Sitting in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountain range, Nepal’s capital Kathmandu will most likely be the first step into your journey in the country. But, that shouldn’t mean you just make a quick stop here before heading off to another destination. When you walk through the streets of Kathmandu, you will realize it has a lot to offer. The bustle of the streets, narrow markets with a plethora of stores selling everything and anything, and the tiny and charming houses. There is beauty in everything here. Kathmandu is worth staying in for a few days to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and culture. No matter what you are into - architecture, culture, heritage, shopping, traditions, or spirituality, Kathmandu has it all, be it in the forms of the Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kasthamandap, or the Hanuman Dhoka. There is something to captivate every traveler while on a vacation here. But, these aren’t the only attractions that make Kathmandu so special. Kathmandu is also very popular for its monasteries. If you are interested in learning more about them, continue reading this article for the amazing monasteries to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal.
1. Pranidhipurna Mahavihar
A Theravada Buddhist Monastery in Balambu, Kathmandu, Pranidhipurna Mahavihar, otherwise known as Balambu Bihar is home to many nuns and monks. Run by Bihar’s abbot, the monastery acts as a prominent center for studying Buddhism. There are several activities held here, such as health camps, retreats, and more. Pranidhipurna Mahavihar also hosts life cycle ceremonies for girls, boys, and senior citizens.
Pranidhipurna Mahavihar
Address: Chandragiri 44600, Nepal
Website: Pranidhipurna Mahavihar
2. Kopan Monastery
Located in Kathmandu, Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, known as a place of retreat, practice, meditation, and for studying Buddhism in a serene atmosphere. People who love art can check out the Thangka paintings. While here, you can soak in the views of the Himalayas and join in with the monks who visit and live in the monastery.
Kopan Monastery
Address: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Website: Kopan Monastery
3. Amitabha Monastery
Located near the Kathmandu valley, atop Druk Amitabha Mountain, Amitabha Monastery is also known as Seto Gumba. This monastery acts as a center for humanitarian issues and spiritual practice. It features a library, an administration office, a hall that fits up to 2,000 people, a medical clinic, and much more.
Along with this, the center also has a garden with vegetables and works to provide shelter for animals. Because of its encompassing views of the sunrise and sunset, this monastery is a breathtaking place to visit.
Amitabha Monastery
Address: Nagarjun 44609, Nepal
Website: Amitabha Monastery
4. Tharlam Monastery
A Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Tharlam Monastery in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, was originally constructed in 1436 in Eastern Tibet. But, it was destroyed in 1959 by the Chinese communists. Later on, the 500-year-old monastery was rebuilt in a new location in Kathmandu, Nepal. The monastery features 40 rooms for retreat and meditation.
Tharlam Monastery
Address: Kathmandu 44602, Nepal
Website: Tharlam Monastery
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5. Benchen Monastery
Located close to Swayambhu stupa in Nepal, Benchen Monastery follows the tradition of Tibet’s Benchen monastery. Back in the 1970s, some of the monks and Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche relocated to a tiny house and because of Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche’s kindness and philanthropy, a monastery was eventually built.
The monastery comes with monks’ quarters, a shrine hall, a primary school, and a guesthouse. After the passing of Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche, Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche now heads the monastery.
Benchen Monastery
Address: Chauni Hospital Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Website: Benchen Monastery
Explore Kathmandu's Monasteries
When you plan a vacation to a particular place, you need to make sure to research everything the city or the country has to offer. The little quirks, charms, things to do, and things to eat. And when you plan a holiday to Kathmandu, you need to research just about everything and will also want to visit the places you have picked out. Often, while researching, the monasteries set in Kathmandu tend to get overshadowed by the more popular attractions. To help with your search, we have listed some of the most noteworthy monasteries that you should check out. Immerse yourself in the culture and serenity that exudes from these monasteries and, rest assured, your vacation in Kathmandu will be the total package.
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