26 Best Buddhist Monastery Retreats for 2026

Last Updated: November 25, 2025

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If 2025 was about slowing down, let 2026 be the year you take a real break, pause, breathe, and visit a Buddhist monastery. A retreat isn’t just a vacation; it’s a gentle pause from your normal life to spend time with your mind and feelings.

From forest temples in Thailand to quiet Zen halls in Europe and North America, Buddhist retreats give you a place to practice mindfulness, listen to teachings, and simply be yourself. Below are 26 of the best Buddhist monastery retreats for 2026, sorted by what you might want: famous centers, beginner-friendly places, women-focused experiences, retreats in other countries, and some of the most inspiring meditation centers in Asia.

Best Buddhist retreats in the world

These retreats are special places that people travel far to visit. They have influenced modern Buddhist practices, welcomed many seekers, and combined traditional teachings with easy-to-understand lessons. Suitable for all levels, each retreat emphasizes community, mindfulness, and a straightforward path to practice.

Spirit Rock Meditation Center – California, USA

Spirit Rock is a well-known meditation center in the West. Located in the hills of Marin County, it offers quiet retreats that last from a weekend to a month. Each day usually includes sitting and walking meditation, along with talks that teach you how to stay mindful in everyday life. The accommodations are simple, meals are vegetarian and eaten in silence, creating a peaceful atmosphere that encourages reflection. In 2026, it’s a great place if you want to improve your awareness with good guidance and a clear plan.

Plum Village Monastery – Dordogne, France

Founded by Thich Nhat Hanh, Plum Village is a community focused on mindful living and engaged Buddhism. Located in the quiet countryside of southwest France, it offers retreats on topics like relationships, healing, and being present. Visitors can practice sitting and walking meditation, enjoy meals mindfully, and listen to simple teachings on how to suffer less. There are times of silence, but also activities like working meditation and connecting with the earth. If in 2026 you want to practice peace in a community, Plum Village is a peaceful place to start.

Blue Cliff Monastery – New York, USA

Blue Cliff, part of the Plum Village tradition, is located in the forests of upstate New York. It offers retreats focused on living mindfully and showing kindness. During the Days of Mindfulness, people of all experience levels can join. You can walk meditation around ponds and trees, listen to teachings in the meditation hall, and enjoy simple vegetarian meals in a calm, friendly setting. The monastic community is welcoming and supportive, making it easy for both beginners and experienced practitioners to feel comfortable. It’s a lovely place to experience Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings without leaving North America.

Deer Park Monastery – California, USA

Deer Park Monastery is a peaceful place in southern California, part of the Plum Village community. It offers retreats that focus on healing, connection, and listening to your body and breath. The schedule usually includes sitting meditation, chanting, nature walks, yoga, and small group sharing. Surrounded by mountains and fresh air, the environment becomes part of your practice. If you want to find peace in 2026, Deer Park provides a quiet space with silence, community, and support.

Drala Mountain Center – Colorado, USA

Drala Mountain Center, previously called Shambhala Mountain Center, is located in Colorado's mountains. It's a place where Tibetan Buddhist practices are combined with outdoor activities like walks in nature. Visitors might spend mornings in a quiet shrine room and afternoons hiking in the woods. The place offers simple lodges and cabins, focusing on practice rather than comfort. It’s a special location for those interested in Tibetan teachings and mountain scenery.

Buddhist retreats for beginners

If you're new to meditation or have never stayed in a monastery before, it’s normal to feel a bit unsure. These retreats are designed for beginners, with simple instructions, gentler routines, and plenty of time for questions. You don’t need to be an expert at meditation to attend — just be curious and open-hearted.

Ratna Ling Retreat Center – California, USA

Ratna Ling is a retreat center inspired by Tibetan Buddhism, located in the coastal hills of northern California. It offers teaching sessions on kindness, compassion, and simple visualization exercises that are easy for beginners to try. Many retreats also include yoga, movement, and creative activities like art or journaling. Teachers often spend individual time with newcomers to help with posture and answer questions. If this is your first time exploring Buddhist practices in 2026, Ratna Ling provides a gentle and welcoming place to start.

