Stay in Namobuddha Monastery: Live like a Monk - 3 Days

Stay in the Namobuddha Monastery Like a ” Monk“ is an immersive event that aims to provide participants deep insights into Buddhist teachings, monastic life, and meditation techniques. It’s not just a retreat. 

This experience encourages you to slow down, ponder, and develop a level of mindfulness similar to that of a monk. It includes everything from early morning chants to reflective walks in the outdoors.

To the people who are more into serenity, spirituality, and self discovery, this Tibetan monastery is really where they should be.

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without” – Buddha

So, are you ready to take a tour to the Namobuddha Monastery and be surprised to see the wonderful architectural design, peaceful atmosphere and environment which is clean and fresh?

We have brought this 3-day Namo Buddha Monastery tour package. In this short tour near the outskirts of Kathmandu city, you will experience the feeling of ”Live like a Monk” as well as hiking experience from Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha Monastery.

You will also discover the daily schedule of 300 monks who live here‘, join the meditation practice, study and practice Buddhism, and enjoy the stunning views of nature that enshrine this calm monastic complex.

Visitors who have ever visited here feel that every minute spent at the location is a testament to the synchronization between nature and religious practices. Furthermore, this place is ideal for photography enthusiasts who may wish to capture stunning images of the Namobuddha monastery with no interference from anyone.

The Namo Buddha Monastery: A Sacred Retreat

Namo Buddha is located 40 kms away from the center of Kathmandu and it would take about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive to get there. It is situated on a hill of the Kavre District, southeast of the valley, in the Namobuddha Municipality. From this monastery surrounding you can see the 360 panoramic view of the surrounding landscape including a far view of the mountain range.

As Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha, there are many Buddhist monasteries existing in the country. Out of these Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Namo Buddha are the most popular religious and spiritual centers for the Buddhist. But according to Buddhism, one of the most sacred religious places of spirituality in Nepal is Namo Buddha.

In Tibet Buddhism, this place is also referred to as “Thrangu Tashi Yangtse”. Namo Buddha Monastery itself has quite a long history and is based on a legend associated with the Bodhisattva who is a crucial figure in Tibetan Buddhism. It was believed in the region that Namo Buddha was the place where the prince Siddarth(who has later become a Buddha), committed the supreme act of pity in one of his incarnations.

One of the best known legends connected with Namo Buddha relates how the Bodhisattva, roaming the forest one day, came across a hungry tigress with her cubs. Touched by her suffering, he agreed to give his own body to feed them and prevent them from starvation, the main concept of sacrifice and love.

This act is dedicated to Namo Buddha where the stupa was established to mark the compassion of the Bodhisattva who was ready to sacrifice his own life to feed the starving tigers.

The Importance of Meditation

As everyone knows, meditation has several physical and psychological benefits, and scientific research has also demonstrated its significance for people of every way of life. 

Let’s see the types of meditation that are practiced at Namobuddha Monastery

• Concentration Meditation (Samatha)
• Chanting and Mantra Recitation
• Visualization Meditation
• Walking Meditation

Benefits of Meditation for Mental and Physical Well-Being

• Mental Clarity
• Stress Reduction
• Emotional Stability
• Improved Sleep
• Enhanced Self-Awareness
• Physical Health
• Increased Compassion

Daily Life of a Monk at Namobuddha Monastery

• Morning Rituals

The Gurus and monks who live here in the Namobuddha monastery wake early in the morning around 4-5 am. They start their day with mindful meditation. Waking early in the morning helps monks to have a deep connection with their inner selves, as well as to set a positive vibe for the whole day.

After meditation, they engage in chanting, praying, and reciting mantras with the group, and they worship Gautam Buddha, often using themselves as a symbol or representation in the practice. This communicable activity tells us that to grow self and help to grow others, and together to follow the path of enlightenment.

After this, all the monks gather for breakfast. They have their own kitchen, which prepares the three meals for the visitors as well as for the monks.

• Study and Practice

Following breakfast, it’s time to learn the teachings of Gautam Buddha. They learn Buddhist texts, philosophy, and ethics. It includes teachings from the Pali Canon, Tibetan texts, and various commentaries on Buddhist philosophy. Under the guidance of the senior monk, the young and beginner monk tries to learn about rituals,  memorization, and understanding of sacred scriptures.

They won’t only absorb knowledge from the textbook. They also practice meditation, using methods like Metta and Vipassana.

• Engaging in Community Service

Buddhism holds that developing compassion and generosity is the purpose of assisting others. As a result, they assist the underprivileged and participate in various community programs.Additionally, they actively take part in giving food and needs to those in need, counseling, and teaching.

Monks also participate in cleaning the surroundings, gardening inside the monastery. Their hard work can be seen while visiting this palace. You can find greenery, various plants, a beautiful garden and clean environment no matter which corner of the monastery you visit.

• Evening Practices

Once it approaches, the atmosphere of the monastery becomes more peaceful and quiet. Again for one more time everybody who lives here starts for meditation practice and praying. After that they enjoy a delicious meal which is mostly rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables.

Trip Note – Namo Buddha Monastery Stay

During your stay at Namo Buddha Monastery, you will have the opportunity to observe and, when permitted, participate in daily rituals, chanting, and meditation sessions with the monks.

Please note:

• Rituals and prayers are generally performed 3 times a day every day.
• The exact timing and schedule are determined by the monastery’s internal rules and traditions.
• The monastery may change or adjust the daily program at any time without prior notice.

We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility, as these changes are part of the authentic monastery life. The experience remains deeply spiritual and meaningful, even if the schedule differs from what was originally planned.

Accommodation & Food in Nomobuddha Monastery

Typically, monastic lodgings are modest but clean. The twin bed is located inside the room where you are sleeping. Twin-sharing accommodations come equipped with a bed that is comfortable bed, storage space, and access to a shared bathroom.

You will be served vegetarian meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while you are staying at the monastery. The food here is prepared by themselves in their own monastery kitchen. And while cooking, they use the local organic items, which are healthy as well as tasty. You can expect the food as traditional Dal Bhat Tarkari, Yomari, Dhido, Tibetan Bread, Sel Roti, and Aloo Tama.

Preparing for Your Visit: What To Bring and What To Expect

Namobuddha monastery tour can be done all year round, and it opens 24 hours, but if you like to do a tour in winter, don’t forget to pack warm clothes as it is situated at a hill and so the temperature remains extremely cold. You can bring your charger, electronic items like a laptop, mobile phone, and camera. Make sure to use it in such a way it will not disturb people.

The daily life of a monk at the Namobuddha Monastery is like an everyday routine. From the morning to the evening, they have their own schedule and a prayer time. Whatever the learning practice, principle, they teach us our ultimate goal of life should be the goal of enlightenment. 

With the help of the monk and their technique, you will help to find inner peace, meditation, learning techniques, and understanding the meaning of life. Knowing the Buddha is knowing life.

For more information on exploring the wonders of Nepal, check out our related article on Tours in Nepal.