Around Lhasa

Many of Lhasa's best sites are clustered around the city center, but three of the most important are more remote. This trio of monasteries (Drepung Monastery, Ganden Monastery, and Sera Monastery) are known as the "three pillars of Tibetan Buddhism," having all been founded by religious patriarch Tsongkhapa at the beginning of the 15th century. All three are worth the effort it takes to reach them (especially Ganden Monastery, 90 minutes east of Lhasa) and should be part of any tour of Lhasa.