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Nepal is the abode nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas, where one shall find all needs for spiritual enlightenment and an intensely rich bundle of diversified heritage. Nepal monasteries welcome many pilgrims, scholars, and tourists who find these places captivating. These holy monasteries do not carry out their business only as a way of worship, but they facilitate a cultural centre for Tibetan Buddhism. They invite visitors to experience this stillness, architectural magnificence, and vibration of highly spiritual sacred spaces.
9 Nepal Monasteries
Experience the rich spiritual essence by touring some of the most famous Nepal monasteries listed below.
1. Boudhanath Stupa
Photo: Bijay Chaurasia / Wikimedia Commons
Among the famous monasteries in Nepal is the renowned Boudhanath Stupa. It is of great value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a significant location for pilgrims coming from all parts of the world. Devotees are especially attracted to its enormous mandala, representing the path to enlightenment. Encircling the stupa, one can experience a lively circle of shops, cafes, and prayer wheels that give it the dynamism one associates with it. The monks chanting and some incense in the air make the place feel calm and divine.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NPR 400 / ₹260
Location: Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal
2. Swayambhunath Stupa
Photo: Nirmal Dulal / Wikimedia Commons
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Swayambhunath Stupa, is more popularly known as the “Monkey Temple” due to the number of monkeys that have made this area their home. It is the oldest monastery in Nepal that is perched atop a hill with amazing panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. The white dome of the stupa symbolises the earth, and the spire symbolises the 13 stages of enlightenment. It is encircled by many other shrines and statues, some of which are important.
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: NPR 200 / ₹130
Location: Swayambhu, Kathmandu, Nepal
3. Kopan Monastery
Photo: Gisela Giardino / Wikimedia Commons
Kopan Monastery is one of the major centres for the studies of Tibetan Buddhism and meditation studies. It is located on a hillock close to Boudhanath. Lama Yeshe established this monastery in the early ’70s and has long been famous for its significant introductory Buddhist courses and meditation retreats. The centre of this popular monastery in Nepal attracts hundreds of visitors from all corners of the world. Together with spiritual guidance from the residing monks, the ambience makes it an ideal place for spiritual growth.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: NPR 100 / ₹65
Location: Kopan, Kathmandu, Nepal
4. Shechen Monastery
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn / Wikimedia Commons
Shechen is an essential centre for Tibetan culture and learning in Kathmandu. Built in the early 1980s, it is one of the six great monasteries following the Nyingma tradition. The enormous complex is home to over 300 monks, a Tibetan library, and a school with a medical clinic. The beautiful murals and intricate woodwork will make it a delightful place for anyone interested in Tibetan art and culture, together with its peaceful garden. The guesthouse of this monastery also acts as a quiet place to put up and experience the monastic life.
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: NPR 100 / ₹65
Location: Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal
5. Tengboche Monastery
Photo: Vitbaisa / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Khumbu region in eastern Nepal, Tengboche Monastery is the biggest monastery in Nepal. It is also an important spiritual centre for Sherpa, the local tribe. The visitors get breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. Every year, there is a grand festival in Mani Rimdu, where thousands of people flock to view the dances and colourful rituals performed by monks. This monastery itself is beautifully painted with colourful murals and statues, making it an artist’s treasure trove.
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: NPR 200 / ₹130
Location: Tengboche, Khumbu, Nepal
6. Namobuddha Monastery
Photo: Prasanna Bajracharya / Wikimedia Commons
Namobuddha Monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage places across the Kavre district in Nepal. Legends say that a young prince, in one of his last incarnations, gave his flesh to the starving tigress and her young ones, and this compassionate deed was later marked by a small stupa and monastery on the hill. The panoramic views of the Himalayas from the monastery complex lets one meditate and reflect in peace. The monks at this monastery have strict monastic living habits, which give visitors a real insight into Buddhist practices and lifestyles.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: NPR 100 / ₹65
Location: Kavre, Nepal
7. Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery
Photo: Rukeshmdr12 / Wikimedia Commons
The Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery is located near the beautiful village of Dhulikhel and is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Founded by Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, the monastery has a great learning tradition for practising monks. The magnificent architecture boasts minute carvings and a pompous display of Tibetan art. The sense of tranquillity that the setting gives, with chants and fluttering prayer flags, sets a beautiful ambience of serenity and spiritual mental introspections.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: NPR 100 / ₹65
Location: Dhulikhel, Nepal
8. Lumbini Monastic Zone
Photo: Photo Saurav / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The Lumbini Monastic Zone is a dedicated zone within the Lumbini Garden for Buddhist monasteries. The zone comprises several monasteries, which have been established by different countries, showing various architectural forms and the traditions of Buddhist teachings. Each is a haven for meditation, study, and self-contemplation—a spiritual enclave. The Monastic Zone also provides a quiet room for those searching for peace in the teachings of Buddha, with a green environment and cool nature.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: NPR 500 / ₹312
Location: Lumbini, Rupandehi, Nepal
9. White Monastery (Seto Gumba)
Photo: Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Seto Gumba is also known as the White Monastery. The Monastery is located on the top of the hill in the peripheries of the Kathmandu Valley; thus, providing a panoramic view of Kathmandu City. The speciality of the monastery lies in its peaceful atmosphere, unusual architectural beauty, and exhibit of fine paintings that illustrate Buddhist directives. The calm ambience is perfect for meditation and spiritual courses. The stunning view of the sunrise and sunset from the monastery area makes it a hot spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Timings: 5 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: NPR 100 / ₹65
Location: Nagarjun, Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal is a place where spirituality and natural beauty combine to be a part of the overt experience of a visitor. Nepal monasteries and temples, spotted up and down the country, are not merely places for worship but also learning, culture, and heritage. Nepal has something to offer everyone, so plan a trip with TripXL and explore the spiritual heart of Nepal.
Cover Photo: yohoprashant / Pixabay
