In 2017, we established Namkhyung Pema Ösel Chöling Nunnery to provide the nuns of the Namkha Khyungdzong tradition with a conducive environment to pursue their Dharma aspirations.
Many elderly nuns from Namkha Khyungdzong in Tibet resettled in India, Nepal, and other countries after the destruction of 1959. While they continued to practice, often in extended retreat, they remained scattered and were unable to regroup because there was no nunnery for them.
Similarly, several elderly nuns in Humla, lacking a dedicated nunnery, had to continue living in their family homes where domestic responsibilities hindered their Dharma practice. Many of these nuns, along with educated young women, expressed the urgent need for a nunnery—a place where women could focus fully on the Dharma.
In response, Tulku Pema Rigtsal Rinpoche established Namkhyung Pema Ösel Chöling nunnery at Gar Bokto in Yangkar valley, just three kilometers from the mother monastery.
Our vision for the nunnery is to foster world peace and wellbeing. In particular, we aim to provide women with equal access to the Buddhadharma and modern, secular education, and the opportunity to genuinely uphold the Buddhadharma in general and the Namkhyung tradition in particular.
There are currently more than 100 nuns at the nunnery. The younger nuns first enrol in Namkhyung Maha Maya School , where they study Tibetan, English, Nepalese, Maths, and the sciences up to Grade Eight. They then enter the shedra (monastic collage) , where, over the course of nine years, they study the scriptures of sutra and tantra, with a special emphasis on the works of All-Knowing Rongzompa, Longchenpa, Mipham Rinpoche, and so on.
In 2025, we completed the construction of a new nunnery temple, together with beautifully crafted statues, murals, and traditional artwork. The temple was inaugurated in September 2025 with an elaborate consecration ceremony and a large local celebration.
Having completed their shedra studies, the monks and nuns continue their study and practice by receiving teachings from Tulku Pema Rigtsal Rinpoche, teaching the younger monks, nuns, and lay students, and deepening their personal practice. They also contribute to the monastery by taking on important responsibilities, such as disciplinarian, caretaker, and shopkeeper.
