Highlights
- Visit birth place of Buddha
- Cultural sites around Kathmandu
- Natural beauty around Pokhara
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal Overview
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal is a holy holiday which includes Buddhist holy sites, historical sites in Kathmandu, worth visiting places in Pokhara and sacred garden in Lumbini. We have carefully designed an itinerary so that you will have a best experience from holiday and inspiration from Buddhist philosophy to positive change in you.
The Shakyamuni Buddha, Siddhartha Gautam was born to the south of Nepal Lumbini 523 BC. The Lumbini is the origin of Budhism.The Swyambhunath, Boudhanath stupas are believed to have been built with the relics of Buddha. The Buddhist people like to visit them once in their life time.
City tour in Kathmandu:
Kathmandu is a historical and cultural city. Is has 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites around the city. The Pagoda style multi roof temple, the stone and metal carving and wood carving are amazing. You will see centuries old magnificent carving just everywhere in the temple. The people, culture will make your holiday life lasting memorable.
Pokhara city tour:
Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal includes sightseeing in Pokhara. It has a stunning view to Himalaya to the north and wonder places are there around downtown. You will visit Tibetan refugee center and some Gumpa as well as. The reflecting Annapurna in fewa lake, David falls, Seti Gorge, and caves are the best sightseeing spots.
Besides the tour sites, there are many caves where the great masters of Buddhism were meditated. Student, researchers who would like to investigate, research about Buddhism, it could be a best place. There are different Gumpas which represents different sect of Buddhism like Mahayana (the Great Vehicle), Therabada (Teachings of the Elders), Mountain Buddhism etc.
Optional sites which can be add in packages
Halasi Maratika cave (Halesi Mahadev):
The Maratika Caves (the Haleshi Mahadev) is about 200km east from Kathmandu. The Buddhist (Vajrayana sect) people believe that Guru Padmasambhava had meditated to this cave before went to Tibet. The area surrounding by three hills that are sacred to the Lords of the Three Families: Avalokiteshvara, Vajrapani, and Manjushri. The Hindu people also visit as sacred site, Lord Shiva temple. The center of the area is marked by Avalokiteshvara Hill, the site of the two main caves where the Mahaguru practiced with Mandarava. Vajrapani Hill is to the west and Manjushri Hill is to the east. The entire cave complex forms a natural mandala, a space alive with a host of enlightened forces. The Upper part is Cave of Maratika. At the main sacred cave of Maratika, there is a large rock naturally shaped like a vase, said to be the tsebum—the long-life vase that Amitayus placed on the heads of Guru Rinpoché and Mandarava to bless them with immortality.
Namo Boudha (Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Temple):
It is situated 40km southeast of Kathmandu. The monastery situated at a hilltop with amazing view to mountain and valley. The Buddha's birthday, many Buddhist followers go there to pray as a special day.
According to the old legend, 6000 years ago, prince (Mahasatwo/Ngingdui Tshenpo), at the top of the hill, looking the jungle, discovers a tigress lying near the rock. Very quickly, he realizes that the tigress was about to die due to hunger with her five little babies still sucking milk from her, survivals of the babies depend on their mother. Mahasatwo, decides to give his life to the tigress in a bust of love and compassion. So Prince Mahasatwo cuts his body to present his warm blood in the mouth of the mother tiger, and the taste of blood gives the appetite to the starving family. As the tigress accepts the sacrifice from prince she leaves only the bones. The bones of prince were brought back in the village and buried in the tomb which is actual stupa of Namo Buddha. Some about 3500 years later, the Gautam Buddha came in the village of Sange da Fyafulsa, He conducts 3 tour around the Stupa before he declared that he was the reincarnation of prince Mahasatwo. It was the moment that Gautam Buddha renamed this village which is henceforth the name of Namo Buddha which means Homage to Buddha.
Recommended hotel in Kathmandu: Green Eco Resort
Outline Itinerary
Kathmandu- Lumbini- Pokhara- Kathmandu
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrive In Nepal- Hotel - Boudhaath- Dinner
We will be waiting at Nepal airport upon your arrival. Welcome you as per Buddhist culture and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the welcome drink and at the same time your guide will brief the program. Take a free look around (If your time permits we will drive to Boudhanath to see the butter lamp lighting and the traditional Buddhist people walking around the Stupa). Later in the evening we will organize a cultural Nepali dinner at Nepali restaurant. Return to Hotel and night rest at Hotel.
