Ganden Yiga Chozin Buddhist Meditation Centre — Lakeside Street No. 21, Nepal

A Tibetan Buddhist meditation centre on Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal, since 1993

Ganden Yiga Chozin opened in 1993 in Lakeside, Pokhara, along the shores of Phewa Lake. The name means "Pure Land of Maitreya Buddha," a reference to the future buddha associated with compassion and wisdom. It was founded as a peaceful place for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism, for residents and for visitors to what its own pages call Nepal's most beloved mountain town. The centre is a direct branch of Kopan Monastery on the outskirts of Kathmandu, which Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche founded in 1969 and which now houses more than 350 monks. Both lamas went on to establish the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a network of over 160 centres, projects and services in 39 countries. Lama Zopa Rinpoche became its Spiritual Director after Lama Yeshe's passing in 1984. Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi, Abbot of Kopan, oversees the spiritual activities of the monastery and its affiliated centres, this one included. The teaching follows the Gelugpa lineage. Day to day, the work is carried by a resident teacher, Geshe Ngawang Tseten. He completed more than 20 years of study in Buddhist philosophy, earned the Geshe Tsogramoa degree in 2020, trained further in Vajrayana studies at Gyume Tantric University, and has served at the centre since March 2024. Morning Hatha yoga is taught by Mr. Gyanam, who has nearly 15 years of experience guiding students here. The courses run on a set daily rhythm. The day starts with yoga at 7:00 am and moves through vegetarian meals, guided meditation, Buddhist philosophy, free time for reading or walking meditation, a Dharma talk with questions, evening yoga, and a closing sit after dinner. The Weekend Course starts every Friday evening and runs three nights. The Mid-Week Course starts every Tuesday evening and runs two nights, with check-out after Thursday lunch. Accommodation and meals are included, and no prior experience in meditation or Buddhism is needed. The centre says it welcomes thousands of visitors each year.

Traditions: Tibetan Buddhism, Gelugpa lineage, Mahayana Buddhism, Guided meditation, Hatha yoga, Walking meditation

Programs: Weekend Course (3 days, Fri–Mon), Mid-Week Course (2.5 days, Tue–Thu), Morning Hatha Yoga, Meditation & Teaching sessions, Dharma talk with Q&A, Evening Yoga, Evening Meditation, Tibetan Buddhist philosophy courses