Drak Yerpa Monastery, is one of the most sacred cave hermitages in Tibet. The monastery is located in Dazi County, north of Lhasa City, at the foot of Yerba Mountain. Sitting at an elevation of around 4,000 meters above sea level, the complex overlooks the northern bank of the Kyichu River and the peaceful Yerpa Valley.
Perched on limestone cliffs, Drak Yerpa is famous for its ancient meditation caves, temples, and hermitages carved into the mountainside. The site is widely regarded as one of the most important spiritual retreat places in Tibet and has been associated with many great Buddhist masters for centuries.
The Ancient Origins of Drak Yerpa Monastery
The origins of Drak Yerpa Monastery date back to the 7th century, during the reign of the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king and founder of the Tibetan Empire. According to historical records, the first temple at the site, known as Yerba Temple, was built under the order of Emperor Songtsen Gampo and his Tibetan queen Monza Tricham.
Historical texts from the U-Tsang region mention that the temple once preserved several sacred relics. These included a ritual dish associated with the Indian Buddhist master Atisha, sacred Buddha statues, and a special painting known as the “Atisha nose-bleed painting.” The temple also contained a hall dedicated to the Sixteen Arhats, important disciples of the Buddha who are widely venerated in Tibetan Buddhism.
During the reign of the Tibetan emperor Trisong Detsen and later rulers, additional temples and chapels were constructed in the area. Over time, the site developed into a large spiritual complex with numerous meditation caves used by monks and hermits.
The Development of the Yerpa Temple Complex
Through the centuries, Drak Yerpa continued to expand as a religious center. During the reign of the Tibetan king Ralpachen (803–841), a stupa was built at the temple to commemorate the flourishing of Buddhism in Tibet.
Later historical accounts mention that during the period of King Langdarma (9th century), political and religious conflicts affected many monasteries in Tibet. During this time, Lhalung Pelgyi Dorje, the monk known for assassinating Langdarma, is believed to have practiced meditation in the caves of Drak Yerpa.
The monastery also became closely connected with the revival of Buddhism in Tibet during the 10th and 11th centuries. The renowned Indian Buddhist master Atisha (982–1054) spent time teaching in the area, and his disciples later spread the Kadampa teachings from this sacred place.
According to historical tradition, 108 meditation caves were established on the mountainside. These caves served as retreat places for monks practicing meditation and tantric teachings.
Legends and Sacred Stories of Drak Yerpa
Drak Yerpa is surrounded by numerous legends that reflect its deep spiritual significance in Tibetan culture.
One well-known story tells how King Songtsen Gampo came to the area after receiving a vision indicating that the site was spiritually powerful and capable of subduing harmful spirits across Tibet. Accompanied by his queens—Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal, Princess Wencheng of the Tang dynasty, and Queen Monza Tricham—the king visited the valley and discovered many sacred signs.
According to the legend, the king and his queens found self-arisen symbols of the Buddha’s body, speech, and mind, as well as sacred syllables and juniper trees inhabited by local deities. They meditated in the Peumar Lhakhang, where these miraculous signs appeared.
The king himself later meditated in a cave known as Chögyal-puk, which is believed to have helped remove obstacles during the construction of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Guru Rinpoche and the Moon Cave
Another important figure connected with Drak Yerpa is Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the great tantric master who helped establish Buddhism in Tibet.
While preparing to build Samye Monastery, Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated at Drak Yerpa together with his consort Yeshe Tsogyal and several disciples. They practiced in a small cave known as Dawa Puk, or the Moon Cave.
According to tradition, Guru Rinpoche expanded the cave into three chambers by striking the rock with his ritual trident. He remained there in meditation for several months, leaving behind sacred signs such as a body imprint in the rock and spiritual treasures known as terma.
These treasures were believed to be hidden for discovery by future spiritual masters.
Important Buddhist Masters Associated with Drak Yerpa
Throughout Tibetan history, many important Buddhist figures practiced meditation at Drak Yerpa. The site attracted kings, scholars, and great spiritual masters from different Buddhist traditions.
Some of the most notable personalities associated with the monastery include:
- King Songtsen Gampo and his queens, who founded the earliest temples at the site.
- Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and Yeshe Tsogyal, who practiced tantric meditation in the Moon Cave.
