This week-long stay places you inside the daily life of a monastery or retreat centre in the Kathmandu Valley. You join morning and evening prayers and chanting, guided meditation and simple communal routines, alongside teachings on core Buddhist ideas such as awareness, compassion and impermanence.

An English-speaking facilitator introduces the monastery's traditions on arrival and guides you through the week, with evening discussions after the day's practice. Depending on the monastery's schedule there is time for questions and conversation with resident monks. On day six a guided excursion takes you to a significant Buddhist site in the valley.

You stay six nights in the monastery or retreat centre with simple vegetarian monastic meals, drinking water and tea. Airport pickup and drop-off are included. Guests of all backgrounds are welcome; you need not be Buddhist, only respect the monastery's routines.

Groups are small (1 to 10 guests). The stay runs year-round, and October to November and March to April are the most comfortable months.

What's included

6 nights' accommodation in a monastery/retreat centre; Daily meditation and mindfulness sessions; Morning and evening prayers/chanting; Buddhist philosophy and spiritual teachings; Participation in monastic routines; Interaction and teachings with resident monks; Guided meditation and contemplative practices; One guided sacred-site excursion in the Kathmandu Valley; Vegetarian/monastic meals; Drinking water and tea; Airport pickup and drop-off; Local transportation for included activities; English-speaking retreat coordinator/guide; Programme materials where applicable; All applicable taxes and service charges

What's not included

International airfare; Nepal visa fee; Travel and medical insurance; Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping); Tips and gratuities; Alcoholic and soft drinks, unless listed as included; Extra nights or meals caused by early arrival, late departure or flight delays