Milarepa Cave, Gandaki, Buddhist meditation cave near Braka village, Nepal
Milarepa Cave sits embedded in a cliff face within the Annapurna range at about 4,100 meters elevation, housing a monastery and sacred spring. The site comprises several chambers carved into rock that serve different religious functions.
In the 11th century, the Tibetan Buddhist master Milarepa used this cave as his meditation residence and spread his teachings throughout northern Nepal from this base. The cave was later developed into a sacred sanctuary that has attracted devotees ever since.
The site has drawn Buddhist pilgrims for centuries who venerate rock impressions believed to mark Milarepa's meditation practice. People visit to connect with this lineage of spiritual devotion.
The cave is reached after a three-hour uphill hike from Braka village, requiring good physical fitness and proper hiking gear. Visitors should prepare for high altitude conditions and bring plenty of water and sturdy footwear.
Local lore tells of a hunter's bow hung from nearby cliffs to mark where Kera Gompa Dorjee challenged Milarepa's teachings. This tale recalls a legendary encounter between two figures of Buddhist tradition.
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