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One of the largest monasteries in Lumbini is the Chinese Monastery, which has a peaceful internal courtyard within its walls and a central temple.
© Michael Turtle

West Monastic Zone

The West Monastic Zone of Lumbini has some incredible architecture displayed in the 14 monasteries here, and most of them are open for visitors.

Lumbini has always been an important spiritual destination, starting with the famous visit by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC and continuing for the centuries ever since. These days, pilgrims come from all across the world and many of them stay for a long time.

The countries of many of these pilgrims have established local monasteries as a way to offer practical and spiritual assistance to their citizens. Each of them has its own design, reflecting the architectural and religious styles of the different nations. Together, they create a wonderful collection of Buddhist sites.

The West Monastic Zone consists of monasteries that follow the Mahayana school of Buddhism. There are currently 14 monasteries (with four more under construction) and two meditations centres in this zone. Most of them are open to visitors and you can go in and look at the public areas.

South Korea’s Dae Sung Shakya Temple is one of the tallest monasteries in Lumbini. Within the complex, there is a large amount of accommodation which is also available to non-pilgrims – © Michael Turtle
South Korea’s Dae Sung Shakya Temple is one of the tallest monasteries in Lumbini. Within the complex, there is a large amount of accommodation which is also available to non-pilgrims – © Michael Turtle

Stepping inside each of the monasteries is almost like being transported to a new country. In the large Chinese Monastery, a golden pagoda is at the centre of a manicured garden, with gateways guarded by statues. While at the South Korean Monastery, the tall and colourful façade of the temple gives way to a strikingly-minimalist interior.

The colourful decorations inside the Great Lotus Stupa are one of the highlights of the West Monastic Zone. – © Michael Turtle
The colourful decorations inside the Great Lotus Stupa are one of the highlights of the West Monastic Zone. – © Michael Turtle

In the centre of the West Monastic Zone is a lake, around which you’ll find several interesting monasteries. The most striking of these is the Great Lotus Stupa, sponsored by Germany, with has an intricately-painted interior and a large garden full of decorations.

In the West Monastic Zone, 14 Mahayana Buddhist monasteries and two meditation centres are in operation, while four monasteries are under construction.

Monasteries of the West Monastic Zone of Lumbini

  1. Ka-Nying Shedrup Monastery (Seto Gumba), Nepal (under construction)
  2. Zarong Tgupten Mendol Dogna Chholing, Nepal (under construction)
  3. Urgen Dorjee Chholing Buddhist Center, Singapore
  4. Nepal Vajrayana Maha Vihara, Nepal (under construction)
  5. French Buddhist Association, France
  6. The Great Lotus Stupa (Tara Foundation), Germany
  7. Drigung Kagyud Meditation Center, Laddakh
  8. The World Linh Son Buddhist Congregation, France
  9. 9Japanese Monastery, Japan (under construction)
  10. United Tungaram Buddhist Foundation, Nepal
  11. Thrangu Vajra Vidhya Buddhist Association, Canada
  12. Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu, Vietnam
  13. Geden International Monastery, Austria
  14. Chinese Monastery, China
  15. Dae Sung Shakya Temple, South Korea
  16. Drubgyud Chhoeling Monastery (Nepal Mahayana Temple)
  17. Dharmodhaya Sabha Nepal (Swayambhu Mahavihara)
  18. Karma Samtenling Monastery, Nepal
  19. Manang Samaj Stupa, Nepal
  20. Pandirarama Lumbini International Meditation Center, Myanmar
Visit

West Monastic Zone

Hours

The monastery temples are generally open each day from 8:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00

Pricing

Most of the monasteries are free to enter, though some ask for a donation.