Not only what we plan to do, but what has already been done.

This page is Manang's construction record. Completed, current, and not-yet-started work are kept distinct.

Already completed

2019--2026 · Plot-by-plot coordination and assembly of approximately 4,470 m² of land 2024 · Rinpoche travelled to Lapchi to request teachings from H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang; the Manang Grand Event followed in September 2025 · SMA completed first-phase design and construction documentation; design fees were paid 2025 · Seven residents of Kyung and Ngawal were interviewed, preserving first-hand village accounts Since May 2025 · Retreat master Drubpön Könchok Gyalwa has been resident

For each subsequent construction stage, the site will record dates, photographs, completed work, actual spending, corresponding BoQ or estimate categories, and next steps. Differences in schedule or budget will be reported as well.

Current milestone

Grand Café foundation

Raised: US$5,000 / Goal: US$10,000 As of: [AS_OF_DATE] · Supporters: [SUPPORTER_COUNT]

Construction window: September--October 2026. The goal is to complete the Grand Café foundation before winter so work can move directly into the next stage after snowmelt in 2027.

A timeline

From the eleventh century to today

11th century · Milarepa and the hunter: Milarepa practiced in Manang. The story of his encounter with the hunter carries an early reminder that a person's direction can change.

First generation · Melong Tsampa Rinpoche: the family's practice heritage became part of Manang, with practice remaining close to family, work, and village life.

1941--2020 · Second generation · Karma Drugye Tenzin Rinpoche, known locally as Papa Rinpoche: what remains most strongly in Rinpoche's memory is not a title, but a very simple human being and the warmth around him.

2019 · Third generation takes responsibility: H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang entrusted GarTul Chimi Dorjee Rinpoche with the work in Manang. The team began preparations and plot-by-plot land coordination.

May 2024 · Requesting teachings at Lapchi. September 2024 · H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang came to Manang Kunsang Lhundrup Monastery, bestowed Phowa teachings and a long-life empowerment, and walked the future retreat-center land. More than forty villages and over 3,000 people came.

2025 · First-phase drawings completed; first-hand village interviews recorded.

2026 · First formal construction milestone: Grand Café foundation --- site preparation, excavation, and stone masonry.

Not everything that has happened is on the construction site

In September 2024, volunteers spent weeks repairing the monastery, preparing food, and making offerings before the Grand Event. Since May 2025, retreat master Drubpön Könchok Gyalwa has been resident in Manang. GarTul Chimi Dorjee Rinpoche does not reside in Manang full-time; his responsibility is carried through the overall direction of the project --- requesting teachings, connecting teachers, guiding planning and construction, and working with local families and the resident retreat master to move the place forward.

Sent back from Manang

This project will take years. Snow, roads, materials, labour, and funding can all speed up or slow down construction. Progress reporting will therefore include not only finished photographs, but also what did not happen according to plan and why.