Namobuddha is one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, set on a hill in Kavrepalanchok at around 1,750 metres above sea level. The site is associated with the story of Prince Mahasattva, a previous incarnation of the Buddha, who encountered a starving tigress and her five cubs. According to Buddhist tradition, the prince offered his own body so that the animals could survive. A small stupa marks the sacred site associated with this act of compassion. The name Namobuddha means “Homage to the Buddha”, and the pilgrimage site remains deeply revered among Himalayan Buddhists.

The large monastery visitors see today is Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, established by the renowned Buddhist teacher Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche in the late 1970s. The main temple was consecrated in 2008, and the complex has since developed into a major centre for Buddhist philosophy, meditation and monastic education. Its ornate main hall contains colourful murals and images of important figures from the Kagyu tradition, while the wider complex includes a monastic college, retreat facilities, a school for young monks, a library and several temples. The hilltop also provides broad views across the surrounding valleys and is particularly peaceful in the early morning.

Namobuddha is about 40 km southeast of Kathmandu and can be reached by road via Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti. From Kathmandu, the journey generally takes around 2–3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. It can also be reached on foot from Dhulikhel or Panauti as part of a longer day hike.

Altitude: Approx. 1,750 m
Distance from Kathmandu: Approx. 40 km | 2–3 hours
Walking time: Around 3 hours from Dhulikhel or Panauti