Hike to Namobudha from Patlekhet, Dhulikhel - Hike to a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site

Experience Overview:

Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Duration: 3 hours Approx. | Distance: 10km Approx.

Experience Details:

Hike through farmland and hills from Patlekhet, Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley and explore one of the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist sites in Nepal and a beautiful working monastery.

The Namo Buddha hike from Patlekhet, Dhulikhel is a great way to immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. Located about 40 Km to the east of Kathmandu, Namo Buddha is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. The Namobuddha hiking trail is among the famous and easy day hiking excursions in Nepal. It offers the best chance to see different culture, religion, and geography that lies on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley.

The hike starts at Patlekhet, a small Brahmin village in Dhulikhel Municapality. Patlekhet is about 40 Km form Kathmandu. Starting from Patlekhet, you’ll climb gradually and steadily uphill hiking through fields and forests. You’re more likely to meet Nepali villagers and farmers in these parts than other travelers. On reaching Namo Buddha, you can take time to explore the small town and visit the monastery. Namo Buddha sits high on a ridge, and on clear days there are amazing views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges to the north.

Namo Buddha is a small place, with an important stupa commemorating the spot where the Buddha, in an incarnation as a prince, is believed to have fed himself to a hungry tigress and her cubs who would have died without his sacrifice. The main attraction on the Namo Buddha hike is Namo Buddha monastery which is also known as Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. The monastery is home to many monks, where you can observe the monks perform their puja ceremonies, as well as some lovely places to stay and eat.

You can end your hike at Namo Buddha where you can stay at the monastery or a hotel there. Alternatively you can can hike back to Pathlekhet and stay with locals at Patlekhet Communtiy Homestay or return back to Kathmandu from Patlekhet.