Transfer: By private car vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel in the city center
Meal: welcome dinner at Nepali restaurant
Taken care by: City tour guide.
Boudhanath stupa:
it is situated to the north of Kathmandu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1979). This is the holiest pilgrimage site to the Buddhist that they believe to entomb the remain of Buddha. The pilgrims walk around the Stupa to show their devotion to the GOD. The stupa was built in (590-604CE) by Lichhavi King Shiva Dev. It was damaged by 2015 earthquake and now it is renovated already.There are more than 50 Gumpas around the giant stupa.
UNESCO World Heritage site tour- Swyambhunath- Kopan - Pashupatinath - Pharping
Breakfast will be serving at hotel. Your tour guide will pick you up from hotel and drive to Kopan Monastery (University of Tibetan Buddhism). Explore around the Gumpa and you may talk to Lama and Nuns. Later you will proceed to UNESCO World Heritage Site Pashupatinath and Swyambhunath Stupa. After lunch drive to Pharping where Guru Padmasambhava medidated before went to Tibet. Evening back to Hotel and night rest.
Transfer: By private vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel in the city center
Taken care by: City tour guide.
Activities: Sightseeing around the city.
Swyambhunath Stupa:
The 'self-sprung' Stupa probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu. For Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it is second only to Boudha. It is located to the west of Kathmnadu at a 70m hillock. THe stupa is situated over the vast round dome. Buddha eyes (2 ever seeing eyes) wisely looking out over the peaceful valley
Kopan Gumpa (Monastery):
Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist (Mahayana) monastery is situated to the north of Kathmnadu. It is a member of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international network of Gelugpa dharma centers, and once served as its headquarters. It was established in 1969 AD. The Monastery is famous for Buddhist teaching to the foreigners.
Pashupatinath:
A Multi story Pagoda temple Pashupatinath is situated to the north east of Kathmandu at the bank of Bagmati river. Pashupatinath is the supreme GOD of the Hindus, Shiva temple. The history of the temple is dates back to 400BC. The major festivals are Maha Shiva Ratri, Haritalika, Bala Chaturdasi etc.
Fly To Lumbini - Sacred garden-
Breakfast will be serving at Hotel. Drive to domestic airport and fly to Bhairahawa. Your car will be waiting at airport and transfer to Lumbini. Transfer to hotel and check in. Dinner will be in a hotel/ restaurant.
Transfer: By private vehicle/ Domestic flight
Accommodation: Hotel near sacred garden
Taken care by: City tour guide.
Activities: Sight seeing around the city.
Lumbini:
Lumbinī south of Nepal is the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha. Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Sidharth in 563BC. These days there are more than 20 Monasteries within the sacred garden including The Royal Thai Monastery, Nepal Theravada Buddha Vihar, Myanmar Golden Temple, International Gautami Nuns Temple, Sri Lankan Monastery, Dhamma Janani Vipassana Center,Mahayana Buddhist monasteries, Japanese Monastery, Vietnam monastery, Chinese Monastery, Pandirarama Lumbini International Meditation Center.
Note: There is a good road to Lumbini from Kathmandu. It will take 8-9 hr from Kathmandu by car/ van. The flight would take about 1hr.
Explore around - Mayadevi temple - Tilaurakot - Peace Stupa
Wake up early in the morning and walk to Maya Devi temple (birth place of Lord Buddha) and greet to Shakya Muni Buddha and his mother Mayadevi. After visit the sacred garden, back to hotel for breakfast. Drive to Tilaurakot the palace of Siddharthga
.Transfer: By private vehicle/
Accommodation: Hotel near sacred garden
Taken care by: City tour guide.
Activities: Sight seeing around the city.
Maya Devi Temple:
The Maya Devi Temple is the marker point where queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddharthan Gautam in 563BC. It is the spiritual heat of Lumbini (Buddhism). Inside the Maya Devi temple, one can see the marker stone.
