When we talk about Nepal, there is a major understanding that it is all about the mountains, rivers, treks, and the excitement and thrill. But the cultural meltpoint of Nepal hardly gets talked about. Yes, we are talking about cultural harmony.
Buddhists and Hindus are the dominant religions when we talk about Nepal. So focusing on Buddhist monasteries in Nepal is key. It doesn’t matter whether you will do the Annapurna Base Camp trek or the EBC trek, you will find Buddhist monasteries in Nepal right around.
From being the birthplace of Gautam Buddha to the countless temples, shrines, and ancient Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, you will find plenty of religious places for Buddhist culture when we talk about Nepal.
Lumbini
The first and most important pilgrimage site for Buddhist monasteries in Nepal is the Lumbini region. Known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, you will find peace and solace at this place. Located at the Southern Nepal region, Lumbini presents you with a rich history.
The place is 2500 years old, where Buddha was born in the region. Since Buddha got his enlightenment, Lumbini has been the go-to place for every Buddhist from all around the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Maya Devi temple being the central attraction point.
Tengboche Monastery
The Nepal Tourism Board has also talked about Tengboche monastery being one of the oldest in the country. Located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, you will embrace Tengboche as famous Buddhist monasteries in Nepal. It is located in the Everest region.
This particular monastery is a stunning work of art situated at an altitude of 3867m. Ngawang Tenzin Norbu founded this monastery in the 20th century, and since then, this monastery has become the apple of the region. Although the monastery was destroyed by 1934 earthquake, the particular place was rebuilt again in the 1960s.
Shey Gompa
Often called the Shey Monastery or Crystal Monastery, this particular property is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery which is present in the Shey Phoksundo National Park area. Standing tall at an altitude of 4160m, this monastery was built in the 11th century.
You will find large prayer halls in the monastery with wood carvings and murals, to say the least. Furthermore, this is home to monks, and the annual Shey festival is the biggest highlight of this place. Thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and Tibet come to this celebration.
World Peace Pagoda
In the list of Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, you will find the World Peace Pagoda in the Pokhara region. This particular pagoda is a sign of peace and unity, which is also a famous tourist destination. This particular Buddhist property was constructed in the 1970s by a Buddhist monk along with the peace activist Nichidatsu Fujii.
The major reason for constructing this monastery was to highlight world peace and also encourage people to live in peace and harmony. A golden spire, the Peace Pagoda is decorated with intricate carvings and colorful paintings that depict Buddhist stories and teachings. You will get to see the stunning views of Phew Lake along with the mountain ranges.
Swayambhunath
Buddhist monasteries in Nepal have to include the likes of the Swayambhunath temple in it. Majorly known as the monkey temple, Swayambhunath temple is better known for its UNESCO world heritage site listing and the value it carries for the Buddhist people. The history of this temple dates back 2000 years and was built by Manadeva.
This particular property is made up of various buildings, monuments, stupas, and monasteries. You will also find the prayer flag along with the prayer wheel in the area. Visitors will also find various temples like the Vajra Yogini Temple, Harati Temple, etc.
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the biggest and the most sacred stupas in all of Kathmandu is Boudhanath Stupa. You will have to go back to 1500 years to know and understand the history and culture of Boudhanath stupa. This particular monument was built by a Lichchavi King in the 5th century.
Tibetan Buddhists visit in plenty of numbers in this location every year. The dome stands at 36m high and is surrounded by a large circular base. Visitors can also view the prayer wheels, which tend to encircle the whole property and make it more beautiful. Shechen monastery is a key attraction of the place, with Kopan monastery also getting the focus.
Kopan Monastery
Talking about Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, you will also find the likes of Kopan monastery. A Tibetan Buddhist monastery, this particular property is located at the hilltop and outskirts of Kathmandu. The history of this place dates back to 1970, when the property was built by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Students who are interested to learn about the Buddhist philosophy can also visit the place. You can also be part of a guided meditation, which will be arranged by The Trek Nepal. From short-term to long-term meditation classes, Thangka classes, and other attractions, there is much more to learn and appreciate about the place.
Final Thoughts
Nepal, as a country, is the perfect blend of Hinduism and Buddhism without a doubt. Being the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the depth of Buddhism is found massively when we talk about Nepal. Having said that, there are a massive number of Buddhist monasteries in Nepal.
From sharing the Buddhist learnings along with the meditation and the retreats, there is much more that can be learned by anyone, all around the world.
You can find such monasteries at the top of the base camp in the Everest region and also at the capital in Kathmandu. The Trek Nepal over an extended period has also done such religious tours, where the country is more than just trekking and travelling.
Spring and autumn are termed to be the best seasons to visit the Buddhist monastery. With spring right around the corner, we suggest that readers book their next trip to Buddhist monasteries in Nepal.
We assure you that the peace of mind and the self-reflection you experience after the religious tour is hard to deny.
So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and feel the difference.