Buddhist Monastery Immersion in Nepal

If you’re interested in learning about Buddhist philosophy and culture and enjoy the idea of some solitude, spending time with monks this could be the perfect placement.

Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

• Welcoming Ritual – Puja to the Gods & goddess and name giving ceremony with Ice breaking activities
• Review the schedule,
• Social behaviors norms dos & don’ts in Nepali culture
• Cross culture seminar on eating, drinking, clothing bathing & toileting customs in Nepal.
• Lunch
• Talk on safety & security during the program. Signing up the Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy and Release & Waiver of Liability. Collection of passport copies, photos, and police clearance
• Information on placement sites.
• Assignment to find the local civics places in and around the program house neighborhood. Get personal accessories (Photocopy, money exchange, ATM and take pictures). Clothing shopping at the local market.
• Dinner

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer or extra night for an additional fee.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport to Kathmandu accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by taxi.

Week 1

Day 1: Arrival

• Arrival and check-in to the accommodation in Kathmandu
• Overnight stay in Kathmandu accommodation

Day 2: Monday: Orientation in Kathmandu

• Introduction to the program and fellow participants
• Overnight stay in Kathmandu accommodation

Day 3: Tuesday: Khawalung Monastery & Boudhanath Stupa

• Depart for Khawalung Monastery
• Lunch at the monastery
• Visit Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Return to Khawalung Monastery for dinner and overnight stay
• Overnight stay at Khawalung Monastery

Day 4: Wednesday: Monastic Life & Journey to Namobuddha Monastery

• Optional: Join morning puja (prayer ceremony) with monks
• Breakfast at the monastery, then return to the Program House
• Lunch and packing for the next monasteries: Nala & Namobuddha
• Arrival at Namobuddha Monastery, one of Nepal’s most prestigious Buddhist sites
• Dinner and overnight stay at Namobuddha Monastery

Day 5: Thursday: Pharping & Manjushree Monastery

• Breakfast at Namobuddha Monastery, then return to the Program House
• Depart for Manjushree Monastery in Pharping, a small town with many monasteries
• Dinner and overnight stay at Manjushree Monastery

Day 6: Friday: Exploring Pharping & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

• Explore Asura Cave, Dakshinkali Temple, and the Rinpoche Statue
• Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) on the return trip
• Dinner and overnight at the Program House
• Overnight stay in Kathmandu accommodation

Week 2: Everest Region Monastery Trek

Day 7: Saturday: Journey to Phaplu

• Depart at 4:00 AM for a 12-hour jeep ride to Phaplu
• Stop for restroom and lunch breaks along the way
• Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge in Phaplu

Day 8: Sunday: Trek to Chiwang Monastery

• Morning departure for Chiwang Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal
• Explore the monastery and its serene surroundings
• Dinner and overnight stay at Chiwang Monastery

Day 9: Monday: Journey to Serlo Monastery

• Breakfast at Chiwang Monastery
• Take a 2-hour tuktuk ride to Serlo Monastery, a self-sustained monastery in the mountains
• Arrive by lunchtime, unpack, and settle in
• Dinner and overnight stay at Serlo Monastery

Day 10: Tuesday: Mountain Hike with Everest Views

• Breakfast at Serlo Monastery
• 2-hour hike to the mountain behind the monastery
• Enjoy lunch at the summit with a breathtaking view of Mount Everest
• Return to Serlo Monastery for dinner and overnight stay

Day 11: Wednesday: Visit Taksindo & Thaple Choeling Monasteries

• Breakfast at Serlo Monastery
• 3-4 hour hike to nearby monasteries, including Taksindo & Thaple Choeling
• Lunch at local tea houses along the way
• Return to Serlo Monastery for dinner and overnight stay

Day 12: Thursday: Return to Phaplu

• Breakfast at Serlo Monastery
• Depart for Phaplu, staying overnight at a local lodge
• Explore the small town of Phaplu
• Overnight stay in Phaplu guest house

Day 13: Friday: Return to Kathmandu

• Breakfast at Phaplu Lodge
• Take a jeep back to Kathmandu, concluding the journey
• Overnight stay in Kathmandu accommodation

Day 14: Saturday: Departure

• Check out from the accommodation and departure

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

The weekends are always open for your leisure. The local team will assist you in organising additional travel plans with heaps of local knowledge. Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.

