5 Amazing Monasteries To Visit In Kathmandu, Nepal

monasteries in kathmandu
Aarti
Aarti 
Updated
| 2 min read

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

Balambu bihar kathmandu
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Uray1130 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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2. Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery -nepal (32000024301)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gisela Giardino used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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3. Amitabha Monastery

AmitabhMonastery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dhilung used under CC BY 2.0

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

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4. Tharlam Monastery

Tharlam Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism ready for the crowds, with tents strung and Buddhist flags, with the puffy Himalayan clouds high above Boudha in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Source: Photo by user Wonderlane used under CC BY 2.0

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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Kathmandu Tour Guide

Dinesh Thapa Magar

Dinesh Thapa Magar

Meet Dinesh, your go-to guide for an unforgettable Nepal experience. With years of expertise, he seamlessly blends city charm with mountain thrill. Let Dinesh unveil Nepal's secrets, from vibrant streets to towering peaks, creating memories that linger far beyond the journey.

Kathmandu Tour Guide

Kshitij

Kshitij

Kathmandu Tour Guide

Krishna Gautam

Krishna Gautam

Namaskar (Hello)!Greetings from the land of discovery and adventure! I'm Krishna Gautam, a dedicated tour guide and travel planner for Nepal's breathtaking natural beauty and rich heritage of culture. I come with a Profound educational background and bring an original perspective to the journey. I received a master's degree in Rural Development and am currently pursuing an MPhil in Buddhist Studies and Yog Science at Tribhuvan University. In addition to my guiding experience, my university studies enable me to provide insightful commentary on Nepal's natural beauty and spiritual heart. With 29 years of expertise as a guide, I have been all throughout Nepal and have seen a variety of landscapes, from thrilling treks up to the basecamps of towering mountains to cultural journeys. I tailor every experience to fit your interests and schedule, whether it's taking in the colorful panorama of UNESCO World Heritage sites, going on challenging day treks, or taking all-inclusive round excursions to the most popular tourist attractions in Nepal, With so many attractions, Nepal has something to offer every kind of traveler. I promise that every second of your adventure will be full of excitement and discovery, from the busy streets of Kathmandu to the peaceful lakeside of Pokhara, from the greenery of Chitwan to the treasured birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini.Some of the well-known locations I specialize in are cultural tours of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered in Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Ganesh Himal, Panchpokhari, Rolwaling, Solukhumbhu (the region surrounding Mount Everest), Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. My first priority are your comfort and happiness, and I take great pride in creating customized itineraries that meet your goals and interests. Whether you are looking for peaceful moments of reflection in the middle of nature, I can create a unique experience just for you.Allow me to serve as your guide as you set off on a wonderful adventure to discover the wonders and mysteries of Nepal's breathtaking landscape and deep cultural legacy. Let us together make some memories.I'm excited to plan your journey on this amazing journey just for you!Thank you!

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

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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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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Born in Mumbai and brought up in Bangalore, India, Aarti is a full-time freelance writer by profession. She is a lover of everything the ‘blue dot’ offers—world cultures, off-the-beaten tracks,...Read more

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