Nyingyang (Nyingma) Monastery and Temple, Bir: A Visitor’s Guide
Updated: Oct 18
Nyingyang Monastery in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region.
Also known as the Nyingma Monastery, it’s a short walk from the paragliding landing site, on the Chowgan side of the Tibetan Colony.
It’s run by a trust as a working monastery, home to resident monks, alongside a temple open to visitors.
Entry is free and the grounds are open through the day. It’s one of the easiest monasteries in Bir to walk to.
Before you go
Names you’ll see: Nyingyang, Nyingma Monastery, Nyingma Temple. They’re all the same place
Where: near the Bir landing site, Chowgan / Tibetan Colony
Walk from the landing site: about 5–7 minutes
Open: through the day
Entry: free
Run by: the Nyingma Buddhist Charitable trust
Time needed: 30–60 minutes
One place, several names
You’ll find this monastery listed as Nyingyang, Nyingma Monastery and Nyingma Temple. The names all point to the same complex and the same tradition. “Nyingma” is the name of the school of Tibetan Buddhism it follows, which is why many people simply call it the Nyingma monastery. If you’re asking for directions, either name works with locals.
A temple and a monastery
There are two sides to the complex:
The temple: the main hall, with a golden Buddha statue at its centre surrounded by carved, painted pillars and thangka paintings. This is where visitors can sit quietly, and where the monks gather for prayers.
The monastery: the monks’ living and study quarters around it. This is the private, everyday side of the community, so keep to the main paths and the temple.
Outside, a line of prayer wheels runs along the walkway. The well-kept lawns and gardens, with the Dhauladhar range behind, are good for sitting a while. On a flying day you’ll see paragliders drifting overhead on their way to land.
The Nyingma tradition
Nyingma means “the ancient ones”. It’s the oldest of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, tracing its roots to the 8th century, when Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) brought Buddhist teachings to Tibet. Nyingma practice places great weight on meditation and on Dzogchen, the “great perfection” teachings.
Bir has several monasteries from different schools. Chokling Monastery in the Tibetan Colony is another Nyingma monastery, while Sherabling in the forest outside town follows the Kagyu school.
Comparing the two is a nice way to see how varied Bir’s Buddhist community is.
What to do at Nyingyang Monastery
Spin the prayer wheels: walk clockwise along the walkway, turning each wheel as you pass
Sit in on prayers: if the monks are chanting, sit quietly at the back and listen to the drums, cymbals and horns
Spend time in the gardens: good for a quiet half hour with a book or a journal
Photograph the exterior: murals, prayer flags and mountain views. Late-afternoon light is especially good
Make it part of a walk: combine it with the landing site and the colony monasteries
Etiquette
Dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering the temple
Walk clockwise around the temple and prayer wheels
Stay quiet inside, and put your phone on silent
Ask before taking photos inside the hall, and never during prayers
The monks’ quarters are private, so stay on the main paths
Getting there: a walking route from the landing site
Nyingyang is one of the few monasteries in Bir you can easily walk to:
Start at the landing site, ideally late afternoon when the gliders come in
Walk 5–7 minutes to Nyingyang and spend half an hour in the temple and gardens
Carry on into the Tibetan Colony to the big white stupa at Chokling
Finish with dinner at one of the colony cafés
The landing site is also the best place to watch the flying. If you’re coming from further out, any taxi or scooter can drop you at the landing site. The roads there get busy in October and November, so walking the last stretch is often quicker.
Best time to visit Nyingyang
Time of day: weekday mornings are the quietest. Late afternoon is best for light and for watching the paragliders
Season: October–November and March–May are the most pleasant. Clear December–January days give sharp mountain views. In the monsoon, from July to mid-September, the gardens are lush but rain is frequent
Losar: around the Tibetan New Year, usually in February or early March, the monasteries are at their most festive.
Nearby
The landing site, cafés included: right next door
Chokling Monastery and the Tibetan Colony: a short walk
Deer Park Institute: courses and talks on Buddhism and meditation.
Sherabling Monastery: a short drive away, in pine forest
Gunehar: an easy outing on the other side of the landing site, with old village lanes and a river pool.
Why You Should Add Nyingyang Monastery to Your Bir Itinerary
Nyingyang Monastery is more than a sightseeing spot—it offers a rare moment of peace where time feels slower, the air feels lighter, and your mind feels quieter.
Whether you're:
a spiritual seeker,
an architecture lover,
or simply someone wanting to unwind from city life,
This monastery delivers a blend of culture, calmness, and authentic Tibetan Buddhist energy.
Can you help me plan a day of monasteries in Bir?
Happily. We live here in Bir and help our guests on monastery walks most days.
Tell us how much time you have, and we’ll suggest a route around the prayer times.
If you’re for a peaceful place to stay, close to Bir’s spiritual circuit, we at Moonshine Villa provide a one-of-a-kind heritage stay in Bir.
At Moonshine, you can
Stay among forests and mountain views
Relax in the heated hot-tub pool
Lounge by the swimming pool overlooking nature
Yoga & meditation decks for personal practice
Frequently asked questions about Nyingyang Monastery
Are Nyingyang and Nyingma Monastery the same?
Yes. Nyingyang, Nyingma Monastery and Nyingma Temple all refer to the same complex near the Bir landing site. “Nyingma” is the school of Tibetan Buddhism it belongs to.
Can visitors go inside the temple?
Yes. Visitors are welcome in the temple when it’s open. Remove your shoes and sit quietly, especially during prayers. The monastery quarters are private.
When do the monks pray?
There are usually prayers in the morning and evening. If you’d like to hear the chanting, go early in the day.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It’s small, calm and close to the landing site. Kids usually love the prayer wheels. Keep voices low inside the temple.
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