Overview
Namobuddha — Tibetan for "in the name of the Buddha" — is the sacred site where, in a Jataka tale of a previous life, the Buddha is said to have offered his own body to a starving tigress and her cubs. The hilltop Thrangu Monastery and stupa draw a constant stream of Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims, and the views of the Himalaya from the grounds are superb. The hush of the place, with prayer flags fluttering overhead, makes it one of the most quintessentially Nepali experiences within a day of Kathmandu.
From Dhulikhel (1,550 m) to Namobuddha (1,750 m) the elevation gain is small, but the 3–4 hour trail along the hill ridges takes in the rural patchwork of the Kathmandu Valley's edge and distant Himalayan peaks. Because the return is by vehicle, the day is light on the legs — well suited to older travellers and families with children.
Highlights
- Namobuddha's Tibetan Buddhist monastery and stupa — the sacred site of the Jataka legend
- Himalayan panorama from the Dhulikhel ridge (towards Ganesh Himal and the Langtang range)
- Easy to reach from Kathmandu — the most accessible ridge hike near the city
- A trail through terraced farmland and traditional Newari and Tamang villages
- Hike out, drive back — an easy-on-the-feet design everyone can enjoy
- Runs year-round except the monsoon and deep winter
Itinerary
Kathmandu → Dhulikhel (~1–1.5 hr drive)
Leave Kathmandu in the morning and drive by private vehicle to Dhulikhel. On arrival, take in the morning Himalaya from the viewpoint before starting the hike.
Dhulikhel → Namobuddha (3–4 hrs)
Walk the rural ridge trail to Namobuddha, passing terraced fields and traditional villages with the Himalaya in the distance. On arrival, explore the monastery and stupa and wander the peaceful grounds.
Lunch at Namobuddha
Lunch near the monastery or at a local restaurant — a relaxed meal on the quiet hilltop with Himalayan views.
Namobuddha → Kathmandu (by vehicle)
Return to Kathmandu by private vehicle, arriving back before evening.
Includes & Excludes
✓ Included
- Private vehicle (Kathmandu round trip)
- Licensed guide (English- or Japanese-speaking)
- Lunch (1 meal)
- First-aid kit
✕ Excluded
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal drinks & snacks
- Tips for guide and driver
Gallery
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Period | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | 90% refunded |
| 45 – 59 days | 75% refunded |
| 30 – 44 days | 50% refunded |
| 15 – 29 days | 25% refunded |
| 14 days or fewer | No refund |
| No show | No refund |