---
title: "Monk-Led Meditation Retreat in Bodh Gaya | 8 Days, 3 Traditions"
url: https://primevaluetours.com/monk-led-meditation-retreat-bodh-gaya/
contact: "+91-9794122849 (WhatsApp) · info@primevaluetours.com · https://primevaluetours.com/plan-your-trip/"
---

--- title: "Monk-Led Meditation Retreat in Bodh Gaya – 8 Days" description: "Monk-Led Meditation Retreat in Bodh Gaya — 8 Days with Three Buddhist Traditions Buddhist Wisdom Journeys · Hosted at Wat Thai Buddhagaya & the Vietnamese Temple · Senior monks from Thailand, Sri Lanka & Vietnam · October–November 2027 Retreat Overview Duration 8 Days / 7 Nights · Bodh Gaya, Bihar Price USD 1,650 per person […]" url: "https://primevaluetours.com/monk-led-meditation-retreat-bodh-gaya/" date_modified: "2026-11-11T17:03:37+00:00" --- # Monk-Led Meditation Retreat in Bodh Gaya — 8 Days with Three Buddhist Traditions Buddhist Wisdom Journeys · Hosted at Wat Thai Buddhagaya & the Vietnamese Temple · Senior monks from Thailand, Sri Lanka & Vietnam · October–November 2027 --- ### Retreat Overview ### Duration 8 Days / 7 Nights · Bodh Gaya, Bihar ### Price USD 1,650 per person (twin sharing, excluding international airfare) ### Location Bodh Gaya, Bihar — hosted at Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Vietnamese Temple ### Teachers Three senior monks: from Thailand (Theravada), Sri Lanka (Theravada) and Vietnam (Mahayana/Zen) ### Group Size Small group of 15–20 international participants ### Accommodation Near the host temples in Bodh Gaya, twin sharing ### Meals Daily vegetarian meals, timed to respect temple rules and monastic practice ### Language English, with Thai and Vietnamese interpretation ### Dates October – November 2027 (exact dates shared on booking) --- Quick Answers ## What is the monk-led retreat in Bodh Gaya? It is an 8-day, 7-night small-group retreat in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Between 15 and 20 international participants learn meditation, mindfulness, Buddhist ethics and wisdom from three senior monks — one each from Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam — at Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Vietnamese Temple. ## How much does the monk-led retreat cost? The retreat costs USD 1,650 per person, sharing a twin room. This includes accommodation, vegetarian meals, transfers in Gaya, all teaching sessions and interpretation. International airfare is not included. ## When does the retreat take place? The first edition runs in October to November 2027. Exact dates are shared when you book. Message us on WhatsApp or LINE to reserve your place. ## Do I need meditation experience to join? No. The sessions suit beginners and experienced practitioners. You should be comfortable with an early, structured daily schedule, quiet periods and vegetarian meals. --- ### Introduction — Three Traditions, One Path Bodh Gaya is where the Buddha attained Enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. On this monk-led retreat, you do not just visit this sacred place — you stay and practise here for eight days. Each day begins in meditation and moves through teaching, guided practice, reflection and quiet time. What makes Buddhist Wisdom Journeys different is its teachers. Three senior monks — one from Thailand, one from Sri Lanka and one from Vietnam — each teach from their own tradition: Thai Theravada mindfulness of breathing, Sri Lankan Pali teachings and insight meditation, and the Vietnamese Zen practice of mindful walking and compassion. The programme honours what the traditions share while respecting how they differ. The retreat is hosted at Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Vietnamese Temple in Bodh Gaya, which guide the programme and temple etiquette. Prime Value Tours, based in Varanasi since 1999, takes care of your arrival, accommodation, meals, interpretation and on-ground support, so you can give your full attention to practice. This is a learning retreat, not an ordination programme or a sightseeing tour. The first edition is limited to 15–20 participants. --- ### Day-by-day Programme ## 01 Day ###### Arrival in Bodh Gaya — Welcome and Orientation ## Location: Gaya Airport / Gaya Junction → Bodh Gaya (approx. 