Namo Buddha and local homestay: A Unique and Unforgettable Travel Experience in Nepal

I recently had the opportunity to embark on a short trip to Namo Buddha in Nepal, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. This trip was full of culture, nature, stunning views, authentic villages, and unforgettable experiences, such as staying with the monks, enjoying the view of the Himalayas, and a sweet and special homestay at an ecological farm. In this blog, I’ll share my experience and why I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience to discover the real Nepal.

The trip began with a scenic drive from my hotel in Kathmandu to Namo Buddha, located about 40 km southeast of the city. My guide Lhakpa Sherpa picked me up and took me 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, we visited 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, we experienced an unparalleled view of the Himalayan range.
One of the highlights of my trip was staying at the monastery and eating with the monks. It was a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of the Buddhist monks and learn about their traditions and customs. The monks were incredibly welcoming and friendly.
Another unforgettable experience was the stunning view of the Himalayas during sunset. From the top of the hill, I could see the snow-capped peaks covered in a golden sunglow and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It was a breathtaking sight and one that I will never forget.

The next day we woke up early to join the Monks’ Morning Ceremony. After the ceremony, we had breakfast with the young monks and learned more about their daily routine. The peacefulness and spiritual atmosphere of the monastery were truly remarkable. After spending the morning exploring the near surroundings, we took a short and easy hike to the beautiful Phoollbari Homestay, located in the small village Fulbari near Namo Buddha. There, we experienced local culture and hospitality as we stayed with a Nepali family, who were so warm and welcoming. We learned how they farm sustainably and how they use natural resources to produce food. It was a fascinating insight into the Nepali way of life. We enjoyed traditional Nepali cuisine, made with ingredients fresh from their own land, and relaxed in the peaceful surroundings while taking in the beautiful view of the mountains.
After waking up in this beautiful place we got the chance again to taste the delicious fresh prepared food. When we said our goodbyes to the sweet and warm family we got send off in the most loving way with a tikka and flowers. And it made me a bit sad that is was already the end of this amazing trip. On the last day, we had an easy hike through typical Nepali villages, watching the children walk to school, people working the land, and taking in the last bit of this tranquility before heading back to the busy streets of Kathmandu by car.

Throughout the trip, my guide was so knowledgeable about the area and the history of the monastery and Buddhism. He led me through the scenic hills, providing fascinating insights into the culture and way of life of the local people.
This trip was easy enough for everybody, and it is an excellent choice for exploring all of Nepal in just a few days.