Thubchen Gompa
Thubchen Gompa
4.5
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sd JAZZ i SŁONIE
Skierniewice, Poland14,548 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
The monastery was built together with the town at the end of the 15th century. It was and still is the most important religious site in the capital of Mustang. For all of Tibetan Buddhism it is one of the holiest places. During the annual Tiji Festival, the most important religious ceremonies take place there. The many hours of puja seem to be endless here. Prayers and meditations take place in an amazing scenery that has survived for centuries. Inside the monastery, further work is underway to renovate the wall paintings. Moreover, you have the impression that time stopped here several centuries ago. A combined entry ticket to 4 monasteries and the museum costs $10. An additional fee is needed to take photos. By purchasing a pass for taking photos during the Tiji Festival, you can also take them in the local monastery. If someone wants to go for a longer visit to the monastery, they must remember to dress appropriately and warmly. It's also a good idea to bring gloves. It's really cold inside.
Written 20 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NMW
Sydney, Australia141 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
My journey to the fifteenth century, Himalayan City of "Lo", situated in the remote Dhaulagiri zone of Upper Mustang (Nepal) was for me; the rarest and the most arduous travel experience, imaginable.
High level culture shock.
The medieval, mud walled City of "Lo", now referred to as "Lo Manthang", has been tentatively committed to the UNESCO World Heritage List, since 2008. Opening to the world for the first time in the early nineteen nineties, Lo Manthang only receives a trickle of foreigners. Virtually untouched, people here live in the way they always have and have always known.
Lo Manthang is an incomparable, living cultural archetype.
...for now.
'Thupchen Gompa' (also: 'Thubchen' and 'Thugchen') is one of several ancient Monastic treasures, ensconced within this earthen walled, labyrinth fortress. Chortens, Gompas, Mani Walls and Monasteries are found throughout the City. The ‘Lobas’ are the endemic inhabitants of this magical place. Both endearing and welcoming, they are fast becoming accustomed to foreign visitation; albeit, at a trickle.
Stepping inside, the hazy light takes quite some time to become accustomed to. During my ocular adaptation, the ear becomes my eye... there is only silence. I enter a sensory limbo. Curlicues of smoldering Himalayan Cedar and the faint odour of burning butter, intoxicates with every inhalation. My eyes gently reel upward, involuntarily.
Ephemeral... I am in the moment, at this very moment.
As the darkness begins to fade like the dawn of a new morning, I sense a ticklish sensation as my retinas refocus and begin to register something, that previous to this occaision, was entirely outside of my life experience.
I have truly entered another plane of existence.
The renderings of Lord Buddha, Bodhisattvas in meditation and other Deities of the ‘Sakya-pa’ Buddhist cannon; are the most significant devotional masterpieces, I’ve ever had the privilege of witnessing. All the more spectacular given they exist in their ancestral home... and thankfully, impossible to “acquire” by Museums or Collectors.
Struggling to comprehend it, I observe the silence.
And I am silenced, to my very core. My collective intellect scrambles to reckon the realness of each second slipping by me. Recognising the truth of impermanence; and knowing that with each moment that I gaze upon the imagery, brings me closer to the end of this profound, cathartic experience... I am brought to tears. I weep.
All things must pass.
Centuries of deterioration are now being approached through the process of conservation and restoration. Moisture, crumbling mud walls and atmospheric detritus in the form of oil and ash soot, emitted from butter lamps and incense that have burned through the ages, has been deposited onto the surface of the wall paintings that adorn the interior.
I am thankful to the ‘American Himalayan Foundation’ that has bank rolled the research and preservation of the Gompas in Lo Manthang; and thankful to the Italian Conservator ‘Luigi Fieni’ who has worked tirelessly to clean, restore and preserve the extraordinary painted treasures of this unique community.
I am thankful to the ‘Lobas’ for being just exactly who they are.
Mostly, I am thankful to the Artists; the devoted Monks belonging to the order of robes in the Sakya-pa tradition; natives of Lo Manthang, who are responsible for bringing these masterpieces into existence, in our world.
Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu
May all beings be happy.
High level culture shock.
The medieval, mud walled City of "Lo", now referred to as "Lo Manthang", has been tentatively committed to the UNESCO World Heritage List, since 2008. Opening to the world for the first time in the early nineteen nineties, Lo Manthang only receives a trickle of foreigners. Virtually untouched, people here live in the way they always have and have always known.
Lo Manthang is an incomparable, living cultural archetype.
...for now.
'Thupchen Gompa' (also: 'Thubchen' and 'Thugchen') is one of several ancient Monastic treasures, ensconced within this earthen walled, labyrinth fortress. Chortens, Gompas, Mani Walls and Monasteries are found throughout the City. The ‘Lobas’ are the endemic inhabitants of this magical place. Both endearing and welcoming, they are fast becoming accustomed to foreign visitation; albeit, at a trickle.
Stepping inside, the hazy light takes quite some time to become accustomed to. During my ocular adaptation, the ear becomes my eye... there is only silence. I enter a sensory limbo. Curlicues of smoldering Himalayan Cedar and the faint odour of burning butter, intoxicates with every inhalation. My eyes gently reel upward, involuntarily.
Ephemeral... I am in the moment, at this very moment.
As the darkness begins to fade like the dawn of a new morning, I sense a ticklish sensation as my retinas refocus and begin to register something, that previous to this occaision, was entirely outside of my life experience.
