Gagu Meditation Retreat Center (also commonly written as Gagu Chanxiuyuan or Gagu Bodhi Grove) is a spiritual sanctuary hidden deep in the mountains of the Dege Maisu region. Compared to the religiously prominent Zongsa Monastery, this place feels more like a secluded, pure land cut off from the outside world. Some visitors have called it "a more primitive meditation sanctuary than Seda Buddhist Academy."
Gagu Nunnery
Gagu Nunnery
Gagu Nunnery
Gagu Nunnery
Gagu Nunnery
Gagu Nunnery is located on the mountain near Maisu Town, adjacent to the Dopu Nature Reserve. Situated at an altitude of about 4,200 meters, the environment is tranquil and the scenery magnificent, with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains in the distance (Chola Southface). Almost no tourists set foot in the area, preserving a very pure atmosphere for spiritual practice.
It takes about 2–3 hours to drive from Dege County town, covering approximately 110 kilometers in total. Navigation cannot guide you directly to this place. From the foot of the mountain to the nunnery, there is about 3 kilometers of winding dirt road—road conditions are allow normal SUV to drive up.
A Sanctuary for Intensive Practice: This is a sacred site dedicated to Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) and is renowned for its strict, long-term meditation retreats. Many great masters (such as Ari Gungga Jamyang, Lodro Wangpo, and others) have practiced here intensively. Currently, about 150 monks and nuns reside here, engaged in studying and practicing teachings such as the Lamp for the Path over periods of up to three years.
A Hidden Realm of Red Houses: Similar to Seda Larung Gar School, there are layered rows of small red wooden huts built along the mountainside, serving as the residences of practitioners—a visually striking sight.
Rich Cultural Ambiance: Due to its remote location and simple conditions, there is virtually no commercial presence here. You may see lamas repairing their own houses or enjoying "Shuabaizi" (picnics and gatherings) on the meadows in sunny days —it is filled with an authentic sense of daily life.
The altitude is high, so be sure to take precautions against AMS. Facilities on the mountain are basic; it is advisable to bring some food and water for yourself if you plan to stay long. Please respect the monastery's rules: do not take photos inside the prayer halls without permission, and refrain from making noise or disturbing practitioners. Gagu Meditation Center is a place that requires patience and respect to visit. The hardships of the journey and the simplicity of the conditions often feel truly worthwhile when you arrive and experience the peace and purity here.
Recommended time of visit: 2h to 1 day;
Ticket Information: Free of Charge
Business Hour: Not Specified, All Day (some seasons not accessible due to the possible temporal Events);
