About This Retreat
Dongyu Gatsal Ling (DGL) Nunnery is one of the most remarkable Buddhist women's communities in the world — a thriving monastery of 115 Drukpa Kagyu nuns in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, founded by Venerable Tenzin Palmo, the British-born nun who spent 12 years in solitary meditation in a Himalayan cave and is one of the most celebrated female Buddhist teachers of our time.
The name Dongyu Gatsal Ling means "The Joyful Grove of the True Dharma" — and this is precisely what visitors find. DGL is not a tourist attraction but a living, breathing monastic community dedicated to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, with a full schedule of daily pujas, meditation, philosophical study, and the traditional arts. The nuns at DGL are trained to the same high standard as monks — an expression of Tenzin Palmo's central mission to restore equal opportunity for women in Tibetan Buddhism.
Visitors may come to DGL to attend teachings and pujas, experience the atmosphere of a living Tibetan Buddhist nunnery, or undertake a personal retreat in the guest accommodation. The community warmly welcomes sincere practitioners and those interested in learning more about Buddhism and the contemplative life.
Daily Schedule at DGL
The nunnery follows a rigorous daily schedule. Visitors are welcome to attend all pujas and sessions. Times are approximate.
5:30 AM
Tara Puja — Daily morning offering to Tara, the female Buddha of compassion and swift activity. One of the most beautiful pujas in the Drukpa Kagyu tradition.
6:30 AM
Meditation Session — Group shamatha and Vajrayana meditation practice.
Morning
Breakfast · Philosophy class · Language study (Tibetan, English)
Afternoon
Debate · Arts (thangka painting, sewing, ritual arts) · Rest · Study
6:00 PM
Mahakala & Chöd Puja — Powerful evening practices of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. Mahakala (protector practice) and Chöd (cutting through ego). Open to visitors.
What's Included
✓Attendance at all daily pujas (Tara, Mahakala, Chöd)
✓Guest accommodation in the nunnery
✓Vegetarian meals
✓Guided tours of the temple and campus
✓Teaching programs when available
✓Access to the Dharma library
✓Opportunity to observe thangka painting and ritual arts
✓Beautiful Himalayan setting and walking paths
Reviews
Attending the 5:30am Tara Puja with 115 nuns was one of the most moving experiences of my life. The voices, the instruments, the scent of incense at dawn — there is nothing quite like it anywhere. The atmosphere at DGL is one of genuine dedication and joy. The nuns radiate something. I came for three days and the experience has stayed with me for months.
✓ Retreat stay at DGL, Feb 2026
I had read Cave in the Snow years ago and visiting DGL felt like completing a circle. The nunnery is everything Tenzin Palmo envisioned — rigorous, joyful, and deeply alive. The evening Chöd puja was extraordinary. The staff and nuns are warm and welcoming to visitors. Staying here for a week gave me a sense of monastic life that no amount of reading could have provided.
✓ One-week retreat, Sep 2025
DGL is unique — a genuine monastic community of women who are trained at the highest level. Seeing 115 nuns practicing Chöd together in the evening was something that felt both ancient and urgently necessary. Tenzin Palmo's presence permeates the place. The Kangra Valley setting is beautiful. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to understand what Tibetan Buddhism really is at its heart.
✓ Teaching program visit, Dec 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay at DGL as a guest?+
Yes — DGL welcomes guests who wish to experience the monastic atmosphere, attend pujas, and undertake personal retreat. Contact office@dglnunnery.com or call +91 98163 12062 well in advance to arrange accommodation. Space is limited and demand is high.
Is Tenzin Palmo teaching at DGL currently?+
Since April 2022, Venerable Tenzin Palmo has reduced extensive travel and is focusing more on the DGL community. She gives occasional teachings at the nunnery. Check dglnunnery.com for current program announcements. Even when she is not formally teaching, her presence and the community she built speak for themselves.
What is the daily schedule like for visitors?+
Visitors are welcome to attend all pujas — the 5:30am Tara Puja, 6:30am meditation, and 6pm Mahakala/Chöd evening puja. Meals are communal. Days are otherwise largely self-directed — time for personal practice, walking, visiting the library, or quiet reflection.
Is this a suitable place for beginners?+
Yes, beginners are welcome. You do not need prior experience in Tibetan Buddhism to attend pujas or stay at the nunnery. The community is warm and patient with visitors of all backgrounds. Some context about the Drukpa Kagyu tradition will enhance your experience — reading about Tenzin Palmo and the Kagyu tradition beforehand is recommended.
