Bodhidham
Buddha's Teaching Meditation Retreat

Buddha's Teaching Meditation Retreat

Duration7 days
IncludedAll-inclusive
FocusBuddhist study and meditation
Quick Overview

The Buddha's teachings, studied and practised.

An immersive retreat exploring Buddha's core teachings, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, impermanence, compassion, through daily meditation, yoga, and philosophical study.

This retreat pairs study of the Buddha's core teachings with daily meditation, in Nepal, the country where Siddhartha Gautama was born. Over seven days you work through the foundations of Buddhist thought and put them into direct practice rather than only reading about them. The week is built around Dharma talks, sitting and walking meditation, and periods of noble silence. Silence deepens as the retreat progresses, which gives the teachings room to move from intellectual understanding into your own experience.

Why this retreat?

  • Direct study of core Buddhist teachings: the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Three Marks of Existence

  • Three meditation techniques taught and practised: Vipassana, Anapanasati, and Metta Bhavana

  • Daily Dharma talks from teachers drawing on established Buddhist lineages

  • Periods of noble silence, so the teachings settle into experience

  • Personal interviews with the teacher to support your own practice

  • A small group, in Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha

  • 6 nights on the ashram, three organic meals a day, and pickup from Pokhara

Retreat Overview

The 7 day Teachings of Buddha and Meditation Retreat at Bodhidham is a study and practice retreat held in Ghachowk, near Pokhara. Over seven days it works through the foundations of Buddhist wisdom — the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Three Marks of Existence, and the practice of loving-kindness — while building a genuine meditation practice rooted in those teachings.

Noble silence is central. As the days progress, participants gradually enter and deepen into silence, which creates the conditions for the teachings to be experienced directly rather than only understood. The daily rhythm balances Dharma talks with sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful movement, guided by teachers who draw on established Buddhist lineages. Personal interviews with the teacher are available throughout to support each person's practice.

The retreat is held in Nepal, the country where Siddhartha Gautama was born, and the ashram setting in the foothills supports this kind of quiet, reflective work.

What you study and practise

  • The Four Noble Truths. The Buddha's account of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path that leads beyond it.
  • The Noble Eightfold Path. The eight dimensions of the path, from Right View through to Right Concentration, studied and applied.
  • The Three Marks of Existence. Impermanence, non-self, and suffering, explored through both teaching and meditation.
  • Vipassana (insight meditation). Observing experience as it arises and passes, with clear, equanimous awareness.
  • Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing). Building concentration and presence with the breath as the anchor.
  • Metta Bhavana (loving-kindness). Steadily cultivating compassion toward yourself and all beings.
  • Walking meditation. Bringing mindfulness into slow, deliberate movement in the ashram grounds.
Ready to step out of the noise?

Reserve your seat at Bodhidham.

