Garu Nunnery, Buddhist temple in Tibet, China
Garu Nunnery is a Buddhist temple near Lhasa built at higher elevation, featuring traditional Tibetan architecture with carved wooden elements and religious symbols throughout. The buildings display curved roofs, painted pillars, and open courtyards that shape how the community moves through and uses the sacred space.
This temple grew from a long tradition of female monastic communities in Tibet, where nuns have studied and practiced Buddhist teachings for centuries. This lineage of women practitioners within Tibetan Buddhism has continued through many generations.
The nuns who live here practice daily prayers and meditation that shape the rhythm of life within the walls. You can sense their presence when walking through the spaces where religious study and practice happen naturally throughout the day.
Visitors need to obtain special permits before visiting, and the best time to go is between April and October when weather is most favorable. The paths and terrain around the site can be uneven, so sturdy footwear helps when exploring the area.
The nunnery holds old Buddhist manuscripts and artworks that have been cared for by devoted practitioners over many generations. These objects tell a story not just of the place, but also of how a community of women maintained its practices through time.
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