Top 7 Popular Monasteries in Nepal That You Must Visit

Nepal has different cultures and religions. These different cultures and religions have different practices. Buddhism which is a worldwide followed religion was started in Nepal. Approximately 11 percent of Nepalese people are Buddhists and are predominantly from Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups like Tamang, Sherpa, and Bhotey. Lord Gautam Buddha founding father of the planet religion Buddhism was born around 623 B.C. in Lumbini, Nepal. Nepal has become a perfect place for Buddhist pilgrimages, with the mixing of Buddhism into Nepalese culture.

1) DhagpoSheydrub Ling Monastery:

A beautiful but undervalued monastery is the DhagpoSheydrub Ling Monastery. It is located 26 km far from Kathmandu in Nala, Banepa, Kavre. It's also called NalaGumba. It has beautiful, rich architecture, which is designed as any other Monastery of Nepal on a hill and that reflects the wealth of Buddhism. The monastery's pagoda-style walls are adorning with stunning and complex murals, sculptures, and statues while the glossy gold roofs add yet more charm to its architecture. This place is a must-visit because it is not that far from Kathmandu and not as crowded with tourists so you can have a peaceful atmosphere of beauty.

2) Kopan Monastery:

Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu in the north of the ancient Buddhist town of Boudhanath. It's built on an elevation of Hill Kopan. 360 monks, lamas, teachers, and workers live in this monastery. Monks are aged seven to sixty and come from all parts of Nepal and Tibet. They have devoted their lives to learning and learning the lessons of Buddha Shakyamuni, with a particular focus on Lama Tsongkhapa, the founding professor of the Gelug Lineage. The monastery of Kopan is affiliated with the Mahayana Tradition Foundation (FPMT). FPMT is an organization devoted to teaching, meditation, and community work in transmitting the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide.

3) Druk Amitabh Mountain Monastery:

Druk Amitabh Mountain Monastery is commonly referred to as Seto-Gumba or White Monastery. It is certainly the most renowned Monastery in Nepal. Nepal's most well-known monastery is undeniable. It is located on a northwest hill near SwayambhunathStupa. Obviously, for religious and leisure purposes, the monastery is visited, but besides it is the second-best place for sunglasses and sunsets. The beautiful landscape of Kathmandu is also open for visitors. The already beautiful monastery is further enhanced by the Tibetan paintings, murals and statues.

4) Shenchen Monastery:

The monastery of Shenchen's beautiful architectural beauty is in Boudhanath. The history of Shechen's monastery is interesting. It is one of the six largest monasteries of the Nyingma family in Tibet, known as the Mother of the Nyingma Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The original Shechen Monastery was built in Nepal in 1985 and later DilgoKhyentse Rinpoche brought the culture of the monastery. Today the monastery is the principal seat of the Shechen exile tradition. There are currently more than 400 monks in the monastery of Shechen. The monastery offers regular courses in Tibetan Buddhism in dance, painting, music, and philosophy. It also includes a primary school branch that offers educational services for children between the ages of five years and 14 years.

5) The ThranguTashiYangtse:

This monastery is located on the top of a hillock and lies on a vast Tibetan Buddhist monastic complex with glowing golden arched rooves, 40 km from the South East of Katmandu. On a sunny day, the views of central mountains like LangtangLirung, Jugal, and Ganesh can be amazing. It is also popular as Namo Buddha. Prince Mahasatwo is believed to be cut down to a hungry tigress some 6,000 years ago. Then the Buddha came to the same sacred spot after 3500 years, explored the stupa three times, and claimed himself to be the reincarnation of the prince. Because of this sacred myth that is associated with it, the monastery is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

6) BoudhanathStupa:

One of the largest structures in the world is BoudhanathStupa. It is also a Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is the central hub of Buddhism in Nepal, with hundreds of monasteries in the vicinity. During the 8th century, Licchhavi Rulers restored the Mandala-shaped staple. A pair of Buddha's eyes symbolizing awareness and peace are on both sides. There are 13 stages in an ornamental canopy. There's a wall of 147 inches behind the copper prayer wheels at the ground level of BoudhanathStupa and 108 images of meditational Buddha. As a daily ritual, many people visit the mantra 'Om mani Padme hum' to walk three times or more. This is Budhha's mantras' fascinating and spiritual area. Around the Boudhanath stupa, there are some convents and nunneries.

7) SayambhunathStupa:

The Swayambhunath temple, located in the western part of the Kathmandu valley, is one of Nepal's holiest Buddhist Temples. It's the best place to see the whole town because it's on top of the hill. The stupa consists of a dome at its base above which is located in a cubic structure with Buddha's eyes looking in every direction. It contains architectural values. The dome depicts the whole world, with the eyes of wisdom and compassion symbolizing a curly nose that symbolizes the unity of all things in the world. For Buddhist enthusiasts, this is a must-visit place. The Karma Raja MahaVihar, Dongchu Old Monastery, the Benchen Convent, etc., are some of the Monasteries situated around the Swayambhunate Temple.