3-Day Buddhist Monastery Stay in Nepal

A Soulful Retreat After the Everest Base Camp Trek

After completing our challenging 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp, we were physically exhausted and emotionally full, yet we craved a place that would allow us to truly rest, reflect, and reenergize. While looking for options, we came across the idea of staying in a Buddhist monastery near Kathmandu—and it turned out to be the best decision we made during our entire Nepal trip. We reached out to Getaway Nepal Adventure, and Raj quickly arranged a beautiful 3-night monastery retreat for us at Neydo Monastery in the peaceful hills of Pharping.

From the moment we arrived at the monastery, we felt welcomed and at ease. Mr. Nima, a kind and humble representative of the monastery, greeted us warmly and showed us to our private room within the monastery grounds. The room was simple yet clean and comfortable, offering all the essentials we needed. More importantly, it overlooked the surrounding hills and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, setting the tone for what was to become a deeply spiritual experience.

The peaceful tranquility of Neydo is difficult to describe in words—it’s something you feel the moment you arrive. The air was filled with the distant chants of monks and the rustling of prayer flags. Being surrounded by this spiritual energy offered us an experience that was both humbling and uplifting. It was the perfect retreat after our trek, and Getaway Nepal Adventure made it all possible with seamless organization.

A highlight of our stay was the rare opportunity to have a personal interaction with the master monk at the monastery. Our conversation with him touched on meditation, the fundamentals of Buddhism, and the art of living mindfully. What stood out was his calm presence and wisdom, shared without pretense. We left the session feeling clearer in mind and richer in understanding—not just of Buddhism, but of ourselves.

Another memorable moment was our chance to volunteer in the monastery kitchen. We helped prepare and serve meals for both the young students and the senior monks. It was such a heartwarming experience to be part of their daily routine, even if just for a short time. Watching the young monks line up in silence and gratitude reminded us of the simplicity and beauty of community living.

We also joined a local hike led by one of the master monks, who was more than happy to share stories about his life, his journey into monasticism, and his daily practices. As we walked through the forest trails above Pharping, he pointed out small shrines, ancient caves, and shared personal reflections that made the walk feel like a living, breathing meditation session.

Evenings were spent either quietly reading or joining the chanting and prayer ceremonies held inside the monastery’s main hall. The rhythmic chants, swirling incense, and harmonious energy of the gathering were deeply moving. We felt like privileged guests rather than outsiders, which made the entire experience feel incredibly authentic.

If you're someone who is searching for a peaceful experience to unwind after a trek—or just looking to connect with Nepal’s spiritual side—we couldn’t recommend this retreat more. It’s not a five-star luxury stay, but it is, in every way, a five-star experience.

We sincerely thank Raj and the team at Getaway Nepal Adventure for organizing this meaningful escape with such care. Everything from transportation to communication with the monastery was arranged effortlessly. Raj even checked in during our stay to make sure everything was going well.

In a world where travel often means rushing from one attraction to another, this retreat reminded us to pause, breathe, and reconnect. It gave us something beyond photos and checklists—it gave us stillness and perspective.

We left Neydo with lighter hearts, calmer minds, and a deeper appreciation for Buddhist philosophy and Nepali hospitality. The memories of chanting, shared meals, and soulful conversations with the monks will stay with us forever.

If you’re planning a trip to Nepal and want to add something truly special to your itinerary, consider staying at a Buddhist monastery. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or just curious, the warmth, wisdom, and tranquility of a place like Neydo can be transformative.

And make sure to reach out to Raj at Getaway Nepal Adventure—they truly understand the heart of mindful travel and curate experiences that touch the soul.

Happy Travel!!!

Natalie, Australia