Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal

Nepal is a beautiful country popular not just for trekking, mountaineering, or family vacations but also for meditation retreats, cultural trips, and spiritual quests. Nepal is home to innumerable religious temples, stupas, and monasteries spread across the country. What makes Nepal a prominent land is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Every year Nepal welcomes pilgrims from around the world, especially those who wish to explore and pay homage to the monasteries. That said, here are some of the beautiful monasteries that are must-visit while traveling in Nepal.

Monastery In Kathmandu

Travelers who visit Nepal definitely stay in Kathmandu, and the first impression is chaotic. But on the flip side, Kathmandu is beautiful if you explore the beautiful monasteries amidst the busy corners and on the outskirts. Some of us might not know what a monastery is or say the meaning of a monastery. A monastery is a building for persons (monks) under religious vows. A monastery comprises workplaces of monks, a place for prayers, a dormitory, refectory, library, infirmary, and balneary. Below is the list of monasteries in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is also known as the City of Temple, for there are hundreds of temples of different sizes on every street of Kathmandu. Just like that, there are many monasteries scattered around the corners of the city. These monasteries reflect on the historical events of Buddhism and spiritual practices. Monks and nuns practice monastic life in the monastery, governed by community rules. The monasteries in Kathamndu have gradually developed into a center of learning Buddhism. That said, below are some of the monasteries in Kathmandu.

Read More : Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites In Nepal

Kopan Monastery

One of the most beautiful and revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu valley is the Kopan monastery perched on a hill overlooking Kathmandu valley. This monastery is famous for one particular reason; teaching Buddhism to western foreigners. In that sense, students from around the world visit this monastery to study Buddhism and meditation. The monastery offers introductory-level courses of Tibetan Buddhism and courses in Buddhist psychology and philosophy. Once open to every visitor, the Kopan monastery now restricts admission.

This site, founded by Lama Thubten Yeshe, lies north of Boudhnath stupa. It is home to more than 350 monks and lamas who follow in the footsteps of the Buddha. The monastery houses several stupas, statues, prayer wheels, a debate hall, and holy relics. There is also Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery, established in 1979 by Lama Yeshe. The Kopan monastery has become one of the popular destinations among local travelers. Note: the monastery is open from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday only.

Quick Facts

How to Get there

The best way to visit the Kopan monastery is by walking from Boudhanath stupa. Assuming that you are in Thamel, you can catch a local bus or hire a taxi to Boudhanath stupa. If you want to skip the hiking, some buses take you to the base of the hill of the monastery.

White Gumba (Amitabh Monastery)

White Gumba, also known as Seto Gumba or Druk Amitabh Monastery (in local), is a popular Buddhist monastery in Nepal. This monastery is located on the hills of the Druk Amitabha Mountain to the north of Swayambhu. This pilgrimage site is one of the best spots in Kathmandu valley to embrace spectacular sunrise and sunset. Draped in lush greenery, White Gumba flaunts Tibetan architecture and culture. Along with a serene ambiance, it bestows amazing views of the Kathmandu valley. The spacious courtyard of the monastery features fountains, murals, and statues. 

A day hike to this Gumba is a favorite activity among local travelers. As said earlier, on a clear day, the view of the city from the monastery is truly beautiful. Besides, this monastery bestows a peaceful environment and hence is a great option to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city. The hiking trails are attractive, and the monastery itself is a center for spiritual practice.

Quick Facts

How to Get there

Please note that there is no public vehicle that takes you to the site. However, You can start your journey to the monastery from two places: Sitapaila and Halchowk. Considering that you are in Thamel, you will have to catch a local bus or a taxi to either of these two places. From there, it is just about 30 minutes short hike to the monastery.

Neydo Tashi Choling Monastery

A few miles away from the busy street of Kathmandu lies a beautiful Neydo Tashi Choling Monastery. Tucked away in Pharping, 20 km southwest of Kathmandu, this monastery is one of the important monasteries in Nepal. It is less than an hour's drive from Kathmandu. It is an ideal place to indulge in meditation and experience monastic life. This monastery is home to almost 200 monks who study and practice Buddhism. You can also participate and gain insight into their monastic life.

The monastery features a huge Amitabha Buddha statue, which is considered to be the biggest Amitabha in Nepal. In addition to this, there are also the statues of Avaloketesvara, the Buddha of Compassion, and Vajrapani. According to history, this monastery was built to preserve Neydo Tradition. Various ritual offerings, prayers, and associated practices are taught to the monks at the monastery.

Quick Facts

How to Get there

The easiest way to go there is to hire a taxi to the monastery. It is just 18km away from Kathmandu. We are not sure about the public buses going from Kathmandu directly to the monastery.