- Lhalung Pelgyi Dorje, who later meditated in one of the caves known as Lhalung-puk.
- Atisha (Jowo-je), the great Bengali master who spent several years teaching in the area.
- Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
- The Fifth Dalai Lama, who later left sacred footprints preserved in some of the caves.
Because of these connections, Drak Yerpa became one of the most respected meditation sites in Tibet.
Key Caves and Temples at Drak Yerpa
The Drak Yerpa complex contains many caves, temples, and shrines scattered across the mountainside. Some of the most important sacred locations include:
Chögyal-puk (Cave of the Dharma King)
This cave is traditionally associated with King Songtsen Gampo. It contains a statue of Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara (Chenresig) and a small statue of the king. A pillar inside the cave is said to display a naturally formed lion face.
Dawa Puk (Moon Cave)
The Moon Cave is the main retreat site of Guru Rinpoche. Inside the cave are statues of Padmasambhava, as well as footprints and sacred rock imprints believed to have been left during his meditation.
Peu Marsergyi Lhakhang
This temple is believed to be the place where the king and his queens discovered the self-arisen sacred symbols of the Buddha.
Neten Lhakhang
This hall is dedicated to the Sixteen Arhats and is believed to have been a place where Atisha taught Buddhist philosophy.
Jampa Lhakhang
Also known as the Maitreya Temple, this chapel contains a large statue of Maitreya Buddha surrounded by statues of other important Buddhist figures.
Sacred Relics and Statues of Yerpa Temple
Yerpa Temple is also known by several names, including Zayeba Temple, Bimarse Temple, and Zayeba Manirakan Temple. Inside the temple complex are many sacred objects and historical relics.
Among them is a Mani stone engraved with the Six-Syllable Mantra, along with statues of several historical figures such as:
- Songtsen Gampo
- Princess Wencheng
- Princess Monza
- Prince Gongri Gongzan
These statues reflect the strong historical connection between Tibetan royalty and the development of Buddhism in the region.
The Rise of Kadampa and Gelug Influence
During the 11th century, the Indian Buddhist master Atisha stayed at Drak Yerpa for several years. His teachings helped establish the monastery as an important center of the Kadampa tradition.
Later, in 1647, the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, founded a four-story Gelug monastery at the site. Several temples, chapels, and palaces were constructed during this period. Statues of Atisha, Dromtönpa, and Tsongkhapa were installed in the monastery.
Historical records indicate that around 160 monks once lived and practiced there.
In the 18th century, when the 51st abbot of Kadan Temple, Ngawang Bandan, was appointed to lead the Upper Tantric College, a Gelug Tantric institution was established at Drak Yerpa. At that time, more than 60 monks were resident at the monastery.
Sacred Caves and Meditation Sites
The mountains around Drak Yerpa contain numerous caves used for meditation. Among them are several famous retreat caves mentioned in historical records.
The Dawa Puk (Moon Cave) is one of the most important, associated with Guru Rinpoche’s practice.
Another site is Naebu Cave, also known as the Bell Cave, where practitioners of Vajrayana meditation are said to have achieved spiritual realization.
Other caves include Dojipu Cave and the retreat caves used by eighty accomplished practitioners who practiced meditation in the area.
These caves helped establish Drak Yerpa as a major tantric meditation center during the Tibetan Empire period.
Nearby Sacred Sites and Spiritual Landscape
East of Yerpa Temple, along the northern bank of the Lhasa River, lies Gangdui, where the cave of the famous translator Nying Konpu (Damaza) can be found. Inside this cave is a powerful statue of the Four-Faced Wisdom King, a deity associated with the Sakya tradition.
The surrounding mountains, temples, and caves together form a sacred spiritual landscape that has attracted monks, hermits, pilgrims, and travelers for centuries.
A Historic Pilgrimage and Cultural Heritage Site
With a history of more than 1,500 years, Drak Yerpa Monastery remains one of the most important religious sites in the region surrounding Lhasa. The temple complex, meditation caves, and sacred relics reflect the early development of Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual practices of many great masters.
For centuries, the site has drawn pilgrims, monks, and visitors who come to explore its ancient temples, meditate in its caves, and experience one of the most sacred spiritual landscapes in Tibet.
