Some of Nepal's unusual monasteries are listed below, along with directions for reaching them:

1. Kopan Monastery: 

Kopan Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu famed for its serene atmosphere and exquisite architecture, is situated on a hilltop close to Boudhanath. Two Tibetan Buddhist lamas,Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche founded it in 1970 with the goal of making Buddhism's teachings understandable to Westerners.

The monastery provides instruction in meditation, retreats, and Buddhist theory and practice. It also offers a guest house where guests may stay and savor the serene and spiritual atmosphere of the monastery. Both novice and experienced practitioners can benefit from the Kopan Monastery's seminars and retreats.

How do I travel there from Kathmandu?

Around 7 kilometers outside of the city center of Kathmandu is where you'll find Kopan Monastery. There are numerous methods to go from Kathmandu to the monastery:

• Take a taxi or local bus from Kathmandu to Kopan: You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Kathmandu to Kopan. The journey takes around 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic conditions.
• Walk to Kopan Monastery: Once you reach Kopan, you can walk to Kopan Monastery. The monastery is located on top of a hill, so you'll need to climb a set of stairs to reach it. The walk takes around 10-15 minutes and is quite steep in places.
• Explore Kopan Monastery: Once you reach the monastery, you can explore its grounds and buildings. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning artwork, and peaceful atmosphere. You can attend a prayer session, learn about Tibetan Buddhism, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
• Attend a retreat: Kopan Monastery is famous for its meditation retreats, which are open to both beginners and experienced practitioners. You can attend a retreat to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and develop your meditation practice.
• Visit nearby attractions: Kopan is also home to several other important Buddhist and Hindu sites, including the Boudhanath Stupa, the Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Pashupatinath Temple. You can visit these sites and learn more about the rich religious history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley.
• Return to Kathmandu: After exploring Kopan Monastery and the surrounding area, you can return to Kathmandu by taxi or local bus.

 

2. Shechen Monastery: 

The eastern region of Kathmandu, Nepal, is home to the Tibetan Buddhist monastery known as Shechen Monastery. A well-known Tibetan Buddhist teacher named Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche formed it in 1980 with the intention of preserving and advancing the Nyingma school's teachings.

Buddhist theory and practice teachings are available at Shechen Monastery, along with meditation classes and retreats. Buddhist masters with extensive training teach the courses and retreats, which are appropriate for both beginning and seasoned practitioners.

How do I travel there from Kathmandu?

East of Kathmandu, Nepal, is where you'll find the Shechen Monastery. From Kathmandu, there are numerous methods to reach the monastery:

• Take a taxi or local bus from Kathmandu to Baudhanath: You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Kathmandu to Baudhanath. The journey takes around 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic conditions.
• Walk to Shechen Monastery: Once you reach Baudhanath, you can walk to Shechen Monastery. The monastery is located on the northern side of Baudhanath Stupa, which is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The walk takes around 10-15 minutes and follows a well-marked path through the bustling streets and alleys of Baudhanath.
• Explore Shechen Monastery: Once you reach the monastery, you can explore its grounds and buildings. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning artwork, and peaceful atmosphere. You can attend a prayer session, learn about Tibetan Buddhism, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
• Visit nearby attractions: Baudhanath is also home to several other important Buddhist and Hindu sites, including the Pashupatinath Temple, the Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Kopan Monastery. You can visit these sites and learn more about the rich religious history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley.
• Return to Kathmandu: After exploring Shechen Monastery and the surrounding area, you can return to Kathmandu by taxi or local bus.

3. Thubten Chöling Monastery

A Tibetan Buddhist monastery called Thubten Chöling Monastery is situated in the Nepalese town of Chobhar, about 10 kilometers south of Kathmandu. One of the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist gurus of his period, Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, who passed away in 2013, built the monastery in 1963.

Thubten Chöling Monastery offers a range of meditation courses, retreats, and teachings on Buddhist philosophy and practice. The courses and retreats are taught by highly qualified Buddhist masters and are suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

How do I travel there from Kathmandu?

