Hello, Hivers!
Greetings from the beautiful hills of Solan! Today, I’m thrilled to share this amazing journey my girlfriend and I embarked on to the Menri Monastery. This hidden gem was nestled just 9 kilometers from her exam center at Nauni University, making it the perfect destination for a post-exam adventure.
Why We Went There
My girlfriend came to my hometown for her exam, and her test center was just 9 kilometers away from the Menri Monastery. We figured that visiting the monastery after her exam would be the perfect way to unwind and soak in some peace and beauty. Plus, who could resist the chance to explore a place filled with serenity, culture and stunning views?
The Day Begins
Early in the morning, we got ready with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Our hotel’s restaurant offered a delightful breakfast of honey chili potatoes and refreshing lemonade, which was just the fuel we needed for the day ahead. After breakfast, we headed to Nauni University, about 15 kilometers from our hotel.
While my girlfriend took her exam, I found a cozy spot in the car to catch up on “The Boys” Season 4. Those two hours flew by, and soon she was back, eager to explore the monastery.
Arrival at Menri Monastery
A short, scenic half-hour drive later, we arrived at the Menri Monastery. As soon as we stepped in, we were amazed by how spacious and calm it was. The monastery stretched over a huge area, with stunning Tibetan architecture and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. It felt like stepping into a peaceful sanctuary.
About Menri Monastery
Menri Monastery is not just a place of worship but also a vital center for preserving Tibetan culture and education. Established in 1967 by Lungtok Tenpai Nyima and Lopon Tenzin Namdak, it stands as the main monastery for the Bon religion, which is the oldest spiritual tradition of Tibet. Situated about 20 kilometers from the main town of Solan, the monastery is perched at an elevation that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Exploring the Monastery
Our exploration began with a warm welcome from the monks. They graciously offered us a tour, sharing fascinating insights into the monastery’s history and daily life. We strolled through the peaceful gardens, captivated by the detailed paintings that illustrated ancient legends.
Each corner of the monastery seemed to tell a story, enriched by the monks’ explanations.
The highlight was the towering statue of Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche, the founder of the Bon tradition, standing majestically in the main temple.
Of course, we couldn’t resist snapping photos of the monastery’s beauty. Every picture we took captured the stunning architecture and the peaceful atmosphere surrounding us.
As the day began to wind down, we decided it was time to head back to our hotel. The drive back was calm and gave us time to reflect on the peaceful experience we had. When we got to the hotel, we were greeted by the stunning view from our balcony once again. The railway track below and the picturesque hills and town of Solan made for a perfect end to our day.
We enjoyed a quiet dinner, talking about the day’s highlights, and finally called it a night, our hearts filled with peace and our minds refreshed.
Visiting the Menri Monastery was an unforgettable experience, combining spiritual enrichment with natural beauty. If you ever find yourself in Solan, I highly recommend checking it out. The trip will leave you feeling peaceful and give you a deeper appreciation for Tibet’s rich cultural heritage.
All the pictures are clicked and edited by me by my iphone13 and default phone editor
Thank you for joining me on this journey, Hivers. Until next time, keep exploring and embracing the beauty around you!