Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Summary

Trip Summary

Label	Detail
Geography	Hills/Terai
Location	Kathmandu Valley/Lumbini Region
Level Of Difficulty	Easy
Duration	8 Days
Max Aaltitude	1750m
Religion	Hinduism/Buddhism
Ethnic People	Indigenous
Accommodation	Hotels/Lodges
Transportation	Private Car
Minimum Pax	2 people

Trip Summary

Label	Detail
Geography	Hills/Terai
Location	Kathmandu Valley/Lumbini Region
Level Of Difficulty	Easy
Duration	8 Days
Max Aaltitude	1750m
Religion	Hinduism/Buddhism
Ethnic People	Indigenous
Accommodation	Hotels/Lodges
Transportation	Private Car
Minimum Pax	2 people

Detail Information

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Highlights

A cultural tour of major Buddhist sites around Kathmandu valley.
An overview tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.
Scenic overnight stays in Namo Buddha and Kopan Monastery.
An overview tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lumbini.
An adventurous ride to/from the Lumbini zone.

Known all around the world as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Nepal enjoys being the hub for both tourists and pilgrims willing to explore the roots of Buddhism. Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour combines numerous pristine Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and historical sites to those seeking peace and serenity amid the breath-taking landscapes of the culturally rich Nepal.

The 8-day Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour commences in Kathmandu city followed by an ultimate tour of the major Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural sites throughout the valley. You’ll first drive up to Namo Buddha via Dhulikhel, an ancient Newar town inside Kathmandu valley. Namo Buddha, originally called Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located on a luxuriant hill surrounding Kathmandu valley.

Being one of the three major Buddhist stupas in the valley, the place holds a popular folktale related to Gautam Buddha. The legend is that Buddha in his previous life gave away his body to the starving tigress and her cubs at the site. After Namo Buddha, you’ll travel to the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath, and will also explore the sacred sites of Kapan Monastery and White Gumba (Druk Amitabh Monastery), respectively.

Later, the pilgrimage tour advances to Lumbini, situated in the warm Terai region of western Nepal. You’ll get to explore Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, as you visit Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, World Peace Stupa, and numerous Buddhist stupas around the vicinity.

Afterward, you’ll travel back to Kathmandu where the tour concedes. Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour is the perfect trip for travelers seeking an insight of Buddhism in Nepal whilst enjoying the varying landscapes of the gorgeous country. Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour can be undertaken throughout the year, however, the spring and autumn seasons guarantee the best weather and accessibility.

Nepal Alibaba Treks and Tours specializes in customized treks and overland tours throughout Nepal. We conduct all kinds of tours at a reasonable cost. Our full-board tour package covers entire transportation, quality meal and hotels, an experienced guide, permits, and the entire logistics.

Itinerary Summary

Outline

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival | Welcome Dinner

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, one of our representatives will warmly receive you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Once at the hotel, you’ll meet your tour guide and discuss the trip in detail. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Namo Buddha via Dhulikhel

On the first leg of the cultural tour, you’ll head to one of the major Buddhist sites in Kathmandu valley. You’ll drive southeast through the Araniko Highway from Kathmandu to Namo Buddha via the Newar town of Dhulikhel. You can explore the religious site of Namo Buddha and also enjoy the majestic panorama of mountains as you converse with the student monks living in the monastery. Overnight stay at the monastery hostel in Namo Budhha.

Day 03: Drive back to Kathmandu and visit Boudhanath, Kapan Monastery

Today, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu city and head straight to Boudhanath Stupa. There you can witness one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and can also relish the local Tibetan cuisines, including Salt Tea. You can find many Buddhist pilgrims circumambulating the stupa. Afterward, you’ll drive further east towards the hilltop monastery, Kapan Monastery. One of the premier Buddhist teaching centers, Kapan Monastery organizes meditation camps each year which attract a large number of Buddhism enthusiasts. Overnight at Kapan Monastery.

Day 04: Visit Swayambhunath and White Gompa, Ramkot

The day will begin by paying a visit to another popular Buddhist pilgrimage site which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lying atop a hill in the center of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the country. After enjoying a panoramic view of Kathmandu from the top of the hill, you will drive 5km northwest to White Monastery (Druk Amitabh Monastery), which lies in the forested area of Nagarjuna Hill. Ranked among the largest monasteries in Nepal, the oldest relic found in the site dates back to 1200 AD. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 05: Drive to Lumbini

After touring the Kathmandu valley, you’ll embark on a long road journey to the southwest of Nepal. You’ll depart early and drive 260km to the religious site of Lumbini located in Rupandehi district in the Terai region of Nepal, close to the Indian border. Enjoying varieties of landscapes from lush hills to snaky rivers too wide paddy fields, you’ll pass through the popular towns of Narayangadh, Kawasoti, and Butwal en route. Overnight stay at a hotel in Lumbini.

Day 06: Lumbini Sightseeing

Today, you’ll indulge in a complete cultural tour of Lumbini. The tour begins with the visit to the ancient site of Maya Devi Temple which is also known as the exact birth site of Gautama Buddha. The temple stands adjacent to a sacred pond, Bodhi tree, and a garden. The site was visited by Emperor Ashoka in 3rd BCE who built the popular Ashoka Pillar in the temple’s vicinity. Today, it remains one of the major tourist landmarks in the area. Afterward, you’ll head out and explore the nearby sacred garden, stupas, and archaeological sites. Lumbini also houses a white stupa ‘Peace Pagoda’ built by Nipponzan Myohoji monks. Overnight at a hotel in Lumbini.

Day 07: Drive back to Kathmandu

Leaving the serene Lumbini behind, you’ll retrace your path and drive back to Kathmandu. You’ll drive along the plain landscape of Terai through Mahendra Highway and cross numerous forested areas, colorful towns, and massive rivers. You’ll then drive through Prithvi Highway until reaching Kathmandu. Once at Kathmandu, you’ll be escorted to your hotel for the overnight stay.

Day 08: Departure

Today you’ll be driven to Tribhuvan International Airport to catch your flight back home.

Print Itinerary

Costs Includes and Excludes

Cost Includes

All Airports/Hotel transfers by private vehicle.
Accommodation in 3 stars category Hotels in Kathmandu and in other available places with Breakfast.
We provide transportation for your whole tour.
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during your tour days.
Entrance ticket fees for National Parks and Conservation Area entry.
All government officials and authorization necessary fees for your travel purpose.
Tour guide
All your travel and rescue arrangements. (during any emergencies)
First Aid Kits and Medical supplies.
Welcome or Farewell dinner programs.

Cost Excludes

Nepal entry Visa fee and charges in Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. Visit
http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
International Air Fare to and from Kathmandu, Nepal.
Extra Night accommodation and meals during your early arrival, late departure as well as any domestic
flight delays (due to any specified reasons).
Extra luggage charges.
Other any your personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks,
bottled/boiled waters, hot shower, etc.
Other food items than normal meals as specified.
All your travel and rescue insurance in emergency situations.
Personal buying and souvenirs.
Tips during your hotels and restaurant visit.
To purchase or rent any type of equipment or gears for personal use.
To purchase special medicines and kits.