Following the Path of Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava in Nepal: Maratika Cave to Yarinak and Tsangkha Layi Lathog

Table of Contents

Major Places-Caves-Monasteries of Guru Rinpoche-Padmasambhava in Nepal
More Query and Booking Contact Details

Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hum

Tashi Delek!!!

In the recent months, we explored major sites of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in Nepal. We had two benefits of those trips. First, we could pay homage to the sacred sites where Padmasambhava meditated, received enlightenment, re-enlightened, and loved the place. Second, we have designed the best suitable itinerary for Buddhist devotees, who would like to explore the Vajrayana Guru Rinpoche path in Nepal.

Major Places-Caves-Monasteries of Guru Rinpoche-Padmasambhava in Nepal

Maratika Cave-Halesi Mahadev

Maratika Cave Halesi is the first place in Nepal, where Guru Rinpoche meditated and attained immortality. It has three spiritual mythologies: Hindu devotees regard the Halesi Maratika Cave as Mahadev cave and worship there. Buddhist devotees worship Guru Rinpoche and Kirant devotees worship it as the abode of Hetchha Kuppa, who is the initiator of Kirant people.

Maratika Cave Halesi is located 240 km away from Kathmandu in the eastern part of Nepal. It is accessible by car and bus, but for a convenient ride, better to use a private jeep. While visiting the Maratika Halesi Cave in Khotang, it’s better to visit the Naga Cave and Tuwachung Hill at the same time.

Read More: Maratika Cave-Halesi Mahadev

Yarinak Cave-Temal

The Yarinag-Yarinak Cave is located on the north-eastern part of Kathmandu; around 80 km drive away. It is a cave, where Maha Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) practiced Vajrakilaya. In the middle of the slate mountain, the Mahaguru turned out to be a Demon Slayer, with the name of Dükyi Shechen. It is in the Temal Rural Municipality, Kavre District.Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is worshipped for the heroic deeds that He removed the enemies of Dharma and protected the land.

Asura and Yanglesho Cave-Pharping

Read More: Asura and Yanglesho Cave

Chumik Changchup-Daman

Explore the spring of enlightenment in Daman, about an 80 km drive southwest of the Kathmandu valley. Padmasambhava displayed himself as Kyechok Tsulzan, which means powerful dominance over the evil spirits and good protection of Dharma. Chumik Changchup literally means spring of awakening, which can be seen at the entrance of this sacred property. Once you enter, you will see various images of Avalokiteshvara, Buddha Shakyamuni, and Guru Rinpoché in the surroundings.

Tsangkha Layi Lathok

Explore one of the most sacred Padmasambhava meditation places in Nepal, located in Kavilas Nuwakot. It is a 42km drive northwest of the Kathmandu Valley.

Tsangkha Layi Lathok and Kapileshor Mahadev Temple

Lo Gekar Monastery-Mustang and Dhakmar Red Cliff

Read More: Lo Gekar Monastery

Lo Gekar Monastery aka Ghar Gompa is an 8th-century monastery, located in Marang Ward no. 1, Lo Gekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality. It is a three-story monastery, that contains clay idols of Padmasambhava and other deities.

The story behind the purpose of building this oldest monastery in the world is so interesting. While building the Samye Monastery in Tibet, a demon used to destroy it at night. This continued for a long time. Thus, the King of Tibet asked his soldiers to call Guru Rinpoche- Padmasambhava, who was the only person who could save from this disaster.

When Guru Rinpoche went to Tibet, he chased the demon and arrived at Ghami of Upper Mustang. There he slayed the demon and the whole cliff turned red from the blood. Guru Rinpoche took out the heart of the demon and did cremation at the place where Lo Ghekar Monastery is located now. He buried it and built the monastery over it. It was damaged in 2015- but rebuilt again. Inside the monastery, you will see the old paintings, sculptures, and inscriptions.

Dhakmar Red Cliff, where Guru Rinpoche slayed the demon and the cliff turned out to be red with the blood.

Lo Gekar Gompa-Monastery-8th Century

Chungsi Cave-Mustang

Read More: Chungsi Cave-Mustang

Chungsi Cave of Mustang is a globally renowned Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) Cave in the hidden landscape of Lo Gekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality. It is situated between Samar and Syangbochen, which is accessible by hike or by jeep.

Maha Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated in the Chungi Cave of Mustang. The Vajrayana followers regard it as one of their holiest destinations in the world. The landscape is so impressive that surrounds the cave.