Monasteries and Caves in Dolpo Region

Welcome to the most iconic Buddhist pilgrimage destination of Nepal, known as the Dolpo region, where vibrant monasteries and ancient caves are scattered in this remote landscape. Dolpo is such a highly sacred land, where saints, yogis, guru meditate and gain power from it. Buddhist devotees take this land not only as their pilgrimage zone, but also as a key place to achieve eternal peace and strong vibes from the monasteries and Lama monks. 

Exploring Dolpo is not an easy task, but it will be with your spiritual dedication. On the other hand, you need to obtain a Special Permit, which costs 500 USD for 10 days (50 USD Per Day)

Ringmo Bon Monastery (Gompa)

The Ringmo Bon Monastery is situated in the Ringmo village, near the Phoksundo Lake. It has remarkable settlements with unique houses. The architecture is typical of this region with flat-roof homes. 

Gompa

• Ringmo Bon Monastery is also known as Tshowa Bonpo Gompa
• Surrounded by red-painted chhortens and mani walls
• Believed to be 800 years old, built by a Lama from Pungmo valley
• The monastery under the leadership of Menri Triten Rinpoche, the higher authorities of the Bon tradition
• Cozy prayer halls with small statues and thangka paintings
• Ancient Bon Po Tradition and ancient heritage 

Shey Gompa- the Iconic Monastery of Upper Dolpo

Shey Gonpa is a world-renowned 11th-Century monastery built in the Dolpo region. The literal meaning of 'Shey' is Crystal or Glass, and Gompa is a monastery.  

Gompa

• Two-Story monastery and a red-painted facade
• Tibetan architecture and ancient murals of Buddhist deities
• Life stories of revered lamas adorned the walls
• Shey Gompa- following the lineage of the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
• Shey Festival-Carnival is held every 12 years, marking the Dragon Year of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar
• Festivals and celebrations related to winning against a demon

It has three monasteries in the premises: 

Shel Sundo Gonpa

• Kagyu-Nyingma Monastery 
• Surrounded by several walls and chhortens
• Related to vibrant energy and wisdom 
• Collection of antique statues and Thangka paintings 
• Epic depiction of Skeleton Buddha and powerful deity, Vajra Yogini

Komache Gompa

• Follows the Kagyupa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
• Home to a sacred stupa- signifying a complete victory
• Has footprints of Singhe Yeshe, who established this monastery and is a renowned tantric master
• People visit and take blessings 
• Sacred in practice

Tsakang Gompa

• Widely renowned as a meditation retreat center for the Lamas of SHEY
• Great for spiritual practices and to feel the power of silence
• Annual puja and spiritual activities

Namgung Monastery

Namgung monastery is located in the remote countryside of Dolpo, in the Nangkhong Valley, which is one of the most ancient monasteries in the surroundings. The cultural and spiritual dimensions of this monastery are amazing. 

Gompa

• Associated with the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism
• Surrounded by the rocky cliffs and meditation caves of hermits 
• Established by Lama teacher Drakkar Karma Lobsang in the 17th Century
• Developed as a retreat center, learning and practicing
• Monastic teaching and using codes were also supported by different Kings of Jumla 
• Famous Lamas and practitioners have been drawn to this place as a source
• It's a peaceful and isolated zone for peace, meditation, and retreat

Samling Gompa-above Bhijer Village

Samling Gompa is a Bon Monastery, located above the beautiful village of Upper Dolpo. The monastery dates back 800 years, established by revered Dzogchen master Tangton Gyaltzen Rinchen. 

Gompa

• Epicenter of Bon tradition learning and practicing
• Study center for Dzongchen Lamas
• Teaching of Sutra, Tantra, and Dzogchen
• Associated with the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism
• A huge collection of ancient Thangkas, murals, and relics
• Consists a huge statue of Guru Rinpoche 
• Marvelous entrance with animal paintings and other artistic representations
• Suitable for eternal spiritual experience
• live museum of Bon traditions, heritages, and instruments

Monasteries in Saldang Village

The widespread village of Saldang is a spiritually outstanding and culturally impressive town in the Dolpo region. It is located at an altitude of 3770 meters, which requires a high pass trek to access this magnificent rural village of Nepal. With a movie entitled Himalaya Caravan, this tiny piece of heaven came to the forefront among international travelers. The vibrating monasteries and culturally loaded spirituality make Saldang a masterpiece in terms of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. 

