Top Buddhist Destinations to Visit in Nepal

There are literally hundreds of Buddhist gompas (monasteries), shrines, stupas and sacred caves in Nepal.  Despite this being a Hindu country.  In addition, there is a unique and very interesting blend of Buddhism and Hinduism not found elsewhere. Although you may argue about Ankor Wat in Cambodia, but that temple was first a Hindu temple, then became a Buddhist site.

You may wonder why there are so many Buddhist sites here in Nepal.  The answer is quite simple and something you may see written on various items throughout the country – Siddartha Gautuma, who went on to become the Buddha, was ‘born in Nepal’. Frankly, he was not born in Nepal as we know it, because Nepal as a country was not yet established.  He was born into his father’s kingdom near modern day Lumbini on the Nepali side of the border between Nepal and India. Born approximately 500 years before Christ, there are various myths and truths about his life and of course his subsequent travels and becoming the enlightened Buddha.  With no documentation from his lifetime, it is only from around the middle of the 3rd century BC that Ashoka, Indian emperor (267 - 232 BC) of the Mauryan Dynasty, began to write about Buddha while he, Ashoka, was on his travels and pilgrimage to Lumbini.  Today you can see Ashoka’s pillar still standing there in memory of Buddha's birthplace.  

With so many artifacts and sites dedicated to Buddha, as Siddhartha became, which should you visit while in Nepal?   You can either dedicate your trip to some of these sites or visit them between / on your cultural or trekking tours.  Here are few of the best places to visit.

Lumbini – Birthplace of Buddha - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Here at Lumbini, you will see the birthplace of Buddha, the Mayadevi Temple within the Lumbini Garden.  It was here archaeologists have stated that Buddha was born.  The nearby Ashoka Pillar also has reference to Buddha’s birth at this spot, as is carved into the pillar’s inscription.  Over the past few decades, the Maya Devi Temple with its underground chamber and nativity stone have been excavated and visitors can enter this area. 

Also over the past two or three decades, approximately 25 international monasteries have come up. The site covers a large area, and as vehicles are not allowed into this sacred place, the best way to get around and see some of the monasteries and the Lumbini Garden is by rickshaw.

Nearby, there are a few hotels of international standard.

Practicalities

• Lumbini is situated in the south-west of the country and can be reached by a 40-minute flight to Bhairawa airport and a short drive to the heritage site.  Alternatively, you can go by road from Kathmandu – approximately 7 to 9 hours.
• There are a number of international standard hotels in the area.
• You can combine your visit with a trip to Bardia National Park (approx. 6 hrs drive further west by private transport, longer by bus) or a trip to Chitwan National Park (approx. 4 hours’ drive east).

 

Shey Gompa Monastery

If you are trekking to Dolpo, do not forget to visit the Shey Gompa Monastery and Crystal Mountain.

Established in the 11th century, Shey Gompa is considered the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo.  Mythology says that the monastery was build on the site of a battle between a follower of Buddha, who arrived on the back of a flying snow lion, and an evil local mountain spirit.   Inside the monastery are wonderful Buddhist paintings and statues of Guru Rinpoche, Milarepa, and Sakyamuni.  There are ancient texts in this monastery which give the history of the Crystal Mountain (known for natural quartz crystals) and the monastery. 

It is also located near Phoksundo Lake, which you will visit on the Upper Dolpo Trek.

Practicalities

• You can only reach Shey Gompa by trekking through Dolpo for approximately three weeks!  So this site is only recommended if you are planning a trek and looking for somewhere interesting and remote.
• To reach the starting point of this trek, Juphal, you fly from Nepalganj airport in the west of the country.
• You can combine your trek with a trip to Bardia National Park, only two hours’ drive from Nepalganj.

 

Tengboche Monastery

If you are trekking through the Everest Region, to Everest Base Camp for example, you will have a day trip to Tengboche Monastery.  This is the largest, and most impressive monastery in the Everest Region.

This monastery also has a long history although it was built in 1916 and rebuilt twice due to an earthquake (1934) and fire (1989). Sacred and special to the Sherpa community of the region, this monastery is loved by visiting tourists due to its location. Set within Sagarmatha National Park, one day’s walk from Namche Bazaar, it has the most outstanding views of several mountains. Panoramic views of Everest, Nuptse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and more with the sounds of chanting monks is a very spiritual feeling.

Should you wish to visit this monastery but don’t want to make the long trek to Everest Base Camp and beyond, it is possible to fly into Lukla, walk two days to Namche Bazaar, acclimatize and visit the town and surroundings, then walk for another day to Tengboche, overnighting in the nearby village.  Then returning to Namche.  This makes the visit shorter and less arduous. 