Magnolia Grove Monastery – Mississippi, USA

Magnolia Grove is a monastery in the American South run by Plum Village. Its retreats, including programs called "Wake Up" for young adults, start with fun mindfulness games and short, easy meditation sessions. Over a few days, you gradually try more practice like walking meditation, mindful eating, and simple chants. The peaceful forest setting, friendly Southern hospitality, and caring monastic community make it feel warm and genuine. It’s a lovely place to learn that mindfulness is not about being perfect, but about just being present.

Vajrapani Institute – California, USA

Vajrapani Institute is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and offers retreats based on Tibetan Buddhism. For beginners, there are “training the mind” programs that teach simple shamatha (calm attention) meditation step by step. The schedule includes sitting meditation, teachings, and time for questions, which is helpful if you tend to overthink or worry about doing things perfectly. The forest setting, simple cabins, and good vegetarian food help you relax and disconnect from daily worries. In 2026, it’s a great place to experience Tibetan philosophy in a easy-to-understand way.

Land of Medicine Buddha – California, USA

Land of Medicine Buddha is a peaceful place near Soquel, California, that combines healing, nature, and Buddhist practice. It offers retreats with practices like Green Tara, basic refuge lessons, and group chanting, designed so that beginners can easily understand. The 108-acre redwood forest is perfect for walking meditation, surrounded by trees and birds. It’s a gentle way to learn about Buddhist rituals and ideas while staying connected to nature.

Zen Mountain Monastery – New York, USA

Zen Mountain Monastery is located in the Catskill Mountains and practices Soto Zen Buddhism. If you're new to Zen, it offers simple lessons on sitting meditation, maintaining good posture, breathing, and mindful eating through oryoki. The daily routine includes meditation, tasks like gardening or cleaning, and eating formal meals. It’s a bit more strict than some other beginner-friendly centers, but the clear daily structure can be very comforting. If you're looking to start your Zen journey in 2026 with a serious approach, this monastery could be a great place to begin.

Buddhist meditation retreats for women

Many women look for retreat places where they feel safe, heard, and supported. These places are not always only for women, but they are welcoming to women practitioners. The retreats listed here are known for being calm and gentle, with caring teachers and many women teachers or community members.

Tushita Meditation Centre – Dharamsala, India

Tushita is located in the pine forests above McLeod Ganj, near the Dalai Lama's home. It offers 10-day beginner courses in Tibetan Buddhism that many solo female travelers and women from around the world attend. The atmosphere is calm and supportive, with silence, guided meditations, teachings, and small group talks. Participants are encouraged to observe their thoughts patiently without judging themselves harshly. For women traveling in India in 2026, Tushita provides a safe and spiritual place to look inward.

Thai Plum Village – Khao Yai, Thailand

Thai Plum Village follows the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, focusing on gentle mindfulness and community. Visitors, including families, couples, and solo travelers, many of whom are women, come here to relax and become more aware of their breathing. The retreats often include walking meditation, deep relaxation, gentle movement, and simple vegan food. The presence of monks, nuns, and laywomen creates a calm and friendly atmosphere. If you are a woman looking for a peaceful retreat in Southeast Asia in 2026, this is a safe and welcoming place to relax.

Paramita International Meditation Center – Wadduwa, Sri Lanka

Paramita is near the coast and offers guided meditation programs in English, making it easy for women travelers from different countries to participate. The schedule includes sitting, walking, Dharma talks, and breaks, and it’s designed to be balanced serious but not too strict. With palm trees, ocean air, and a peaceful meditation hall, it’s a relaxing place to practice mindfulness in a gentle seaside setting.

Bodhi Leaves Meditation Centre – Sri Lanka

Bodhi Leaves is a friendly place where people from around the world, including many women traveling alone, come to meditate. The retreats usually have guided mindfulness practices, basic teachings about insight, and private talks with teachers. The area is green and simple, creating a calm and safe feeling. In 2026, if you want a gentle introduction to Theravada meditation without too much stress, Bodhi Leaves offers a peaceful and steady environment.

Fo Guang Shan Monastery – Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Fo Guang Shan is one of the biggest Buddhist communities in Taiwan that follows Humanistic Buddhism. Some parts are popular with tourists, but it also offers special retreats and study programs where women can participate in a respectful and organized way. The accommodations are simple but comfortable. Activities might include meditation, chanting, calligraphy, and learning about how to live according to Buddhist morals. The overall atmosphere is about being generous and disciplined at the same time. Women who want a traditional, community-based experience will find Fo Guang Shan to be a meaningful place to practice in 2026.