15 km) ## Teacher: Welcome from the host temples and the three senior monks ## Practice: Orientation and temple etiquette ## Stay: Retreat hotel near the host temples, Bodh Gaya ## Meals: Dinner You arrive in the town where the Buddha awakened. Today is about settling in: meeting your fellow participants, the host temples and your three teachers, and learning how the retreat will run. ###### Programme: - **Arrive** at Gaya Airport or the agreed rail/road arrival point — met by the Prime Value Tours team - **Transfer** to your accommodation and check in - **Welcome briefing:** introductions to the host temples and the senior monks - **Orientation:** temple etiquette, retreat guidelines and interpretation arrangements - **Evening:** opening chanting at Wat Thai Buddhagaya \* ARRIVAL TIP: Gaya Airport (GAY) has flights from Delhi and Kolkata, and seasonal flights from Bangkok and Colombo. Share your arrival details early so we can arrange your transfer. ## 02 Day ###### The Buddha's Enlightenment and the Path ## Location: Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Mahabodhi Temple area ## Teacher: Thai senior monk — the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path ## Practice: Morning meditation and walking practice ## Stay: Retreat hotel near the host temples, Bodh Gaya ## Meals: Vegetarian meals as per the temple schedule Your first full day connects the teachings to the place. You visit the Mahabodhi Temple area, where the Buddha sat beneath the Bodhi Tree, and hear the foundations of his teaching. ###### Programme: - **Morning:** meditation and walking practice - **Visit** the Mahabodhi Temple area (subject to access rules and opening conditions) - **Teaching:** introduction to the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path - **Afternoon:** guided reflection and group discussion \* TEMPLE TIP: Wear modest, light-coloured clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Shoes are removed inside the temple area, so slip-on footwear is easiest. ## 03 Day ###### Thai Theravada Meditation — Mindfulness of Breathing ## Location: Wat Thai Buddhagaya, Bodh Gaya ## Teacher: Thai senior monk (Theravada) ## Practice: Anapanasati, sitting and walking meditation ## Stay: Retreat hotel near the host temples, Bodh Gaya ## Meals: Vegetarian meals as per the temple schedule Today the Thai tradition leads. Anapanasati, mindfulness of breathing, is one of the oldest meditation methods, and one you can continue every day at home. ###### Programme: - **Introduction** to Anapanasati and guided practice - **Teaching:** mindfulness, concentration and daily practice - **Practice:** sitting and walking meditation, with time for questions - **Evening:** reflection and optional chanting, following temple rules \* PRACTICE TIP: Bring a light shawl. Early mornings in Bodh Gaya can be cool, especially in November. ## 04 Day ###### Sri Lankan Buddhist Philosophy and Vipassana ## Location: Wat Thai Buddhagaya, Bodh Gaya ## Teacher: Sri Lankan senior monk (Theravada) ## Practice: Introduction to insight meditation ## Stay: Retreat hotel near the host temples, Bodh Gaya ## Meals: Vegetarian meals as per the temple schedule The Sri Lankan tradition brings the Pali teachings at the heart of Theravada Buddhism. The day moves from ethical foundations to the three marks of existence and a first experience of insight meditation. ###### Programme: - **Morning:** meditation and Dhamma teaching - **Teaching:** the Five Precepts and ethical living - **Teaching:** impermanence (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (dukkha) and non-self (anatta) - **Practice:** guided introduction to insight meditation, followed by discussion \* REFLECTION TIP: Keep a small notebook. Many participants find it helpful to write a few lines after each teaching session. ## 05 Day ###### Vietnamese Zen and Mindfulness ## Location: Vietnamese Temple, Bodh Gaya ## Teacher: Vietnamese senior monk (Mahayana/Zen) ## Practice: Mindful breathing, walking and tea meditation ## Stay: Retreat hotel near the host temples, Bodh Gaya ## Meals: Vegetarian meals as per the temple schedule The Vietnamese Zen tradition brings mindfulness into everyday actions — breathing, walking, eating and drinking tea. Today’s practice is gentle, slow and grounded in compassion. ###### Programme: - **Morning:** silent sitting meditation and mindful walking - **Teaching:** mindful breathing, mindful activities and compassion - **Mindful meal** practice at the Vietnamese Temple - **Afternoon:** tea