How Volunteering & Living in a Buddhist Monastery Changed My Life

Last Updated: January 10, 2026

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Photo: Zach and the rangoli mandala he created with OM symbol

I am Zach from Kansas. I wanted to experience Buddhism and explore mountain trekking to push myself out of my comfort zone and experience real adventure.

To experience all of this, I chose Nepal, a perfect place that blends Buddhism and the Himalayas. I went there in early winter, when the cold was just beginning, a perfect season for travelling.

My plan for this journey was clear: first, visit the different Monasteries inside the valley, and then explore the adventurous life outside the Valley.

Before visiting the Monastery, I had pictured meeting the older monks, who would give deep teachings. But the reality was different: I found more children in the monastery, which showed me that seeking peace and knowledge doesn't need to be limited to a specific age group.

I have found that little monks are more calm and disciplined. I was teaching them, but in reality, I have  learned patience, silence, and how to stay in the present moment from them. Their simple routine showed that discipline brings happiness. They taught me how to be disciplined without any pressure.

Now, outside the monastery, Kathmandu itself is a very religious and beautiful place filled with multiple temples. I have explored many of them, including Pashupati, Swambhu, and traditional Durbar Square.

After exploring Kathmandu, I went on my next journey, to experience the Himalayas. I was suggested trekking to Chisapani, which is just on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley. After a short ride of around one and a half hours from my stay, we reached the Chisapani range.

The views were unreal. Walking through those forest trails, breathing the fresh air, seeing those hills, all were the great experiences that I had imagined. The things I hadn't imagined were experiencing the Dashain and Tihar Festivals there. I was lucky enough to be there during the festive season.

Well, first, I need to mention that I didn't choose the hotels to stay at; instead, I stayed at the local coordinator's home, Mr. Narayan. His family was really warm and welcoming and celebrated my festival with them.

During Dashain, families gather, share meals, and put tikas on each other's heads, taking blessings from one another. I also participated.

And in Tihar, the house was decorated with lights and flowers, and a beautiful rangoli was created on the floor. I created a rangoli of mandala with Om in the center. The vibe and atmosphere were really joyful. They celebrated Tihar with their festive food, Sel Roti.

I have really enjoyed their togetherness more than the rituals and the celebration. What I love most is that they treated me like a family member and included me in every ritual.

After Sel Roti, the food deserves its own mention. I enjoyed every food from Mithila Thali (a combination of Dal Bhat and more) to their momos. I love all their food. Many of their foods are spicy, and being from Kansas and having a high tolerance for spices, those foods become my favourite.

For anyone who wants to experience the Nepal festival, I suggest staying with a local family rather than in a luxurious, expensive hotel. You will never get the experiences and vibe from hotels and restaurants that a local host can offer.

Photo: Zach embracing his peaceful moment in nepal

This experience was worth more than what I had actually pictured. Roaming the cities, exploring the Himalayas, and spending time with those little monks are really unforgettable moments. I had never imagined that the experience of laughing with the children and having shared meals with a stranger's family would be so great.

About Author

William Zachary Schutte, also friendly addressed as Zach, is a 41 years young responsible citizen from Kansas City. Big fan of Hot Sauces, the spice lover and travel enthusiast, Zach has developed his keen interest in Buddhism. He explored the different temples of Nepal, stayed in a Buddhist monastery of Kathmandu and in Bodhgaya.