TripAdvisor4.9★ from 160+ reviews

Reviews from our students

★★★★★Google
Swami Ananda and Deepika are great Yogis and excellent hosts, radiating love and kindness. They helped us with every request we had and did everything they could to make our stay pleasant. The yoga is profound, authentic and deeply spiritual. A true blessing, being able to stay at Bodhidham and experience their teachings. 🙏🕊️🦋🧘‍♀️
CT
Christina TreiberAshram Stay
★★★★★Google
Swami Ananda is the most helpful person I have ever met. He has a very good knowledge of yoga. He provided me with free accommodation and respected me. I am blessed to have met him and wish him success. I recommend him to anybody who wants to become a yoga teacher.- Jogi Bishwanath
JB
Jogi BishwanathAshram Stay
★★★★★Google
Amazing experience with amazing soul.❤️
BC
Binaya Chaurasiya
★★★★★Google
We had a great 12-day stay at the Yoga Retreat. The teachers there are so kind and helped us a lot getting into the basics of doing yoga. The food was amazing, the people were amazing, we had a great time!
R
RobinYoga Retreat
★★★★★Google
Excellent service and humble staff, I booked detox yoga retreat program and it was so amazing. Cannot express my feeling in word. This is my suggestion for everyone at least should try once, it is actually life changing. My heartiest thanks to bodhidham family for pampering and all the efforts they made for me.🙏🏻🌺
PB
Prakash BhusalDetox Yoga Retreat
★★★★★Google · translated from French
I'm going to Bodhidham to complete my 200-hour yoga training. Whether you're looking for a room for the night, a yoga class, or a training program, don't hesitate. A great team, attentive, and eager to offer and share the best possible experience. Quality is their motto. You'll be accompanied for three weeks by two passionate yogis who strive to share their knowledge and kindness. A very comfortable private room, with vegetarian cuisine prepared in-house with local and organic products. Many shared moments. See you soon!
BR
Benoit RidardYoga Teacher Training
★★★★★Google
This was a life changing experience to learn and practice yoga on all levels in such a beautiful and authentic setting. The instructors and guides were amazing. Always with kindness and confidence, they led me through my trip in Pokhara. I received constant support and spiritual guidance throughout my entire stay, which made me grow as a person. The food was delicious and everything was made with thought and love. Love and blessings to the beautiful people at Bodhiham Yoga Ashram! I will see you again soon 💚🙏🏻
L
LizYoga Retreat
★★★★★Google
While staying in Pokhara the Swami invited us to a wonderful ritual, that happend on full moon in Mai 2024. Because of his great energy we took a Yoga class the next day. His teaching was really high quality and thanks to him we started the day full of great energy. We came back to meditate in the evening and I really wished we could stay longer. Highly recommend a visit. It' s really worth it.
JV
Joy Victoria WagnerYoga Class
Pricing & what’s included

Everything in. Nothing hidden.

Every plan includes sessions, sattvic meals, accommodation and free Pokhara pickup. Pick the room that fits you.

Available start datesYear-round, weekly start
Shared / Couple

Sharing room

€420per person
  • Best for couples & solo travellers
  • Twin beds, shared bath
Reserve sharing →
Single

Private room

€480per person
  • Quiet, south-facing rooms
  • Private bath, hot water
Reserve private →
Group booking
Contact usfor a custom quote
  • Special group discounts
  • Flexible dates & rooms
WhatsApp us →

€480 private room / €420 shared room

Cost includes & excludes

12 included·4 excluded

Included in your fee

  • Teachings on core Buddhist philosophy
  • Daily meditation instruction in Vipassana, Anapanasati, and Metta
  • Walking meditation in natural surroundings
  • Periods of noble silence, partial and complete
  • A personal interview with the meditation teacher
  • Teaching on the Five Precepts, with an optional ceremony
  • 6 nights accommodation on the ashram
  • Three organic vegetarian meals a day
  • Herbal teas throughout the retreat
  • Course materials and a Dharma reading list
  • Guidance for establishing a practice at home
  • Free pickup and drop-off in Pokhara

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Nepal visa
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
The teaching team

Taught by 3 Yogis

  • Swami
    SwamiFounder & Spiritual Head
  • Deepika
    DeepikaYoga & Anatomy Teacher
  • Ratheesh
    RatheeshGuest Yoga Teacher
Why Bodhidham

Why choose Bodhidham?

  • i.Traditional lineage-based teaching from experienced yogis
  • ii.Family Environment
  • iii.Organic food grown on a local farm.
  • iv.Away from the city. At the height of 1320 m, Ghachowk Village.
  • v.Pollution-Free Location, Best AQI.
  • vi.In a lap of the holy mountain, Machhapuchhre.
Bank details & booking

How to reserve your seat.

To confirm your booking, a 25% advance of the total program fee is required. The remaining 75% is due on arrival, before the program begins.

