# Meditation in Nepal

## Meditation in Nepal

Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha, is one of the best places in the world to learn meditation. Join an introductory course at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery such as [Kopan](/places/kopan-monastery) above Kathmandu, sit a silent 10-day **Vipassana** course at the centre near Budhanilkantha, meditate in the peaceful gardens of **Lumbini**, or join a retreat by the lake in **Pokhara**.

Courses suit complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Book monastery and Vipassana courses well ahead, as places fill up.

## Trips
- [Singing Bowl Sound Meditation](https://himalayanhiking.com/singing-bowl-sound-meditation.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,350 m / 4,430 ft, from US$45. The singing bowl sound meditation is a calm half-day in Kathmandu. Lie back and relax as a practitioner plays singing bowls around you in a guided sound meditat...
- [Buddhist Heritage Tour of Nepal](https://himalayanhiking.com/buddhist-heritage-tour-nepal.md): 7 days, Easy, max About 1,750 m / 5,741 ft (Namo Buddha), from US$790. The Buddhist heritage tour of Nepal is a 7-day journey to the most important Buddhist sites in the country. Visit the great stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhana...
- [Pokhara Yoga Retreat](https://himalayanhiking.com/pokhara-yoga-retreat.md): 7 days, Easy, max About 1,600 m / 5,250 ft (Sarangkot), from US$690. The Pokhara yoga retreat is a calm, restorative week by Phewa Lake, with the Annapurnas on the horizon. Each day includes morning and evening yoga, guided medit...

## Meditation in Nepal: the complete guide

As the birthplace of the Buddha and home to hundreds of monasteries, Nepal is one of the best places in the world to learn or deepen a meditation practice. Read our [yoga and meditation retreats guide](/blog/yoga-meditation-retreats-nepal).

## Where to meditate

- [Kopan Monastery](/places/kopan-monastery): a Tibetan Buddhist monastery above Boudhanath, known for its introductory courses.
- **Vipassana:** silent 10-day courses at the centre near Budhanilkantha, run on donations.
- [Lumbini](/places/lumbini): meditation in the monasteries around the Buddha's birthplace.
- **Pokhara:** lakeside retreats; see our [Pokhara yoga retreat](/pokhara-yoga-retreat).
- [Namo Buddha](/places/namo-buddha): a peaceful hilltop monastery near Dhulikhel.

## Types of practice

- Tibetan Buddhist meditation and teachings
- Vipassana (insight) meditation
- Yoga and breathing practices
- [Sound meditation](/category/sound-meditation-in-nepal) with singing bowls

## Tips

- Book monastery and Vipassana courses well in advance.
- Courses may ask you to keep silence, avoid alcohol and follow a daily schedule.
- Dress modestly and bring warm layers for early sessions.

## Frequently asked questions
### Where can I learn meditation in Nepal?
At monasteries such as Kopan, the Vipassana centre near Kathmandu, Lumbini and Pokhara retreats.

### Do I need experience?
No, many courses are for beginners.

### How long are courses?
From a day to 10 days or more.

### Can I combine meditation with a trek?
Yes, many travellers do.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/category/meditation-in-nepal