One-Month Buddhist Monastery Retreat in Kathmandu
Highlights
Private Tour
30 Days
Easy
English
Description
Disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with your inner self during this one-month retreat at a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the serene hills of the Kathmandu Valley. This program is a rare opportunity to move beyond observation and actively participate in the rhythms of monastic life. Under the guidance of experienced lamas and teachers, you will engage in daily meditation, receive profound teachings on Buddhist philosophy, and learn to cultivate mindfulness in every action. Set against a backdrop of Himalayan vistas, this retreat offers a sanctuary for deep contemplation, spiritual growth, and the development of a more peaceful, compassionate mind.
Itinerary
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Week 1: Arrival & Getting Ready
- Days 1-3: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (KTM). 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. Look at the shops selling things like pashmina shawls, prayer flags, and local art. You can also find a quiet spot in the nearby Garden of Dreams. Try some of the local foods.
- Days 4-7: Visit the big 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 get a great view of the city. Look for the Buddhist museum and the World Peace Pond on the western side of the hill.
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Week 2: Deep Retreat
- Days 8-17: Travel to Kopan Monastery for a 10-day retreat. This will be the main part of your spiritual trip. Follow the strict daily schedule. Attend the dharma talks, where experienced lamas will teach you about Buddhism. Sit for long periods of quiet thought. Live a simple life. Spend time in the monastery gardens. This is a chance to truly look inside yourself and learn from a caring group.
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Week 3: Continued Learning and Exploration
- Days 18-21: Finish your retreat at Kopan. Take a day to rest at a hotel in the city. Visit the ancient city of Patan. Walk around the Durbar Square. See the Patan Museum, which is in the old royal palace. Look at the Krishna Mandir with its many stone carvings. Find the 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. This is a quieter place. 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 use what you learned at Kopan in a more personal way. You can read and meditate here.
- Days 26-28: Go on a day trip to the city of Bhaktapur. This city is a living museum. Walk its old streets. See the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows. Find the Golden Gate, which is 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.
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Week 4: Last Days and Departure
Days 29-30: Go back to Kathmandu. 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. Get ready for your flight home. Take time to think about your trip. Remember the calm you found
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.
Price
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| 1 to 1 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 1 | /person |
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This is a private tour |
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