As a realm of spirituality situated on the roof of the world, Tibet is home to some of the best meditation retreats.

So, whether you are intrigued by Tibetan Buddhism or want to escape the bustling city life by seeking a Tibet meditation retreat to meditate, practice yoga, or heal your mind and body, the following 8 best Tibet meditation retreats from Lhasa to Shigatse and Mt.Kailash are something you can’t afford to miss out.

Drak Yerpa Retreat: Meditate in the Caves of Cliffside Tibet Meditation Retreat around Lhasa

Drak Yerpa Hermitage is one of the holiest cave retreats. Only 30km from Lhasa, it is also one of the most accessible. The unique architecture consists of a complex of caves, temples, and monasteries built into the cliffs of a narrow gorge.

With structures dating back over a thousand years and intricate murals depicting Buddhist deities and sacred symbols, the whole structure of Drak Yerpa is designed to enhance the experience of meditation.

The stunning meditation caves have been home to famous ascetics such as Guru Rinpoche, Atisha, and King Songtsen Gampo, who meditated there. After at least a couple of days in Lhasa to acclimatize, you can travel to Drak Yerpa, which spans an elevation from 4,400 to 4,880 meters.

It takes around 40 minutes to hike there and makes a great day trip. You can spend the time exploring and find a favorite cave to meditate in precious tranquility. While you are free to explore the Drak Yerpa meditation retreat, do ask before taking any photos, and try not to disturb any visiting pilgrims.

5 Days Lhasa to Drak Yerpa Small Group Tour: Best Meditation Tour for Tibetan Buddhist Culture Enthusiasts

Tour Route: Lhasa - Drak Yerpa - Ganden - Lhasa

Price from USD599 p.p

Ganden Monastery: Mediate in the 1st Gelugpa Monastery with Scenic Ganden Kora

Ganden Monastery is another perfect Tibet meditation retreat near Lhasa. Situated at 4,300m atop Wangbur Mountain, the beautiful Ganden Monastery is around 57km from the capital. As one of the largest monastery complexes in central Tibet, it is a vision of stunning architecture with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Ganden quickly grew to become a center of Buddhist scholarship. Tsongkhapa practiced meditation in a cave on the east side of the monastery, which is well-protected to preserve his relics.

You can enjoy the scenic Ganden kora on the pilgrimage route around the monastery that remains popular with locals. There are many peaceful spots on the Kora route where you can rest or meditate in the meditation caves of Tsongkhapa.

6 Days Spiritual Odyssey to Lhasa by Scenic Tibet Train

Tour Route: Xining-Lhasa-Drak Yerpa-Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

Rutog Monastery: Meditate in the Loneliest Monastery Surrounded by Turquoise Yamdrok Lake

100km away from Lhasa is the loneliest monastery in the world. At 4,441 meters and surrounded by the holy Yamdrok Lake, Rutog Monastery is home to a single monk who lives on the small island where the monastery is located.

All meditation sites are peaceful, but nowhere can match the tranquil solitude of Rutog Monastery. The lake's quiet shores and scenic beauty make it a perfect meditation spot, or you can walk the pilgrimage route around the lake and practice yoga in the sacred setting.

Yamdrok Lake is beautiful all year round. Ascend to Lurila Platform for an incredible view of the azure waters and snow-capped peaks of Nyenchen kangsar in the background.

5 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour: Take a 360° Tour and Visit the Loneliest Temple in the World

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa

Price from USD689 p.p

Samye Monastery: Experience the Serenity in the First Tibetan Monastery

Samye Monastery is a must-visit for all Buddhists and a significant site for Tibet's cultural heritage. Located around 120km southeast of Lhasa at a modest 3,700m, it was the first Buddhist monastery established in Tibet. Samye Monastery was founded in the 8th century during the reign of King Trisong Detsen and played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism in the region.

The monastery site is designed like a Buddhist mandala, with Utse Hall at the center. The four temples around the main hall, four main pagodas, and 1,028 small pagodas symbolize elements of Buddhist cosmology. Travelers are welcome to meditate there and enjoy scenic hiking in the nearby Hipori Mountains to appreciate the panorama of the holy site.

One of the best views of Samye Monastery is from the mountain of Hepo Ri. It's a short 30-minute hike to the summit.

