White Gumba: A Tibetan Monastery in Kathmandu

As a home of an array of religious groups, Nepal comprises every shrine there is dedicated to different gods. And with Buddhism as the second most followed region, the Buddhist pilgrim sites in Nepal are immense.

Not to forget, Nepal is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and with that fact, already providing the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists in the world. Boudhanath, Sawayambhunath, Tengboche Monastery are some of the popularly sought-after pilgrimage sites in Nepal and in the same list comes White Gumba as well.

White Gumba or White Monastery or Seto Gumba, the place goes by different calling. It is a very popular destination amongst tourists and locals in Kathmandu Valley. There two are popular White Gumba, one is in Nagarjun and next in Pokhara, and we are talking about White Gumba Nagarjun. So here, we are today to know everything there is about White Gumba.

About White Gumba

White Gumba is Tibetan Monastery, a popular Buddhist shrine where you can feel peace state of mind. As the name suggests, the monastery is white, which is the color of peace, and as non-violence is the prime motto of Buddhism, the name makes perfect sense.

It takes around an hour to reach White Gumba for the main city of Kathmandu; however, traffic jams can lengthen the duration. The monastery is surrounded by a thick green forest in a hilly setting. 

When you visit White Gumba, you can experience ancient Tibetan culture and practice, and get to learn Buddhist teaching as well.

The Gumba is exquisitely constructed and designed according to Tibetan architectural style. The garden is wide and beautiful, fountains, Tibetan-styled monasteries, stunning statues, paintings and murals, several small monasteries scattered around the White Gumba complex are the ultimate attraction of this place.

White Gumba Location

Seto Gumba is just the Nepali translation of White Gumba, as it is very popular amongst tourists, it's English version is rather famous. Another name, which is least known by the public is Druk Amitabh Mountain Monastery; the name is because the place where White Gumba sits is that mountain.

White Gumba is located at an elevation of 1,500 meters in the Nargarjun Municipality, outside the Ring Road in the north of Swayambhunath. For the visitors of Swayambhunath, White Gumba is a popular inclusion for its proximity.

This Buddhist monastery is the center of reverence for Buddhists; however, apart from its religious significance, White Gumba is known for its exquisite natural beauty surrounding it. Its excellent exhibition of Tibetan architecture craved in buildings is another interesting thing to witness.

Sightseeing at White Gumba

Located at a very considerable height, White Gumba gives some of the most spectacular views of Kathmandu Valley and delightful hilly panorama beyond. Surrounded by a lush green valley, it won’t be wrong to say that the awesome landscape from here is one of the factors that lure tourists.

It is one of the best places in Kathmandu Valley for sightseeing, which is peaceful and quiet and is filled with a spiritual aura. You can immerse in the calm beauty of White Gumba while learning about Buddhism and its practices.

Nagarkot is considered as the best viewpoint in Kathmandu for sunrise and sunset; however, White Gumba is no less, as it is considered the second best spot for viewing sunrise and sunset within the valley. And if the days are clear, you can also get some glimpse of mountain peaks too.

With is the ultimate serenity and religious essence, White Gumba is the best place to visit in Kathmandu. Also, its architectural exhibition is worth every snap you take. So, apart from sightseeing, the ultimate natural beauty of White Gumba provides the best setting for meditation and photography as well.

Is White Gumba Open Now?

Since the devastating earthquake in April 2015, White Gumba has remained closed. 

As there is no information whether the gumba is open or close, tourists often hike towards White Gumba, only to be disappointed. Even the locals and residents of Kathmandu, most of them don’t know about wheather White Gumba is open or not.

April 2015 earthquake was a major hit to Nepal, and White Gumba also suffered some major loss. A few of its building got collapsed, and White Gumba has remained closed since then for construction purpose.

However, the monastery issued a notice saying, “The White Monastery is recently closed. It will re-open in 2018 with new and developed architecture structure and of natural beauty.” It was announced for the convenience of visitors, also for not getting any disturbance during the construction process.

Now it is mid of 2019, and White Gumba hasn’t been open yet. So, White Gumba Opening day 2018 never happened. The progress is happening but at a slow pace. Few new buildings and renovations are being made and the main entrance gate also being built form the ground. So, it seems like the monastery will take quite a time to re-open. However, we will keep you updated with the information about the opening of White Gumba.

White Gumba Hiking

You can reach White Gumba either by taking a ride or hiking. Public vehicles aren’t allowed, so you are up for private vehicle or taxis’. For the ride, take a cab for the ring road and get dropped at Sitapaila or Halchowk. Then, from either of these places, you can take a can cab and reach White Gumba at around half an hour time.

That is one option; however, hiking towards is a popular choice. It is an easy hike of a few hours starting from Swayambhunath “Monkey Temple.” It is a beautiful hike in the picturesque villages, green paddy fields in a very calm environment. 

Entry Cost for White Gumba

Before the earthquake, the monstery used to be open only on Saturday 9 AM to 5 AM and the entry cost it charges is very economical; only NRs 40 per person for getting registration pass. In case of any private vehicles, you will be charged with NRs 10 extra.

Red Monastery Kathmandu

Now, don’t get confused between these two monasteries; they are two different monasteries located close to each other. White Gumba lies behind the Red Monastery on another hill. So, while visiting White Gumba, do make a turn towards Red Monastery as well.

White Gumba Pokhara

Peace Pagado in Pokhara is also sometimes referred to as White Gumba Pokhara by travelers, so do not get confused with the name.

The White Gumba Pokhara is one of the major attraction of Pokhara Valley, that is located on top of Anadu Hill. The place is rather famous for stunning Himalayan range, Fewa Lake and Pokhara. You can reach the stupa by hiking, cycling or through the blacked topped road to the Stupa.