Perched high above the serene Dhumba Lake, the Kuchhap Terenga Monastery stands on Elephant hill at an altitude of around 3,000 meters, watching over the valley below. Reaching the monastery is a short but rewarding 15-minute walk from the lake, a journey that takes you along a path lined with ancient prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. As you approach, the air grows thinner, but the views become more breathtaking, and you feel a sense of peace settle over you as you near the monastery. Founded in the 17th century by Lama Lhungjing Urgen Palsang, the Kuchhap Terenga Monastery belongs to the Nyingma-Pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Lhungjing’s vision for the monastery was clear: to spread the teachings of Buddhism and foster peace and harmony in the surrounding Dhumba village. The monastery has since become a highly revered spiritual center in the region, holding a sacred and prominent place among the many monasteries of Mustang. As you step inside the monastery, the atmosphere is spiritual with devotion. The walls are adorned with intricate wall paintings, each telling a story of the Buddha’s teachings, while idols of revered figures such as Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), Hopang Me, Chengresi, and Phapa Jhempal stand as silent guardians of the space. These figures, deeply significant in
Tibetan Buddhism, add a refining spiritual presence to the monastery, making it a place of profound reverence.
For those who visit in October or November, the experience becomes even more mesmerizing, as this is when the Dhekep—a masked dance ceremony performed by the Lamas—takes place. The dance, a vibrant display of devotion and tradition, is a rare and enchanting sight, with the masked dancers moving in ritualistic patterns, embodying spiritual beings and deities. The performance is not only a visual pectacle but also a powerful reminder of the monastery’s role in preserving ancient rituals and aintaining the spiritual harmony of the region. The monastery is not just a place of worship; it’s a window to the beauty of the surrounding landscape. If you extend your walk to the top of the elephant hill, you can enjoy a stunning bird’s eye view of the nearby villages: Marpha, Syang, Thini, and Jomsom all lie nestled in the valley below, their rooftops dotting the landscape like small patches of earth-bound tranquility. The view, especially as the sun rises or sets, is nothing short of magical, with the soft light casting long shadows over the valleys and mountains. This monastery sits on elephant hill, named for its resemblance to that of an elephant. As per the local belief, since this place was known for its spirituality, many people use to come here to pray and it was blessed by thousands of goddesses to shape like an elephant.
The Kuchhap Terenga Monastery is not only a site of historical and spiritual importance—it is a place where nature, culture, and devotion come together. Whether you are there to seek spiritual solace, learn about the teachings of Buddhism, or simply take in the awe-inspiring surroundings, the monastery offers an experience that is both humbling and uplifting, one that will stay with you long after you leave its sacred grounds.
