Druk Amitabha Monastery — Local services in Nagarjun Municipality

White Gumba (White Monastery) is one of the most popular destinations of Nepal also called Seto Gumba or Druk Amitabh Monastery. It is a Buddhist monastery of Nepal that is situated at the top of Druk Amitabh Mountain located at the Nagarjun Municipality of Kathmandu District. It is located outside the ring road north of Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).

The monastery itself is a pretty beautiful work of Tibetan architecture; many murals, statues and paintings can be found all within the monastery. This monastery will also provide you with the beautiful scenery of the Kathmandu valley.

If the weather is clear you even can sight the breathtaking view of the mountain range. White Gumba is also the second-best spot to view the sunrise and sunset after the Nagarkot. Many people visit here to view the sunrise and sunset from the hill which is inexpressible. Peace and tranquility are reflected in every part of the Monastery. The architecture and the beauty of The White Gumba (White Monastery) force people to snap pictures. The picturesque topography of the White monastery is remarkable that attracts visitors to it.

How to reach the White Monastery?

It is very easy to reach the White Monastery (Seto Gumba) but public vehicles are not allowed to the Gumba. You can start your trip to White Gumba from two different locations i.e either Sitapaila or Halchowk. From any place of the valley just catch a public vehicle/bus or hire a cab for the ring road and get dropped at Sitapaila or Halchowk. if you ask any local people about the way to the Monastery anyone can easily guide you there.

It is just 20-30 minutes distance to get to the Monastery if you take a cab or a motorbike/mountain bike from both places. The way to the Monastery is Very steep so it is dangerous. So be careful while driving your bike, car.

Swayambhu to White Monastery Hike

Starting point: Swayambhu Distance: 4.5 kilometers Duration: At least 1 hours Altitude: 1,500m

If You have time and love hike then Swayambhu to White Gumba (White Monastery) hiking is one of the best trails inside the Kathmandu valley. A hike to this place can offer you a short trip with your friends to have a great time.

Monastery opening days

Before the devasting earthquake of  April 25th, 2015 this monastery used to open every Saturday for the public to visit. But the devasting Earthquake of 2015  make damage in the monuments of White Monastery so it was closed for few years for maintenance. And Now the Monastery opens Every Sunday for public visitors.

Things to do in White Monastery (White Gumba)

White Monastery is at the Altitude of 1500m and it is the best place for sightseeing, religious purposes and hiking. Here we have discussed things to do in White Monastery.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best things to do in this area. Kathmandu valley is crowded in the city areas. You may be searching for some silent and less crowded areas. And if you love hiking then it is the best place for a half-day to full-day hike.

The hike can be started from Swayambhu and Swayambhu can be accessible with public buses easily from most parts of the city. From Swayambhu, White Monastery is about 4.5 km. Due to its steep nature of the road, it makes some adventure for you. You will pass through the narrow road, forest and then to the Druk Amithab Mountain where the White Monastery lies.

Biking

As I have already written about the Steep road to White Monastery, biking is also one of the best things you can do. Mountain biking on the road will surely make your trip an adventure.

Sight Seeing

As this Monastery is in the hight of 1500m. it gives you the majestic view of the valley and off course of the nearby Mountains.

Learn about Buddha religion and Tibetan Architecture

The monastery itself is a pretty beautiful work of Tibetan architecture; many murals, statues and paintings can be found all within the monastery. It is the best place to learn about the Buddha religion and Tibetan...

White Gumba (Seto Gumba) Located in the midst of vivid terrain and lush GREEN valley Seto Gumba (Druk Amitabh Mountain) or white monastery is a heaven to witness the sunrise and sunset. Just located in the outskirts of the valley Seto Gumba is a panoramic kaleidoscope of colors and rich culture that showcases the valley in the most spectacular way. Looking at it from a traveler’s point of view Seto Gumba is bliss of astounding natural rejuvenation that searches excitement as well as calmness. Endorsed with a rich Tibetan culture and architecture, it splurges vivid colors in the murals, statue and paintings professing Buddhism and its techniques. One can get nostalgic in the presence of finding and seeing the explicit environment that melds you in its presence. Winds shouting out loud the music of scenic views and panoramic existence makes you think of what life and you will lose time in absence. Once you get here you will be abided by the smell, sounds and prayer flags that spread around the message of peace, patience, and calmness. The more interesting are the visuals that overlook the valley in a synchronizing way of contouring the old cultural heritage with the increasing encroachment of the concrete jungle.

White Gumba How is the location? Situated at the top, white gumba is located at very beautiful place from where nice scenery of Kathmandu valley can be seen. How to reach White Gumba? You can start your trip from two different locations according to your ease. One is from halchowk and another one from sitapaila. If you are going on public vehicle you have to walk from a junction of ramkot and white gumba. Or, if you have your own vehicle then you can take it straight up to the white gumba. As it is located at up-hill, we suggest you to take a vehicle which is in good condition because the way to monastery is very steepy which is little bit dangerous. You can go on bikes and cars but scooters are not so much suggested to take there. Anyone who is looking forward to go on hike can also opt for white gumba. How long does it take to reach White Gumba? On Bike from Hallchowk or Sitapaila it will take only 20-30 minutes. Entering inside the monastery of White Gumba:

If you have your own vehicle then you have to park it in the parking area of monastery as suggested by the guards. A token slip is provide to you for parking purpose which cost Nepalese rupees ten only. No other fees and charges are taken to visit the monastery. Upon Entering inside they will provide you visiting PASS which you have to wear during the visit of Monastry and which must be return back when you are leaving. It's compulsary to take that pass.

Important note to Tourist while visiting White Gumba:

You don't have pay a single penny to visit the monastory. It's free for everyone. Some useful info about fooding( Restaurant): You can find 1 cafe and two refreshment house indise the Gumba. Also outside the Gumba there are few restaurants as well.

Other things that you can do at White Gumba: Photography Meditation at your own Sightseen Things not to do at White Gumba: Photography inside the main temple is not allowed. Entering into the restricted areas are strictly prohibited. Littering here and there a great stupidity. Alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited. Outside foods and beverages are not entertained inside the monastery. Respectful behaviour and attire should be maintained. Quick Facts about White Gumba No Public vehicle will take you white gumba directly It opens only on Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM You will find cafe inside the Gumba Entry fee for white gumba is free to not only Neplese its free for all...

Seto Gumba, or White Gumba, also known as Druk Amitabha Monastery, sits on the top of Druk Amitabha Mountain, overlooking Kathmandu Valley. It is a center for spiritual practice and humanitarian causes. It has a hall that seats up to 2,000 people, a library, an administration office, a nunnery, residences for 300 nuns, and a medical clinic. It is a refuge for animals saved from butchering and has vegetable gardens to provide food for the center.

If you are around Swayumbu and haven't visited, then I highly recommend that you go there.

It's just a fifteen-minute drive from Swayumbu, and if you are on foot, you can find a microbus at the microbus station at Karkhana Chowk, which is just a 2-minute walk from Buddha Park (the Three Buddha Statue). The micro-ride will cost you 20 rupees and drop you at the bottom of the hill.

From there, you have to hike up a steep, winding road. It's a bit of a tough hike, but the hiking trails here are as attractive as the monastery and the surrounding scenery. The views of the monastery and the valley below are amazing. At the top, you can also find restaurants that offer great food at a reasonable price.

While it used to be open for public visitors on Saturdays and Sundays. It remained closed after the pandemic, and it's difficult to know...