Sightseeing · Pokhara
Matepani Gumba
A serene Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a hill east of Pokhara, with prayer flags and valley views.
Set on a forested hill east of Pokhara's old bazaar, Matepani Gumba — formally Karma Dubgyu Chokhorling Monastery — is one of the city's most peaceful spots. An active Tibetan Buddhist gompa with resident monks, a richly painted shrine hall and wide views over the valley, it offers a quiet, reflective counterpoint to Pokhara's lakeside buzz.
Overview
The monastery belongs to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and serves the local Tibetan and Buddhist community as well as a community of monks who live and study here. Its main shrine hall is decorated with vivid murals, golden statues and hanging thangkas, while the surrounding courtyard, prayer flags and small chortens give the hilltop a serene, contemplative air. Because it sits above the city, the setting comes with panoramas across Pokhara, the valley and — on clear days — the Annapurna skyline.
What to see and do
Step inside the prayer hall to take in the murals and Buddha images, then walk the courtyard and outer terraces for the views. If you arrive during the monks' chanting prayers, the low drone of recitation and the occasional horn and drum make the visit especially memorable. The hilltop is a fine place simply to sit quietly, watch the prayer flags move and look out over the valley. Photography is usually fine outside; inside the shrine, ask first and avoid disturbing worship.
How to visit
Matepani Gumba lies on a hill east of the Mahendrapul bazaar, about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi or scooter from Lakeside. A road climbs most of the way, ending at a short flight of steps to the courtyard. There is generally no fixed entry fee, though donations are welcome. As an active place of worship, dress modestly, remove shoes where indicated, and keep noise to a minimum near the shrine.
Tips
- Visit early for calm, clear views and the chance to hear morning prayers.
- Dress respectfully — covered shoulders and knees — and move quietly indoors.
- Walk clockwise around chortens and shrines, in keeping with custom.
- Carry small cash for a donation; there are no facilities on the hill.
Nearby
The monastery pairs well with a trip out to Begnas and Rupa lakes on the same eastern side of the valley. Back toward the lake, the Peace Pagoda hike offers another hilltop sanctuary, while the quiet Pame end of Phewa Lake makes a relaxed afternoon. Explore more in the Pokhara day hikes and nearby areas collection, or plan your visit with the Pokhara guide.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Matepani Gumba?+
Matepani Gumba, also called Karma Dubgyu Chokhorling, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a forested hill east of Pokhara's old bazaar. It is an active gompa with resident monks, a colourful main shrine hall and panoramic views over the city and valley.
How do you get to Matepani Gumba?+
It sits on a hill east of the Mahendrapul bazaar area, roughly a 20 to 30 minute taxi or scooter ride from Lakeside. A road climbs most of the way up, followed by a short flight of steps to the monastery courtyard.
Is there an entry fee for Matepani Gumba?+
There is generally no fixed entry fee, though donations toward the monastery are welcome. As an active place of worship, modest dress and quiet, respectful behaviour are expected, especially inside the prayer hall.
What can you see at Matepani Gumba?+
Besides the ornate main shrine with its Buddha statues and murals, the hilltop setting gives sweeping views over Pokhara, the valley and, on a clear day, the Annapurna peaks. Prayer flags, chortens and a peaceful courtyard add to the calm.
When is the best time to visit Matepani Gumba?+
Early morning is peaceful and often the clearest for mountain views. Visitors who time it for the monks' chanting prayers experience the monastery at its most atmospheric; the dry months from October to April are most reliable for clear skies.