Pullahari Monastery

Pullahari Monastery is a beautiful monastery nestled in the northern hills of the Kathmandu valley. Opened in 1992, the Pullahari monastery is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites of Buddhism. This monastery has long been a center for Buddhist culture and tradition. Embellished with picturesque architecture, a beautiful garden, and monk’s quarters, the Pullahari monastery symbolizes beauty and offers secluded serenity to visitors. Admittedly, this monastery is not so popular among internal as well as international tourists.

Embrace the beauty of the monastery, soak in the spiritual vibes and relax on the white marble veranda. Or you can join the meditation sessions as well. The blissful ambiance surely instills peace and calmness in you. There is a cafe run by monks that serves cakes and snacks and hot and cold drinks. One can admire the 360-degree view of Kathmandu valley from the monastery as well. If you walk for about 40 minutes along the ridgeline, you can visit Kopan Monastery.

Quick Facts

How to get there

First, head to Boudhanath Stupa. From the stupa, take a taxi to Gokarna through the beautiful forest to Pullahari monastery. You can also enjoy a short hike to the monastery from Kapan village.

Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling

Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling is yet another beautiful monastery lying on the outskirt of chaotic Kathmandu valley. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery built in 1976, albeit its construction was started in 1974. The name Ka-Nying is derived from Kagyu and Nyingma schools. The name literally means "sanctuary for learning and practice." This monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Nepal and is abode to more than 200 monks who have dedicated their lives to monastic activities. 

Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and his family started constructing this monastery, and within 2 years, the monastery was completed. Hundreds of monks practice the teachings of Buddha here. Legend has it that many meditation masters have visited this monastery and given teachings. There is Rangjung Yeshe Institute, the Center for Buddhist Studies, where local and international students study Buddhism.

Quick Facts

How to get there

Since the monastery lies near Boudhanath Stupa, head to Boudhnath. Assuming you are in Thamel, catch a local bus or taxi to the stupa.

Pranidhipurna Mahavihar

Pranidhipurna Mahavihar, also known as Pranidhipurna Mahavihar, is a Theravada Buddhist monastery perched in Balambu Kathmadun. Only 8 km from Kathmandu, this monastery is a prominent center for studying Buddhism. History has it that Buddhist monk Pragyananda Mahasthavir-the monk to be seen in Kathmandu since the 14th century-visited this site and began revealing the teachings of the Buddha. Back then, during the Rana regime, monks were banished from Nepal, but locals hid few monks in nearby Balambu villages. Balambu thus is considered a key base in the revival of Theravada Buddhism in Nepal.

Headed by an abbot, the monastery is home to a number of resident monks who practice the original teachings of the Buddha. Theravada Buddhism emphasizes self-liberation by dedicating oneself to full-time monastic life. Besides religious rituals, the monastery also facilitates various activities like retreats, dharma classes, and free health camps. Local people also visit this monastery to conduct their sons and daughters' life cycle ceremonies.

Quick Facts

How to Get there

Just 8km away from Kathmandu, the monastery is roughly 20 minutes ride from Thamel. The best part is that you can easily get a cab from Thamel. 

Jamacho Monastery

Jamacho monastery, lying in close proximity to Kathmandu, offers a popular hike in Kathmandu to travel enthusiasts. This monastery is perched at the top of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and bestows a splendid view of Kathmandu valley and the Himalayas, specially Langtang and Everest Himalaya. Jamacho means celebration of the hill. Local travelers and foreign travelers flock to this monastery not just to explore the site but also to embrace the view from the view tower. At 2067m above sea level, Jamacho monastery is one of the monasteries in Nepal. Embellished with prayer flags, this monastery houses Buddhist stupas and two rows of shrines of Buddhist gods and goddesses. 

Jamacho Day Hike is a popular hike in Kathmandu. The hike to the monastery entails a 5 km uphill climb. If you walk at a moderate pace, the hike lasts for around 3 hours. The hiking trail is well-maintained and weaves through thick forest preserved by the Nepal Army. The hike is ideal for beginners, and you can hike to the monastery in every season. But we don't recommend hiking in rainy seasons.

Quick Facts

How to Get there

To get to Jamacho monastery, head to Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park. Hire a taxi to Kakani via New Bus Park and hike through the thick forest to the monastery. 

Nagi Gumba

We have Nagi Gumba on the list of monasteries in Nepal. This monastery lies in Shivpuri hill, serving as an ideal destination to escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu on weekends. This monastery is run by Nuns and is home to about 200 Nuns who practice Buddhism. It is also known as Ani Gumba because only nuns live in the monastery. 