meditation or another reflective practice guided by the teacher \* MINDFUL MEAL TIP: Mindful meals are eaten in silence. Tell us about any allergies in advance so your meals are prepared correctly. ## 06 Day ###### Three Traditions, Shared Foundations ## Location: Wat Thai Buddhagaya, Bodh Gaya ## Teacher: All three senior monks ## Practice: Joint meditation and moderated discussion ## Stay: Retreat hotel near the host temples, Bodh Gaya ## Meals: Vegetarian meals as per the temple schedule Today the three teachers come together. Each speaks on wisdom, compassion and ethical conduct from his own tradition, and a moderated discussion explores what the traditions share and where they differ. ###### Programme: - **Morning:** joint meditation led by the three monks, if they agree - **Teaching:** three short presentations on wisdom, compassion and ethical conduct - **Discussion:** moderated conversation between the traditions - **Afternoon:** participant questions and guided reflection \* DISCUSSION TIP: Ask your questions in English, Thai or Vietnamese. Our interpreters make sure every participant can join the conversation. ## 07 Day ###### Silence, Integration and Closing ## Location: Vietnamese Temple, Bodh Gaya ## Teacher: All three senior monks ## Practice: Extended quiet practice and walking meditation ## Stay: Retreat hotel near the host temples, Bodh Gaya ## Meals: Vegetarian meals as per the temple schedule The final full day is quieter. Extended silent practice helps you absorb the week, and the closing teaching focuses on carrying a personal practice home. ###### Programme: - **Morning:** extended quiet practice and walking meditation - **Teaching:** sustaining a personal practice after returning home - **Optional:** a nearby Buddhist site visit, only if approved and it does not disrupt the retreat - **Closing session** and certificate of participation (not a religious certification) \* QUIET DAY TIP: Keep your phone switched off during silent periods. Our team remains available for anything urgent. ## 08 Day ###### Departure — Carry the Practice Home ## Location: Bodh Gaya → Gaya Airport / Gaya Junction (approx. 15 km) ## Teacher: Farewell from the senior monks and the host temples ## Practice: Optional morning meditation ## Stay: No hotel (departure day) ## Meals: Breakfast You leave Bodh Gaya with a week of practice behind you and simple methods to continue at home. ###### Programme: - **Morning:** optional meditation - **Breakfast** and check-out - **Transfer** to Gaya Airport, the railway station or your onward destination - **Follow-up:** post-retreat feedback and practice resources \* DEPARTURE TIP: Book onward flights from late morning onwards, so you have time for the optional final meditation and the transfer to Gaya Airport. --- ### Daily Retreat Timetable (Indicative) Each day follows a steady rhythm of practice, teaching and rest. Exact session times are agreed with the host temples and the senior monks. | Time | Activity | | --- | --- | | 05:30 – 06:15 | Morning meditation | | 06:15 – 07:00 | Walking meditation / quiet practice | | 07:00 – 08:00 | Breakfast | | 08:30 – 10:00 | Main teaching session | | 10:00 – 10:30 | Break | | 10:30 – 11:30 | Guided spiritual practice | | 11:30 – 13:00 | Lunch and rest | | 13:00 – 14:30 | Personal reflection / quiet time | | 14:30 – 15:30 | Meditation session | | 15:30 – 16:00 | Break | | 16:00 – 17:00 | Discussion / questions | | 17:30 – 18:15 | Evening meditation or approved chanting | | 18:30 onwards | Dinner (if permitted), followed by quiet time | \* This timetable is a planning framework. The host temples’ schedules, monastic discipline, meal rules and the senior monks’ guidance take precedence. --- ### Retreat Cost — Price (USD Per Person) All prices in US Dollars (USD), twin sharing. International airfare is not included. The price covers accommodation, daily vegetarian meals, transfers in Gaya, all teaching sessions and interpretation. Applicable Indian taxes (GST) are added as per Government of India rates. | Room Type | Price / Person (USD) | Group Size | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Twin sharing | $1,650 | 15–20 participants | All teachings, meals and accommodation included | | Single room | On request | 15–20 participants | Subject to availability | ************ \* Payment schedule: 30% deposit to confirm your