Buddhist retreat abroad for adults

If you live in the West and want to travel abroad in 2026 to relax and learn, these retreats can be a helpful part of your plans. They offer good practice, cultural experiences, and usually have instructions in English for visitors from other countries.

Gaia House – Devon, UK

Gaia House is located in the quiet countryside of Devon and offers silent retreats for adults. People from all over Europe come here to spend a few days or weeks in complete silence, guided by experienced teachers. The schedule usually includes sitting and walking meditation, evening talks, and optional interviews with instructors. The simple shared rooms and vegetarian meals create a welcoming, community feel. If you’re in Europe and looking for a peaceful, meaningful retreat abroad, Gaia House is a good choice for 2026.

Kopan Monastery – Kathmandu, Nepal

Kopan Monastery sits on a green hill above Kathmandu, with views of the valley and the Himalayas. It is well known for its organized courses that teach Tibetan Buddhist ideas and meditation in a simple way. People from many countries come here for short two-week courses, and longer programs lasting a month are also available for those who want to stay longer. Life at the monastery includes early bells, teachings, meditation, and peaceful walks around the gompa. In 2026, Kopan is a great place if you're looking for a spiritual getaway and want to experience life in a Tibetan Buddhist community.

Wat Pa Tam Wua Forest Monastery – Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Wat Pa Tam Wua is a forest monastery in northern Thailand where foreigners can join silent retreats. You can stay for a few days or a couple of weeks, doing simple routines like sitting and walking meditation, and chanting. The focus is on breathing and letting go, with guidance from monks. Accommodation is basic, usually in simple huts or dorms, and there’s no fixed cost, just donations. If you are an adult traveler in 2026 looking for an affordable, authentic retreat abroad, this monastery gives a real experience of Thai forest practice.

Nilambe Meditation Centre – Kandy, Sri Lanka

Nilambe is a meditation center near Kandy, surrounded by tea fields and forests. It has a relaxed but focused atmosphere with simple open-air halls, quiet walking paths, and a daily routine of mindfulness. People can stay for a few days or several weeks to deepen their practice. The program includes talks, group meditation, and daily chores as part of the practice. If you want a slow, long retreat abroad in 2026, Nilambe offers both structure and freedom.

Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary – Perak, Malaysia

Sasanarakkha is a meditation center in the Malaysian rainforest that specializes in Mahasi-style vipassana practice. People from around the world come here for intensive retreats that include guided meditation, walking meditation, and private interviews with teachers. The place is quiet and disciplined, making it a good choice if you have some experience and want to deepen your practice. The accommodations are simple, and the meals are basic, so the focus stays on meditation. If you're planning a trip to Southeast Asia in 2026 and want to meditate seriously, Sasanarakkha is a good, honest option.

Best meditation retreats in Asia

Asia is the birthplace of Buddhism. Many of the most peaceful retreats are still located in its forests, mountains, and small village monasteries. Here are six places where you can practice Buddhism in 2026, often at a very low cost.

Wat Suan Mokkh International Dharma Hermitage – Surat Thani, Thailand

The International Dharma Hermitage, connected to Wat Suan Mokkh, is known for its 10-day silent retreats starting on the first of each month. The schedule is straightforward but demanding: many hours of sitting, walking, chanting, and thinking about emptiness and suffering. Accommodation is kept simple with basic cells and bucket showers, to help you focus on practice. If you're ready to leave comfort behind and learn more about Theravada Buddhism, 2026 might be the perfect year to come here and observe your mind.

Wat Pah Nanachat – Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Wat Pah Nanachat is a forest monastery made for Western practitioners following the Thai Forest Tradition. Life there is based on monastic routines: collecting alms, group chanting, work periods, and long silent meditation. It’s not a tourist retreat, but visitors who respect the rules can stay and join the daily activities. This place is for those who want to experience real monastic life, not just a short visit. In 2026, it could be a meaningful stop for those seeking simplicity and depth.

Panditarama Lumbini International Vipassana Center – Lumbini, Nepal

Panditarama Lumbini is where Mahasi Sayadaw’s vipassana meditation tradition is practiced, right at the place where the Buddha was born. The retreats are organized and disciplined, with sessions of sitting and walking meditation every hour from morning to night. You can meet with teachers to help improve your practice and be honest about your experience. The accommodations are simple but adequate, and the environment is very focused. Practicing meditation at the Buddha’s birthplace can motivate and inspire you for your journey in 2026.