It is a few hours' walk through the forest reserve at Shivapuri National Park. As you walk, the trail through Budhanilkantha and Shivapuri National Park, reveals stunning views of Kathmandu valley and an occasional view of Langtang. The trail features a steep climb and narrow passage, but not to mention, the walk is refreshing.

Quick Facts

How to Get there

Nagi Gumba is a few hours' walks away from the entrance gate of Budhanilkantha. Drive to Budhanilkantha on a public vehicle from Ratna Park bus stop. You need to obtain permits to enter the national park area at the army checkpoint. After you enter the national park, walk through the tree-lined trail for a few hours to the gumba.

Khawalung Monastery

Khawalung monastery is a beautiful monastery near Boudhanath Stupa, inaugurated in 2005. It is home to monks from remote areas of Nepal and Tibet. It was founded by Vajra Master Jigme Dorje Rinpoche. The primary objectives of this monastery are to preserve, promote and disseminate the teaching of Buddha and the treasure teachings (Termas) of H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. It houses an elementary school and a training school for young monks. There is an impressive statue of Guru Rinpoche on one side Vajrasattva and on the other side Chenrezig.

Quick Facts

How to Get there

Located in Kathmandu, Khawalung is accessible from Boudhanath Stupa. It is roughly a 10-minute drive from Boudhanath Stupa. 

Recommended Read:  15 Best Day Hikes Around Kathmandu Valley

Monastery Outside Kathmandu Valley

A monastery is a place where visitors go to unwind, relax and learn Buddhism. The unique feature of a monastery is its serenity. In that sense, monasteries are located in remote places, far from the hustle and bustle of city areas. For instance, the Tengboche monastery is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, in the lap of mountains. Rinchenling monastery, Narsingh monastery, Matepani Gumba, Phugmoche monastery, and Charang monastery are some monasteries outside the Kathmandu valley.

These monasteries-unlike monasteries in Kathmandu valley-are distant and demands a few days of a spiritual journey. Most of them require a few days trek, while some monasteries are a few hours' drive away. Nevertheless, hundreds of pilgrims and travelers alike visit the monastery to gain insights into monastic life and pay homage to the monastery. Admittedly many visitors are intrigued by the monastic life. This is because the monks renounce worldly pursuits and devote themselves to monastic life. To normal people like you and us, it is almost impossible. We can barely get off the smartphone for a day. But we can get a glimpse of monastic life by visiting the monastery. That said, below are the beautiful monasteries outside Kathmandu valley, which are worth a visit.

Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery-established by Lama Gulu in 1916-in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched at 3,867m. It is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region, subsequently built after the devastating earthquake of 1934 and fire caused by an electrical short in 1989. This monastery is inside the Sagarmatha National Park, one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Nepal. Set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Tengboche monastery is one of the popular monasteries in Nepal. It was formally consecrated in 1993.

Tengboche Monastery attracts pilgrims and trekkers as well, who head to Everest Base Camp every trekking season. En route to Everest Base Camp, trekkers visit this monastery to pay homage to the site. Besides, people also visit this monastery in October to witness the colorful Mani Rimdu festival, a Buddhist celebration with vibrant songs and dance. From Tengboche, trekkers can head to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. 

Quick Facts

How to Get there

You will need to fly to Lukla Airport from Kathmandu and trek for 3 days from Lukla to get there. However, 4 days trek is preferred considering acclimatization day. It is a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu  Airport to Lukla Airport. From Lukla, trek through mountain villages to Phakding and Namche Bazaar before reaching the monastery. 

Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery (Namobuddha)

Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched at the top of the hill in Namobuddha Municipality. Founded by Khenchen Thrangu Rimpoche in 1978, the monastery was officially opened in December 2008. The monastery houses a Tibetan Medical clinic, monastic college, a smaller shrine hall, and a school for young monks. More than 250 monks attend its school to study Buddhist philosophy.

The monastery allows visitors to explore and embrace its alluring interior, including a huge Buddha statue, with his five disciples. Visitors often enjoy the peaceful ambiance and stunning views of the Himalayas and nearby villages. You can sit in the back of the main hall during meditation sessions and observe the activity. Kartik Purnima and Buddha Jayanti are celebrated at this monastery. 

Quick Facts

How to Get there

You can get there quickly by taxi or private car. It shouldn't take more than 2 hours by private car or taxi. You can also travel by public bus, but it usually takes a long time. If you want to indulge in adventure, you can hike to Namo Buddha from Bhaktapur or Dhulikhel. 

