RINA KUMARI MANDAL
Visiting a monastery is a truly life-changing experience as it can help put a lot of things in perspective. While it offers a variety of experiences for visitors, you may want to see if you can stay there for a few days and experience it.
Nepal is the abode of Buddhism, with many practicing this religion of peace, non-violence, meditation and contemplation. Nestled in the Himalayas, the geographical location also favors this environment of solitude and meditation.
Here’s a list of some fantastic monasteries in and around the Kathmandu:
Seto Gumba
A captivating monastery located on a tiny hillock contains beautiful murals and frescoes that speak volumes of Buddhist culture. Due to its white façade, the monastery is also famous by the name of White Gumba.
The tiny hillock monastery provides a bird's eye view of the Kathmandu valley along with some of the most bewitching sunrise and sunset views. The monastery houses statues made of sacred, medicinal clay and the prayer flag display and chants here add serenity to the place.
It is located near Swayambhunath Stupa, 5 kilometers from the heart of Kathmandu. It is in the south-west of Kathmandu, on Druk Amitabha Hill.
Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM
Visitors are allowed only on Saturdays
Rigon Tashi Choeling
Popular for its lingro dance - an ancient Buddhist dance ritual which is said to purify the body and the mind, Rigon Tashi Choeling houses a huge statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.
It is located about 20 kilometers south of Kathmandu, near Pharping. The whole monastery is full of statues and manifestations, made of medicinal clay and brightly painted. Make sure you stay for the dance and other eclectic rituals!
Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM
Open every day for visits.
Kopan Monastery
Located on the picturesque Kopan Hills on the fringes of Kathmandu, Kopan Monastery is a stunning Tibetan Buddhist Monastery established between the late 1960s and early 1970s by the founders of the Foundation of the Preservation of the Mahayana and it is one of the popular Busshist Monestries of Nepal.
It is a well-known tourist attraction and draws people who are interested in learning Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. One can choose to enroll in a short-term course to get a gist of this ancient way of living.
The facilities are humble but ensure that everyone leaves feeling calm and composed.
Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM
Daily Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM (on weekdays)
Day visits are not allowed between November 11 and December 20
Tharlam Monastery
A monastery of the Sakya sect of Buddhists, Tharlam was founded in 1981 by the lama Dezhung Rinpoche III, Kunga Tenpay Nyima.
The monastery is located right next to the Boudhanath Stupa, near Kathmandu. The guest house that is equipped with Wi-Fi is one of the added attractions for weary traveler.
Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM
Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery
The story of the Shechen Monastery is as exciting and fascinating as its architecture. Located in Boudha Nath, the monastery is one of the six “mother” monasteries of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
It was initially founded in Tibet, but was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution of the 1950s, and was rebuilt in Nepal in 1985.
The present abbot of Shechen monastery is the seventh Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, the grandson of Vajrayana master, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The monastery serves as the main seat of the Shechen tradition in exile.
Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM
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