Yarney is observed each year at Nagi Nunnery starting on the full moon day of the 6th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar and concluding on the new moon day of the 8th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. For 6 weeks, the assembly of nuns is strictly confined to the nunnery compound. This is a special time for reciting prayers and performing pūjās and rituals; strictly adhering to the Vinaya vows; intensively studying the Buddhist scriptures; and practicing listening, contemplating, and meditating.

On the first day, the retreat begins at dawn with a special puja during which the nuns take specific Vinaya vows to be observed throughout the six weeks. Next, accompanied by horns and other sacred musical instruments, the nuns circumambulate the nunnery. The grounds of the compound are consecrated, the entrances are sealed with special mantras, and the retreat begins.

Six weeks later, three days of special pūjās are performed to mark the conclusion of the retreat. Once again, the nuns circumambulate the nunnery. Lastly, the Gakye ritual releases the nuns from the vows taken on the first day of Yarney.