Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

The second day of the tour will begin with an early breakfast at the hotel restaurant before meeting with the tour guide. From there, we will embark on a journey to Namobuddha, located approximately 40 km southeast of Kathmandu city. Namobuddha is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, home to a stupa built over the bones and hair of Prince Mahasattva, one of Shakyamuni Buddha’s former incarnations who sacrificed himself to feed a starving tigress and her cubs as said by the legend. The stupa commemorates this selfless act, and visitors can also explore stone engravings depicting the Buddha’s compassionate gesture.

After spending 2 hours immersed in this holy place, we will return to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (approx. 1.5 hour drive) for lunch and exploration of the local area. We will visit the Golden Gate, 55 Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya Temple, National Art Gallery, Pottery Square, and more as the local guide shares insights into Newari culture and lifestyle. Following our visit, we will proceed your journey onward to Nagarkot (approx. 1 hour drive), a renowned destination famed for its breathtaking mountain views and stunning sunrise vistas. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Nagarkot. 

After an early breakfast and check-out from the hotel at Nagarkot, we will begin your journey to Sauraha, Chitwan, approximately a five and a half hour drive. Along the way, we’ll take a short tea break at around 9:30 am, where you can enjoy Nepali black tea, masala tea, or local coffee (payment on your own). Upon arrival in Chitwan around 12:00 noon, we will check-in to the hotel and have a brief rest for 30 minutes. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy lunch at the hotel before proceeding for the tour in Chitwan. Chitwan, located in the Terai region of Nepal, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. Home to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this region offers diverse wildlife including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, and numerous bird species. We’ll first enjoy the elephant riding experience, then in the evening, you can immerse yourself in Tharu cultural dance performances before enjoying dinner at the hotel. Finally, we’ll spend the night in the comfort of our hotel in Chitwan. The package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We’ll start the day in Chitwan with a refreshing wakeup call from the hotel, followed by a hearty breakfast to energize you for the day ahead. We will be engaged in a series of exciting activities, including canoeing, a visit to the elephant breeding center, invigorating jungle walks, and immersive Tharu village tours. While jeep safaris are optional and self-paid, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset in the evening. We will then return to the hotel for a delicious dinner, and rest assured, your meals will be served punctually throughout the day. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Chitwan, filled with unforgettable experiences.

Begin your day with a wake-up call followed by breakfast at the hotel restaurant. After checking out, embark on a scenic drive to Lumbini, covering approximately 149 km (4.5 hours). Lumbini, located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal, holds immense significance as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts pilgrims and travelers from all corners of the globe seeking spiritual enlightenment and tranquility. The sacred Maya Devi Temple marks the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, was born. Surrounding the temple complex are lush gardens, monasteries, and stupas donated by Buddhist communities worldwide, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Visitors can explore the historical Asoka Pillar and the peaceful Lumbini Grove, experiencing a profound sense of reverence and connection to the teachings of Buddhism. 

Along the way to Lumbini, immerse yourself in the sights of typical Nepali villages and observe local life bustling along the highway. Upon arrival at Lumbini, you will check into your hotel and unwind for an hour before venturing out to explore the surroundings of the city. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Experience the serene beauty of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, on our guided tour. Begin your day with a wake-up call and a stroll through the picturesque farmlands of Telar and Dano floodplains. You can catch a glimpse of various species of birds such as the Sarus Crane, Indian Spotted Eagle, Gyps, etc. as well as mammals like the Asiatic Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat and Grey Mongoose. You will then return to the hotel for breakfast before exploring Lumbini Garden and visiting the sacred Maya Devi Temple. The Maya Devi Temple is a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site, marking the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It stands on the spot where Queen Maya Devi is believed to have given birth to Prince Siddhartha while holding onto a sal tree. The temple houses an ancient marker stone and a sacred pond where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathed before giving birth. 

You can discover the historic Asoka Pillar, erected by Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 249 B.C, who visited Lumbini to pay homage to the great Buddha. After that, you will have lunch at a Chinese restaurant followed by a leisurely nap at the hotel. In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Lumbini Garden, home to grand monasteries representing various national styles. Visit the Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara, a Tibetan gompa established by His Eminence Chogya Trichen Rinpoche and the King of Mustang. Witness the daily Tara Puja conducted by resident monks and experience the spiritual essence of the place. Conclude your day with a peaceful dinner and a leisurely stroll through the local market. Retreat for the night at the hotel, rejuvenated by the tranquility of Lumbini.

