Ani Tsankhung Nunnery: Charming Spiritual Retreat in Central Lhasa

Nestled in a quiet alley just south of Jokhang Temple—one of Tibet's most sacred pilgrimage sites—Ani Tsankhung Nunnery (also known as Canggu Nunnery) is the only one in downtown Lhasa dedicated to female Buddhist practitioner. The story of Ani Tsankhung Nunnery dates back to the 7th century, during the Tubo Dynasty—a pivotal era in Tibet's history. Back then, summer floods from the upper reaches of the Lhasa River surged downstream, devastating farmlands and threatening villagers on both banks. To protect his people and the city, the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo—who is revered for unifying Tibet and promoting Buddhism—dug a cave in the Lhasa River embankment. He meditated and chanted scriptures there, praying for an end to the floods and peace for his people. This cave came to be called "Canggu," meaning "underground cave" in Tibetan, and it laid the foundation for the nunnery we see today. It wasn't until the 15th century, though, that Tsongkhapa's esteemed disciple, Gujue Duodan, officially built a nunnery on the cave's foundation.

Though not large, Ani Tsankhung Nunnery's architecture is steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, with intricate details that tell stories of faith. The main hall, which has two floors, is the heart of the nunnery. The upper floor serves as a scripture hall, where you'll find vibrant murals of the Four Heavenly Kings flanking the entrance—common figures in Tibetan Buddhism that symbolize protection. The carvings on the eaves and doorposts mirror those of other important Tibetan monasteries, with lion and human face motifs above the doorposts that add a touch of grandeur to the modest space. Inside, the hall houses revered statues of Eleven-Headed Avalokiteśvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), Manjusri (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom), Amitābha Buddha, and Tsongkhapa, along with thirteen precious thangkas from the Ming and Qing dynasties. These thangkas, with their vivid colors and detailed brushwork, are excellent examples of traditional Tibetan art.

The true highlight of the nunnery, though, lies on the ground floor of the main hall: the original cave where Songtsen Gampo meditated. Today, the cave houses a statue of the king, and three dedicated nuns take turns chanting scriptures, replacing offerings, and adding lamp oil here every day. Standing in this small, sacred space, you can almost feel the weight of history and the devotion of generations of practitioners—a moment that many travelers find deeply moving.

One of the best parts of visiting Ani Tsankhung Nunnery is stopping by its sweet tea house, right at the entrance. This open-air spot is a favorite among locals, who come here to sip sweet tea, chat, and relax. In recent years, more and more travelers have discovered this hidden spot, drawn by the chance to taste authentic Tibetan sweet tea and experience daily life like a local. The tea here is smooth, creamy, and not too sweet—perfect for warming up on a cool Lhasa day. The nunnery itself is always clean and tidy, with flowers blooming throughout the year, creating a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can sit for a while, watch the world go by, and feel truly immersed in Tibetan culture.

Conclusion

If you're looking to deepen your experience of Tibet's spiritual and cultural sites, our Tibet travel agency can help. We offer customized tours that include a guided visit to Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, paired with trips to Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and other iconic locations. Our local guides are knowledgeable about Tibetan history and culture, and they'll help you navigate the sites, understand their significance, and avoid any travel hassles.