Top 7 Monastery Tour In Nepal You May Like To Know

Are you unknown? Lumbini Nepal is the Birthplace of Lord Buddha.

To seek inner peace can be very difficult if you do not know what you are looking for. Having a busy schedule, dealing with job pressure, financial problems, etcetera, etcetera, are all reasons why your mind needs to calm down. As you know, Nepal has unity in diversity, and Nepalese monasteries offer the chance to find inner serenity. This Popular Monastery Tour in Nepal is one of the best and most affordable for limited-budget trekkers to explore.

“To make your soul joyful, visit Nepal Monasteries.”

The term monastery, where it comes from, is part of Buddhism. Buddhism religion emerged in the late 6th century. A separate tale surrounds the emergence of Buddhism as a religion. Nepal was the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the “Buddha”), the founder of the great religion Buddhism. King Shuddhodana and Queen Maya Devi were his parents.

After growing up in Lumbini, he went to India, Bodh Gaya, to meditate when he was 35 years old. He sat under the big tree known Bodhi tree, and after 49 days of meditation, he became enlightened. The Monastery is the place where monks live and practice their religion. Also, the Monastery reflects the depth of Buddhism’s history.

The Rana regime expelled Nepalese Buddhist monks throughout the first decades of the twentieth century to repress Theravada Buddhism’s rise in Nepal.

In 1951 finally, a revolt overthrew the Rana dynasty. The establishment of democracy in the country helped bring an end to the blatant persecution of Buddhists. Although around 81% of the people of Nepal follow the Hindu religion, Buddhism also has its importance, and Tibetan Buddhism is most widely practiced in Nepal.

Buddhism is Nepal’s second most popular religion, and therefore there are lots of monasteries and gumbas. It is believed that there are over 1200 Buddhist temples, around 1400 Gumbas, and 103 remote monasteries dedicated to Lord Buddha in Nepal.

Scouring every Monastery takes a long time as they are located in different parts of the country. However, our Monastery tour makes sure that you will visit the most illustrious Buddhist pilgrimage and Monastery.

Top 7 selected Monastery Tour In Nepal out of 100:

1. Boudhanath Stupa:

A splendid stupa, Boudhanath in Nepal is the largest spherical stupa in the country. It was probably constructed in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions. Boudhanath is a combination of two separate words: Boudha and Nath.

The suffix Nath denotes lord, while Boudha indicates wisdom. As a result, Boudhanath is a reflection of the Lord of Wisdom. Boudhanath stupa is roughly 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Kathmandu’s center and northeastern outskirts. In 1979 UNESCO listed Boudhanath stupa on the World Heritage Site list.

The Monastery is structured excellently from every viewpoint, whether its beautiful white large dome structure or the 13 grilled spires adorned with the Buddha’s eyes. Boudhanath was the living place for many Tibetan refugees in the 1950s.

While Boudhanath is a stupa, the numerous tiny monasteries in the area make it look like jewels added to the crown. Many people from different countries following different religions can be found. But mainly, a substantial community of Tibetan Buddhists is spotted.

Newars, Nepalis, and Tibetans identify Boudhanath as Khasti, Boudhanath or Boudha, and Jarung Khosar.

A peaceful environment around the stupa makes your mood fresh, and the colorful prayer flags will catch your eye. If you are on a Monastery visit tour and skip the Boudhanath stupa tour, then you are missing something massive.

2. Swayambhunath:

Another Stupa Swayambhunath, located 3 kilometers west of Kathmandu Valley on a mountain around 77 meters above sea level, is one of the holiest Buddhist shrines. That’s why from Swayambhunath, you can view the beautiful sight of Kathmandu city. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979, Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple.

The stupa is made up of a dome at the bottom and above, a cubical structure. The cubical form is decorated with Buddha’s eyes looking in all four directions. Above each of the four sides are pentagonal torans with figurines carved into them. There are thirteen layers behind and above the Torana.

There is a little spot above all of the tiers where the Gajur may be found. The dome at the base symbolizes the whole world,13 layers represent the 13 stages of nirvana, and the nose-like structure, which looks like question marks, is the Nepali number Ek(one).

Large pairs of eyes on all four sides represent wisdom and compassion, which signifies unity. Where to find religious harmony in Nepal, Swayambhunath is the best place.

There are a lot of monasteries. Around Swoyambhunath.

Great Thunderbolt (Vajra), Shantipur Harati Temple, Harati Temple, and Shree Karmaraj Mahavihar are the top sources of attraction of Swayambhunath. Climbing 365 stairs to reach the top, Spinning the prayer wheels, and observing vibrant prayer flags will give you a fantastic experience.

3. Namobuddha Monastery:

“The home of antique monasteries”

Among many Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Namobuddha holds its own identity. Namobuddha, home to many ancient monasteries and stupas, is 40km away from central Kathmandu. Precisely in the neighboring district of Kathmandu, Kavre. Namo Buddha is known as Takmo Lujin in Tibetan. Namo Buddha is the perfect monastery destination.

Mt. Everest, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Ranges, and Gaurishankar are indeed a few of the world’s tallest peaks visible from Namo Buddha. Moreover, Namobuddha’s clean environment, and fresh and natural air help people to meditate and stay away from the hustle and bustle of life.

