Exploring Holy Meditation Caves in Tibet

Exploring holy meditation caves in Tibet

Can you guess what the client is doing? Is there a basement? The answer is definitely No. In fact, it's a classic meditation cave in Rongbuk Monastery.

There are many benefits of meditation in Tibetan Buddhist caves. It can lower stress level, calm your mind and energize you in an imperceptible way. Finally, after meditating in a holy cave, you would gain a sense of inner peace and strength. If you have the plan to take the Tibet meditation trip, there are top three meditation retreats you shouldn’t miss in your trip.

Medication Caves in Rongbuk Monastery

Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery, was established under Nyingma Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.With an elevation of 4,900 meters above the sea level, Rongbuk Monastery is 8 km far way from Everest Base Camp, and 90km from Dingri County, Shigatse. What's interesting here is that Tibetan monks and nuns live altogether in the same monstery.

And you sitll can find the traces left by Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava. Tourists need to jump into a tiny and mysterious cave to reach the actual medication place where the master Guru Rinpoche used to meditate here.

It's one of the best places to view Rongbuk Glaciers and Mt.Everest Summit. Tourists can also spend one night in the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse or camp outside to enjoy the starry night on the roof of the world.

Best Time to Visit: You can tour Rongbuk Monastery all year round. But if you want to do Everest Base Camp trek, you'd better go there during Spring (Apr-Jun) and Autumn (Sep-Nov).
Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00
Admission Fee: CNY 35

Drak Yerpa Hermitage

There is another choice for you - Dark Yerpa Hermitage, one of the holiest cave retreats nearby Lhasa city. It was built by King Songtsen Gampo for his love Princess Chizun in the 7th century AD. That's to say, Drak Yerpa Hermitage has already had a long history of over 1500 years. And after expansion for serveral times, Drak Yerpa have solidly embedded in the cliffs.

The significance of Drak Yerpa is that it has 108 medication caves which have been used by some of Tibetan great lamas and meditators like Guru Rinpoche, Atisha, etc. Not only have the caves been used in the past, but also there has been an unbroken continuity of use to this day.

Best Time to Visit: You can actually go to Drakp Yerpa all year round.
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:30
Admission Fee: CNY 30

Chim-puk Hermitage

Chim-puk Hermitage is one of the most well-known meditation retreats in Tibet.It's said that many prestigious persons like Padmasambhava, Santiraksita and Trisong Detsen all have been practicing here for many years. And their handprints and footprints impressed on the rocks still can be found in this hermitage. Situated in Shannan area, Chim-puk Hermitage have a very pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. It' neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter. A day trek from Samye Monastery to Chim-puk Hermitage is extremely popular among tourists and hikers.

Best Time to Visit: You can visit Chim-puk Hermitage all year round.
Opening Hours: All day long
Admission Fee: None

For more information on spiritual journey to Tibet, you can visit the Tibet Vista, where our friendly staff will be more than happy to help you book your trip.

So if you’re ready to a Lifetime Tour to Tibet, our dedicated and professional teams are expecting you in Tibet! Please feel free to reach us, sharing your great ideas. We would like to offer the most useful Tibet tour advice, For Free!