Holiday villages and unusual accommodation Nepal

This Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Pharping, on the edge of the Hattiban forest (1 hour's drive from Kathmandu), offers a guest house where you can immerse yourself in the monks, pray and take part in their daily life. Some 200 monks live and study here. The price per night is expensive for Nepal, but the 23 rooms are extremely comfortable, the colors soothing and each has a private bathroom and balcony with a view. Delicious food.

Kopan monastery near Bodnath is known for teaching Buddhism to Westerners. The first meditation course was held in 1971. Teachings lasting between 5 and 10 days are given throughout the year (see the calendar on their website). You can also come on a Buddhist retreat, provided you have already been initiated, but the monastery does not offer Vipassana retreats. You can also stay at the monastery during authorized periods, or simply visit during the day. Decent clothing is required, but admission is free.

The Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir is an association founded in 1993 by Swami Ramchandra Das, which today cares for over 220 underprivileged children, providing them with food, shelter and education. This institution, which includes accommodation, a farm and a handicraft workshop, makes its living by selling its products, welcoming foreign travellers and receiving donations. It is possible to stay here (in basic comfort), help out and practice yoga and meditation.