Practicalities

• You can visit Tengboche Monastery on any trek within the Everest Region.
• For a shorter trek, fly into Lukla, and follow the EBC Trek as far as Tengboche and return.

 

Sky Caves of Upper Mustang

If you are trekking to Upper Mustang, perhaps to  Lomanthang village, you will also visit the sky caves nearby.  There are around 10,000 man-made caves in the high cliff faces of the region.  Preserved bodies found inside indicate the caves are at least 2,000 to 3,000 years old.  But till today, the archaeologists have not discovered the real reason for these caves.  Some ideas include places of retreat as Buddhist  artifacts and paintings dating back to the 12th to 14th century have been found.  And it is thought they were used during the Nepal-Tibet war of the mid 1800s.  But that does not explain their ancient purpose, particularly as many of the caves are several stories up the cliff face.

You can visit some of these caves today and wonder at their purpose.  As Mustang, and Upper Mustang in particular, is a Buddhist area, the locals assign Buddhist practices to the formation of the caves.

Practicalities

• You can only visit these Sky Caves on a trek to Upper Mustang.
• They lie a few hours walk from the main town – the ancient walled-city of Lomanthang.
• Do not go alone in the caves because they are very steep and can be dangerous.

 

Kathmandu Valley

For those only visiting the Kathmandu Valley or who are trekking / sightseeing in other areas, there are several interesting Buddhist destinations nearby.

Boudhanath Stupa – UNESCO Heritage Site

Perhaps the most famous Buddhist site in Kathmandu is Boudhanath Stupa.  Here is home to many Tibetans in exile as well as local Buddhists and people who come down from the mountains in the harsh winters.

Built sometime in the fifth century, Boudha is situated on an ancient Tibet-Kathmandu trade route.  When Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo converted to Buddhism, he created this, one of the largest stupas in the world and the most important Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet.  You will notice the all-seeing eyes of Buddha painted onto the high stupa and the whitewashed walls glimmering in the sun.  You will also see these eyes in many other places, including tourist souvenirs! 

If you visit in the early morning and evenings you will see hundreds of Tibetan Buddhists circumambulating around the stupa.  Quite a sight to see and you are most welcome to join in.   You can also light butter lamps in the nearby monasteries or outside around the stupa itself.  Visiting on a full moon, it will be busier, but even more spiritual.  

Practicalities

• Bouddha is located around 30 minute’s drive from the centre of Kathmandu.
• You can easily go there yourself, join the locals for ‘kora’ and eat in one of the many cafes and restaurants with views over the stupa.  After the pilgrims have gone (around say 7 or 8 pm) you will have an almost ghostly feeling.
• Going on a full moon is very auspicious although it will be very crowded.  Also going at Tibetan New Year (February) is colourful and exciting.

 

Swambhunath Stupa – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Swambhunath Stupa is that delicate and interesting blend of Buddhism and Hinduism which exists mainly in the Kathmandu Valley.

Legend has it that it is from the hill at Swambhu that the God Manjushri took a sword and cut into the lake below.  When the water flowed out of the valley (at Chobar Gorge which you can visit today) it left very fertile land on which Kathmandu was built.

In ancient times it is said, many religious people, gods and others, including Ashoka came to this site.  In the 15th century that the abbot of  Bodhgaya led the reconstruction of the stupa along with the King of the Malla dynasty. Which could indicate the start of the combined Buddhist/ Hindu connection.

Today the Newari people of the valley come to worship at Swayambhunath daily as it is among their most holy sites.  For Tibetan Buddhists, it is only second to Boudhanath.  The other group who occupy this stupa are monkeys!  With so many monkeys at Swambhunath, it also has the name ‘Monkey Temple’!

Practicalities

• It is a 10-minute drive or a short walk from the tourist hub of Thamel.
• There are many steps to climb to reach the summit of the hill on which the stupa stands.
• Do be aware of the monkeys and carry no food.
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More…

There are many more Buddhist shrines throughout the Kathmandu Valley.  We can recommend a visit to Namaboudha,  about 8 km / 5 miles from the ancient town of Panaulti. It is said Namaboudha is important due to the tale which involved th early incarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha who sacrificed his own body to a starving tigress who was unable to feed her cubs. The monastery is a  place of worship and a centre for meditation and spiritual practices, visitors can visit for the day, or stay longer in their guest rooms. 

We can also recommend a visit to Pharping, situated 23 km / 14 miles from Kathmandu.  There are many Buddhist and Hindu sites to be seen here  including the Asura Cave, where Guru Rinpoche meditated and achieved enlightenment.

 

And naturally, there are many Buddhist stupas, shrines, mani walls, prayer wheels and gompas in  many of the areas you can visit through trekking in Nepal. 

So much for you to discover!