A land of prayers, Kathmandu is an incredible city filled with Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Monks in red, devoted pilgrims, worshippers chanting prayers, and the numerous temples that are elegantly built for the mortal folks to offer their prayers is a common sight in the famous valley. That’s why the monasteries in Nepal are a must-visit while you’re in the country.

With brilliant architecture, gorgeous designs with symbolism, and interesting legends surrounding them these temples are one of the best places in Kathmandu to know about the country’s traditions and culture. And what’s more these majestic worshipping monuments were built as far back as the 4th century! For travelers who are looking for a new experience or have a love for all things architecture, history and myths, here are the top 4 Kathmandu monasteries you shouldn’t miss during your time in the city.

If you take this private tour, you can see all the monasteries listed below in just two or three days while also visiting Kathmandu’s ancient Kingdoms.

Kopan Monastery – Meet Nepal monks

Kopan Monastery Kathmandu sits atop the Kopan Hill on the outskirts of the city and offers gorgeous views of the valley below with fresh air that fills your lungs. With roots steeped in Tibet, the Monastery was founded in 1969 by Lamas Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche and has now become one of the focal places for teaching Buddhism.

An underrated monastery in Kathmandu and a place offering gorgeous views from high above the valley, Kopan monastery is a must visit for any travelers to Nepal. With beautiful architecture that show cases the divinity of Buddhism, Kopan monastery is your go to place to experience Nepal’s divinity, talk to friendly Nepal monks clad in their signature red robes and learn about the ways of the land’s beliefs.

Around the main temples are some great stonework and statues. Some of the notable structures are the row of beautiful eight stupas of enlightenment representing the eight great deeds of Shakyamuni Buddha. Another stunning work of art is the Thousand Buddha Relic Stupa standing in a circular pond with the statue of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion, placed in front of it.

But Kopan Monastery is also known for more than its beautiful architecture and its holy art. This monastery also offers courses and retreats where you can live with the monks in Nepal and study their values of Buddhism.

Swayambunath Temple – Eyes that watch over the valley

Swayambunath temple also known as Swayambhu Monkey Temple is the most important temple in all of Kathmandu and you shouldn’t leave the city without seeing it. Said to be built in 460 AD, the temple has a legend that speaks about how it abruptly came into existence 2000 years ago when the valley was a lake in the ancient times.

This legend is reflected in its name “Swayambhu”, meaning “self existent” and the temple is thought to be the most sacred religious sites in the Himalayas as well as its oldest. It is believed that the glory of Kathmandu Valley started from this point and the large eyes of the stupa watches over all of Kathmandu and its people.

There are two ways to reach the temple. One, is by taking the 365 steps leading up to the main entrance. This can be a bit of a challenge yet is still worth it as the entire walkway is decorated with beautiful stupas on the sides. The other option is by reaching the top by car. This way, those who cannot walk all the way there can reach the temple with ease.

Boudhanath Stupa – A UNESCO Heritage Site

A UNESCO Heritage Site, this monastery in Kathmandu is one of the largest in the world and can be spotted from almost any spot in Kathmandu. Sitting smack dab in the middle of the ancient city, Boudha stupa or Boudhanath Stupa is surrounded by several other monasteries, temples, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Believed to be built as far back as the 4th century, Boudhanath stupa is an important pilgrimage site for worshippers and Tibetan monks. But the importance of Boudhanath stupa is that it is believed that this particular stupa houses the relics of Kassapa Buddha or the bones of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.

Worshippers who offer their prayers here believe that the gates of Hell are closed on them and so they will be forever blessed with wealth, health, peace and positivity.

Travelers can climb this stupa up to its three platforms and see the heart of the pilgrimage site from above while listening to the chants of the devotees, see monks in their traditional red attire making their way to monasteries below, and the energetic hustle and bustle of fellow travelers that made their way to see this gorgeous building.

The Guru Lhakhang Monastery – See the monks in prayers

If you drop for a visit to Boudanath Stupa, then it’s recommended to make a stop at Guru Lhakhang Monastery that’s situated in one of the buildings. The monastery can be easily spotted with the building’s yellow hue and fairy lights draped from its roof to the balcony.

If you’re in luck, you can see the inside of Guru Lhakhang with its stunning golden and red interior decor, prayer instruments and the monks sitting and chanting their Buddhist mantras. The area of Boudhanath Stupa shows you the country’s devotees as many make their way to offer prayers and incense while monks walk around from one place of worship to the other.

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