Luri Gompa Monastery in Upper Mustang

Table of Contents

Where is Luri Gompa?
Which Sect of Buddhism does Luri Gompa belong to?
What is there inside the Luri Gompa monastery?
- Paintings inside the Cave-Monastery in Details
Upper Mustang Luri Gompa Jeep Tour Itinerary
- Some renowned caves and monasteries in Upper Mustang

One of the finest and most spiritual destinations in the Upper Mustang- Luri Gumba (Monastery-gompa) is a live museum in this hidden landscape of the restricted region. Of course, you need to obtain Special Upper Mustang Permits to explore these hidden gems of the monastery and the caves. The beautiful arts and architecture carved out of the sandstone cliffs just entice travelers around the globe.

Jeep Tour in Upper Mustang

The picturesque and culturally impressive Luri Gompa Monastery is located in the Lo Ghekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality, ward number 04, Upper Mustang. It is situated at about 100 meters high on steep rock cliffs. The route to Luri Gumba I, first you reach Tsarang. Then take a right turn towards Surkhang, Yara, and Ghara. Luri Gompa is located ahead of Ghara at an altitude of 3900 meters. FYI: If you are traveling to the Damodar Kunda, you will travel through the same road via Luri Gompa.

For Buddhist devotees and researchers, Luri Gompa is a primary destination as it holds the history of Tibetan Buddhism. The caves are adorned with murals, depicting the life of Buddha, and his teachings. The surroundings of this cave are surrounded by the wonders of the fluttering Tibetan Buddhist mantra-scripted prayer flags, caves, and chhortens. The tour to Luri Gompa is truly a spiritual adventure to the blessed monastery that offers you a unique enlightenment.

Where is Luri Gompa?

Luri Gompa is located in the hidden landscape of the Upper Mustang Lo Ghekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality, ward number 4. It is located 2 km away from the famous village of Yara.

Semi-arid landscape in Upper Mustang

Which Sect of Buddhism does Luri Gompa belong to?

The Luri Gompa Monastery is associated with the Nyingma Kargyupa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Luri Gompa, at the hilltop

What is there inside the Luri Gompa monastery?

Natural pillars of sandstone
2 chambers
14th-century famous painting on the wall and ceiling
Decorated with eight auspicious symbols and Four Guardian Deities

Paintings inside the Cave-Monastery in Details

East: the painting of Namgyal

West: the painting of Khadcheri

North: the painting of Vajrasattva

South: the painting of Lokesvara

(Further paintings include eight siddhas and Mandala)

Upper Mustang Luri Gompa Jeep Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Fly to Pokhara, and drive to Marpha.

Day 02: Drive Marpha-Jomsom-Muktinath-Samar.

Day 03: Drive Samar to Lomanthang, and explore Jhong Cave.

Day 04: Explore Lomanthang and drive to Dhakmar, explore Lo Ghekar Monastery.

Day 05: Drive to Luri Gompa, Yara Ghara, and back to Tsarang- explore the Monastery and Palace.

Day 06: Drive back to Chhuksang, Kagbeni-Jomsom and Tatopani.

Day 07: Drive back to Pokhara.

Day 08: Pokhara sightseeing (Peace Stupa, International Mountaineering Museum, David Falls, Gupteshor Cave)- boating in Phewa Lake.

Day 09: Fly back to Kathmandu.

Special Permits to Upper Mustang and Cost

As you know, Upper Mustang is a controlled region of Nepal, which is also known as a restricted zone without such permits. You need to obtain special permits from the Immigration Department. Another permit you need to have is an ACAP permit, which is obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board's Office.

The cost for the Upper Mustang Special Permit is 500 USD per person. To obtain the permit, you should be in a group, of at least 2 people as per the rule set by the Nepal government.