From May 13 to May 19, 2026, Eva and Niels from Netherlands joined Maya Trips for a 7-day yoga and mindfulness retreat at Namobuddha, one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Combining yoga, meditation, monastic experiences, nature walks, wellness activities, and spiritual learning, the retreat offered an opportunity to experience the peaceful rhythm of life within a Buddhist monastery.
What Is Included in the Namobuddha Yoga Retreat?
This retreat is designed for travelers seeking a balance of yoga, meditation, spirituality, and cultural immersion. Through monastery participation, wellness sessions, interactions with monks, and nature-based experiences, guests gain insight into Buddhist traditions while enjoying time for reflection and personal wellbeing.
Unlike conventional wellness retreats, daily life at Namobuddha follows the monastery’s fixed schedule for prayers, meals, and community activities. Yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, and reflective experiences were incorporated around this established monastic routine, allowing the guests to experience both structured wellness practices and authentic monastery life.
Arrival at Namobuddha
After travelling from Kathmandu, Eva and Niels arrived at Namobuddha late in the evening. Upon arrival, they checked into the monastery’s guesthouse and rested for the night before beginning their retreat activities the following morning.
Introduction to Monastery Life
The first full day of the retreat began with Eva and Niels meeting their local yoga guide, Ms. Surakshya. She welcomed them to Namobuddha and explored the monastery’s surroundings to identify suitable locations for yoga practice and a gentle hike.
They then participated in a monastery puja ceremony, introducing them to the spiritual atmosphere and daily rhythm of Namobuddha. Following lunch, Eva and Niels explored the monastery grounds and nearby areas, gaining a deeper understanding of the monastery environment and its significance within the local Buddhist community.
Time was also dedicated to meditation inside the monastery, allowing them to experience quiet reflection within the sacred setting. The day concluded with a gentle yoga session led by Ms. Surakshya, accompanied by guided meditation before dinner.
Yoga, Philosophy and Mindful Reflection
The following day began with an early morning yoga practice integrated around the monastery schedule. Throughout the day, Eva and Niels participated in monastery prayer ceremonies and attended puja sessions.
One of the highlights of the retreat was a meaningful interaction with a monk, who shared insights into Buddhist philosophy, spirituality, mindfulness, and monastic life. These conversations provided a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings and their practical application in daily life.
Later, Eva and Niels enjoyed a silent walk through the surrounding natural environment with Ms. Surakshya, creating space for contemplation and mindful observation. The day concluded with an evening breathwork session led by Ms. Surakshya, focused on relaxation and awareness.
Monastery Experiences, Yoga, and Cultural Encounters
The day began with guests attending the monastery puja session, offering a peaceful introduction to the spiritual traditions and daily rituals of monastic life. Following the puja, Eva and Niels participated in a power yoga session with Pranayama helping to energize both body and mind for the day ahead.
The programe continued with a visit to the monastery school, where the guests enjoyed interacting with the young monks and gained a deeper understanding of their education, daily routines, and monastic way of life. They later set out on a hike to Sankhu Village, experiencing the local culture and rural surroundings beyond the monastery.
The day concluded with a restorative yin yoga session, allowing time for relaxation and recovery after a fulfilling day of cultural immersion and physical activity. Preparations for the following day’s programme were also completed to ensure a smooth continuation of the retreat.
Wellness, Sound Healing and Reflection
The final full day of the retreat focused on wellness, mindfulness, and reflection. The morning began with yoga, pranayama, and guided meditation led by Ms. Surakshya, followed by participation in the monastery’s prayer session.
Throughout the day, the guests attended additional puja ceremonies and enjoyed individual sound healing experiences. Dedicated sound bath sessions were arranged separately for both Eva and Niels, providing time for relaxation, reflection, and personal well-being.
An additional afternoon yoga session brought the active portion of the retreat to a close.
Departure from Namobuddha
Eva and Niels began their final day with a morning session with a monk, offering a final opportunity to reflect on the Buddhist teachings and monastic experiences shared throughout the retreat. They then departed from Namobuddha and returned to Kathmandu, bringing their week-long retreat experience to a close.
Guidance from Our Wellness Expert
Throughout the retreat, Eva and Niels were supported by yoga instructor Ms. Surakshya and the monastery community. Through guided yoga sessions, pranayama, meditation practices, and wellness activities she helped create a supportive environment for mindfulness, reflection, and personal well being.
Alongside the monastery’s monks and residents, the retreat combined structured wellness practices with opportunities to engage in the daily rhythm of monastic life, creating a meaningful and immersive experience at Namobuddha.
Key Details
Trip Name: Namobuddha Yoga Retreat, Nepal
Guests: Eva and Niels
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destination: Namobuddha, Nepal
Guided by: Ms. Surakshya
Focus: Yoga, Meditation, Buddhist Culture, Monastic Life, Nature and Wellness
Style: Mindfulness and Spiritual Retreat
Offered By: Maya Trips
Plan Your Nepal Yoga Retreat
Experience the peaceful rhythm of life in a Buddhist monastery through yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and cultural immersion. Retreat activities are thoughtfully arranged around the monastery’s daily schedule, allowing you to fully connect with its spiritual atmosphere while enjoying a balanced wellness experience.
