Maki Lakhang Gompa

This is the oldest existing Nyingma-pa monastery of Thak Satsae region. Maki Lakhang means "Temple of the bottom" in Tibetan and Tibetan Buddhists still consider this the boundary of their own religion and culture. This probably also marked the main trading spot for caravaneers and merchants during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was built by second incarnate Lama of Tibet in the last decade of 15th century. The main statue is that of Padmasambhava which sits handsomely in the middle. The walls have sacred Tibetan texts and there are even photos of old nuns who lived here once. Two photographs that don't make sense in this gem of a monastery are those of the Shah royal family of Kathmandu, King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah and Queen Aishwarya Shah, both of whom were the victims of the mysterious Royal massacre in 2001. The gompa is dark and the only light in here are some faintly lit light bulbs, all thanks to Mr. Edison. Nowadays there aren't many Anis living in the gompa, just one. Most of the Anis passed away and the newer generation isn't that interested in these old customs and traditions, complains the only nun living inside the gompa.