Buddhist Monastery Retreat in Kathmandu

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: Days 4-7: During these days, you'll have the opportunity to visit some of Kathmandu's most significant spiritual sites. Discover the Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, where you can walk with pilgrims and enjoy stunning city views. For a deeper look into a different spiritual tradition, consider a Pashupatinath Temple tour to witness sacred Hindu rituals and cremations.

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.

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.

Days 29-30: Go back to Kathmandu. Use these days to buy any gifts you want. For a guide to the best things to buy, check out our blog on the best shopping markets in Nepal. 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.