6 Day Lhasa to Tsedang Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Tsedang - Lhasa

Price from USD760 p.p

Chim-puk Hermitage: Discover the Meditation Retreat of Guru Rinpoche

Around 6km away from Samye Monastery is another renowned Tibet meditation retreat. Chim-puk Hermitage is perched on a rugged cliffside at 4,300m on Narui Mountain. The deep valley preserves a mild climate all year, and it has made Chim-Puk's numerous meditation retreats overlooking the Yarlung Tsangpo River a favored place for self-cultivation and enlightenment.

The hermitage was built around the original meditation retreat of Guru Rinpoche. You can explore the many meditation caves there, some of which are still inhabited by Buddhist practitioners. Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave can still be visited, and there is an enormous footprint in the rock that is said to have been left by him.

In addition to being a tranquil retreat, Chim-Puk Hermitage is an ideal spot for bird-watching. Local species such as Tibetan eared pheasants, alpine chough, and Tibetan rosefinch inhabit the area.

Chim-puk hermitage.

Rongbuk Monastery: Meditate in the World's Highest Monastery around Mt. Everest

Rongbuk Monastery is the highest in the world, at an elevation of 5,154m, and an important stop for travelers visiting Everest Base Camp. From the monastery's vantage point, you can see breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the famous Rongbuk Glacier from afar.

It was founded in 1902 in an area of meditation huts and caves that had been in use since the 18th century. Travelers can meditate in the underground cave where Guru Rinpoche used to meditate in a site of extreme tranquility. The monastery's guesthouse offers accommodations for travelers visiting Mount Everest, and there is a small restaurant there.

Rongbuk Monastery meditation cave.

Due to the extreme altitude, travelers should only visit Rongbuk Monastery around Everest Base Camp in Tibet after spending time acclimatizing at lower altitudes.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Chiu Monastery: Perfect Tibet Meditation Retreat Overlooking Lake Manasarovar & Mt.Kailash

Chiu Monastery is another with historical connections to Guru Rinpoche. Its nickname, 'Sparrow Monastery,' comes from the legend that Guru Rinpoche was guided there by a sparrow. At an elevation of 4,590m, it is one of five monasteries around Lake Manasarovar far out in remote Ngari Prefecture.

For pilgrims performing a kora around the holy lake, Chiu Monastery in the northwest corner is regarded as the best starting point. Visitors can see Guru Rinpoche's stone footprint, meditate in the meditation cave or at the lakeshore, or simply enjoy sweeping views of the surroundings.

Trekking the Kora route around the lake takes four days, or you can drive the 110km route around the lake in a few hours.

Chiu Monastery with holy Mt. Kailash in the background.

Dirapuk Monastery: The Ultimate Tibet Meditation Retreat Near Sacred Mt. Kailash

Remote Ngari Prefecture is an important destination for pilgrims and trekkers visiting sacred Mount Kailash. The three-day Mount Kailash Kora trek is a spiritual journey around the sacred mountain. Dirapuk Monastery is the first lodging place on the Kora.

The monastery's guesthouse, at an elevation of 5,210m, offers a welcome rest point for travelers trekking Mount Kailash. Its simple design is humble in the face of the stunning surroundings. You can meditate in the monastery or on the hillside that directly faces the north face of Mount Kailash.

You can meditate at the foot of Mount Kailash around Dirapuk Monastery.

During busy pilgrimage seasons like May for the Saga Dawa Festival, the ceaseless flow of pilgrims and celebrations can be also a great sight.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2069 p.p

What Travel Service You Need for Visiting Tibet Meditation Retreats

Now, you know where Tibet meditation retreats are, the next big thing is to find a reliable Tibet travel service for your overall Tibetan experience.

For international travelers, you have to pre-book your Tibet tour via a local Tibet travel agency like us and we will help you apply for a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet.

A sample of Tibet Entry Permit.

We offer you budget-friendly small group tours and private tours for meditation, pilgrimage, yoga, etc., and arrange for local Tibetan experts who practice Buddhism and meditation themselves to offer you authentic spiritual tour experiences in Tibet.

Conclusion

Meditation is a way of cultivating mindfulness that has strong health and psychological benefits. In Tibet, it is deeply ingrained in the culture and history of the people there. The vast, rugged landscape lends itself to tranquility and contemplation. Find out more about our Tibet meditation tours, or contact us to plan your personalized meditation experience in Tibet.