Rinchenling Monastery

Rinchenling monastery is a beautiful monastery perched in Halji Village, one of three small communities in Limi valley. Founded by Rinchen Zangpo, who is believed to have established over 108 temples, the Rinchenling monastery is one of the highest placed monasteries in the world. This ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery is praised for its ethereal beauty. Due to its proximity with Tibet, Tibetan religious customs are practiced, and the Tibetan language is spoken. This should not surprise you at all. In 2011, this monastery suffered significant damage due to the burst of the glacial lake and is still susceptible to flood damages.

The monastery is a three-store structure with a rectangular open courtyard. There are assembly halls, a library, monks’ quarters, a kitchen, and a storeroom, and the upper two stories are used for religious functions. The Vairocana temple in the Rinchenling monastery dates back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Nepal. Due to its remote location, the monastery is less visited and is never overcrowded. One must walk for at least 6 days from the nearest airport in Simikot. 

Quick Facts

How to Get there

The monastery is approached by a Limi Valley trekking trail from the nearest airport in Simikot. Catch a flight to Simikot from Kathmandu, and walk for six days to the monastery.

Narsingh Monastery

Narsingh monastery-believed to be a 1,250-year-old monastery-is a Buddhist monastery located in the Mustang district of Nepal, to the northern side of the Muktinath temple. It is also called the temple of 1,000 lamps. Constructed with stone and mud masonry in the 6th century, the monastery houses a beautiful statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Hindu devotees also pay homage to the monastery as they consider the deity of this monastery as the Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu.

Narshingh Monastery was renovated in 2018 at the cost of Rs 28.5 million. This monastery is a common pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, attracting hundreds of visitors and pilgrims alike. Admittedly, this monastery is not so popular but does hold historical as well as religious significance. Nepal's Government should definitely preserve and promote this site by introducing standard trips to the site. 

Quick Facts

How to get there

To explore this ancient monastery, you will need to catch a bus from Kathmandu to Muktinath. It is a long drive of 15 hours. You can catch a bus from Gangabu bus park. Or, you can catch a flight to Jomsom from Kathmandu. And for the final hurdle, you will need to take a local bus or jeep. You can also hop on a helicopter to Muktinath.

Matepani Gumba

Matepani Gumba is a beautiful monastery located on a forested hill in Pokhara city of Nepal. This monastery was built in 1960 A.D. by the Nyeshang people. One of the highlights of this monastery is its peaceful ambiance. The well-maintained garden, elegant architecture, and stunning view it offers are what every visitor praises. Besides, the hand-painted murals on the walls and intricate interiors of the monastery are among the major attraction of this site. The grand hall of Matepani Monastery is where the monks perform their daily rituals. The murals depict stories from Buddha’s life and other associated legends.

The magnificent statue of Lord Buddha is yet another sight to behold. The outlook of the monastery is truly elegant. And the view of Pokhara city and Mt. Fishtail (when not obscured by the cloud) will be a unique experience. Don't be surprised or bewildered if you came across little monks playing around. They are friendly and ever-smiling. 

Quick Facts

How to get there

Fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu, and catch a local bus or taxi from Mahendrapul and Kahukhola. The monastery is also accessible through a short trek.

Volunteering in Nepal's Buddhist Monastery

The most rewarding thing you can do is to volunteer in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal. It is a life-changing experience for many foreign travelers. It is an enriching opportunity to interact with Buddhist monks and gain insight into the Buddhist monk lifestyle. You will start seeing life from a different and unique perspective.

This volunteering program is for any individual or group. You don't have to abide by specific stipulations. Anyone curious and willing to volunteer can participate in this project. Through this program, you will learn about Buddhism and share your valuable knowledge with the monks or nun kids.

So is this program for you? It is only when you are interested in Buddhism and Buddhist philosophies. As an overseas teacher and volunteer in a Buddhist monastery, a good command of the English language is beneficial to the monks. So no doubt, your contribution to the English language will have a significant impact on the monastery and the monks there. You do not need specific qualifications for this program.

You may ask what's in it for you. Well, to put it into perspective, your communication skill will improve, and most importantly, your thinking, behavior, and personality will embrace positive waves with a boost in your self-esteem. This program will undoubtedly improve your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health.

Honorable Mentions

Conclusion

The above monasteries are some of the Buddhist pilgrimage sites scattered across the country, revered as the holiest places by Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims and every people in Nepal and foreign travelers. Devout Buddhists and Hindus as well visit the monasteries to pay homage—some visit to immerse themselves in silence while others are on spiritual quests. Whatever the reason may be, it is always a wonderful experience to visit and explore monasteries.