Tsurphu Monastery Temple

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.

• 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.