The history of Namobuddha is quite interesting. Prince Buddha found a starving tigress with her five babies lying at the top of the hill in his previous life. Since the tigress was so weak, she was not able to hunt. The kindness of the prince compelled him to sacrifice his life.

The locals removed the prince’s bones and buried them at the tomb of Namo Buddha, which is a definite stupa. Climbing 15m from the stupa leads you to a spot to watch the scene of Buddha offering his body to the starving tigress. That scene is carved into the stone.

Book the Namobuddha day hike from Kathmandu.

4. Lumbini:

“To experience inner serenity, no other place can beat Lumbini.”

Many people worldwide come to Lumbini to witness the origin of Buddhism. Also, your Monastery tour will be incomplete without exploring Lumbini. The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, was listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1979, and it is 265km away from Kathmandu.

The area of Lumbini is partitioned into two parts. On one side, you can find the Mayadevi temple(where Buddha was born), the Ashoka pillar, the Maya Devi pond(where Buddha’s first bathing was done), the Bodhi tree, and so on. Maya Devi Pond is known as Puskarini. The bodhi tree is adorned with a colorful prayer flag; locals believe that tying the colorful prayer flag fulfills their dreams. So you can try that.

On the other side, you can find many big and small stupas, monasteries, and temples constructed by different countries. The following locations can be visited Cambodian Monastery, Myanmar Golden Temple, Dharma Swamiji Maharaja Buddha Vihar, China Temple, Korean Temple, Srilankan Monastery, Lumbini Museum, Tilaurakot.

Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery in Lumbini is a grand and stunning Watt-style dedicated to the practices of Buddhism. The beautiful design and craving on the wall make this place visitable in Lumbini.

Srilankan monastery, also known as the Sri Lankan temple, is a beautiful Sri Lankan Buddhist complex that provides you with information about the life and glory of Gautam Buddha. Different types of religious events and practices are organized in this Monastery, mainly those considered in Sri Lanka.

The Cambodian Monastery in Lumbini is one of the most picturesque monasteries in the region, with a fusion of vivid fancies and spiritual powers. Its large complex is covered with beautiful and intricate designs.

Korean Temple is a famous Buddhist monastery in Lumbini. Korean temple was built in an impressive structure of Korean-style architecture with colorful frescoes on the roof. And if you are from their community, you are allowed to spend day and night there. You can also join the monks in meditation in the courtyard, and there you can have a peaceful and refreshing experience.

Moreover, in Lumbini, you can also find the World Peace pagoda. The best place to meditate, World Peace Pagoda, is the Japanese Shanti Stupa, and it is the top attraction of Lumbini.

5. Tengboche Monastery:

Tengboche–The last destination of the Sagarmatha National Park’s “Sacred Sites Trail Project.”

Tengboche Monastery: Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sherpa community. Ancient scriptures of Tibet refer to this valley along with the Rowlang and Khanbalung valleys as sacred places. Tengboche Monastery is geographically located in Tengboche village, Khumjung, Khumbu area of eastern Nepal. It is the largest gompa(ling) in the Khumbu region.

In Tibet, there is a monastery called Rongbuk Monastery, known as the mother monastery of Tengboche Monastery. In 1916, Lama Gulu founded Tengboche Monastery which close ties to its Rongbuk monastery. Trekking and mountaineering draw a large number of tourists.

In spring, you can relish Tengboche’s hill slopes covered in Nepal’s national flower, Rhododendrons. Buddhist pilgrimages and spirituality at the Monastery have made it a renowned Buddhist center in the region.

6. Kopan Monastery:

“Learning Buddhism is all about learning your nature.”

Kopan Monastery is another famous monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu, near Boudhanath, Kopan Monastery, had its name from the hills on which it was built. At present, Kopan comprises two separate institutions: the Monastery, situated on Kopan Hill, and the nearby Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery (also known as the Kopan Nunnery).

To explore Buddhism and do meditation, Kopan is an excellent place. The serious student and casual student Kopal offers you the best environment to study and meditate. The Monastery’s main temple contains beautiful paintings of the Four Dharma Kings of Tibet.

Spinning the prayer wheels provides you with a chance to experience a different type of happiness. If you can reach Kopan Monastery in the morning, you can participate in their morning prayer.

7. World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara:

There are altogether 80 peaceful pagodas in the world. Two of them are in Nepal, the world peace pagoda in Lumbini, and the peace pagoda in Pokhara. World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara provides breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna, Fewa Lake, and Pokhara City.

It is situated at the height of 1100 meters on Anadu Hill. The Sanskrit word Shanti symbolizes peace, and This is why the World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara known as the Shanti stupa. Its brilliant white color creates a serene atmosphere.

World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara is the first world peace pagoda in Nepal. Morioka Sonin- a monk from the Nipponzan Myohoji clan with the help of local peoples, built the brilliant white peace pagoda that was established by the It is about 115ft tall and 345ft in diameter.

The white pagoda has two tiers for tourists and religious visitors to visit. The second tier displays four statues of the Buddha, one each gifted by Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal. Each figure stands for the important events related to the life of the Buddha, and they are named after the places where they occurred.

Apart from its beautiful World Peace pagoda, Pokhara offers you a beautiful sunrise and sunset view from its top. Its architectural design is something you want to explore.

The above list of monasteries should not be missed while you are on your monastery tour in Nepal.