Tilaurakot:
The palace of Siddhartha from where he
had a great escape. Maya Devi gave
birth to Siddhartha Gautam in 563BC. It is the spiritual heat of
Lumbini (Buddhism).
Fly To Pokhara - Peace pagoda
Take a breakfast at Hotel in Lumbini and later drop to domestic airport and fly to Pokhara. Check in to Hotel and later after refreshment drive World Peace pagoda. You will have a bird eye view to Pokhara and Himalayan to the north. Later drive to city sightseeing around the city. Later back to Hotel and night rest.
Transfer: By flight/ private car
Accommodation: Hotel near lake side
Taken care by: City tour guide.
Activities: Sightseeing tour
Pokhara:
Pokhara city, gateway to Annapurna is also known as a naturalist paradise. Pokhara offers a varieties of adventure like Boating, Rafting, Paragliding, Hiking, cycling etc. Hike to Peace Pagoda or Sarangkot are amazing with the brilliant view to Annapurna series and Pokhara downtown.
World Peace Pagoda:
World Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda-style monument on Anadu Hill west of Pokhar city. It was build by Nipponzan Myohoji sonin at an altitude of 1100m. It is one of the tourist attraction with a panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city and Fewa Lake.
Note: There is a good road to Pokhara from Lumbini. It will take about 7-8 hr drive by private vehicle. Flight will take about 45m.
Return To Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Pharping
Wake up early in the morning and drive to Sarangkot which offers a stunning view to Annapurna Himalayan range. Enjoy the sunrise, take enough pictures and return to hotel. Take a breakfast and later transfer to airport and fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel and after refreshment, Drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Evening enjoy your favorite restaurant for dinner and later night rest at hotel.
Transfer: By Domestic flight/ private car
Accommodation: Hotel in the city center
Taken care by: City tour guide.
Activities: Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar square
Thia is the most worth visiting tourist spot (UNESCO World Heritage site) in Kathmandu valley. It is also popular as a open museum with live culture. Itr is an ancient city and is renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture, colorful festivals, traditional dances and indigenous lifestyle.
Note: If you take a drive back from Pokhara it would take 6-7 hr and flight would be about 25m.
Transfer to airport- Sweet home
After breakfast at hotel, take a free time around downtown for shopping souvenir and or etc. After a wonderful Nepal tour, we will transfer to airport for the final departure. We wish you all smooth return to home. Sweet home.
Transfer: By private car/ van as per group size
Taken care by: City tour guide.
Whats Included?
Accommodation
- Accommodation at hotel in the city center on BB.
Other
- City Sightseeing as per mention in the itinerary.
- Escorted by English speaking city tour guide.
Whats not Included?
Not Included
- Meal in the city (lunch and dinner)
- Monastery or temple and monument entrance fees.
- International flights, visa and departure taxes
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation (Should cover your insurance)
- Tips and gratuities (crew will expect the tipping)
- Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry
- All the expenses in except mentioned in include section
- Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of AATE.
Travel Infos
The basic details about the tour
Tour Guide:
Guide is the major part to make your holiday smooth and meaningful. We will provide an English speaking and well-experienced city tour guide. The guide keeps good knowledge about Buddhism, culture, and history of Nepal. If you require a language speaking guide, you can send us an email prior to your arrival.
Accommodations:
There are all class hotel are available in Nepal. Please do let us know as per your budget and expectations. We will give you some of the best recommendation and once you will agree, we will book them to your accommodation.
Meal:
Nepal offers wide variety of food (vegetarian, Nepali, Chinese or continental) choices. We will organize food as per your request.
Vehicle:
Good condition vehicle fully air-conditioned and a well-experienced driver.
Clothing:
Please write to us for clothing recommendations before you go to Nepal.
Payments:
We will require 25% of advance payment to confirm the booking. The rest of the money you can pay after you arrive in Nepal.
Booking:
We require an Email including (arrival date, passport name and not of person) details. We will book all services and send you the confirmation email. With 25% of advance payment the booking will be confirmed.
Others options:
Meditation, Yoga courses, Mountain flight, Nepali cooking class, Day hiking.