My first time visiting and staying in a Buddhist Monastery!

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Author: Diogo Gasper

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Namaste! I'm Diogo, from Lisbon, and last month I finally lived a dream I had been carrying for a long time. I flew to Nepal and stayed in a Buddhist monastery near Kopan in Kathmandu.

I didn't know exactly what to expect, but from the moment I saw the golden rooftops shining in the morning light, I felt at home. Those two weeks were simple, deep, and unforgettable.

Life Inside the Monastery

The first bell rang around 6:00 am, calling monks for prayer. The monastery was liberal, for the visitors like me, we were not forced to join the prayer. I joined the prayers everyday as I found a quiet space for me. The silence, the incense, the soft chanting… it all slowed me down in a way I didn't know I needed.

I also joined the daily prayers inside the temple. The sound of the monks chanting together, the rhythm of the drums, and the soft vibration of the horns made the whole place feel alive. Even when I didn't understand the words, I felt the meaning.

Teaching the Kids

One of the biggest joys of my stay was teaching English to the young monks. Just imagine dozens of little boys in maroon robes, full of energy, curiosity, and cheeky smiles. Some could barely sit still. Others tried to teach me Tibetan instead.

We played games, sang songs, and laughed a lot. They reminded me that learning doesn't need to be complicated ,  just sincere. I tried to share a bit of my world with them, and without even trying, they shared theirs with me.

Stillness, Mountains, and a Different Kind of Time

Meditation became the heart of my days. Sitting quietly with my thoughts, watching the sunrise from the hill, hearing the prayer wheels turning in the distance ,  everything felt slower and softer.

One morning, after a long meditation, I stepped outside and saw the valley covered in clouds. The sun touched the rooftops and lit up the distant stupas. For a second, everything was still. It's hard to explain, but it felt like something inside me clicked into place.

Weekends in Kathmandu

On weekends, I went out to explore the city and the valley. I walked around Boudhanath Stupa, joined pilgrims spinning their prayer wheels, climbed the steps of Swayambhunath with monkeys watching me closely, and wandered through Thamel for a good coffee and some momos.

And yes ,  I also took an Everest flight. Seeing the Himalayas from the air, with Mount Everest rising above everything else, was something I will never forget. The pilot even invited us into the cockpit one by one. It felt unreal, like touching the top of the world.

What I Brought Back

Leaving Kopan wasn't easy. I said goodbye to the kids, to the monks, to the sound of morning bells. I arrived in Nepal looking for an adventure. I left with a calmer mind, a more open heart, and a deep respect for the Buddhist way of living.

Back in Portugal, everything feels familiar, but also different. I walk slower. I breathe deeper. I smile more. Something from Nepal stayed with me, and I'm grateful for that.

If you ever think about doing something like this ,  go. The monastery, the people, the mountains… they welcome you with open arms and an honest smile. And if you're lucky, maybe a young monk will decide you need extra momos too.

Until the next adventure,

Diogo

About Author, Diogo Gasper

Diogo Gasper is a travel enthusiast from Lisbon, Portugal. At the age of 39 years, he is still enthusiastic to explore the different landscapes, culture and tradition of the world. This story showcases his recent experience of monastic life and spiritual journey blended with Buddhism.

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