I have truly entered another plane of existence.
The renderings of Lord Buddha, Bodhisattvas in meditation and other Deities of the ‘Sakya-pa’ Buddhist cannon; are the most significant devotional masterpieces, I’ve ever had the privilege of witnessing. All the more spectacular given they exist in their ancestral home... and thankfully, impossible to “acquire” by Museums or Collectors.
Struggling to comprehend it, I observe the silence.
And I am silenced, to my very core. My collective intellect scrambles to reckon the realness of each second slipping by me. Recognising the truth of impermanence; and knowing that with each moment that I gaze upon the imagery, brings me closer to the end of this profound, cathartic experience... I am brought to tears. I weep.
All things must pass.
Centuries of deterioration are now being approached through the process of conservation and restoration. Moisture, crumbling mud walls and atmospheric detritus in the form of oil and ash soot, emitted from butter lamps and incense that have burned through the ages, has been deposited onto the surface of the wall paintings that adorn the interior.
I am thankful to the ‘American Himalayan Foundation’ that has bank rolled the research and preservation of the Gompas in Lo Manthang; and thankful to the Italian Conservator ‘Luigi Fieni’ who has worked tirelessly to clean, restore and preserve the extraordinary painted treasures of this unique community.
I am thankful to the ‘Lobas’ for being just exactly who they are.
Mostly, I am thankful to the Artists; the devoted Monks belonging to the order of robes in the Sakya-pa tradition; natives of Lo Manthang, who are responsible for bringing these masterpieces into existence, in our world.
Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu
May all beings be happy.
Written 25 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anand s
Darjeeling District, India76 contributions
Sept 2016 • Family
Well, Mustang is actually two, Lower and Upper. Lo manthang is the capital of upper mustang, situated at 3840m approx above sea level. Lo manthang was once a independent Kingdom, similar language, culture and tradition to Tibet. It is a sensational journey beyond the Himalayas and the best time to travel is July to September. Being other side of the Himalayas it has similar weather like Tibet and Lahdak, land escape as well same. As a Trekking Group Leader I love to say "It is one of the most remote Kingdoms on earth". Very rich in Art and cultural History. Trek follows the ancient trade route, route passes through beautiful villages and to historic towns end at the capital city of lo manthang. Either fly from Pokhara to Jomsom or drive to Jomsom via Beni - Tato Pani - Ghasa - Tukuche - Marpha and Jomsom, well if driving we might change car at Beni and again at Ghasa, Then to kagbeni from here you either Trek or Drive, my recommendation is trek to lo manthang. Height of kag beni is 2816m and lo manthang is 3840m. Awesome land escapes and old monastery, do not miss visiting old palace of lo manthang, try to arrange to meet with king, he is so friendly. You need special permit $ 500 for ten days trek and add $50 per day if you need more days to spent. Please do go with guide, it is quite remote.
Written 19 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris-Stony
Alzey, Germany74 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
We followed the streets to the last monastery - the Thubchen Gyälwai Phodrang (Palace of the victorious Buddha). Passing the entrance that was guarded by four big figures of the Lokapalas (Guardians of the four directions) we came into a big hall. It was the biggest that we have seen in Mustang. As it was under reconstruction all the furniture was piled up in one corner. There were several big terra-cotta figures of the different holy gods.
Forbidden to take pictures inside, entrance ticket 800 NPR (Nov 2013) incl. Jampa Lhakang and Chöde Monastery.
Forbidden to take pictures inside, entrance ticket 800 NPR (Nov 2013) incl. Jampa Lhakang and Chöde Monastery.
Written 15 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alasdair E
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK136 contributions
Aug 2019
Spectacular Buddhist frescoes are undergoing painstaking restoration. Was able to spend an hour admiring these with a head torch on day that gompa was closed. A very helpful and knowledgeable monk opened up and acted as guide. Both Jampa and Thubchen gompas are remarkable!
Written 6 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mukesh S
Kathmandu, Nepal1,207 contributions
Oct 2017
Truely a peaceful place in Upper Mustang. Bit surprised to see that many of local attractions of Lo manthang is not listed on tripadvisor. Lo manthang entire area seems like a hidden gems, more like Tibet and unrevealed by many Nepalese so far. Gradually this place is becoming popular and many Nepalese also visits here. Once you are in Lo Manthang, please visit this Monastery and relax for eternal peace
Written 18 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boundless Adventure (P) Ltd
Kathmandu, Nepal322 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
The Thubchen Gompa (Monastery) is in to Mustan reason. It is belongs to Ngima pa as I guess. Sims like it is build since 15 century; you can learn Buddhist Custom and religion here.
It is very beautiful place to visit. But, not it please, if you are going to Upper mustang trekking 500$ per person for trekking permits only.
Enjoy with it.
It is very beautiful place to visit. But, not it please, if you are going to Upper mustang trekking 500$ per person for trekking permits only.
Enjoy with it.
Written 21 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ENRIC-23
Valencia, Spain416 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
Essential to visit this monastery built in late 15th century. Marvelous ceiling and paintings on the wall.
Written 30 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ecoholiday A
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal9 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
In Lo-Manthang each and every places are important , Thubchen Gompa , one of them , old wood carving , thankags and daily puja is don't miss programs of Lo-manthang trips .
Written 25 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rajkumar1982
Kathmandu, Nepal55 contributions
These are all Buddhist monument, monastery and peace and nice environment
Written 11 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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