What is the Day Hike with Monks at Pharping?

The Day Hike with Monks at Pharping is a unique cultural and spiritual experience where participants hike in the serene hills around Pharping, accompanied by Buddhist monks. It combines light trekking, meditation, and learning about Buddhist philosophy.

Where is Pharping located?

Pharping is about 23 km south of Kathmandu, a peaceful town known for its ancient monasteries, sacred caves, and Buddhist retreat centers.

How long does the hike take?

The hike usually lasts 3–4 hours, depending on the chosen trail and pace. The entire experience, including monastery visits and interactions, takes a full day.

What can I expect during the experience?

You’ll visit monasteries, walk along forested trails, enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, have tea or lunch with monks, and learn about Buddhist meditation practices.

Do I need prior hiking experience?

No. The hike is generally easy to moderate and suitable for beginners with average fitness. However, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Is the hike conducted in English?

Yes. Monks or accompanying guides can communicate in English, and sometimes translations are provided for deeper teachings.

What is the best time to do this hike?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the best weather, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

Wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, a hat, and carry water, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Modest attire is recommended for monastery visits.

Is food included in the program?

Many tours include vegetarian meals or tea with the monks. However, it’s best to confirm with the organizer before booking.

How do I join the hike?

You can book through local tour operators or directly with monasteries that offer cultural programs. Advance booking is recommended to coordinate with the monks’ schedule.

Day Hike with Monks at Pharping – A Spiritual and Cultural Journey

Tour Duration

01 Day

Total People

Min. 2 pax

Activities

Hiking

Best Seasons

All around the year

Elevation

1,376 m

OVERVIEW
ITINERARY
COST DETAILS
GALLERY

OVERVIEW

One of the best ways to spend time around Kathmandu is by doing a day hike with monks at Pharping. This unique experience offers not just a scenic walk, but a deep dive into the Spiritual, cultural, and historical essence of the area.

Discover the sacred town of Pharping

Pharping is a serene village that holds great importance in both Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. The area is dotted with ancient monasteries, meditation caves, and the revered Dakshinkali Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali.

For followers of Tibetan Buddhism, pharping is especially sacred as it is the site where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) attained enlightenment. His legacy continues to attract monks, pilgrims, and spiritual seekers from all over the world.

A Glimpse into History

Also, Pharping has a history resembling the first hydropower plant in Nepal, known as the Chandra Jyoti Griha, which used to supply electricity to the royal palace. Now, it is just a living museum and supplies water to certain parts of Lalitpur.

What to Expect on the Day Hike with Monks at Pharping

Visit Buddhist monasteries and interact with monks. Explore sacred caves where Guru Rinpoche mediated. Pay respects at the Dakshinkali Temple. Walk through peaceful forest trails and traditional villages. Learn about Nepal’s first hydropower plant. Experience mindfulness and spiritual storytelling.

Kathmandu Day Trips company provides you with a one-day trip package with an interesting location, schedule, and trip pricing information. Additionally, Kathmandu Day Trips company creates custom itineraries based on your comfort. For a fantastic recollection, Kathmandu Day Trips company is eager to lead you on the well-known and breathtaking one-day hike, more like a cultural tour.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the caves and learn more about the Enlightenment.
Scenic drive with hills, waterfalls, and pine forest around.
Wonderful view of Pharping village from the top of the hill.
Witness the first Hydropower plant in Nepal, later called a Living Museum.

ITINERARY

Day 01: Drive to Pharping-1hr, Hike and Visit around and drive back to Kathmandu
Drive to Pharping

You will have an early breakfast in your hotel and our guide will pick you up at 7 AM and drive you to the Pharping.

Yanglesho cave and monastery

Once reaching the Pharping, within just a 10-minute’ walk, we can see several ponds and Kyabje Chatral Rinpoche’s monastery. Kyabje Chatral Rinpoche monastery is a small monastery and a retreat center. And you can see the high rocky slope covered by the forest, where the Yanglesho cave lies. When you get inside, there is a shrine with a statue of Guru Rinpoche and you can see the visible print of Guru Rinpoche’s head on the ceiling.

After visiting this cave, we will have lunch and rest for a while. Then, we will move towards another cave named Asura Cave.

Vajrayogini temple

Vajrayogini Temple is an ancient, sacred, and the most important temple from the 17^th century. Vajrayogini is the tantric deity (female Buddha) and this temple is mostly visited by those who seek to practice Vajrayana. This Vajrayogiini Temple is the second access point to the Asura Cave.

The Asura cave

Asura cave is one of the famous caves and you can find this cave in the forest above Pharping Village from where you can have a clear view of the village. You can find a monastery and 3-year retreat center, widely known as Guru Drubne Pema Osel Ling. If the climate is okay and clear, then one can witness the view of snow-capped peaks.

Drive back to Kathmandu

Before driving back to Kathmandu, we will have a short tea time. We will spend some more time in this holy place and then we drive back to Kathmandu. On the way, we can see the Taudaha, a very beautiful lake which is famous for bird watching.

If you want, then we will spend some time in Taudaha and then drive you back to your hotel.

COST DETAILS

Included

Pick up and drop from the hotel.
Tour guide with good knowledge of the location and English language.
All permits and any fees like park, or other.
Lunch and evening tea & snacks.

Excluded

Nepal visa fee and international flight
Activities payments like paragliding or any others.
Extra drinks; alcoholic and non-alcoholic
Personal expenses such as phone bill, chocolate, bakery items, and other
Tips to guide and porters

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