July 27, 2025

Overlooking the Kathmandu Valley from a ridge near Swayambhunath, Triten Norbutse Monastery is Nepal’s most prominent center for the Bön tradition—Tibet’s oldest spiritual lineage, often described as the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet. Established in the 1990s under the guidance of Lopön Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, the monastery has become a bastion for Bönpo monastic education, ritual practice, and meditation.

The monastery houses a rigorous philosophical college (shedra) where both monks and international students study Bön scriptures, cosmology, and meditative techniques. The chants and rituals may look familiar to those acquainted with Tibetan Buddhism, but they carry distinctly Bönpo elements—especially in the use of specific deities, mudras, and invocations.

Triten Norbutse is highly respected among scholars and practitioners for its dedication to the preservation of Bön’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Visitors are welcome during open hours to explore the grounds, which include a large main shrine hall, dormitories, and meditation courtyards shaded by prayer flags.

Its location—quiet, elevated, and forest-edged—makes it an ideal escape for spiritual reflection. For those wanting to learn about the full spectrum of Tibetan spiritual traditions in Nepal, Triten Norbutse offers a rare and illuminating experience.

Location: Swayambhu ridge

Open to Visitors: Daytime access, avoid religious retreats unless invited

Focus: Bonpo philosophy, scholastic training, ritual practice

Etiquette: Be mindful of ceremonies; ask before photographing

Best Time to Visit: October to March