Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 9 Days

“Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour-A journey to spirituality” 

Buddhism, a symbol of peace, is one of the prime religion of Nepal. The land of Nepal has always been sacred and auspicious being birth place of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha (Sakyamuni Buddha), along with Kanakmuni Buddha and Krakuchanda Buddha. The different places of Nepal including Kathmandu valley has always become a holy land being meditated by the spiritual Gurus including Padmasambav, Milarepa, Naropa, Tilopa and many other sages. It is believed that the great Padmasambav practiced the trantrism at the bank of Bishnumati River, and meditate at the cave in Pharping before travelling to Tibet. Kathmandu valley and its surrounding has always become a center of religion. Here lies numerous sacred places having certain myth. Hence, Buddhist Pilgrimage tour is designed with a motive to explore the spiritual sites, meditation caves, monasteries and stupas of Nepal. The pilgrimage tour starts with visit of most peaceful destination-Swyambhu Stupa, Boudha Stupa and Kapan Monastery, representing Lamastic Buddhism of Nepal. You will also explore some of the caves at the Pashupatinath Temple Square where, the spiritual Gurus- Naropa and Tilopa did meditation and enlightened. Namobuddha reminds the spot where Lord Buddha, as a prince in his pre-birth before Buddha, sacrifice every part of his body to fed tigress and cub. The most exciting and spiritual journey is entering to the land of Buddhas which starts with visit of Lumbini (the birth place of Lord Buddha), Taulihawa as Kapilvastu (palace of Prince Siddhartha), Gotihawa (a place where Krakuchanda Buddha born and receive Nirvana), Niglihawa (a birthplace of Kanakmuni Buddha), