deeper sense of self and spirituality. The hermitage serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human quest for meaning and transcendence, offering a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual solace and a glimpse into a way of life dedicated to inner peace.
Navigating the Altitude and Terrain
The terrain within the hermitage itself can also be demanding. The paths leading to the various temples and caves are often steep, uneven, and rocky. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are an absolute necessity. Visitors should be prepared for a moderate hike, and it's important to pace yourself and take frequent breaks. The stunning views and the spiritual ambiance are well worth the effort, but a mindful approach to the physical demands will ensure a more enjoyable and safe experience.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit