Ngagyur Nyingma Palyul Urgen Dorjee Chholing Monastery, Pharping
📍 Location
The monastery is located in the peaceful hills of Pharping, Dakshinkali Municipality, southwest of Kathmandu. It lies about 1 km north of the sacred Asura Cave and is easily accessible via the Talku Humane Motorway. The hilltop setting offers a calm and spiritual atmosphere ideal for prayer and reflection.
🙏 Spiritual Significance
This sacred site is blessed by Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who practiced Vajrakilaya here and subdued negative forces through tantric and mantric power. The area is also associated with enlightened beings and accomplished masters, making it a powerful place for meditation, pilgrimage, and spiritual learning. The monastery follows the Ngagyur Nyingma Palyul lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
🕰️ Visiting Hours
Visitors are welcome daily:
Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(During special ceremonies or retreats, some areas may be restricted.)
🧘 What Visitors Can Do
Offer prayers and light butter lamps
Sit quietly for meditation
Circumambulate (kora) around sacred structures
Observe daily monastic activities respectfully
Participate in public prayer sessions if permitted
📿 Dress Code & Behavior
To maintain the sanctity of the monastery, visitors are kindly requested to:
Wear modest and respectful clothing (covered shoulders and knees)
Remove shoes before entering prayer halls
Speak softly and keep mobile phones silent
Avoid touching religious objects without permission
Do not disturb monks or ongoing rituals
📸 Photography
Photography may be allowed outside buildings
Inside prayer halls, photography is usually not permitted
Always ask permission before taking photos of monks or ceremonies
🧺 Cleanliness & Environment
Please help preserve the peaceful environment:
Do not litter; use dustbins
Do not damage plants, walls, or religious structures
Respect the natural surroundings of the hilltop area
🛕 Offerings & Donations
Visitors may offer:
Butter lamps
Incense
Monetary donations for monastery support
All offerings are voluntary and used for religious activities, education, and maintenance.
🛣️ How to Reach
From Kathmandu, travel to Pharping
From Pharping, head north toward Asura Cave
The monastery is about 1 km uphill from Asura Cave, accessible by vehicle or short walk
🤝 Respect the Sacred Space
This monastery is not only a tourist site but a living center of spiritual practice. Visitors are encouraged to enter with a calm mind and respectful heart, honoring the traditions and practices of the monastic community.