Samye Choling Monastery

• Founded 500 years ago, but believed to date back to the 12th century
• Associated with the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism
• Connected to Gyaltzen Rinchen
• Holds the Buddhist statues in the monastery, especially of Dipankar Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Maitriye (representing past, present, and future)
• Statue of Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism
• Surrounded by stupa, prayer wheels, and prayer flags

Jovo Monastery

• One of the ancient monasteries in the Dolpo region, dating back 100 years 
• Associated with the Nyingma school and established by Sherap Dragpa
• Preserves Ngapa traditions, which were introduced by Mahasiddhi Tibetan Yogi Milarepa
• Collection of various statues of Buddhist masters and yogis- Guru Rinpoche, Manjushree, Thubwang, and Dorje Drollo
• Ancient scripture- Treasure Trove of Precious Teaching

Yangtsher Gompa in the Nisal Village

• Isolated gompa but holds significant Buddhist rituals
• Great for monks and local devotees to meditate and retreat in peace 
• Unique architecture, wall paintings, and prayer symbols 
• Preserves the essence of Himalayan Buddhism
• Statues of Guru Rinpoche, Shakyamuni Buddha, Chenrezig, Dorje Chang, Mahakala, and Eight Medicine Buddhas
• Reconnects to its deep spiritual faith and traditions, joining its roots 

Champa/ Jhampa Monastery

• Champa or Jhampa (locally called) Monastery is located in the Tokyu village
• Devoted to Maitriye, the future Buddha 
• Associated with the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism- reconstructed in the 15th Century 
• A significant pilgrimage destination for the devotees of Dolpo and Mustang 
• More statues of Dipankar Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, and Guru Rinpoche
• The wall painting depicts seven protector deities 
• Collection of centuries back scruptures, sutras, and tantric texts
• Vibrating spiritual practices, annual puja, festivals, and celebrations

Ribo Bhumpa Monastery- Dho Tarap

A significant monastery in Dho Tarap, it is widely regarded as one of the eight auspicious symbols in Buddhism, representing abundance, purity, and spiritual blessings.

Monastery 

• Founded by Jigme Nyima Gyaltzen and Lama Tenzin Targye 
• Associated with the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
• Resembles the great monastery of Tibet- Samye monastery
• A wonderful site for spiritual essence, rituals, and retreat
• With the spiritual force, it is believed to have safeguarded the local territory
• Beautifully painted interior walls
• Amazing blend of Himalayan culture with the arts and architecture from Tibet

Sipchok Dedhen Phuntsokling Bon Monastery

• Located at Sipchok area of the Dho Tarap valley
• Multi-tiered buildings
• Established 800 years ago by Triten Chime and rebuilt 500 years ago by Yundrung Gyaltzen
• Literally meaning 'Sheltered Place'
• Inside the monastery- images and sculptures like 100 Buddha
• Mandalas and the four animal guardians at the entrance 
• 15 chhortens outside the monastery
• Monks conduct rituals for locals 
• Annual puja, masked dance, hand printed scruptures
• Impression of Tibetan Buddhist lifestyles mixed up with the Himalayan Buddhism of Nepal

Things to Know Beforehand

• Be aware of high altitude sickness
• Drink plenty of water 
• Take proper rest 
• Pack some snacks for backup 
• Have proper information from the guide 
• Do not underestimate any physical symptoms

Permits and Paperwork 

The most important permit is the Special permit of the Dolpo region. Remaining is what comes on its way. 

Guide and Supporting Staff 

You need a government-authorized trekking guide and supporting staff as required. They need proper insurance to trek in the Dolpo region. If you want someone who can explain to you about the monasteries and caves of the Dolpo region, you should have another guide regarding Buddhism and Buddhist practices. 

Dolpo Trekking 

Visiting monasteries and caves in the Dolpo region means doing a trek. So, whatever the gears you need for the high pass trekking, you should have them with you. Just the difference is that you will be more oriented with the caves and monasteries, Lamas, and have the opportunity for interaction with them.

Difficulty Level 

• It's physically challenging with the route and high altitude. It's better:
• To do walking or running as a practice at least for a month before coming to Nepal
• Do a complete health check-up beforehand 
• Take required/suggested medicine by doctor 

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