There are many beautiful monasteries in the world, but nothing can match the reputation of the best monasteries in Nepal. The monasteries of Nepal are known for their commitment to spiritual living, which is practiced by everyone, even those of us who do not consider ourselves “spiritual”.
This practice started many centuries ago and is still practiced to this day. When you decide to take a trip to Nepal, you are not just setting aside a few days that you will get to visit some of the most fabulous monasteries, but you are choosing a lifetime experience.
List of the Top 10 Most Famous Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal:
1. Kopan Monastery
Kopan Gumba is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched high on a hill. It is one of the most visited monasteries. Each year a large number of foreigners visit here to study Buddhism and meditation. Lama Thubten Nohe founded this Kopan Monastery.
There are courses on Mind Training, Karma, Death and Dying, Bodhicitta, and many other topics. These are the courses that last for 5 days and 10 days and a month-long period on meditation. Also, there are short courses offered on Tibetan medicine and Thangka painting. Read the 20 Most Visited Tourist Places to See in Nepal
How to Reach:
By Bus: You can take the public bus from Ratna Park into Kopan village. The monastery is only a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
By Air: The nearest airport is Tribhuvan airport. It takes approximately 40 minutes for a taxi to reach Kopan.
Visiting Time: 9 AM – 11.30 AM / 1 PM – 4.30 PM
2. Amitabha Monastery
The Amitabha Monastery is located on the top of Druk Amitabha mountain. It serves as a center for spiritual practice and humanitarian causes. It includes a hall that can seat up to 2000 people. It also has a library and an administration office for Drukpa Lineage. It has residences for 300 nuns and a clinic.
It provides shelter for animals that have been spared from being butchered and also has vegetable gardens. This hiking trail is as beautiful as the monastery itself and the surroundings. The monastery is a panorama kaleidoscope full of rich culture and colors. The scents, sounds, and prayer spread the message of peace as well as patience. One who visits this place will be captivated by its beauty. Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Nepal Once in a Lifetime
How to Reach:
By Road: You can reach Amitabha monastery via ring road from Kathmandu. It is only 9.3 km from Kathmandu.
By Air: The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International airport. Amitabha Monastery is 14.3 km from the airport, and it will take you approximately 36 minutes to reach the monastery.
Visiting Time: 11 AM – 1 PM
3. Lumbini
Lumbini is where Lord Buddha was born. It is one of the most important places in history and for the founders of Buddhism. It is now a vital tourism destination among Buddhist pilgrims. This small spot is surrounded by marshlands and offers a great atmosphere.
This is where Lord Buddha stayed as Prince Siddharth before he embarked on his journey to enlightenment. In the 3rd century BC, the emperor Ashoka of India, a Buddhist follower, visited this spot and erected a pillar with an inscribed stating that it was the birthplace of Lord Buddha. He also built four stupas and erected fortifications surrounding the village.
Many monasteries and temples were constructed on the site in the 9th century. Lumbini spread is an area of 4.8km in length. It is filled with religious structures and ruins of ancient temples. It is also home to the sacred Bodhi tree. The 100-rupee Nepali Note has Lumbini’s picture on it to signify the site’s value. Read Also: List of the Most Famous Religious places to visit in Nepal
How to Reach:
By Air: Lumbini can be reached from two airports. Either the Kathmandu Airport or Gautam Buddha airport of Bhairahawa is an option. Lumbini is approximately 10 hours drive from Kathmandu. Tourists usually arrive in Kathmandu by airways. You can also take a domestic flight to Bhairahawa. Lumbini is a 30-minute drive from the Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa.
By Bus: There are many direct buses from Kathmandu to Lumbini during peak tourist season. Otherwise, in the off-season, you will need to travel to Lumbini via Bhairahawa. Private cabs can be hired from all parts of Nepal, including Lumbini.
Visiting Time: 9 AM – 9 PM
4. Shechen Monastery
Shechen monastery was established by Rabjam Tenpai Gyaltsen, who the Dalai Lama sent. Shechen quickly became one of six Nyingma principal monasteries or “ancient tradition” monasteries. It was known for its pure spirituality, its hermits, and teachers.
The quality of its teaching at the philosophical college is just incredible. Shechen Monastery was home to many great masters, including Shechen Kongtrul, Shechen Kongtrul, Khempogangsar, and the Mipham Rimpo.
The Chinese communists destroyed the monastery and 110 branches in Tibet’s invasion of 1957. In 1985 when Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche returned to Tibet after more than 25 years in exile.
How to Reach:
By Road: It is about 80 km west of Manigango. It takes almost 3 hours to reach the Shechen monastery. Sershul is located approximately 150 north of Shechen. It may take 3-4hrs to cover this distance.
By Air: The nearest airport is Yushu airport. It will take approx 3.5 hours from Yushu airport to reach Shenzhen monastery.
Visiting Time: It is open throughout the day
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5. White Monastery
White Monastery is also known as Seto Gomba. It is a Buddhist Monastery located in Nepal. It offers a mixture of religious significance and natural anesthetic.