Mithrigala Nissarana Vanaya – Ingiriya, Sri Lanka

Mithrigala Nissarana Vanaya is a quiet forest place for people who want to meditate seriously. It focuses on focusing on your breath and living simply and quietly. The huts are basic, food is simple, and there is a lot of silence. Visitors are expected to be motivated and respectful of the daily routine. This isn’t a place for a quick visit; it’s where you face your mind honestly and patiently. If by 2026 you feel ready for a more private and challenging retreat, this place can teach you a lot.

Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre – Igatpuri, India

Dhamma Giri is a main global center for Goenka-style vipassana meditation. Its 10-day courses are very organized, with early mornings, many hours of sitting, silence, and step-by-step teaching of the technique. The retreat is run on donations, so anyone can attend regardless of money. Thousands of people have done their first serious retreat there, learning about both the difficulties and rewards of silence. If you are ready in 2026 to spend ten days focusing on your mind with discipline, Dhamma Giri is a good choice.

Namo Buddha – Panauti, Nepal

Namo Buddha, linked to Thrangu Rinpoche, is a Tibetan Buddhist center on a hillside with views of terraced fields and distant mountains. People come here for retreats that include meditation for calm and loving-kindness, and they can walk around the stupa quietly. You live near monks, hear chanting in the mornings, and share simple meals while watching the changing light over the valley. The beautiful landscape helps quiet the mind. In 2026, Namo Buddha offers a gentle yet meaningful way to learn Himalayan meditation practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a Buddhist retreat cost?

The price of a Buddhist retreat in 2026 can vary a lot depending on the location, duration, and the comfort level of the center. In Asia, many monasteries accept donations instead of fixed fees, so you pay what you can at the end to support the teachers and future meditators. Usually, a 10-day retreat might be considered "free,” except for your travel expenses.

In Western countries, retreat centers often charge a set fee to cover food, lodging, and staff. Short retreats of 3 to 7 days usually cost a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, especially in the US or Europe. Longer retreats of 10 to 30 days might cost more, but many places offer discounts or scholarships. If you're interested in practicing, it’s worth asking if you can get a reduced rate or financial help.

Can I go live in a Buddhist monastery?

Yes, you can stay in a Buddhist monastery for a while, but it’s not like booking a hotel. Monasteries that allow guests usually want you to have a clear reason for practicing, respect the rules, and be willing to help with daily tasks like cleaning or cooking. Sometimes, you can stay for a few weeks or months as a guest or volunteer, helping out while joining meditation sessions and teachings.

If you want to stay longer, especially if you're thinking about becoming a monk or nun, it requires more commitment and a serious talk with the teachers. You’ll need to show that you can live simply, follow the rules, and truly want to practice. If you’re interested in living in a monastery in 2026, it’s best to start with a short retreat first, then talk to the community about longer stays.

What happens in a Buddhist retreat?

A Buddhist retreat is a break from your usual routine to focus on your inner self. A typical day starts early, often before sunrise, with sitting meditation. This is followed by walking meditation, mindful eating, Dharma talks, and sometimes simple chores like sweeping or gardening. Many retreats keep silence unless you need to ask questions, which helps you listen to your own thoughts better.

You might also do chanting, gentle stretching or yoga, and have the chance to talk privately with a teacher. Over several days, distractions slow down, and feelings become clearer. The retreat can be challenging, but it offers a safe space to face your thoughts and feelings with patience and kindness. When it’s over, you’re usually shown ways to bring mindfulness into everyday life.

Can I stay in a Buddhist monastery?

Many monasteries around the world welcome visitors for short stays, often called “temple stays” or monastic visits. You might stay for one night, a weekend, or a week, participating in meditation sessions in the morning and evening, eating simple food, and enjoying quiet time. In Asia, some temple stays include cultural activities, while others are more like real monastic life.

As a guest, you are expected to follow some rules: wear modest clothes, avoid alcohol and drugs, respect silence, and be careful about taking photos. Some places ask for a small donation each night, while others have fixed prices for food and lodging. If you're interested in staying at a monastery in 2026, the best first step is to check their website or contact them directly. Go with an open and respectful attitude, ready to learn.

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