Kathmandu: Overnight Monastery Retreat with Guided Hike
ID: GYG985253-1529181
Category:
Country: Nepal
Duration:
2 days
Description
Immerse in Tibetan Buddhist monastic life on this overnight retreat from Kathmandu. Hike through peaceful forests, join monks for chanting, meditation, and experience true Himalayan serenity.
Step away from the bustle of Kathmandu and into a world of tranquility and reflection. This immersive overnight experience invites you to live like a monk for a day — high in the hills, surrounded by forests and panoramic Himalayan views.
Day 1 begins with a scenic drive to a peaceful village on the valley’s edge, followed by a gentle hike through pine and rhododendron forests to reach a remote Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Once there, settle into your modest but comfortable guest room, used for visiting practitioners and pilgrims.
Join the monks for their evening chanting and meditation session in the prayer hall — a powerful moment of sound and stillness. Afterward, enjoy a wholesome vegetarian dinner and optional evening discussion about Buddhism and daily monastic life with a senior monk (via your guide’s translation).
Rise early on Day 2 for a guided sunrise hike to a nearby ridge with sweeping views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even glimpses of Everest on clear days. After a simple breakfast, participate in the morning chanting session before beginning your hike back.
This retreat is more than a tour — it’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and connect deeply with Himalayan culture, nature, and yourself.
***ITINERARY***|
**Day 1**
10:00 AM – Pickup from your hotel in Kathmandu
11:30 AM – Arrive at trailhead, begin forest hike
1:00 PM – Reach monastery and settle in
2:30 PM – Tea and free time for journaling or rest
5:00 PM – Evening chanting/meditation with monks
6:30 PM – Vegetarian dinner at the monastery
7:30 PM – Optional Q&A with monks (with translation)
9:00 PM – Lights out / Quiet time
**Day 2**
5:00 AM – Sunrise hike to panoramic viewpoint
7:00 AM – Morning chanting or silent meditation
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:30 AM – Walk back to village
11:00 AM – Drive back to Kathmandu
1:00 PM – Drop-off at your hotel
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the daily life of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Nepal
- Enjoy a guided hike through pine and rhododendron forests to the monastery
- Connect with the local culture and nature on a guided sunrise hike to a ridge
- Participate in the evening chanting and meditation session with the monks
- Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian dinner and optional evening discussion
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Dress modestly to respect the monastic environment
Be prepared for simple living conditions
Silence is observed during certain times of the day
Photography is restricted in certain areas
INCLUDED
- Vehicle transfers A/C
- Guided monastery visit
- Overnight accommodation
- Vegetarian meals (dinner and breakfast)
- Participation in chanting and meditation sessions
- Sunrise hike
NOT INCLUDED
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.