Tsurphu Monastery
Temple Major Tibetan Buddhist monastery, historic seat of the Karmapa
A Tibetan Buddhist monastery in central Tibet and the traditional seat of the Karmapa; Tsurphu draws pilgrims and visitors interested in monastic life and high‑altitude landscapes.
Tsurphu Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Tibet Autonomous Region, founded in 1159 by Düsum Khyenpa, the 1st Karmapa. It is the traditional seat of the Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu lineage.
The complex contains assembly halls, chapels and monastic living quarters arranged in a valley setting, with large prayer halls used for rituals and teaching. Pilgrims and practitioners travel there for religious ceremonies and to pay respects to the Karmapa lineage.
Founded in 1159 by Düsum Khyenpa, the site became a principal centre of the Karma Kagyu school. The monastery suffered major damage during the mid-20th century and has undergone rebuilding and restoration since then.
The monastery sits in a valley in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, within the mountainous interior of historic Tibet.
- Lineage seat: Serves as the traditional seat of the Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Destruction and reconstruction: Substantially damaged in the 20th century and rebuilt in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Tips for Visiting Tsurphu Monastery #
- Remember that Tsurphu is an active Tibetan monastery and a traditional seat of the Karmapa; foreigners must travel to Tibet with the required Tibet Travel Permit and an organized tour-arrange logistics through an approved operator in advance.
- Plan to arrive in the morning to see ritual activity in the courtyard and to photograph outdoor buildings; always ask permission before photographing monks or interior ritual spaces as restrictions often apply.
- Account for high altitude and remote access when scheduling-confirm monastery opening times with your tour operator, and build buffer time for mountain driving or weather delays.
Best Time to Visit Tsurphu Monastery #
Visit in the warmer months (late spring through summer) for the most reliable access and milder conditions at this high‑altitude Tibetan monastery.
Weather & Climate near Tsurphu Monastery #
Tsurphu Monastery's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -22°C to 10°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -22°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -19°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -15°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -11°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 90 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -17°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -21°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