place, 40% at 90 days before departure and 30% at 45 days before departure. Minimum group size is 15 participants. If the minimum is not reached by the cut-off date, you will be offered a date change or a refund. --- ### What's Included & Not Included | WHAT'S INCLUDED | WHAT'S EXCLUDED | | --- | --- | | 7 nights hotel accommodation near the host temples (twin sharing) Daily vegetarian meals and refreshments Arrival and departure transfers in Gaya, and all programme transport All teaching and meditation sessions with the three senior monks Thai and Vietnamese interpretation (English working language) Participant kit and printed programme materials Teaching sessions at Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Vietnamese Temple, and a guided visit to the Mahabodhi Temple area Retreat manager and on-ground Prime Value Tours support Certificate of participation First-aid support and an emergency plan | International airfare Indian visa fees Travel insurance (required for all participants) Single room supplement Personal expenses, laundry and drinks Personal donations or offerings at temples (voluntary) Optional excursions not in the programme Expenses due to delays, illness or events beyond our control | --- FAQ ## Monk-Led Retreat in Bodh Gaya – Frequently Asked Questions --- Quick answers about our 8-day monk-led meditation retreat in Bodh Gaya: teachers, price, dates, the daily schedule and who it suits. ### About the Retreat & Price ### Who are the teachers? Three senior monks: one from Thailand (Theravada), one from Sri Lanka (Theravada) and one from Vietnam (Mahayana/Zen). Each is nominated by his own monastery. The retreat is hosted at Wat Thai Buddhagaya and the Vietnamese Temple in Bodh Gaya. ### How much does the monk-led retreat cost? **USD 1,650** per person, twin sharing, excluding international airfare. Single rooms are available on request. ### What is included in the price? 7 nights accommodation, daily vegetarian meals, transfers in Gaya, all teaching and meditation sessions, Thai and Vietnamese interpretation, programme materials and on-ground support. See the full list above. ### How many people join the retreat? The first edition is limited to 15–20 international participants. A minimum of 15 participants is needed for the retreat to run. ### The Retreat Experience ### Do I need meditation experience? No. The sessions suit beginners and experienced practitioners. You should be comfortable with an early, structured daily schedule, quiet periods and vegetarian meals. ### What language are the teachings in? English is the working language, with Thai and Vietnamese interpretation for every session. ### What is a typical day like? The day starts with meditation at 5:30 am and includes a main teaching session, guided practice, a meditation session, discussion and quiet time. It ends with evening meditation or chanting. ### Is this a religious ordination or certification? No. It is a learning retreat. You receive a certificate of participation, which is not a religious certification. ### Dates & Booking ### When does the retreat take place? The first edition runs in October – November 2027. Exact dates are shared when you book. ### Can I book now? Yes. Message us on WhatsApp or LINE to reserve your place. A 30% deposit confirms your booking. ### What happens if the minimum group size is not reached? You will be offered a date change or a refund, according to the booking terms. Still have a question? [WhatsApp us at +91-9794122849](https://wa.me/919794122849) or [chat with us on LINE](https://line.me/ti/p/6QtZRvYpeP). --- ### Book Your Place The first edition of Buddhist Wisdom Journeys is limited to 15–20 participants. Message us on WhatsApp at +91-9794122849 or on LINE to reserve your place — a 30% deposit confirms your booking. Prime Value Tours has supported Buddhist pilgrims in India since 1999. ## HEAD OFFICE Prime Value Tours Pvt. Ltd. - [+91-9794122849](tel:+919794122849) - [Line](https://line.me/ti/p/6QtZRvYpeP) - [info@primevaluetours.com](mailto:info@primevaluetours.com) ## INDIA OFFICE Delhi - [+91-9794122849](tel:+919794122849) - [WhatsApp](https://wa.me/919794122849) ## ONLINE - [https://primevaluetours.com/](https://primevaluetours.com/) - @PrimeValueTours - @PrimeValueTours - [Line](https://line.me/ti/p/6QtZRvYpeP) - [info@primevaluetours.com](mailto:info@primevaluetours.com)