July 27, 2025

Beyond the large and well-known monasteries, the Kathmandu Valley is home to dozens of smaller Tibetan Buddhist institutes that play vital roles in the spiritual ecosystem of the region. In the neighborhoods of Boudhanath and Swayambhu, narrow alleys and side streets are lined with practice centers representing all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism—Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug. Many of these gompas serve as local community centers, study spaces, and places of daily ritual.

These lesser-known centers include places like Ralo Gompa, Shedup Choeling, Drikung Kagyu Institute, and branch monasteries of key Himalayan lineages. Some focus on long-term retreats and philosophical study, while others offer daily pujas, Dharma talks, and teaching events, often open to foreign visitors. Many also house small resident communities of monks or nuns dedicated to preserving their respective traditions.

Boudhanath, it’s not uncommon to find a hidden courtyard gompa a few steps off the main stupa circuit, where incense coils burn slowly and monks chant quietly behind closed doors. These gompas are ideal for those seeking a more intimate and less tourist-oriented experience of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.

The Swayambhu area, meanwhile, hosts its own network of hilltop and hillside institutes—some perched above the stupa with sweeping views, others tucked discreetly along winding roads. These spaces often specialize in ritual arts, Tibetan medicine, or specific deity practices.

Location: Scattered throughout Boudha and Swayambhu neighborhoods

Access: Most open during daylight hours; check local signs

Teachings: Many offer short courses or English-language talks

Etiquette: Approach quietly; many centers are residential or in retreat

Best Time to Visit: Year-round; major practices often held on lunar days