Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery was founded by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, a senior teacher of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, and opened in its present form in December 2008. Its red-and-gold buildings stretch along the top of the ridge, with a main assembly hall, a monastic college for advanced study, a school for young monks and a Tibetan medicine clinic. Seen from the road below, it looks larger than the hill should allow.
Prayers begin early, often around dawn, and again in the late afternoon. Inside, rows of monks in maroon robes sit facing each other, with long horns, drums and cymbals punctuating the chant. Visitors enter quietly, remove shoes, sit on cushions at the back or along the sides, and stay for as long as they like; leaving in a gap between chants is polite. Young monks may be shy or curious, and the older ones often wave newcomers to a better spot.
After prayers, your guide walks you through the shrine hall, its tall Buddha images and wall paintings, and out onto the terraces for the Himalayan view. Photography rules vary between rooms, so watch for signs and ask; flash is never welcome. There is no entrance fee, though donations support the monks' food and schooling. Prayer times shift with the season and the monastic calendar, and the monastery occasionally closes areas for retreats; check current status before you travel.
Good for
- Pilgrims
- Solo
- Couples
- Photographers
- Seniors
Questions travellers ask
Can tourists attend prayers at Namobuddha monastery?
Yes. Visitors are welcome to sit quietly at the back of the assembly hall during morning and afternoon prayers at Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. Remove your shoes, dress modestly, switch off phones and avoid photography unless clearly permitted. Times follow the monastic calendar, so we confirm them on the day of your visit.
What time are prayers at Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery?
Monks usually chant early in the morning, around dawn, and again in the late afternoon, but exact times vary with the season and the monastic calendar. Special ceremonies can run for hours. If you want to see morning prayers, staying overnight at Namobuddha or leaving Dhulikhel by 5.30 am is the practical way.
Is there an entry fee at Namobuddha monastery?
No. At our last visit there was no entrance fee for Namobuddha or the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. Donations are welcome and support the monks' food, school and clinic, and many visitors offer butter lamps at the stupa. Arrangements can change, so check current status before you travel.
