Tibet Buddha attraction: Ani Tsankhung Nunnery/Monastery

Ani Tsankhung Nunnery was built in the 7th century by Songsten Gampo who used its meditation chamber.The monastery is a yellow building which lies on the street parallel and north of Chingdol Dong Lu in Lhasa. Since the 12th century the monastery has been used chiefly by Buddhist nuns.

The nunnery's main hall contains a beautiful image of Chenrezi, the multi-armed bodhisattva of Compassion. The sacred meditation chamber lies behind it.

An air of quiet serenity pervades the ancient place with its flower bushes and spotless compound and is one of the quieter tourist locations in the Tibetan capital.

Situated in the old Tibetan quarter, the Ani Tsankhung Nunnery is difficult to find. Wandering through the busy back alleys south of the Barkhor area in search of the place, can, however, be a wonderful experience. It is located in a yellow building on the street running parallel and north of Chingdol Dong Lu. The nunnery's main hall contains a beautiful image of Chenresig, the multi-armed Bodhisattva of Compassion, and behind it lies a meditation chamber used by Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. An air of quiet serenity pervades this quaint place, with its flower bushes and spotless compound. The nunnery's main attraction is the warm welcome the curious nuns give to the visitors that come here.