Best Monasteries to visit in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a beautiful city in Nepal blessed with several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries where people can find tranquillity, peace of mind, enjoy the divine and spiritual aura and can learn about the simplest ways of living. Between the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city, these monasteries are sure to provide you with some relaxing and rejuvenating time.
Check out the best monasteries to visit while travelling in Kathmandu:-
- KOPAN MONASTERY
Kopan Monastery, a Tibetan monastery in Kathmandu is a place of serenity and calmness. Situated on Kopan hill, this monastery offers great views of the Himalayas and is also considered a great place to witness the sunset. The monastery has a cafe, a library and a beautiful garden too. People can join the meditation courses hosted by the monastery, learn about Buddhist psychology and philosophy, see thangka painting and gain knowledge about Tibetan medicines. So, spend time with your family and also indulge in Dharma talks (public discourse) by monks to learn about their religion and way of living.
- THARLAM MONASTERY
Tharlam Monastery was founded in 1981 but was destroyed by Chinese communists and later on the monastery was rebuilt at a different location in Kathmandu. The monastery is equipped with around 40 rooms for meditation and relaxing. The rooms are comfortable and prices are basic that anyone can afford. When you see monks chanting, you will find yourself in another world. So, while you are at the monastery, forget about the outside world and soak in the lively atmosphere of the monastery as this place is known to have a great impact on visitors.
- PRANIDHI PURNA MAHAVIHAR MONASTERY
Located 8 km from Kathmandu, the Theravada monastery also known as Balambu Bihar acts as an important centre in Kathmandu to study Buddhism. The monastery offers many courses and retreats to local and international visitors. Visitors have a great opportunity to understand the culture of Nepal and witness cultural activities. If you decide to visit this sacred Buddhist site, you can enjoy a small trek to the monastery or hire a cab to reach faster.
- SHECHEN MONASTERY
Scechen Buddhist temple, one of the six main Nyingma monasteries of Tibet, has wonderful architecture. Various courses on art, philosophy, dance and music along with painting are conducted by the monastery. It is also a renowned school as many students visit here from around the world to do a course in “Buddhist teachings’. If you visit this monastery, you can see stupas, spin prayer wheels and also enjoy good food at a cafe located inside the premises of the Monastery. Here, a person will learn about Buddhist culture and teachings, the art of living and can have a life-changing experience. This place definitely needs to be on your Kathmandu itinerary if you are looking for a meaningful experience.
So, If you are someone who is interested in Buddhism religion and its practices, make sure to visit these famous monasteries in Kathmandu that are perfect examples of architectural marvels and offer amazing views of the city as well.