Tridum Nunnery 

Overview

Tridum Nunnery is a serene and sacred Buddhist site located in the Drigung Valley, about 140 kilometers northeast of Lhasa in Medro Gongkar County, Tibet. Nestled deep in the mountains at an altitude of around 4,300 meters (14,100 feet), the nunnery is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its natural hot springs believed to have healing powers.

Spiritual and Historical Background

§  Tridum Nunnery belongs to the Drikung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

§  It is closely associated with Jetsun Milarepa, one of Tibet’s most revered yogis and poets, who is said to have meditated in the caves above the nunnery.

§  The site later became an important center for female practitioners and Buddhist nuns, offering a quiet and contemplative environment for study and meditation.

Main Attractions

§  The Nunnery Complex: Home to several dozen nuns, with simple monastic quarters, temples, and meditation caves built into the rocky hillside.

§  Hot Springs: The natural Tridum Hot Springs are among the most famous in Tibet. Locals and pilgrims bathe here to seek healing for skin and joint ailments — it’s said the waters are blessed by divine energy.

§  Meditation Caves: High above the nunnery, caves used by ancient hermits and yogis are still places of retreat and devotion today.

§  Peaceful Scenery: The valley is breathtaking, with rivers, forests, and snow-capped peaks surrounding the monastery — a perfect setting for spiritual reflection.

Travel Information

§  Altitude: ~4,300 meters — visitors should be well-acclimatized before visiting.

§  Distance from Lhasa: About 5–6 hours by road (140 km), often visited along with Drigung Til Monastery, located nearby.

§  Best time to visit: May to October, when roads are open and the weather is mild.

§  Facilities: Basic guesthouses and bathing areas are available near the hot springs.