There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is a rapture on the lonely shore,

There is society, where none intrudes,

By the deep sea, and music in its roar:

I love not man the less, but Nature more.

Tucked unassumingly into the quiet slope of California Street in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, Macang Monastery is a spiritual sanctuary with deep roots in Tibetan Buddhism. Also known as Ma Tsang Monastery, this peaceful site serves as a cultural and religious center for the Tibetan and Himalayan diaspora in the Bay Area. While its exterior blends in among the surrounding Victorian and Edwardian residences, the building’s significance runs much deeper than its understated appearance suggests.

Originally a private residence, the building was transformed into a functioning monastery by Tibetan monks and community members who sought to preserve their sacred traditions in the wake of displacement and exile. Today, Macang Monastery is home to a small community of monks who maintain daily rituals, meditation sessions, and ceremonial practices. It’s one of a handful of Tibetan Buddhist temples in San Francisco, helping to anchor the city’s role as a hub for global Buddhist traditions.

The photo captures the tranquil facade of Macang Monastery in sharp daylight. It sits nestled among tree-lined sidewalks and multi-generational architecture—from the gold-domed St. Dominic’s Catholic Church peeking behind, to modern condos and wood-framed Victorians flanking either side. This layering of buildings mirrors the cultural layering of San Francisco itself—a city where temples and tech offices often share the same block.

Visually, the monastery blends in seamlessly with its neighbors. There's no towering gate, no ornate statuary visible from the street. Instead, a small sign, a few prayer flags, and the presence of robed monks entering or exiting offer the only outward indicators of its deeper purpose. The architecture may not immediately announce its sacred function, but that’s part of the monastery’s quiet charm—it represents a lived-in, working space of devotion, not a tourist monument.

Macang Monastery stands as a poignant symbol of resilience, continuity, and cross-cultural harmony. For followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it offers a space for practice and connection. For neighbors and passersby, it represents another layer of the city’s living history—a reminder that places of profound spiritual power often hide in plain sight.

Whether you’re a photographer, a spiritual seeker, or simply an urban explorer, discovering places like Macang Monastery adds richness to the narrative of San Francisco as a city of diversity, refuge, and sacred intersections.

A shepherd talks to his sheeps

I used my telephoto lens to capture this moment, during the annual malana festival.

smoking marijuana in malana.the best stuff in the world,also known as malana cream.

The exisistence of this spps of vultures is facing serious environmental threats .

The banned .pain killer drugs like Diclofenac...etc. given before the death of cattles is the main cause .

This one along with group were enjoing the feast near Baijnath

one of the oldest, yet least spoken about monasteries in bhutan...khumbu lhakhang, built in the 13th century, is also one of the only monasteries to have a huge statue of the "medicine buddha" or "sangay menlha".

And, it has a small temple dedicated to Sipey Galmo, not a figure related to buddhism but actually a bon diety...so a breed of multi-faith monastery actually...

This bird migrates from tibetan plateau and leh ladakh to PONG WETLAND IN KANGRA VALLEY during winters . The 50% worlds population winters here in pong .

en route khumbu from the gangtey village...seldom visited area, but really really beautiful!...

en route the 16th century monastery in khumbu village from gangtey...awesome spot nicely tucked away...

under renovation (under the patronage of the indian government)...so not in best shape for tourist eyes, but still a fantastic dzong...lovely pathways and passages here...just flipped on that...the wangdue phodrang monastery in wangdue phodrang town (better known as wangdi)

Surrounded by the last snow line of Himalayas , the Dhauladhars and Pir panjal is THE KULLU valley that leavs the viewer awe struck at breath taking grandeur .of its mountains .

The wetland areas of Dhauladhar mountains are a home for the siberian migratory birds .

Due to high rainfall and humidity the flora &; fauna

is rich for these birds.

Copyright © –Ashwani kaul

The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved."

Northern India

1700-1800

butter was burned at Tibetan Buddhist temples

Avery Brundage Collection

Asian Art Museum, San Francisco

February 5, 2012

032

Unlike other birds hoopoe is not shy in nature . Most of the times busy picking insects from soil .Breeds in upper Himalayan areas .

Also called as The bird of mountain currents . breeds in Tibet and lives in lower Himalayan regions .

SOUNDS "" Hiun , Hiun '' MEANS Snow, Snow come down . Loves to stay in snows and water streams

Photographing birds require lots of patience & perseverence amongst all

the genre of photography .Munia is a small & common bird of mid Himalayan regions .

origin: Tibet

partially gilded bronze

Avery Brundage Collection

Asian Art Museum, San Francisco

February 5, 2012

030

Migrates during spring in lower Himalayan ranges Dharmshala.

Noisy and shy in nature .

TRAIOO TRAIOO..... That is how it sounds during hot summer days when all other cease out to nests.

The bird has many LOCAL interesting tales in KANGRA VALLEY .

1600-1800

Asian Art Museum, San Francisco

February 5, 2012

024

Sky burial, a unique ritual in Mustang, Nepal, offers a glimpse into the region's cultural tapestry. Embraced by the local community, this ancient practice involves placing deceased individuals atop elevated platforms, exposing them to the elements. Birds of prey, considered sacred, play a crucial role in the disposal process. This spiritual ceremony reflects the deep connection between life, death, and nature in Mustang, providing a fascinating lens through which to explore the cultural richness of this remote Himalayan enclave.

For more details

mountainrocktreks.com/blog/sky-burial-ritual-in-mustang-n....

Address- Z Street - Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone- +977 1 4701233

Mobile, WhatsApp & Viber- +977 9849023179 (Dipak Pande)

Email- info@mountainrocktreks.com

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#TibetanHeritage #UpperMustangTrek #MountainMagic #AdventureAwaits #CaveExploration #HimalayanCulture

Nepal, home to the world's highest peak, has family-friendly treks that let you experience adventure and culture with your loved ones. These treks are tailored for different age groups and group themes, making them suitable for families who want to enjoy nature together. There are short day hikes near Kathmandu or Pokhara or longer excursions in the Annapurna and Langtang regions, taking you through beautiful forests to near alpine country amidst snow-capped peaks. You will spend your nights at cosy small lodges, seeing local folks and getting mesmerised by the mountains from close-by viewpoints.

Here is more detailed information on the Top 10 Best family treks in Nepal:

mountainrocktreks.com/blog/top-best-family-trek-in-nepal

Address- Z Street - Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone- +977 1 4701233

Mobile, WhatsApp & Viber- +977 9849023179 (Dipak Pande)

Email- info@mountainrocktreks.com

Website- www.mountainrocktreks.com

#NepalFamilyTrek #FamilyTrave #TrekNepal #FamilyHiking #NepalOutdoors #HimalayanFamily #AnnapurnaTrek #LangtangTrek #KathmanduValleyTrek #PoonHillTrek #Mountainadventures #NepalTeaHouseTrek #SafeFamilyTrekking #NepalNature #HimalayanCulture #AdventureFamilyTravel #MRT2024 #dipak #mountainguide #Thamel #paknajol #Zstreet #mountainrocktreks

A charming roadside establishment captured in the heart of the Himalayas, featuring an English wine and beer shop with distinctive green-roofed architecture. The shop's walls are adorned with vibrant promotional artwork and signage, including "Signature" branding. The modest structure stands against a dramatic backdrop of towering mountain slopes, with glimpses of the mountain village visible in the distance. A motorcycle parked nearby adds a touch of local life to the scene. The misty mountain atmosphere and the blend of traditional construction with modern advertising creates an interesting juxtaposition of contemporary commerce in this remote mountain setting.

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#RoadsideShop

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#SissuVillage

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