Monasteries and shrines · Okhrey
Climb to Ugen Thondroling Monastery
Walk up the long flight of steps through Okhrey's rhododendron park to the village gompa, a Nyingma monastery built in 1950, and learn how Sherpa Buddhism shapes daily life here. Quiet, close and a good way to arrive in the village.
Photo: Greenchild · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
From the main road through Okhrey, a long flight of steps climbs through the village's rhododendron park to Ugen Thondroling Monastery. It is a steady 15–25 minutes up, with benches and views over the valley on the way. The gompa was built in 1950 and follows the Nyingma school, the oldest of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, which credits Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava, with bringing Buddhism to the Himalaya. The name Ugen honours him.
The monastery is small and usually quiet, looked after by a caretaker and used by the village for prayers, festivals and family rites. If it is open, remove your shoes, enter quietly and walk clockwise. Look for the image of Guru Rinpoche, the butter lamps and the wall paintings. Ask before taking any photographs inside, and leave a small offering of ₹20–100 if you wish.
Late afternoon is lovely for the walk, when the light turns gold over the hills to the south; early morning is quieter still. From March to April the rhododendron park flowers on the way up. Take a warm layer and watch your step on the stairs, which can be slippery after rain. Older travellers can go slowly with rests; there is no road to the top.
Good for
Questions travellers ask
Before you book
How old is the Okhrey monastery?
Ugen Thondroling Monastery was built in 1950, according to travel writers who visited and spoke to villagers. It follows the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a village gompa rather than a large institution, so expect a quiet, simple place.
How long is the climb to Okhrey monastery?
About 15–25 minutes up a long flight of steps from the main road, through the village rhododendron park. There are benches on the way. Go slowly at this altitude of about 2,300 m, and take care on wet steps.
Can we visit the Okhrey monastery anytime?
The grounds are open, but the prayer hall may be locked when the caretaker is away. Early morning and late afternoon give the best chance of finding it open. Ask your homestay host, who can often call ahead.
Also in Okhrey
More hours worth planning
Food
Sherpa kitchen evening at an Okhrey homestay
Spend an evening by the kitchen fire with your Okhrey host family, help with dinner and taste Sherpa and Nepali dishes such …
Village life
Late-afternoon walk through Okhrey's lanes
Wander the lanes of Okhrey between Sherpa houses, potato and maize terraces, chortens and mani walls as the afternoon light softens. An …
Adventure
Dawn drive from Okhrey and the Barsey walk
The day most people come to Okhrey for: a dawn taxi 8 km up to Hilley, the 4–5 km forest walk to …
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartPackages
Trips that stop in Okhrey
Budget
Top3,000M
Okhrey, Hilley and Barsey rhododendron walk
Okhrey · Hilley · Okhrey
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartGet my price
Tell us your dates and your budget
Who is travelling, when, and roughly what you want to spend. The Gangtok desk replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and an itemised price.
- No payment to start
- Permits handled through registered partners
- Every hotel, car and fee listed