Wellness · Nepal
Benchen Monastery, Kathmandu
A major Karma Kagyu monastery near Swayambhunath, known for meditation retreats and its school for young monks.
Benchen Monastery — fully Pal Benchen Phuntsok Dargyeling — is a major Tibetan Buddhist monastery near the Swayambhunath stupa on the western side of Kathmandu, and one of the principal seats of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Nepal. A re-established branch of the historic Benchen Monastery of eastern Tibet, it is known for its meditation retreats, its school for young monks and its quiet, devotional atmosphere. Set close to one of the valley's holiest hilltops, it rounds out the picture of Kathmandu as a centre of Tibetan Buddhist life.
A Kagyu seat in exile
Benchen belongs to the Karma Kagyu, one of the great lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, with roots in the original Benchen Monastery in the Kham region of eastern Tibet. After that monastery was lost in the twentieth century, its lineage was carried into exile, and the Nepal monastery was founded to preserve its teachings, rituals and retreat traditions. Today it is guided by senior Kagyu teachers and is home to a community of monks. To set this lineage alongside the others you will meet in Nepal, see our guide to Buddhism in Nepal.
Retreat, study and the sacred arts
Benchen is both a place of education and a place of practice. The monastery runs a school where young monks study Buddhist philosophy, memorise texts and learn ritual and the sacred arts, and it supports meditation retreats for those who go deeper into the tradition. The main prayer hall, with its statues, murals and butter lamps, fills with the sound of chanting at the daily puja, which respectful visitors may observe from the back.
Near Swayambhunath
The monastery's setting near Swayambhunath — the ancient hilltop stupa overlooking Kathmandu, popularly called the Monkey Temple — makes it easy to combine with one of the valley's most iconic sights. Together they show how Tibetan and older Newar Buddhism share the same city. For the wider context of the valley's sacred places, see our guide to spiritual Nepal.
Visiting and connecting the dots
Benchen is a short drive from central Kathmandu and makes a natural pairing with a visit to Swayambhu. Remove your shoes and hat before the prayer hall, walk clockwise, keep your voice low and ask before photographing. To see how different lineages have rebuilt themselves around the capital, pair Benchen with the Gelug teaching centre of Kopan Monastery and the Nyingma seat of Shechen Monastery near Boudhanath, and contrast them with the remote retreat community of Thubten Choling Monastery in Solu. Benchen is one of six gompas and sacred caves in our collection of the famous Buddhist monasteries of Nepal. For help moving around the valley, see our getting around Nepal guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Benchen Monastery?+
Benchen Monastery, also written Pal Benchen Phuntsok Dargyeling, stands near the Swayambhunath stupa on the western side of Kathmandu. It is a short drive from the city centre and can be combined with a visit to Swayambhu, the hilltop temple known to visitors as the Monkey Temple.
What tradition does Benchen follow?+
Benchen belongs to the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, one of the principal Kagyu lineages. The monastery in Nepal is a re-established branch of the original Benchen Monastery in eastern Tibet, carrying its teachings and retreat traditions into exile.
Can tourists visit Benchen Monastery?+
Yes, respectful visitors are welcome to the prayer hall and grounds. Remove your shoes and hat before entering, walk clockwise, keep quiet during ceremonies and ask before photographing monks. Morning and evening puja are the most rewarding times to come.
Does Benchen have a school for monks?+
Yes. Like many Tibetan monasteries in Nepal, Benchen educates young monks in Buddhist philosophy, ritual and the sacred arts, and also supports meditation retreats. It plays an active role in preserving the Karma Kagyu lineage for a new generation in exile.
