LUBRA - Bon Headquarters

Quietly tucked in a side valley where few travelers go, this village is a gem. It also happens to be one of the few remaining Bon villages in Nepal. Bon is the indigenous religion of Tibet which was originally characterized by nature worship and shamanistic rituals. However, as Buddhism started to grow, the original pre-Buddhist beliefs have adopted many Buddhist traditions to the point that to a layman, a Bonpo monastery might look very similar to a Buddhist monastery.

The easiest way to tell is through the central deities which while similar, is different from those in Buddhism. Also, the swastika that one finds around the monasteries is clockwise in the case of Buddhism while it is counterclockwise in the case of Bon. You can see these swastikas in the little chortens around the upper monastery in Lubra. You could also tell by the counterclockwise direction in which devotees circle a Bon monastery.

The view of the mountain peaks behind the ruined fortress, the 800-year-old Bon monastery, the lively and well-made school and the general serenity of this village truly create a spectacular ambience.