The Shechen Retreat Center is located a few miles from the sacred pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, Nepal. It is a perfect location – a secluded and peaceful hilltop a little higher than Namo Buddha with view of the Himalayas. The houses are built in the Nepali architectural style. On one side of the land there is a cloister and temple for eight monks who are in the traditional three-year retreat.

As one group of monks complete the retreat, another is ready to begin. They receive extensive teachings before and during the retreat from Yangsi Rinpoche, Rabjam Rinpoche, and other teachers. Recently the positive effects of long-term meditation practices and mind training have been studied by neuro-scientists. Some of the monks who have completed the retreats are participating in these studies.

Dotted around the land are small hermitages for elderly practitioners and yogis who are part of the Shechen community. The center provides an opportunity for the teachings of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to be practiced in-depth. Retreat facilities are not available for outside visitors.