• Take a taxi or local bus from Kathmandu to Pharping: You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Kathmandu to Pharping. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour and follows the winding road through the hills of the Kathmandu Valley.
• Trek from Pharping to Thubten Chöling Monastery: Once you reach Pharping, you'll need to trek to Thubten Chöling Monastery. The trek takes around 30-45 minutes and follows a well-marked trail through the forested hills. You can also hire a horse or mule to carry your luggage if needed.
• Explore Thubten Chöling Monastery: Once you reach the monastery, you can explore its grounds and buildings. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning views of the surrounding hills, and tranquil atmosphere. You can attend a prayer session, learn about Tibetan Buddhism, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• Visit nearby attractions: Pharping is also home to several other important Buddhist and Hindu sites, including the Asura Cave, the Vajrayogini Temple, and the Guru Rinpoche Cave. You can visit these sites and learn more about the rich religious history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley.
• Return to Kathmandu: After exploring Thubten Chöling Monastery and the surrounding area, you can return to Kathmandu by taxi or local bus.

4. Tengboche Monastery

The Tibetan Buddhist monastery Tengboche Monastery, often referred to as Thyangboche Monastery, is situated in the hamlet of Tengboche in the Khumbu area of northeastern Nepal. A Tibetan monk named Lama Gulu who had relocated to the area from Tibet's Rongbuk Monastery built the monastery in 1916. After being completely devastated by an earthquake in 1934, the old monastery was restored in the 1950s with Sir Edmund Hillary's assistance.

During the trip to Mount Everest Base Camp, the Tengboche Monastery is a well-liked stop for visitors and trekkers. It takes two to three days to hike from the town of Lukla to the monastery, which provides breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and neighboring valleys.

How do I travel there from Kathmandu?

1. Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla: The first step is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small town in the Khumbu region. Lukla is the starting point of the trek to Tengboche Monastery. Flights to Lukla are available from Kathmandu's domestic airport and take around 30 minutes.
2. Trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar: From Lukla, you'll trek to the town of Namche Bazaar, which is located at an altitude of 3,440 meters (11,286 ft). The trek takes around 6-7 hours and involves crossing several suspension bridges and ascending steep hills. Namche Bazaar is a popular stopover for trekkers and has several lodges and guesthouses.
3. Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar: It's important to acclimatize to the altitude before continuing the trek to Tengboche Monastery. Spend a day in Namche Bazaar and explore the town and its surroundings. You can also visit the local market and the nearby Sherpa Museum.
4. Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche: The next leg of the trek takes you from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery. The trek takes around 5-6 hours and involves climbing steep hills and crossing the Dudh Koshi river. You'll also pass through several small villages and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountains.
5. Explore Tengboche Monastery: Once you reach Tengboche Monastery, you can explore the monastery and its surroundings. You can attend a prayer session at the monastery, learn about Tibetan Buddhism, and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
6. Return trek to Lukla and flight to Kathmandu: After exploring Tengboche Monastery, you'll trek back to Lukla and take a flight back to Kathmandu.

5. Namo Buddha Monastery

Buddhists consider Namo Buddha Monastery to be a holy place. It is situated in Nepal's Kavre district, some 40 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The Buddha is thought to have donated his body to a famished tigress and her cubs there during one of his former lifetimes. The monastic complex, whose name is "Namo Buddha" and means "honor to the Buddha," is a popular destination for Buddhists from all over the world.

In the sixth century, a monarch by the name of Maharatha found the location and erected a stupa there, beginning the history of Namo Buddha Monastery. The location has seen several expansions and renovations over the years, and as a result, it now houses a number of significant Buddhist temples and monasteries.

How do I travel there from Kathmandu?

1. Take a local bus or private car from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel: You can hire a private car or take a local bus from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel. The journey takes around 1-2 hours depending on traffic conditions.
2. Take a local bus or private car from Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha: Once you reach Dhulikhel, you can take a local bus or hire a private car to take you to Namo Buddha Monastery. The journey takes around 1 hour, and the road can be quite steep and bumpy in places.
3. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or hire a private car directly from Kathmandu to Namo Buddha Monastery. This is a more convenient option, but it can be more expensive than taking a local bus.
4. Once you reach Namo Buddha, you will need to hike up a steep hill to reach the monastery. The hike takes around 20-30 minutes, and the path can be rocky and uneven in places. It's important to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water for the climb.
5. When you reach the top of the hill, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Himalayan Mountains. You can explore the monastery and its temples, attend prayer sessions, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.
6. If you're interested in meditation, you can also participate in a meditation retreat at the monastery. These retreats are led by experienced teachers and provide a peaceful and supportive environment for meditation practice.
7. When you're ready to leave, you can take the same route back to Kathmandu. It's a good idea to plan ahead and arrange transportation in advance to ensure a smooth journey.