Sightseeing · Phaplu
Chiwong Monastery
A cliffside Sherpa gompa above Phaplu, famous for its panoramic setting and the autumn Mani Rimdu festival.
Chiwong Monastery is a Sherpa Buddhist gompa dramatically perched on a cliff ledge on a ridge high above Phaplu, in the green lower Solu region of Solukhumbu. Founded in the early twentieth century and belonging to the Nyingma tradition, it is best known for its spectacular mountain setting and for hosting the famous autumn Mani Rimdu masked-dance festival — making it the spiritual centrepiece of the Phaplu area.
What to expect
The monastery clings to the rock with a commanding outlook over the terraced hills and forests of Solu, with distant Himalayan peaks on a clear day. Inside the prayer hall you will find richly painted murals, statues and butter lamps, and a small community of resident monks. The walk up from Salleri and Phaplu climbs through forest and pasture and takes a few hours, making Chiwong a rewarding half-day or full-day outing — or a highlight of a longer Solu trek.
For a deeper sense of the living tradition behind the gompa, read our guide to Sherpa people and culture.
Mani Rimdu at Chiwong
Each autumn Chiwong hosts one of Solu's most celebrated stagings of Mani Rimdu, the multi-day Buddhist festival in which monks perform masked Cham dances to drive away negative forces and bless the community. Sherpa families gather from across the region, and the cliffside courtyard fills with colour, music and ritual. The full story is covered in our Mani Rimdu festival at Chiwong guide.
Combine with Thubten Choling
Chiwong pairs naturally with a visit to the contemplative Thubten Choling Monastery to the north, giving a fuller picture of Sherpa Buddhism in Solu — one a cliffside ceremonial gompa, the other a large, quiet retreat community. Together they are among the most rewarding sights in the top things to do in Phaplu.
Visiting respectfully
Chiwong is an active place of worship. Remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall, dress modestly, walk clockwise around shrines and chortens, and always ask before photographing monks or rituals. A small donation toward the monastery's upkeep is appreciated.
Good to know
- Access: A few hours' uphill walk from Phaplu and Salleri through forest and pasture; start early.
- Best time: Autumn for clear views and the Mani Rimdu festival; spring is also excellent.
- Nearby: See more places of worship in the national guide to monasteries of Nepal, and plan the rest of your trip from the Phaplu travel guide.
Featured in
More sights & attractions in Phaplu
Frequently asked questions
What is Chiwong Monastery?+
Chiwong is a Sherpa Buddhist gompa perched on a cliff ledge on a ridge above Phaplu in Solukhumbu. Founded in the early 20th century, it belongs to the Nyingma tradition and is best known for its dramatic mountain setting and its annual Mani Rimdu festival.
How do you get to Chiwong Monastery?+
Chiwong sits on a ridge a few hours' uphill walk from Phaplu and Salleri, reached by a forest and pasture trail. Many visitors hike up for the day or as part of a longer Solu trek; the climb is rewarded by sweeping views over the green hills and distant peaks.
What is the Mani Rimdu festival at Chiwong?+
Mani Rimdu is a multi-day Buddhist festival featuring masked Cham dances performed by monks to overcome negative forces and bless the community. Held in autumn, the Chiwong celebration is one of the most famous in Solu and draws Sherpa families and visitors alike.
Can visitors enter Chiwong Monastery?+
Yes — respectful visitors are welcome. Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall, dress modestly, ask before photographing monks or rituals, and consider a small donation. During Mani Rimdu the monastery is busy with worshippers, so be especially considerate.