Bank transfer

Primary account (EUR/USD)
Bank
Nepal bank — details shared on enquiry
Account name
Bodhidham Yoga School and Spiritual Retreat
Account number
Provided on booking confirmation
SWIFT
Provided on booking confirmation
Branch
Pokhara, Nepal

Exact bank details are shared by WhatsApp/email once your dates are confirmed.

Before you book

Frequently asked

Do I need to be Buddhist to join?

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No. The retreat studies the Buddha's teachings as a practical path, not as a religion you have to convert to. People of any faith or none are welcome, and the teachings are presented as something to examine and practise rather than to believe. What matters is a genuine interest in the material and a willingness to meditate.

Do I need meditation experience?

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It helps but it is not strictly required. The retreat teaches the meditation techniques from the ground up, so a beginner can follow them. That said, the days include extended sitting and periods of silence, which are demanding if you have never done them. If you have no experience at all, tell us when you enquire and we will be honest about whether to start here or with a gentler retreat.

What does noble silence involve, and is the whole week silent?

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Noble silence means stepping back from conversation, devices, and external distraction so the teachings can settle into direct experience. On this retreat the silence is partial and builds gradually, rather than being total from day one, because the days also include Dharma talks and teaching. Your personal interviews with the teacher are the exception to the silence.

What is a typical day like?

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Days balance Dharma talks and study with sitting meditation, walking meditation, and rest. It is a reflective retreat rather than a physically demanding one. The schedule stays consistent through the week, and the practice deepens as the silence settles.

What does the price include?

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The price covers 6 nights accommodation on the ashram in a shared or private room, three organic vegetarian meals a day, all teaching and meditation sessions, a personal interview with the teacher, course materials and a Dharma reading list, and pickup and drop-off in Pokhara. It does not cover international flights or your Nepal visa.

How do I book, and what is the cancellation policy?

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Booking is done directly with us over WhatsApp or the inquiry form. We confirm your dates and a clear price, usually with a deposit to hold your place. Cancellation and refund terms are set out on our Booking and Refund Policy page, so please read it before you pay, or ask us and we will explain it.
Our kitchen

Three sattvic meals, mostly from the farm.

All meals at Bodhidham are organic, freshly prepared and vegetarian, following Sattvic (yogic) dietary principles. Breakfast includes oats, fruits and herbal teas. Lunch is the main meal, dal bhat with seasonal vegetables.

Dinner is lighter with soups, bread or rice with vegetables. Special dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies), accommodated with advance notice.

  • Herbal Tea: Provided With Each Meal.
  • Source: Mostly own organic farm
  • Meals: Three a day, included
  • Special diets: Vegan & gluten-free on request
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Around Bodhidham

Ashram premises and Accommodation

We offer you both private and twin sharing rooms by allowing you to choose what best suits for your comfort and budget.

Guided by the principle that cleanliness is next to godliness, our rooms are kept clean, simple, and comfortable with all basic amenities provided.

  • Hot Water: 24/7 hot water is available in the bathrooms.
  • Beds: Bedsheets and towels are changed regularly.
  • Toiletreies: Basic toiletries are provided by the Ashram.
  • Room: Rooms are cleaned routinely to maintain a peaceful and hygienic living space.
Ashram premises andAshram premises andAshram premises andAshram premises and
Know before you arrive

The practical side of it.

A few honest notes before you book. Most students fly into Kathmandu and either fly or bus to Pokhara, and we collect you from the airport or the bus park, free.

Visa

Visa on arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan) for 80+ nationalities. USD 30 (15 days) / 50 (30 days) / 125 (90 days). Bring 2 passport photos and USD cash.

Best season

September to November and February to May are the clearest. Monsoon (June to August) is quieter and often better priced. We run year-round.

What to bring

Modest yoga clothes, warm layer (mornings are cool), refillable water bottle, journal. Mat, blanket and bolster are provided.

Health

No mandatory vaccines. If on prescription medication, bring a supply. Pokhara has good clinics; we are 20 minutes from the city hospital.

Read the ashram guidelines
Book now