Jangchub Choeling Monastery | Pokhara

Information

Landmark: Jangchub Choeling Monastery
City: Pokhara
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Jangchub Choeling Monastery, Pokhara, Nepal, Asia

Jangchub Choeling Monastery is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Tashi Palkhel Tibetan refugee settlement in Hyangja, on the outskirts of Pokhara, Nepal. It serves as a major center for the study and practice of the Shangpa Kagyu lineage.

Visual Characteristics

The monastery features classic Tibetan monastic architecture with a large central assembly hall (dukhang). The exterior is characterized by white-washed walls, red trim, and golden roof ornaments, including the Dharma Wheel flanked by two deer. The interior contains large, gilded statues of Buddha Shakyamuni, Tara, and Avalokiteshvara, surrounded by intricate wall murals and rows of traditional Tibetan scriptures (pecha).

Location & Access Logistics

The monastery is situated in Hyangja, Pokhara 33700, approximately 6km northwest of the Lakeside district. It is easily accessible via the Pokhara-Baglung Highway. Visitors can reach the site by taxi (15–20 minutes), local bus (bound for Hyangja or Baglung), or private vehicle. The monastery is located within the Tashi Palkhel settlement, which is visible from the main highway.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1967 with the blessing of the 14th Dalai Lama, the monastery was founded to preserve Tibetan culture and religious traditions following the Tibetan exodus in the late 1950s. It originally began as a small prayer hall for the refugee community. The site is located in the flat, fertile plains of Hyangja, offering a quiet environment with the Annapurna foothills as a backdrop.

Key Highlights & Activities

Prayer Ceremonies: Observing the rhythmic chanting and traditional instruments (horns, drums, and cymbals) during daily morning and evening prayers.

Monastic Education: The site includes a school for young monks; visitors can often see students practicing debates in the courtyard.

Handicraft Center: The surrounding Tashi Palkhel settlement features a carpet factory and handicraft center where traditional Tibetan rugs are woven by hand.

Festivals: The monastery is the focal point for Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebrations and the Monlam Chenmo (Great Prayer Festival).

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex includes the main temple, a library, a school, and residential quarters. A small café and several souvenir shops selling Tibetan incense, prayer flags, and jewelry are located within the settlement. 4G cellular signal is stable. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple. Photography is generally permitted in the courtyard but may be restricted inside the prayer hall.

Best Time to Visit

Morning (06:00–08:00) or late afternoon (15:30–17:00) are the best times to witness the monks' assembly and chanting. The monastery is open daily to visitors.

Facts & Legends

Jangchub Choeling is one of the few monasteries in the region that specifically focuses on the Shangpa Kagyu teachings, a relatively rare lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It has played a crucial role in the social and spiritual integration of the Tibetan community in the Pokhara Valley for over five decades.