Mustang, June 20: The oldest Lo Ghekar or Ghar monastery, built in the 8th century in Lo Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality-1 Marang of Upper Mustang, is being renovated.
The monastery built by the great Buddhist guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) and the old heritage of the surrounding area have been dilapidated though the village has been allocating budget for its maintenance and conservation every year.
In the current fiscal year 2025/26, Tilichan Construction Pvt. Ltd. is laying stones in the Gumba area of the rural municipality at a cost of Rs. 6 million.
Ishwar Karki, engineer of the rural municipality, said that the rural municipality has constructed essential structures including a two-storey building for Lama’s residence, more than 2,000 square meters of stone roofing and toilets in three years.
Tai Dhuntu Thakuri, Ward Chairman, said that the area surrounding the monastery, from the entrance to the main monastery, accommodation and prayer areas has been renovated and infrastructure has been added to create a beautiful and spiritual environment.
Ward Chairman Thakuri said, “Renovation work is being done while maintaining the originality of the monastery. This is a place that carries the history of monasteries around the world.”
Although the rural municipality has prioritised the infrastructure needed in the monastery area, it is being neglected in the budget by the federal and provincial governments. Inside and outside the monastery, there are ancient Buddhist scriptures, handwritten manuscripts and attractive wall paintings.
After being damaged by the devastating earthquake of 2015, it was repaired with financial assistance of more than Rs. 30 million from the US Embassy. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava built the Ghar Monastery before building the Samye Monastery in Tibet, China.
In Tibetan Buddhist history, Ghar Monastery is associated with the oldest Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Lopsang Chompel Bista, Chairman of the rural municipality, said that it is a centre of attraction for both foreign and domestic tourists who want to understand the history and beauty of ancient monasteries around the world.
Chairman Bista said, “The annual budget has been spent on efforts to save the monastery, which is full of history. Along with the dilapidated building, essential structures will also be built in the coming days.”
Tourists visiting Upper Mustang can visit the monastery in Marang via the unpaved road connecting Lo Ghekar Damodarkunda-2 Dhakmar under the Jomsom-Korala road section and then go to Lomanthang. #nepal