You can enjoy a delightful sunrise and sunset here because of the vibrant and lush green surroundings. From this spot, visitors can see the entire Kathmandu Valley. After exploring Kathmandu, many tourists seek tranquility in the calm atmosphere.
You can also meditate easily here. The White Gumba offers a fantastic view of the entire city. This place is peaceful and shows respect for Mother Nature. You will have no problems eating in this shop. This place deserves your respect and the best care.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International airport. White Monastery is 14 km from the airport. You can take a cab from the airport.
By Road: You can reach this monastery via road. It is only 9.1 km from the Kathmandu bus stand.
Visiting Time: 24-hours
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6. Swayambhunath Complex
The Swayambhunath complex is located on a hill to the west of Kathmandu. It consists of a majestic domed stupa as well as many shrines and temples. The temples are exquisitely decorated with gold and bright prayer flags.
But it is not just the spiritual decor that attracts visitors. The sacred pilgrimage site also houses hundreds of monkeys which are holy to both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists.
Legend says that the Manjushree bodhisattva raised the temple hill when the hair lice transformed into these monkeys. Hundreds of monkeys can be seen frolicking in the sacred area or sliding down the banister.
How to Reach:
By Road: If you take the Swayambhu Marg, the Swayambhunath temple is at a distance of approximately 6.1 km from Kathmandu’s bus stand.
By Air: It is only 9.3 km from Tribhuvan international airport. After reaching the airport, you can take an auto or bus to reach the monastery.
Visiting Time: 7 AM – 12 PM
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7. Boudhanath Monastery
The Boudhanath monastery is one of Nepal’s largest spherical stupas and the largest in the world. It is located approximately 11 km from Kathmandu. Since 1979, Boudhanath and Swayambhu have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Boudhanath Stupa is a massive dome with a Buddhist pyramid tower at the top. Its shape is similar to mandalas. A large meditative monument is also located in the center of the monastery. It was built to serve as a central point for worship. For hundreds of years, the Boudhanath Stupa was a beacon for Buddhist belief.
The Boudhanath stupa is also known as “Chorten Chenpo,” which means “Great Tower” or “Great Stupa”. The site’s importance and power are now enhanced by the emergence of temples and other holy places in the immediate vicinity and further afield.
How to Reach:
By Road: You can reach Boudhanath Stupa by taxi, or if you are looking for a cheaper option, you can also take a local bus or minivan. The nearest bus stand is Thamel.
By Air: Boudhanath monastery is only 4.4 km from Tribhuvan international airport. After reaching the airport, you can take an auto or bus to reach the monastery.
Visiting Time: 24 hours
Read More Interesting Facts About Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal
8. Ganden Monastery
Ganden Monastery is the ideal place for peace and serenity. Ganden Monastery is the Gelug Sect’s first and most important religious community in Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is facing east and is located at 3,800m above sea level.
Ganden Monastery is located on Wangbori Mountain and was built by Je Tsongkhapa in 1409. It is also the principal Monastery of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. Ganden Monastery is a great place to get deep into the depths of the spiritual.
How to Reach: You have to trek or ride a horse to reach this monastery because there are no roadways to reach there.
Visiting Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
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9. Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Gephel. It is the largest Tibetan monastery. It is located 5 kilometers west of Lhasa on the Gambo Utse Mountain.
Drepung is the largest monastery in the entire world, and it housed 7,700 monks. Drepung monastery has suffered a loss of independence and spiritual credibility since the 1950s. They are now under the strict surveillance of the Chinese security forces.
Many cultural relics are kept in the Drepung Monastery, which embellishes and enhances the monastery’s beauty. The wonderment is enhanced by the Manjushri Bodhisattva and Sitatapatra statues on the first floor of the Coqen Hall.
How to Reach: To reach Drepung monastery, you have to take a taxi or bus from Lhasa. Drepung monastery is only 5 km from Lhasa.
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10. Sera Monastery
Sera monastery is worshipped as one of six Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet. Sera Monastery taught monks through its role as an educational institution. It was built originally by Jamchen Chojey Sakya Yeshe (1355-1435).
You can hear the constant chanting of Buddhist scriptures from lamas in the Tsochin hall and see the routine activity of Buddhist debating. The large courtyard for debating is filled with a sense of holiness that permeates the entire body.
There are thousands of murals on walls throughout the building. Visitors will feel like they are in heaven when they worship in the monastery. The Sera Monastery library, printing press, and other resources will help you gain a complete understanding of the monastery’s past and present.
How to Reach: To reach the Sera monastery, you have to take the bus or taxi from central Lhasa. It is only 5 km from central Lhasa.
Visiting Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Conclusion:
If you are interested in visiting one of these monasteries to honor your family’s spiritual life or yourself, you will be happy to know that there are quite a few out there. There are many different Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, so it should not be difficult to find one that suits your needs. Most of the monasteries are located in mountains that are pretty far from cities, so traveling from city to city can be a hassle. However, if you are willing to spend a few days away from civilization, it may be just what you are looking for.
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