All monasteries of Upper Mustang details

Monasteries of upper mustang served as the religious monument, historical archives, architectural wonders and Buddhist learning center for centuries. Upper Mustang’s monasteries are deeply intertwined with Tibetan Buddhism, these cultural treasures continue to inspire and educate future generations.

Importance of the Monastery of Mustang

Upper mustang area famous to see the ancient arts, Buddhist culture and untouched Tibetan tradition. There are many Chortens, Mani walls, Stupas and monasteries in this region. Guru Rinpoche “Padmasambhava” visit upper mustang in 8th century and meditated in Ranchung cave and established Ghar gumba and sprayed the Buddhism in Himalayas. After that there are many monasteries, cave gumba, stupa and chortens was built by king, local and disciple monks. Most of the monastery are empty but still you fell rhythmic chants of monks and the aroma of incense, creating a spiritual ambiance.

Now there are more than 20 ancient monasteries in most of the villages of upper mustang Nepal. Among of them Niphu Gompa, Garphu Gompa, Luri Gompa, Ghar Gompa, Tsarang Monastery, Thubchen Gompa, Jampa Lhakang Chode Gompa and Namgyal Gompa etc are quite popular between visitors. These monastery of Mustang play the significant role in preserving the culture and traditions of Mustang.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Splendor

Most of the monasteries are built with traditional mud-brick architecture and decorated with, centuries-old holy book, murals, statues, traditional musical instruments and relics of significant spiritual importance. Inside, you’ll find perfectly decorated prayer halls, statues of Buddha and other revered figures, and ancient scriptures that have been passed down through generations.

Monastery have impressive collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and other artifacts. it is a popular destination for scholars and researchers to learn about Buddhism, meditation, inner peace and relaxation. Where visitors can observe rich cultural heritage and witness the daily lives of the monks. List of all monasteries of upper mustang given below for reference to plan your trip to mustang to discover these holy places.

Gompas of Upper Mustang Nepal

01: Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, Kagbeni Nepal Established in 15th century

02: Terri Samdrub Chodhing Monastery in Tirigaon in Mustang

03: Chele Monastery (GOMPA) in Chhusang villge Mustang

04: Samar Monastery in Samar village of Upper mustang

05: Chungsi Cave Monastery in Syangboche Mustang (Guru Ringpoche meditated in this cave in around 8th century)

06: Thrangu Tashi Choling Monastery (GUMBA) Ghiling established in between 14th/15th century

07: Ghami Shedrub Dhargey Ling Monastery, Lo Ghami established in 14th century

(Ancient times monks and nuns used to stay in caves with guru as a disciple to study Buddhist philosophy. Cave study brings many difficulty, problems and conflict between Nun, monks and teachers. Lama Namkha Pasang established this monastery to make easy for monks and nuns to study and practice Buddhism. It helps to prevent chaotic lifestyle of monks and nuns with an inspiration to bring peace, harmony and unification between monks, nuns and local as well. Khentrul Jamyang Palbar has been leading this Gumba as an abbot of the monastery for two decades.)

08: Tsarang Monastery (Gompa ) established in 13th century

Tsarang Monastery is an architectural marvel with an extensive collection of Buddhist manuscripts, vibrant murals, sculptures and traditional thangkas paintings.

09: Ghar Gumba monastery, Lo Gekar established in 8th century

Lo Gekar Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Upper Mustang. Ghar Gompa was founded by the Tibetan saint Padmasambhava and is located in the Lo area near Marang Village. Ghar gumba is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stone carving and sacred statues. Its ancient architecture and spiritual aura make it a must-visit for pilgrims and travelers alike.

10: Thubchen Gompa, Lo-Manthang the capital of mustang established in late 15th century

This monastery decorated stunning frescoes, statues and intricate wood carvings that depict Buddhist deities and teachings.

11: Jampa Lhakang Monastery inside walled city established in early 14th century

The monastery decorated with intricate mandalas, images of deities, and elaborate wooden carvings that reflect a blend of Tibetan and Nepalese artistic influences.

12: Chode Gompa in Lo-Manthang (Monchoe Dragkar Thegchen Ling Gonpa) established in 13th century

13: Garghu Dhejing Chhyoling Gompa, Garphu, (Garphu monastery) Chhoser established in 15th century

14: Nyiphuk Namdol Norbuling Gompa, (Niphu monastery) Choser established in 14th century

Niphu is a unique monastery carved into the cliffs of Chhoser and offers a glimpse into the cave dweller culture of Mustang. The cave complex includes meditation chambers, prayer rooms, living quarters used by monks and a hermit for spiritual retreats for centuries.

15: Chhujung Gompa nearby Dhigaon (need extra days to visit this hidden site)

16: Samduling Gompa, near to Lo-manthang

17: Namgyal Monastery (Thukten Dharkelin Gompa) Near Lo Manthang established in 10th century

18: Luri Gompa, Ghara village established in between 13th/14th century

Tips to visit the Monastery of Upper Mustang Area

Upper Mustang‘s monasteries are deeply rooted with Tibetan Buddhism, with their origins tracing back to the 14th century. Mustang region was historically a vital trade route between Tibet and Nepal, that exchange the culture, religion, and arts. These tips may help to make great visit in monastery.

# Dress respectfully (do not expose body parts)

# Remove the shoes before enter the Monastery

# Maintain silence to feel the peace and spirituality

# Ask for permission to take the photo or videos

# Offer donations to the monastery (if interested)

# Visit with open mind and respectful attitude

# Learn about local culture to gain a deeper understanding

Prayer Wheels and Mani Walls

Many chortens are accompanied by mani walls (long stone structures inscribed with Buddhist prayers and mantras). Additionally, prayer wheels filled with sacred scrolls are often placed around the chortens, inviting pilgrims to spin them as they walk clockwise in devotion.

Monasteries of Upper mustang not only offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Upper Mustang but also provide a peaceful and serene environment for meditation and contemplation. People and life style of Upper Mustang influences by the Tibetan culture and religion. Upper mustang is one of the mystical places to visit in the Himalayas. If you interested to visit this site write us.