Monastery Life & Himalayan Meditation Retreat in Nepal

The retreat begins at the Himalayan Yoga Academy, a school founded in 2007 that describes itself as the first center for spiritual and yoga tourism in Nepal. You'll have a day to settle in, then head out for a guided tour of Kathmandu's three major attractions before transferring to the monastery.

From day three to six, you'll be based at a monastery in Pharping, about 23 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. This is where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have attained enlightenment, making the hills around Pharping as sacred to Tibetan Buddhists as Bodhgaya in India. The daily schedule includes a 5:00 am wake-up for puja, traditional Hatha and Ashtanga yoga, dhamma talks, and periods of silence. One full day is spent in silence, and there's also a silent hike—a chance to experience the forested hills without the noise of conversation.

The teachers, Swami and Yogi, both have long experience in yoga and meditation. Swami is a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance (US) and a specialist in Buddhist, Tibetan, Osho, Zen, Tao, and Vedic meditation traditions. Yogi started her yoga journey in 2010 and teaches from the heart, focusing on moving students from a complaining nature to gratitude.

What makes this retreat stand out is its authenticity. You're not just visiting a monastery; you're living its schedule, participating in its rituals, and sitting in the same meditation hall as the monks. It's a deep immersion that works best if you're genuinely curious about Buddhist practice, but you don't need to be a Buddhist to take part. The retreat is open to beginners as well as advanced practitioners, and the teachers adapt their guidance to your level.

What's included

- Airport pickup - 7 nights accommodation in the monastery and Himalayan Yoga Academy - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Guide and vehicle service for whole-day sightseeing - Transportation during the retreat - Use of yoga mats - Sightseeing in Kathmandu - Monastery fees - One relaxation therapy (steam, massage, or Shirodhara) - Free Wi-Fi at the academy

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Personal expenses