History and Legacy of Lowo Gelung Pal Sa Ngor Tashi Choe Ling Monastery
Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Upper Mustang, the Lowo Gelung Pal Sa Ngor Tashi Choe Ling Monastery stands as a significant spiritual and cultural landmark of the region. The monastery is located in Ward No. 3 of Lo-Gekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality and reflects centuries of Buddhist tradition and learning in the Himalayan region.
Historical accounts suggest that the monastery has existed since at least the 15th century, although the exact date of its establishment and its earliest founder remain uncertain due to limited historical records. However, it is widely associated with the great scholar Lowo Khenchen Sonam Lhundup, the third son of the second king of Mustang. His contributions greatly strengthened the spiritual and academic influence of the monastery in the region.
Throughout its history, the monastery served as an important center for Buddhist learning and spiritual practice. One of the most significant events held here was the transmission of the renowned Lamdre Teaching—a profound set of teachings regarded as the essence of the Buddha Dharma within the Sakya tradition. During this period, many Buddhist scholars and monks gathered at the monastery to receive these sacred teachings.
Among the notable disciples present was the distinguished scholar Ngari Panchen Pema Wangyal. Originally from Mustang, he later became one of the most revered masters in the Nyingma tradition. After successfully mastering the Lamdre teachings, he was enthroned as a master of Lamdre teaching at Gelung Monastery, highlighting the monastery’s role as a major seat of Buddhist scholarship.
The monastery, like much of Mustang, faced difficult times in history. In 1505, a powerful earthquake devastated the region, destroying much of the environment and affecting the population. The monastery suffered heavy damage, losing several structures and many monks. For centuries afterward, the condition of the monastery gradually declined.
A major revival began in 1982 when senior monks initiated the restoration of the monastery. Through their efforts, the monastery was rebuilt and the monastic community slowly began to grow again. Today, around twenty monks reside there, and under the guidance of two respected Khenpos, the monastery continues its spiritual activities and preservation efforts.
Today, Lowo Gelung Pal Sa Ngor Tashi Choe Ling Monastery stands not only as a place of spiritual practice but also as a testament to Mustang’s deep Buddhist heritage. It represents the enduring connection between the royal lineage of Mustang, the flourishing of Buddhist scholarship, and the spiritual traditions that have shaped the culture of the Himalayas for centuries.