Nepal · Religious & Spiritual

30-Day Buddhist Monastery Retreat in Kathmandu with Kopan Monastery

30 Days Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Live for a month within the serene and spiritual environment of a genuine Buddhist monastery
02 Receive daily teachings on Buddhist philosophy and meditation from experienced lamas or teachers
03 Participate in daily group meditation sessions and traditional puja (chanting) ceremonies
04 Enjoy a complete digital detox and a meaningful break from the complexities of modern life
05 Live a simple, mindful lifestyle with clean vegetarian meals and modest accommodation
06 Gain profound insights into Tibetan Buddhism and practical tools for a more mindful, compassionate life

Disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with your inner self during this one-month retreat in the serene hills of the Kathmandu Valley. Centered on a 10-day retreat at Kopan Monastery, the journey combines daily meditation, dharma talks, and simple monastic living with time to explore Kathmandu's great Buddhist sites, including Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. You will also visit the historic cities of Patan and Bhaktapur and spend quiet time at Pullahari Monastery. This retreat offers space for deep contemplation, spiritual growth, and the cultivation of a more peaceful, compassionate mind.

Disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with your inner self during this one-month retreat in the serene hills of the Kathmandu Valley.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 30 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Sacred Stupa Visits

Days 1-3: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (KTM) and take a taxi to your hotel in the Thamel area. Use these first few days to get settled and rest. Walk through the "rabbit-warren streets" of Thamel and browse shops selling pashmina shawls, prayer flags, and local art. You can also find a quiet spot in the nearby Garden of Dreams and try some of the local foods.
Days 4-7: Visit the great stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. At Boudhanath, walk clockwise around the huge dome with the pilgrims, spin the prayer wheels, and find a nice cafe with a rooftop view. At Swayambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple," climb the 365 steps to the top. From there, you will see the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha and enjoy a great view of the city. Look for the Buddhist museum and the World Peace Pond on the western side of the hill.

Day 02

Kopan Monastery Retreat and Monastic Life

Days 8-17: Travel to Kopan Monastery for a 10-day retreat, the main part of your spiritual journey. Follow the strict daily schedule and attend dharma talks, where experienced lamas will teach you about Buddhism. Spend long periods in quiet reflection, live a simple life, and enjoy time in the monastery gardens. This is a chance to truly look inside yourself and learn within a caring community.

Day 03

Patan, Pullahari, and Bhaktapur Exploration

Days 18-21: Finish your retreat at Kopan and take a day to rest at a hotel in the city. Visit the ancient city of Patan and walk around Durbar Square. See the Patan Museum in the old royal palace, admire Krishna Mandir with its many stone carvings, and find Sundari Chowk, a courtyard with a sunken water tank. Try some Newari food from a local shop.
Days 22-25: Go on a short personal retreat to Pullahari Monastery, a quieter place where you can spend time on your own. Walk through the lovely gardens and enjoy the wide views of the valley. This is a good way to apply what you learned at Kopan in a more personal setting, with time to read and meditate.
Days 26-28: Take a day trip to the city of Bhaktapur, a living museum. Walk its old streets, see the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, and find the Golden Gate, the entrance to the inner palace courtyards. Visit Pottery Square to watch local potters at work. This is a great chance to see old Nepali art and customs still in use.

Day 04

Final Reflections and Departure Preparation

Days 29-30: Return to Kathmandu and use these days to buy any gifts you want. Look for wood carvings, Thangka paintings, or local pottery. Visit any last places you want to see, pack your bags, and get ready for your flight home. Take time to reflect on your journey and remember the calm you found.

Where this trip takes you

Kopan Monastery, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Local transportation
All retreat activities
3 vegetarian meals a day
Government taxes and service charge

What's Not Included

Travel insurance: This is strongly suggested. It helps if you get sick or have problems and covers unexpected events.
Travel from the airport: Getting from the airport to the monastery.
Extra costs: Your own spending money, gifts (dana), and offerings. You might want money for small items or donations to the monastery.
International flight

What to bring

Loose, comfy clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Wear layers, as temperatures can change a lot, especially between day and night. Natural fabrics like cotton are a good choice.
A shawl, warm scarf, or small blanket to stay warm during early morning meditation, when it can get chilly.
Easy-on shoes, as you will take them off often when entering meditation halls and temples. Sandals or slip-on flats are perfect.
Your own soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and any medicine you need every day. Do not forget any special creams or lotions.
A journal or notebook to write down your thoughts and what you learn. This is a good way to process your experiences and remember your trip.
A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Many places have clean water for refilling.
A small flashlight or headlamp, useful for walking around at night, especially in places with less light.
Earplugs, which can be helpful if you are a light sleeper or share a room and want quiet rest.
An open heart and mind. Be ready to learn and grow, and stay open to new ideas and ways of life.

Know before you go

Strict Discipline & Schedule: This is a spiritual institution, not a guesthouse. Adherence to the daily schedule is mandatory. This includes waking up early, attending all sessions, and observing periods of silence.

Simple, Modest Living: Accommodation is in a private, single room that is clean but basic, typically with a bed, desk, and shared bathroom. Three simple vegetarian meals are provided daily at set times.

An Open and Respectful Mind: The program is designed for those with a genuine interest in learning about Buddhism and exploring their own minds. A respectful, non-judgmental, and open attitude is essential.

Digital Detox: To foster a contemplative environment, the use of phones, laptops, and internet is highly discouraged and may be restricted to specific, limited times. Be prepared to disconnect.

Rules of Conduct: All participants must abide by the five precepts, which include refraining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and taking intoxicants (alcohol and drugs). Modest dress covering shoulders, chest, and knees is required at all times.

Logistics