Braga Monastery
ब्राका गुम्बा
A centuries-old monastery built into a cliff, housing many ancient Buddha statues and thangkas. It is the most important monastery in the Manang Valley.
Braga Monastery (Bhraka Gompa) lies in Braga village, about 2 km east of Manang. The village is built in tiers against the rock face, and the monastery sits at the highest point. It is said to be around 500 years old and belongs to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The hall houses hundreds of small Buddha statues, and ancient murals and thangkas line the walls. The light is dim and the atmosphere solemn. A small entry fee applies, you must remove your shoes before entering, walk clockwise around the hall, and photography is prohibited in some halls. Braga is also the starting point for the Ice Lake hike, so you can combine the two on the same day or on an acclimatization day.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–17:00; depends on temple opening
Nearby sights
- Milarepa Cave
- Manang Village
- Gangapurna Lake
- Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)
- Ngawal
- Khangsar Village
- Ghyaru
- Upper Pisang