Additional Requirements

Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.

Additional Equipment

Essential Gear & Equipment

Make sure you pack wisely to ensure a safe and comfortable trekking experience. Below is a recommended packing list categorized for easy reference.

Head & Face Protection

• Sun hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
• Warm fleece or wool hat (covers ears, essential for winter)
• Sunglasses (UV protection, polarized preferred)
• Scarf or buff (for dust, wind, and warmth)

Clothing – Lower Body

• Hiking shorts (1 pair, for warm weather)
• Lightweight trekking pants (1–2 pairs)
• Thermal leggings (for warmth in winter)
• Fleece or tracksuit pants (for extra warmth or lounging)

Clothing – Upper Body

• T-shirts (quick-dry, breathable)
• Lightweight thermal base layers (for cold conditions)
• Fleece or long-sleeve tops (for warmth)
• Down vest or jacket (for extra insulation in winter)
• Waterproof poncho or rain jacket

Footwear

• Thin cotton liner socks
• Thick wool hiking socks (for warmth and blister prevention)
• Hiking boots (sturdy, waterproof, and well-broken-in)
• Sandals or camp shoes (for evenings and river crossings)
• Walking poles (collapsible, optional but recommended)

Hand Protection

• Lightweight fleece gloves (for winter)

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
• Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth and hygiene)
• Pillowcase or small travel pillow

Personal & Medical Supplies

• Personal medical kit (consult your doctor for a full list)
• Prescription medications (if required)
• Basic first aid items (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister pads)
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen or paracetamol)
• Altitude sickness medication (Diamox if recommended)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Quick-dry towel & face cloth
• Biodegradable shampoo & conditioner
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Multipurpose wipes (face & body)
• Deodorant
• Face & body moisturizer
• Nail clippers & file
• Small comb or brush
• Biodegradable laundry soap
• Toilet paper (can buy more during the trek)
• Hand sanitizer (small bottle)
• High UV protection sunscreen
• Lip balm with UV protection
• Feminine hygiene products (bring enough for the trip)

Accessories & Miscellaneous

• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Dry bags or ziplock bags (for waterproofing valuables)
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Watch with light & alarm
• Backpack rain cover
• Day pack (for essentials during trekking)
• Money belt (for storing cash & passport)

Extras (Optional but Recommended)

• Camera & extra batteries
• Binoculars
• Journal & pen
• Trail map & guidebook
• Energy/protein bars
• Playing cards (for entertainment)
• Small book or e-reader
• Steripen or water purification tablets

***Make sure to pack no heavier than 15kg after fully packed.***

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: NP – Holidays – All Programs

Nepal is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world.  Nepal first opened its borders to outsiders in the 1950s.  It is home to Mount Everest, the birthplace of Buddha, and an astonishingly beautiful landscape, ranging from the well-known peaks of the Himalaya to the low-lying regions of the Terai.

The Nepali people are as diverse at the geography, with over 70 languages or dialects and scores of traditional festivals celebrated throughout the year.

However, Nepal is also one of the most under-developed countries in the world, with low rates of literacy, high rates of poverty and a persistent gender imbalance. The government is frequently unable to provide adequate education and health facilities throughout the country and both urban and rural areas are forced to live without necessary resources to promote growth and development of their communities.

Nepal is a year round destination, and the cliate can vary between the North and South regions. The best overall times to visit are during spring and autumn (particually for trekking).

December to Febuary is winter, and it can get extremely cold in the mountains (down to sub zero). Summer in this region has a pleasent temperature but still bring some warmer clothing for the evenings. 

Summer in southern Nepal can get extremely hot (plus 40°C) in some areas. Winter temperatures in this area can range from 7°C to 23°C.

Kathmandu has a pleasent climate on average. The monsoon rains start from June to September in Nepal. 

The majority of Nepalis are either Hindus or Buddhists, but there are many other religions here too like Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism. You will find many temples and monasteries around Nepal. The right hand is used for important things such as passing money, eating and the giving of gifts. 

Nepalese people love their food and much of it has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cultures. Nepali people have a lot of respect for elders and will call each other didi (“older sister”), bahini (“younger sister”), etc, even if they are not actually related. The family unit is very strong and having a close knit family is important for the local people. 

30 Years Non Profit Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel