Experience Buddhist Monastery Life Through Yoga, Meditation, Morning Puja, and Silence
Take a meaningful pause from everyday life and experience the peaceful atmosphere of a Buddhist monastery in Nepal. This 8-day monastery retreat in nepal combines traditional Hatha and Ashtanga yoga, Buddhist prayers, meditation, Dhamma talks, periods of silence, and cultural exploration around Kathmandu Valley.
Organised by Himalayan Yoga Academy, this programme brings together the welcoming environment of our yoga school and the contemplative atmosphere of a Buddhist monastery in Pharping. Experience a different rhythm of daily life through morning puja, mindful practices, spiritual discussions, and time for personal reflection.
Whether you are interested in yoga, meditation, Buddhist culture, or simply wish to spend time away from your usual routine, this monastery retreat offers an opportunity to explore these practices in a peaceful Himalayan setting.
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
- 8-day monastery retreat experience in Nepal
- Buddhist morning puja and chanting
- Traditional Hatha and Ashtanga yoga
- Guided meditation and Dhamma talks
- Scheduled silence and mindful reflection
- A full silence practice and silence hike, as included in the programme
- Kathmandu cultural sightseeing
- Visit and hike around a nearby sacred cave
- Full-board meals and accommodation
- Small-group retreat experience
RETREAT AT A GLANCE
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Location | Nagi Gumba, Kathmandu / Pharping, Nepal |
| Group Size | Approximately 6–10 participants; confirm final group limit |
| Accommodation | Himalayan Yoga Academy and partner monastery |
| Meals | Full board |
| Programme | Yoga, meditation, puja, Dhamma talks and silence |
| Sharing Accommodation | US$640 per person |
| Private Accommodation | US$740 per person |
A peaceful 8-day experience combining yoga, meditation and Buddhist monastery practices near Kathmandu.
EXPERIENCE A BUDDHIST MONASTERY RETREAT IN NEPAL
Nepal is home to a rich tradition of Hindu and Buddhist spiritual practices. Across the country, monasteries, temples and meditation centres provide places for prayer, learning, reflection and community life.
A Buddhist monastery is more than a place of worship. It is a setting where daily routines may include prayer, chanting, meditation, study and mindful activities. Spending time in this environment can offer visitors a closer understanding of Buddhist traditions and the discipline of monastic life.
Himalayan Yoga Academy's monastery retreat in Nepal introduces participants to this environment through a guided programme of yoga, meditation and monastery activities.
During the retreat, you will have opportunities to:
- Experience traditional morning Buddhist puja and chanting.
- Practise yoga and meditation as part of a structured daily routine.
- Attend Dhamma talks and spiritual discussions.
- Spend time in silence and personal reflection.
- Explore the surrounding natural and cultural environment.
- Learn about the relationship between mindfulness, yoga and Buddhist practice.
The programme is designed to offer a balance of guided activities, quiet time and cultural exploration.
WHY CHOOSE OUR MONASTERY RETREAT IN NEPAL?
1. Experience a Monastery Environment
Spend part of your retreat at a Buddhist monastery in the Kathmandu Valley area. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and learn about the daily practices of monastic life.
2. Combine Yoga and Buddhist Meditation
The programme combines traditional Hatha and Ashtanga yoga with breathing practices, meditation, chanting, and periods of silence.
3. Participate in Morning Puja
Begin the monastery days with morning puja and Buddhist chanting. These practices provide an opportunity to observe and respectfully experience an important part of monastery life.
4. Make Space for Silence
The retreat includes scheduled periods of silence, a full silence practice, and a silence hike. These activities provide time to step back from daily distractions and focus on awareness and reflection.
5. Explore Kathmandu and Its Spiritual Heritage
The programme also includes guided sightseeing around Kathmandu, allowing you to discover some of the cultural and historical attractions of the city.
6. Enjoy a Guided Retreat Programme
Himalayan Yoga Academy coordinates the accommodation, transportation, yoga sessions, meditation activities and monastery arrangements throughout the retreat.
LOCATION: MONASTERY RETREAT IN PHARPING, NEPAL / Nagi Gumba in Shivapuri
Pharping is a small town located approximately 23 kilometres southwest of Kathmandu Valley. It is an important destination for Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims and visitors interested in Nepal's spiritual heritage.
Known in Tibetan Buddhist tradition as Yanglesho, Pharping is associated with Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. The area is known for its sacred caves, Buddhist monasteries and peaceful surroundings.
Two well-known sacred caves in the area are Asura Cave and Yanglesho Cave. The surrounding hills and monasteries make Pharping an interesting destination for visitors who wish to explore Buddhist culture and spiritual traditions outside the busy centre of Kathmandu.
During this monastery retreat, participants travel from Himalayan Yoga Academy to the partner monastery in Pharping. The monastery programme includes prayer, yoga, meditation, silence and spiritual learning.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How many days is the monastery retreat in Nepal?
The Himalayan Yoga Academy monastery retreat is an 8-day programme. It combines time at the yoga academy in Kathmandu with the main monastery retreat experience in Pharping.
2. Where is the monastery located?
The detailed retreat itinerary identifies Pharping, approximately 23 kilometres southwest of Kathmandu Valley, as the monastery destination. Please contact us for the confirmed partner monastery name and location details.
3. What is the price of the 8-day monastery retreat?
The published price is US$640 per person for shared accommodation and US$740 per person for private accommodation. Group rates can be requested.
4. What activities are included in the retreat?
The programme includes traditional Hatha and Ashtanga yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Buddhist morning puja, chanting, meditation, Dhamma talks, silence, Kathmandu sightseeing and a cave hike.
5. Will I stay inside the monastery for all eight days?
No. The programme combines accommodation at Himalayan Yoga Academy and the partner monastery. The first two days are based at the academy, the main monastery programme takes place during the middle of the retreat, and participants return to the academy on Day 7.
6. Are meals included?
Yes. Full-board meals are listed as part of the package.
7. Is airport pickup included?
Yes. Airport pickup on arrival is included. Airport departure transfer is not included in the published package.
8. Is the retreat a complete silent meditation retreat?
No. The programme includes scheduled periods of silence and highlights a full silence practice and silence hike, alongside yoga, puja, Dhamma talks and other guided activities. It is not described as eight continuous days of silence.
9. Can I book private accommodation?
Yes. Private accommodation is listed at US$740 per person. Sharing accommodation is listed at US$640 per person.
10. Are massage and Ayurvedic therapies included?
Additional therapies are listed as excluded from the package. The programme also mentions massage on Day 7. Please contact us to confirm availability and additional charges.
11. When can I join the next monastery retreat?
Please contact Himalayan Yoga Academy for the latest available dates and group availability. Retreat dates should be confirmed before making travel arrangements.
12. How can I book the monastery retreat?
You can contact Himalayan Yoga Academy using the enquiry form on this page, by email or by WhatsApp/Viber. Please share your preferred date, number of participants, and accommodation choice so our team can assist you.
BOOK YOUR 8-DAY MONASTERY RETREAT IN NEPAL
- Take time to explore yoga, meditation, and Buddhist monastery practices in the peaceful surroundings of the Kathmandu Valley.
- Join Himalayan Yoga Academy for an 8-day monastery retreat combining traditional yoga, morning puja, meditation, Dhamma talks, silence and cultural exploration.
- Contact our team to check the latest available dates, confirm the monastery location and receive your booking information.
Daily Schedule
1 Arrival Day
LD Himalayan Yoga Academy
02:00 pm – Check In; Room Arrange and Rest
03:30 – 04:30 pm – Free Time (Exploration)
05:00 - 05:15 pm – Herbal Tea
05:15 - 06:45 pm – Bhakti Yoga (Prayer/ Chants), Spinal Asana/ Suryanamaskar; Yoga-nidra, Mudra, Dhyana Yoga (Meditation)
07:00 - 07:30 pm – Dinner and Herbal Tea
07:30 - 08:30 pm – Bhakti Yoga (Prayer/Chants),
Trataka (Concentrated Gaze) and Discussion
08:30 – 09:45 pm – Evening walk, Vajrasana, Self-study & Practice
10:00 pm – Bed Time (Lights out)
2 Yoga & Sightseeing
Full Board Himalayan Yoga Academy
06:00 am– Wake up and Ushapan (Early Drinking water)
06:30 - 07:00 am – Jala Neti (Nasal Cleansing) and Herbal Tea
07:00 - 08:45 am – Bhakti Yoga (Prayer/Chants), Warm up exercise, Suryanamaskar,
Yogasana, Bandha, Pranayama, Shanty Path (Peace Mantra)
09:00 - 10:00 am - After breakfast in the morning we go for the Kathmandu sightseeing tour. (3 Major Attractions of Kathmandu)
After Sightseeing, you will be transferred to Himalayan Yoga Academy.
