Gepel is a Geluk hermitage in the vicinity of Lhasa and near Drepung Monastery. It was in existence by the sixteenth century, as Panchen Sonam Drakpa went there and named the location as it is now known. The First Jamyang Zhepa engaged in retreat at Gepel Ritro in the early 1700's before a trip to Amdo. In 1701 Taktsang Lobzang Rabten, a prominent Geluk lama, went there on a retreat to cure himself of a disease ascribed to the nāgā spirits.