(Photo by Wang Kaihao/China Daily)

But Champa Tsering says the cement will be removed this time and the facades will be restored using the da a ga method.

"The traditional material offers more flexibility compared with cement, especially when there are rainstorms or earthquakes," he says.

"Surfaces paved with cement crack more easily in harsh natural conditions," he adds.

The temple's drains will also be repaired and the rotten lumber replaced.

A grant of 12 million yuan ($1.8 million) from the central government is being used to fund the ongoing work on the main temple.