Samye Chimphu(Nunnery and Hermitage Caves) are located some 16Km northeast of Samye monastery. And, it grew up over the centuries around the meditation retreat of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)
Chimphu hermitage forms a great natural amphitheatre and is one of the most sacred sites in Tibet. In addition, as per local history, at the time of the founding of the monastery of Samye, at King Trisong Detsen’s request, Padmasambhava opened the mandala of the Vajrayana teachings in the caves of Chimphu. It opened to the twenty-five disciples, headed by King Trisong Detsen, Yeshe Tsogyal, and Vairotsana. Nine of the twenty-five attained siddhis or enlightenment. It was through practising the sadhanas or an ego-transcending spiritual practice he transmitted to them.
Even today, there are many practitioners who have been on extended practice at Chimphu hermitage caves. Chimphu is a great place for people who are interested in meditation, retreat, yoga and the related subject of Tibetan Buddhist. Moreover, it also an amazing and popular place for trekking excursion for travellers. We trek up to Chimphu and explore caves clustered around the mountain slope. So, there are many occasions to meet with them and make personal offerings.