Begin your day with a wake-up call and a delightful breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Embark on a scenic journey to Pokhara via the Palpa-Syangja highway (5 hour drive), with a memorable stop at Butwal Buspark along the way. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes as we drive towards our destination, with a traditional Nepali lunch during the journey. Pokhara, nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, is a serene and picturesque city known for its stunning natural beauty. With the serene Phewa Lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges, Pokhara offers a tranquil escape for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure alike. With its vibrant culture, breathtaking views, adventurous sports, and other diverse attractions, Pokhara promises an unforgettable experience amidst nature’s grandeur. Upon reaching Pokhara, we’ll visit the renowned Devi’s Fall before proceeding directly to our hotel. In the evening, we will take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Lakeside. We shall conclude the day with a delightful dinner and comfortable overnight stay in Pokhara.

Our day will begin with a wakeup call from the hotel, preparing to depart at 4:50 am for Sarangkot, a hilltop spot offering panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre mountains, and a breathtaking sunrise. It is a popular spot for trekking and paragliding while witnessing the natural beauty of the valley. On our way back to the hotel, we shall tour Bindabasini temple, one of the oldest and most revered Hindu temples in Nepal.Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple attracts devotees and visitors seeking blessings and spiritual solace, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the picturesque Pokhara Valley. 

Following breakfast, we will head to Phewa Lake, where a private boat will ferry us to the opposite shore, marking the beginning of a scenic two-hour hike to the World Peace Pagoda. The World Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa, is a 115 feet tall symbol of peace and tranquility located atop Anadu Hill in Pokhara. It offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range, Phewa Lake, and the Pokhara Valley. Then, we will enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time in the afternoon for optional adventure activities such as paragliding, zip-lining, or ultralight flight (self-paid). The day will end with dinner and an overnight stay in Pokhara. 

This day will begin with  a refreshing breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant before checking out and heading towards Kathmandu (approximately 200 km from Pokhara). Along the way, we can observe the urban lifestyle of the Nepalese inhabitants. During the journey, we’ll encounter the country’s first cable car, leading to the revered Hindu goddess Manakamana. Enjoy a short tea break before continuing the drive. Upon reaching the Kathmandu valley, our first stop is the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, steeped in history dating back 2500 years. As one of the largest stupas globally, it serves as a significant religious center for the Tibetan community. We can witness Tibetan monks circling the stupa while spinning prayer wheels. 

We shall end the day with dinner at a Chinese restaurant near Boudhanath Stupa before returning to the hotel for check-in. The evening is reserved for unwinding and relaxing. You may indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage with Nepalese herbs and oil to drive away the tiredness (self-paid). This therapeutic massage not only relaxes the body by improving blood circulation but also detoxifies it, promoting overall well-being. Enjoy this rejuvenating experience before retiring for the night in Kathmandu.

Begin your day with a wake-up call and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel restaurant. We’ll then proceed to a sacred cave revered by followers of Guru Rinpoche, situated above the village of Pharping near Kathmandu. Known as the ‘Upper Cave of Yangleshö’, this site holds deep spiritual significance. Renowned master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche restored the cave in the late 1980s and early 1990s, establishing the Pema Ösel Ling monastery and three-year retreat center nearby. Inside the cave, three main images are enshrined: Guru Rinpoche, Yangdak Heruka, and Vajrakilaya. The monastery, encompassing the cave, stands as the largest in the country. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to meet with a spiritual mentor, engage in meditation, and possibly stay on the premises to immerse ourselves in the spiritual ambiance. 

Afterward, we’ll return to the city for lunch before visiting Kopan Monastery. Founded in the late 1960s by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Kopan Monastery serves as a hub for Buddhist study, meditation, and retreat. It welcomes monks, nuns, and practitioners from the Himalayan region and beyond. Kopan embodies the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, offering teachings aimed at achieving ultimate happiness and liberation from suffering. The monastery’s serene ambiance makes it an ideal place for introspection and rejuvenation. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel, allowing time for a leisurely stroll through the city and its bustling markets. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Begin your day with a rejuvenating wake-up call, followed by an invigorating one-hour yoga session in an open space/yoga hall (complimentary). Return to the hotel for a nourishing breakfast. Today, you may indulge in a leisurely exploration of Kathmandu’s cultural treasures. Join us for a visit to the handmade thangka art galleries, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich history and craftsmanship behind these intricate artworks. Next, you can venture to a Nepali local handmade Pashmina factory, where you’ll witness the meticulous process of crafting Pashmina scarves and sweaters. You can continue your cultural excursion with a visit to workshops showcasing handmade antique brass and silver statues, guided by professional experts who will provide insightful introductions at each location. Please note that all self-guided activities require separate payment. In the evening, you can savor a traditional Nepali dinner accompanied by a captivating cultural show, compliments of the tour. Lastly, you will retreat to your accommodations for a restful overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Enjoy an early breakfast before checking out from the hotel and heading to the international airport for your departure.