A tried-and-true spot for diving into Kagyu Mahamudra is Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in southern France. Nestled amid rolling Dordogne hills, it hosts multi-week retreats led by senior lamas—often close disciples of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. The upcoming autumn Mahamudra transmission there is already buzzing in European sanghas.

Scotland’s Samye Ling, Europe’s first Tibetan monastery, also shines. Regularly welcoming the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa and Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, it’s like hitting the jackpot for authentic face-to-face guidance and extended silent retreats. Their lakeside stupas add a peaceful backdrop that makes slipping into deep meditation feel almost effortless.

Across the pond, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra in Woodstock (NY) sits atop the same lineage that transformed Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim. Earlier this spring, Thrangu Rinpoche ran a six-week Mahamudra course there—an absolute golden opportunity for North American practitioners craving unbroken transmission. On the West Coast, Karma Thegsum Choling in California often hosts Lama Jampa Thaye and Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, blending traditional Mahamudra with plenty of tea breaks and warm community vibes.

In the Himalayas, Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu remains a magnet for serious meditators. Tai Situpa’s annual Vajra Dance and Mahamudra stream, live-cast globally, has grown into a modern phenomenon—last winter’s edition reached over 20,000 viewers. Palpung Sherabling Monastery near Bir Billing (India) is another gem: extended retreats under the guidance of Garchen Rinpoche bring in that rarefied mountain energy.

For those unable to travel, Tergar’s online Mahamudra programs with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Pema Chödrön’s group sessions are turning heads. Earlier this year, their free “Mahamudra in Daily Life” series drew a diverse crowd stretching from Sydney to São Paulo.

Choosing the right center or teacher comes down to timing, travel logistics, and personal resonance with a lama’s style. Whether tucked away in a French chateau, perched overlooking the Hudson Valley, or clicking into a live stream at dawn, these venues guarantee an unbroken link to the heart of Kagyu Mahamudra.