Travel Notes from Namobuddha, Nepal

6 kilometers feels like forever as we cruised from the dusty and way back in time, Dhulikel. The road is narrow and long but once it came to a fork, the road became steeper and unpaved. Wait for a few minutes, and you’ll begin to realize for yourself what a great decision it was for you to head to Namobuddha. Back in 2014 and 2015, this place was’t even written in guidebooks. Now, it has become another attraction nearby Dhulikel. Determined to make up for the failed Kopan Monastery trip days ago, i wanted to push through going to a Buddhist Monastery high on top of the mountains. As soon as we reached the halfway mark, we stopped by for a photo opportunity near a giant tree with sublime views.

Nabraj who was my driver from Nagarkot has become a permanent fixture for my mountain trips. Before the trip to Namobudda happened, i bargained for a cheaper price considering it says only 6-8 Kilometers as per Google Maps. Now that i think about it, i could have paid him twice his asking price. The trip was long, arduous and requires a lot of special driving skills to maneuver its impenetrable highways, or lack of road thereof.

Namobuddha is a huge complex with classrooms, monastery and stupa on top. It’s actually the fourth most important Buddhist Monastery - Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, in the whole country, Nepal. I am quite happy i pursued the trip because it actually gave me an idea for a next outing. What’s particularly interesting is that there’s an affordable hotel found on top of the monastery. All with sweeping views of the Himalayas and expansive town below. 

From my many trips across the Kathmandu Valley, Namobuddha has one of the best viewing points there is. The journey going there is also something to look forward to as to the fact there weren’t a lot of tourists there in sight. But word of caution, i don’t think it’s wise to hit the road at night, so plan your stay ahead. 

Not too far from Namobuddha is another stupa, equally as beautiful. The atmosphere is just breathtaking with locals lighting up butter candles, monks chanting and with glorious sunset views to boot also. I had a very good feeling about the place - where it felt like it’s almost forgotten, under appreciated yet life changing. Sadly, no hotels anywhere, and not even a homestay. 

My trip going there wasn’t long, and the trip took me less than 3 hours from start to finish yet Namobuddha became an instant favorite as Kakani was before to me. It must have been the outstanding views from the monastery above, or serene and calmness of the air, or just that i feel safe and tucked in the great presence of Buddha.