Namobuddha's quiet makes it one of the easiest places near Kathmandu to try meditation for the first time. We arrange sessions with experienced local meditation teachers, held in a quiet room or garden at your lodge or near the monastery, depending on where you stay and the season. The monastery itself hosts teachings and retreats for registered participants on set dates; a short visitor session is separate from that programme and needs no prior experience.
A typical session runs 90 minutes. It opens with an explanation of posture and simple breathing practice, moves to two or three short periods of sitting meditation of 10 to 20 minutes each, and closes with walking meditation outdoors and time for questions. Teachers draw on the Tibetan Buddhist approach practised at the monastery, but the instructions are practical and non-religious, so guests of any faith or none take part comfortably. Cushions and mats are provided; chairs are available for anyone with stiff knees.
Early morning after prayers and the hour before dark are the stillest times, and the ridge stays cool, so bring a fleece and a shawl. We schedule one or two sessions a day on our five-night yoga and meditation retreat, which spends two nights here and two in Dhulikhel. Costs depend on group size and teacher; around ₹3,000 per person is typical for a private session including the teacher's travel. Teacher availability shifts with monastery events and festivals, so check current status before you travel.
Good for
- Solo
- Couples
- Seniors
- First-timers
Questions travellers ask
Can beginners meditate at Namobuddha?
Yes. Our guided sessions at Namobuddha are designed for complete beginners, starting with posture and breathing before short sitting periods of 10 to 20 minutes. Teachers explain everything in plain English and adapt for stiff knees or back problems, with chairs available. No religious belief or prior practice is needed to take part.
Does Namobuddha monastery offer meditation retreats?
The Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery hosts teachings and retreats on set dates for registered participants, and its retreat centres serve committed practitioners. For travellers on a shorter schedule, we arrange private guided sessions with a teacher at your lodge or near the monastery. Programmes and dates change each year, so check current status before you travel.
How many days should I spend at Namobuddha for a retreat?
Two nights is a good minimum: it allows an evening session, morning prayers, a full day of practice and a second dawn. Our five-night yoga and meditation retreat spends two nights at Namobuddha and two in Dhulikhel, with one night in Kathmandu, which balances quiet practice with gentle hikes and views.
