Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries around Kathmandu
Kathmandu valley preserves centuries-old monasteries in the core areas of Kathmandu and Patan. Besides this, many new Tibetan Buddha Monasteries around Kathmandu are under construction on the outskirts of the hill and local areas. Travelers with a keen interest in Buddhism can visit those monasteries to explore Tibetan Buddhist Monastery around Kathmandu. The other name for Monastery is “Gompa” or “Gumba” in common language. However, The Bihar (Bahaa) is the real name for monasteries in the local Newari language.
Oriental Journeys suggests you visit some beautiful monasteries lying in an exotic location around Kathmandu. These monasteries incorporate incredible Tibetan art and architecture. If you are planning your Nepal trip and especially thinking to spend some of your days in Kathmandu then, you can explore more about the lifestyle of monks and Buddhism by choosing to stay at a Tibetan monastery. Furthermore, the Monastery provides accommodation facilities as well for interested people. In addition to this, some of the monasteries listed here also have their schools. That school provides academic or philosophic or both educations to the students.
Some of the Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries around Kathmandu :
There are some important and famous Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries around Kathmandu. This includes Rigon Tashi Gompa, Kopan Monastery, and Naiki Gompa.
Rigon Tashi Gompa
The small and beautiful town of Pharping situates at the southern hillside of Kathmandu. It will take about 1-hour time to cover 20km of distance to reach Pharping. Pharping carries a historical and religious significance in Tibetan Buddhism as the site houses cave. It is used by Padmasambhava for meditation including vital monastery. The monastery of Pharping is also known as “Ripa Siddhi Sangathan”. Nearby the monastery lays one of the biggest statues of Buddha of Asia that is in the process of renovation.
Kopan Monastery:
In the northeast of Kathmandu, a small hill called Kapan is home to a popular monastery. Lying an approximate distance of 6 Km and a drive of 30 minutes from the heart of Kathmandu, it is also a famous viewpoint. Hundreds of students study various courses of Buddhism and meditation in the monastery. It is a perfect hub of Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Besides this, it attracts a good number of visitors from around the world every day.
Naiki Gompa:
Naiki Gompa (Naagi Gompa) lies on a hilltop of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is only a nun monastery within Kathmandu valley. The Naiki Gompa premises are more than both by transportation or hiking. You can either take a mountain bike, motorbike, or a private vehicle to get there. Many people prefer to hike there enjoying the easy trail and peaceful nature and birdwatching on the way. However, Shivapuri Nagarjun National park authority lets you enter the national park only after issuing an entry permit. On the way, you will enjoy the panoramic view of Kathmandu valley.