Champa (Jhampa) Monastery
Temple of the Future Buddha
Standing majestically in Tokyu village, the revered Champa Monastery holds the distinguished honor of being dedicated to Maitreya, the Future Buddha, creating a sacred space where devotees can connect with the promise of enlightenment yet to come. This remarkable Nyingma-pa monastery carries within its walls both profound historical significance and captivating legend, having been originally lost to the passage of time before being lovingly restored in the 15th century by the powerful and benevolent King of Mustang. Perhaps most fascinating of all is the monastery's legendary tale of its master builder, who according to local tradition rode a mysterious blue, hornless yak across impossible terrain to gather the rare and sacred plaster needed for the monastery's construction. Inside this awe-inspiring temple, visitors discover a towering statue of Maitreya that dominates the sacred space, surrounded by the enlightened presence of Dipankara, Shakyamuni, Avalokiteshvara, and Guru Rinpoche, while fierce protector deities stand guard and sacred texts preserve ancient wisdom. Outside, three striking white chortens greet pilgrims and trekkers alike, offering both an awe-inspiring architectural presence and a profound spiritual connection to Dolpo's rich Buddhist heritage.
Gallery

Champa Monastery in Tokyu Village
Details
- Tradition:
- Nyingma
- Region:
- Upper Dolpo
- Village:
- Tokyu
- Founded:
- 15th century (restored)
- Founder:
- King of Mustang (restoration)
- Category:
- legendary
- Location:
- Tokyu village
- Permit Required:
- Upper Dolpo
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
- Main Deity:
- Maitreya (Future Buddha)
Highlights
- Future Buddha dedication
- Blue hornless yak legend
- King of Mustang restoration
- Towering Maitreya statue
Best Time to Visit
Plan your adventure for Spring (March–May) to enjoy blooming rhododendrons and clear skies, or Autumn (September–November) for stable weather and stunning views. Winter (December–February) brings harsh, snowy conditions, making trekking challenging. Monsoon (June–August) has less rain due to the rain-shadow effect, but trails can still be difficult.