Namo Buddha Monastery – 3 Days

  • Duration 1
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Esay
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals
  • Accommodation
  • Max. Altitude 1,750 m
  • Activity Meditation
  • Group Type Spiritual people
  • Group Size 1-12
  • Best Season Autumn (September to November)
Highlights

Namo Buddha Monastery – 3 Days Overview

Nestled atop a hill in the Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal, Namo Buddha Monastery (Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery) is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, renowned for its profound spiritual energy and breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. According to ancient Buddhist lore, this is the precise location where the Mahasattva—a prior incarnation of Gautama Buddha—compassionately sacrificed his own body to feed a starving tigress and her cubs, an act of supreme generosity commemorated by a beautiful stone slab at the top of the hill. Today, the monastery stands as a vibrant center for Tibetan Buddhist study and practice, featuring stunning traditional architecture, intricate murals, a massive golden Buddha statue, and hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The serene atmosphere makes it a perfect sanctuary for meditation, drawing travelers and devotees alike who seek a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Day to Day Itinerary
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The trip begins with a scenic drive from  Kathmandu to Namo Buddha, located about 40 km southeast of the city. The guide will pick you up and takes you on a short and easy hike to Namo Buddha Stupa, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site that dates back to ancient times. The stupa stands on the hill where Lord Buddha, in his previous life as a prince, offered his own flesh to a starving tigress and her cubs as a supreme act of compassion. My guide shared the full history of the place, making the experience even more enriching.

Next, you visit the Namo Buddha Monastery itself, a special monastery that is home to many Tibetan monks who come to Nepal to study and practice Buddhism. From the top, you will experience an unparalleled view of the Himalayan range.

One of the highlights is staying at the monastery and eating with the monks. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of the Buddhist monks and learn about their traditions and customs. The monks are incredibly welcoming and friendly.

Don’t forget to take another look at the view of the Himalayas during sunset from the top of the hill. You willsee the snow-capped peaks covered in a golden sunglow and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It is a breathtaking sight and one you will never forget.

The next day it is time to wakke up early to join the Monks’ Morning Ceremony. After the ceremony, you will. have breakfast with the young monks and learned more about their daily routine. The peacefulness and spiritual atmosphere of the monastery you will experience are truly remarkable. After spending the morning exploring the near surroundings, the guide will take you on a short and easy hike to the beautiful Phoollbari Homestay, located in the small village Fulbari near Namo Buddha. There, you will experience local culture and hospitality as you are staying with a Nepali family. You can learn more about how they farm sustainably and how they use natural resources to produce food. It is a fascinating insight into the Nepali way of life. You will enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine, made with ingredients fresh from their own land, and relax in the peaceful surroundings while taking in the beautiful view of the mountains.

After waking up in this beautiful place you will have breakfast with delicious and fresh ingredients. When you have said your goodbyes to the sweet and warm family, the guide will take you on a easy and short hike through typical Nepali villages. Watching the children walk to school andpeople working the land, you’ll get the chance to take in the last bit of this tranquility before heading back to the busy streets of Kathmandu by car.

 

Customize Trip
Cost Includes

  • Accommodation: Your room for the night (either standard rooms with shared bathrooms or deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms).

  • Vegetarian Meals: Clean, freshly cooked buffet-style meals prepared by the monastery kitchen. This typically covers dinner on the day you arrive and breakfast the next morning.

  • Monastery Access: Free access to explore the temple grounds, the main shrine halls, the sacred tigress sacrifice site, and the surrounding viewpoints.

  • Cultural Experience: You are welcome to sit inside the main prayer hall to observe the monks during their early morning and late afternoon puja (chanting and prayer ceremonies).

Cost Excludes

  • Transportation: The cost of getting to and from Namo Buddha (such as local bus fares, hiring a private taxi from Kathmandu/Dhulikhel, or renting a vehicle).

  • Lunch: Since packages usually cover dinner and breakfast, you will need to buy your own lunch at the local cafes or small restaurants right outside the monastery gates.

  • Personal Expenses: Bottled water, sodas, snacks, and any souvenirs or prayer flags you wish to buy from local stalls.

  • Monastery Donations: While entry is free, voluntary donations for the maintenance of the monastery or butter lamps (batti) for prayers are not covered.

Departure Dates
Useful Info

For a smooth and respectful trip to Namo Buddha Monastery, there is some essential practical information to keep in mind before you go. The monastery is open daily to visitors, usually from early morning until dusk, and entry to the complex is entirely free, though voluntary donations for upkeep are highly appreciated. Because it is a deeply sacred religious site, visitors must follow a strict code of conduct: you should dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes before entering any temple hall, and strictly avoid taking photos or videos inside the prayer rooms. If you are staying at the monastery guesthouse, it runs on a punctual monastic schedule where simple, included vegetarian buffet meals are served at fixed times, and a quiet curfew is maintained after evening prayers. Additionally, because the weather on the ridge can be quite breezy, it is smart to pack a light jacket or windbreaker even in the spring and autumn months, and bringing a reusable water bottle and some extra cash in Nepalese Rupees is highly recommended since there are no reliable ATMs near the hilltop.

Booking Price From:$280USDP/P
We offer group price
   
1 pax $280
2-5 pax $270
6-9 pax $260
10-12 pax $250
Total Price USD$280
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FAQs

  • No, entry to the monastery complex and the sacred stupa is completely free for both local and international visitors. However, because the monastery relies on visitors to support its 250+ resident monks, it is customary and highly appreciated to leave a small donation ($NPR 200$ to $NPR 500$) in the donation boxes inside the main temple.

  • The monastery grounds are generally open to the public daily from 6:00 AM until dusk (around 6:00 PM). If you want to witness the powerful monastic prayers (puja), you should plan to be there for the morning session at around 6:00 AM or the afternoon session at around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM.

  • Yes! The monastery runs two guesthouses (the traditional Old Guesthouse and the modern New Guesthouse) open to everyone, regardless of your background or religion. It costs roughly NPR 3,000 to NPR 3,500 per night, which includes a private room, hot water, and two vegetarian buffet meals (dinner and breakfast) shared with the monastic community. It is best to call or book through a local operator ahead of time during peak seasons.

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Difficulty: Esay 1 Days
Max. Height: 1,750 m

US $280USD