Reting Monastery Tibet

Rating Monastery 

Reting Monastery 

Reting Monastery is a historically significant monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, located in Lhünzhub County, about 160 kilometers north of Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region. It sits at an elevation of around 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) in the beautiful Reting Tsangpo Valley, surrounded by ancient juniper forests that are considered sacred.

History and Significance

Founded in 1057 by Dromtönpa, a chief disciple of the great Buddhist master Atisha, Reting Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Tibet.

It was originally the seat of the Kadampa school, which later evolved into the Gelugpa tradition established by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century.

Architecture and Setting

The monastery complex features traditional Tibetan monastic architecture, with golden roofs, whitewashed walls, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

The surrounding Reting Valley is known for its serene natural beauty—green meadows, flowing rivers, and the sacred Reting Juniper Forest, believed to have been planted by Dromtönpa himself.

Cultural Importance

Reting Monastery remains a spiritual and historical landmark, representing the early roots of Tibetan Buddhism before the rise of the Gelug school.

Pilgrims visit to pay homage, meditate, and walk the kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the monastery and sacred forest.

Travel Tips

Altitude: Around 4,100 meters – visitors should acclimatize properly before visiting.

Access: The drive from Lhasa takes approximately 4–5 hours through scenic mountain landscapes.

Best time to visit: May to October, when the weather is milder and the valley is lush and green.