Travel: Yarchen Gar, Tibet

Yarchen Gar also known as the Yaqên Orgyän Temple is located in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, China

Geographically remote and nestled in a valley some 4,000 metres above sea level, the temple rarely sees tourists or visitors. The monastery is associated with the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism . At Yarchen Gar there is a concentration of more than 10,000 nuns and monks – the largest collective of buddhist acolytes in the world. 

The abbot Achuk Rinpoche practices mainly Dzogchen. He teaches in both Tibetan and Chinese languages and attracts students from all over China.

The Chinese government still refuse to recognise the religion and so most of the population of Yarchen Gar constantly fear their removal from the temple. The remoteness and cloistered atmosphere hampers any tourist vistors. Although there is a basic hotel and restaurant close to the gate.