DE Himalaya - Frequently Asked Question

  • Q: I want to participate in the meditation retreat. Is there any condition？
    A: For everyone to have a better meditation experience, applicants must agree and abide by the rules of the Monastery and the Yogi’s code of conduct as well as being able to take care of themselves. Upon reviewing, the Sangha and Dhamma Organizers will make the final admission decision. Hence, we recommend that Yogi register for the retreat first. You can learn about the Monastery’s rules and the Yogi’s code of conduct at the following URL: https://dev.dhammaearth.org/dhamma-earth-himalaya/nepal-yogis-notice/
  • Q: Which items do I have to bear the costs by myself for the meditation retreat?
    A: The Yogi has to bear the costs for their flight tickets, transportation fees going up and down the mountain, visa as well as accommodation, food and others while staying at the foot of the mountain. The Monastery will only provide accommodation, breakfast and lunch.
  • Q: How much should the participant of the meditation retreat prepare for their budget?

A ：

Item

 Estimated Price

Remark
Flight tickets (Route) Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kathmandu (KTM) RM2000 ++ Handle by oneself
Visa 1month: USD 50; 3months: USD 125 Visas obtained on Arrival at the entry point
Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara USD 20-25  per person per trip Chartering Bus (Journey is about 8-9 hours); Bus Fare is divided equally by number of people
 Transportation from Pokhara to Dhampus (Dhamma Earth Himalaya) USD 6-8  per person per trip Chartering Jeep ( Journey is about 1.5 – 2 hours)RM120 per trip (may capacity around 5 – 6 people)
Sim Card & Data Package ( If necessary) USD 10 – USD 12
Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara (If necessary) USD 20 – USD 30 per night
Taxi (If necessary) USD 8 – USD 12 per trip Depending on distance
  • Q: I want to donate to the Monastery. What should I do?
    A: There is a link for freewill contribution in the last message sent to the registered participants. You can fill in the amount first. Then, pass the cash to the Dhamma Organizers when you arrive at the Monastery. You may also refer to this webpage: https://dev.dhammaearth.org/dana-opportunity/
  • Q: What is the currency used in Nepal?
    A: The currencies mainly used in Nepal are Nepalese Rupees (NPR) and the United States Dollar (USD).
  • Q: What is the weather at the Monastery?
    A: Usually, it is colder between October to February. The weather becomes warmer from March to May. Meanwhile, the rainy season is between June to September. Please refer to https://dev.dhammaearth.org/dhamma-earth-himalaya/
  • Q: What do the dates stated in the poster represent?
    A: The meditation camp will officially start on March 2, 2023 and end on March 15, 2023.Remarks:
    Yogi must gather at Kathmandu Airport on February 28, and take a chartered bus to Pokhara together;
    On March 01, 2023, depart from Pokhara to the Dhamma Earth Himalaya;Transportation to leave the monastery will be on March 16, 2023 ;

    If you have any queries, please contact the person in charge.

  • Q: I am afraid that the flight ticket will increase. Can I buy the flight ticket before I am accepted?
    A: The meditator should buy the flight ticket only after receiving the admission notice. The meditator should purchase the flight ticket only after receiving the admission notice. Otherwise, the Monastery is not responsible for the loss of the Yogi.
  • Q: What is the travel itinerary? Which date and what time should I choose when buying the flight tickets? How do I arrange transportation when I arrive there? Is it an individual or a group journey?
    A: The approximate itinerary is to fly to Kathmandu. Then, take the bus to Pokhara and change to another bus to the Monastery. As the itinerary may change throughout the admission process, we recommend that the Yogi registers first. The Dhamma Organizer shall reach out to and coordinate with the successful Yogis regarding the itinerary.
  • Q: If I cannot participate throughout the retreat / I want to arrive earlier / I want to return earlier / I want to participate for a specific number of days, is it possible?
    A: We only accept meditators who can participate throughout the retreat. If Yogis cannot match the time, they can still attempt the registration and indicate this in the remarks.
  • Q: As it is a rare opportunity, I want to change the plan during the meditation retreat. An example is going for the pilgrimage to other places, is it possible?
    A: The Monastery only accepts a limited number of Yogis. We add those who do not obey the rules of the Monastery and do not appreciate the opportunity to meditate to the Monastery’s watch list. When they sign up for a meditation retreat next time, they may not be in priority.
  • Q: What should I do if I cannot match the date after the Monastery accepts me?
    A: Please reach out to us. We will make a decision accordingly.
  • Q: What should I do if I cannot participate after being accepted for some reason?
    A: Please reach out to us. We will replace you with another participant from the waiting list.