5:30 – 6: 45: Meditation
7: 00: Dinner
07:30 - 08:30 pm – Bhakti Yoga (Prayer/Chants), Trataka (Concentrated Gaze) and Discussion
08:30 – 09:45 pm – Evening walk, Vajrasana, Self-study & Practice
10:00 pm – Bed Time (Lights out)
3 Transfer to Monastery & Monastery Retreat Starts
Full Board Monastery
06:00 am– Wake up and Ushapan (Early Drinking water)
06:30 - 07:00 am – Jala Neti (Nasal Cleansing) and Herbal Tea
07:00 - 08:45 am – Bhakti Yoga (Prayer/Chants), Warm up exercise, Suryanamaskar,
Yogasana, Bandha, Pranayama, Shanty Path (Peace Mantra
9: 00 – Breakfast
10:00 – Transfer to Pharping (Monastery)
1:00 -2:00: Lunch
3:00 -4: 00: Silence & Exploration
4:00 -5 :00: Monastery Puja
5:00 – 6:00: Silence
6:00 – 7:00 : Meditation
7:00 - 8:00: Dinner
8:00 - 9: 00 pm: Silent Sitting in Meditation Room:
9:00 -9:30 pm : Meditation Sleep
4 - 6 Main Monastery Retreat Days
Full Board Monastery
Wake up at 5:00 am (ready for Puja)
Puja Ceremony at 5:30 (Morning)
Tea Break 6:30
Jalaneti: 7 – 7:30
Traditional Hatha & Ashtanga Yoga 7:30 – 8:45
Breakfast: 9:00 -10:00
Dhamma talk: 11:00 - 1:00 pm
Lunch: 1:00 -2:00
Silence: 3:00 -4: 00
Monastery: 4:00 -5 :00
Silence: 5:00 – 6:00
Meditation: 6:00 – 7:00
Dinner: 7:00
Silent Sitting in Meditation Room: 8:00 – 9: 00
Meditation Sleep: 9:00 -9:30 pm
7 Transfer to Himalayan Yoga Academy & Relaxation
Full Board Himalayan Yoga Academy
Wake up at 5:00 am (ready for Puja)
Puja Ceremony at 5:30 (Morning)
6:30: Tea Break
7 – 7:30: Jalaneti
7:30 – 8:45: Traditional Hatha & Ashtanga Yoga
9:00 -10:00: Breakfast
10:00 – 1: 00 : Transfer to Himalayan Yoga Academy
1:00 – 2:00 : Lunch & Rest
2:30 – 3:00 – Relaxation Therapy
3: 00 – 5:00 - Self Exploration Shopping & Recreation
5:00- 5:30 – Group Tea
5:30 – 6:45 – Retreat Conclusion & Meditation
7:00 – 8:00 – Dinner
8:00 – 9:00 – Group Talks & farewell Speech
9:00 – Lights Out ( Bed )8 Departure From Himalayan Yoga Academy
Full Board
06:00 am – Wake up and Ushapan (Early Drinking water)
06:30 - 07:00 am – Jala Neti (Nasal Cleansing) and Herbal Tea
07:15 - 08:45 am– Bhakti Yoga (Prayer/Chants), Warm up exercise, Suryanamaskar, Yogasana, Bandha, Pranayama, Shanty Path (Peace Mantra)
09:00 - 10:00 am – Breakfast and Herbal Tea
10:00 - 01:00 pm – Rest/ Pack, Relaxation/ Shower/Rest
01:00 - 02:00 pm – Lunch and Herbal Tea
02:00 pm – Check Out
Package Cost
Private Accommodation - USD 740 per person
Sharing Accommodation - USD 640 per person
Note: If you are in Group, ask for special rates
What's included?
- Accommodation in Himalayan Yoga Academy & Meditation
- All Fooding (BLD) through-out the retreat.
- Use of Yoga mats
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu ( Guide + Car )
- Hot water and Wi-Fi
- Hike to Cave
- Pick up From Airport.
- Transportation (Kathmandu – Monastery & Vice Versa)
- Monastery Fees
- Yoga, Meditation & other sessions fees
What's not included?
- Flights Tickets
- Airport Departure
- Travel Insurance
- Sightseeing Entry Tickets
- Additional Therapies