In the quiet hills of Nuwakot, about an hour’s drive from Kathmandu, something gentle and meaningful is taking shape. At an altitude of around 1,800 meters, where mornings begin with birds singing and the first light of sunrise, Dhamma Nibha is slowly emerging: a new Vipassana meditation center rooted in simplicity, silence, and strong volition.

For those arriving in Nepal, the journey to Dhamma Nibha is simple. From Tribhuvan International Airport, the road winds upward toward Kakani, leaving behind the noise of the city. A small city office in Kathmandu helps coordinate logistics, but once one reaches the site, the atmosphere naturally invites stillness. Fresh air, open skies, and long views of the surrounding hills support the mind in settling inward.

A Vision Taking Form

Dhamma Nibha is being developed on five acres of land, guided by a clear and thoughtful master plan. The vision is to create a center that can support both deep, long-term practice for old students and regular 10-day courses for new meditators.

When completed, the center will consist of two main blocks:

A long and special course block, designed for around 80 old students, where longer and more intensive courses can be held in a supportive, secluded environment.
A 10-day course block, with capacity for approximately 200 students, where regular 10-day courses and shorter courses—such as one-day and three-day courses, children’s courses, and mini Anapana programs—will take place.

Each block is envisioned to function independently, with its own Dhamma hall, pagoda, dining hall, and essential facilities. Together, these spaces will allow Dhamma Nibha to serve an estimated 1,500 students each year.

Dhamma Already in Practice

Even as construction continues, the Dhamma is already being shared. Since February 2025, 10-day courses for male students have been held regularly, beginning on the 8th of each month. What started very humbly, with a small tent accommodating just 10 meditators, has gradually expanded. Temporary facilities now allow courses for 20 students, and participation from local students has been strong and encouraging.

So far, eight 10-day courses have been completed, and the ninth is scheduled this month, December 2025. Due to limited facilities, courses are currently offered only for male students. However, work on accommodation for female students is nearing completion, and there is sincere hope that courses for women can begin in early 2026.

In addition to the regular 10-day courses, one-day mini Anapana programs are being offered to children from nearby schools. Small but meaningful steps in planting seeds of awareness and sila in the younger generation.

The VCF has been glad to support this sincere effort, through the volition of international old students. During this year, VCF has offered two grants toward the development of Dhamma Nibha, in harmony with its purpose of supporting the spread of Vipassana in regions where strong local volition is already present. If you feel moved to support this initiative, read more here.

Looking Ahead

Once fully established, Dhamma Nibha plans to offer a rich and balanced course schedule, including long and special courses, Satipatthana Sutta courses, regular 10-day courses, and shorter refresher programs. The intention is clear: to provide a stable, conducive environment where meditators can deepen their understanding of anicca, work patiently with sankharas, and grow in equanimity and wisdom.

What is unfolding at Dhamma Nibha is not just a construction project. It is the gradual expression of collective volition, of service, dana, and gratitude toward the Dhamma. Brick by brick, course by course, the center is becoming a place where many can walk the path toward liberation.

Please explore the photographs below to catch a glimpse of this journey in progress. May the merits of all efforts here be shared with all beings. May many benefit.