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- Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, Kagbeni – 04, Mustang, Nepal.
Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery is believed to have been established in 1429 by the great lama Tenpai Gyaltsen from Tibet, at the request of the local community. This ancient monastery remains the only structure in the area that still stands in its original architectural form, preserving its authentic design and sacred artifacts.
Today, the monastery serves as a living museum, showcasing the richness of traditional art, craftsmanship, and Buddhist culture of the region. Visitors can experience a glimpse of how deeply spiritual life was once integrated into the daily lives of the Himalayan people.
To support the preservation and restoration of this sacred heritage, an entrance fee of NPR 200 is charged. All funds collected are dedicated entirely to restoration and conservation efforts.
Kag Chode Monastic School
The monastery was once a renowned center for traditional Tibetan Buddhist studies and practice. However, it experienced a significant decline beginning in the early 19th century, largely due to a lack of resources and spiritual leadership.
This decline continued until the late 1980s, when a small number of young boys from the area had the opportunity to study in monasteries and institutes in India under the Sakya tradition. Inspired by their education, these monks later returned and, together with the spiritual leader Ven. Khen Rinpoche Tenzin Sangpo, established a monastic school in 2009. This initiative was founded under the guidance and blessings of His Holiness the 41st Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, the supreme head of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The school began with just four students and minimal facilities. Today, it has grown to support over 100 full-time boarding students. Over the past 15 years, significant developments have taken place, including the construction of a new monastery, student hostels, and a winter hostel in Pokhara.
All essential needs of the students—education, food, accommodation, clothing, healthcare, and even pocket money—are provided free of charge. However, the monastery and school rely entirely on donations from individuals and organizations, making financial sustainability a constant challenge.
This monastic school plays a vital role in preserving traditional Buddhist education, culture, and local language—elements that are not taught in mainstream schools. It stands as a crucial institution for safeguarding the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Nurturing hearts, inspiring minds – Kag Chode Monastery, a sanctuary of spiritual growth and cultural preservation.