Wellness · Nepal
Neydo Monastery Retreat
A Drukpa Kagyu monastery near Pharping welcoming retreatants for prayers, teachings and quiet stays.
Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage set near the sacred town of Pharping, on the southern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. With resident monks, daily prayers and a welcoming guesthouse, it offers travellers an accessible and comfortable way to experience monastic life and quiet practice.
A working monastery
Neydo is a living religious community rather than a tourist attraction. Days follow the monastic rhythm of early morning and evening prayers (puja), study and meals, with the chant, drums and horns of the main hall forming the backbone of the schedule. Visitors are welcome to sit quietly at the back during ceremonies and to walk the grounds between sessions.
Staying as a retreatant
What sets Neydo apart from some hermitages is its guesthouse, which provides clean, comfortable rooms and meals for visitors. This makes it a good first monastery stay for those who want structure and calm without roughing it. You can come simply to rest and observe, or time your visit around teachings and courses when senior teachers are present. Programmes follow the Buddhist calendar, so contact the monastery in advance to ask what is open to newcomers. We do not quote fees here — confirm current rates directly.
The Pharping setting
Neydo sits in one of the most spiritually charged corners of the valley. The surrounding hillsides of Pharping's meditation caves and retreats are dotted with monasteries and the famous Asura and Gorakhnath caves linked to Guru Rinpoche. The nearby Dakshinkali temple draws Hindu pilgrims, making this a place where two traditions sit side by side — context explored in our guide to Buddhism in Nepal.
Getting there
Pharping lies around 19–22 km south of central Kathmandu, roughly an hour by taxi depending on traffic. Agree a fare in advance and consider arranging a return; see our guide to getting around Nepal for transport tips.
Pair it with other retreats
For a more austere ridge-top experience, compare the Namo Buddha meditation retreats south-east of the valley, or browse the full collection of yoga and meditation retreats in Nepal to plan a wider spiritual itinerary.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Neydo Monastery?+
Neydo Tashi Choeling is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, located near the sacred town of Pharping in the southern Kathmandu Valley. It is a working monastery with resident monks, daily prayers and a guesthouse that welcomes visitors and retreatants.
Can travellers stay at Neydo Monastery?+
Yes. Neydo runs a guesthouse with comfortable rooms, allowing visitors to stay, join the monks' daily prayers and experience monastic life. Booking ahead is sensible, especially around teachings and the busier autumn and spring seasons.
Do you need to be Buddhist to visit Neydo?+
No. Respectful visitors of any background are welcome to stay, observe the prayers and walk the grounds. Dress modestly, keep quiet during ceremonies and follow the monastery's etiquette, as it remains a place of active religious practice.
How do you get to Neydo Monastery from Kathmandu?+
Neydo is near Pharping, around 19–22 km south of central Kathmandu, roughly a one-hour drive by taxi depending on traffic and road conditions. It pairs naturally with a visit to Pharping's caves and the Dakshinkali temple nearby.
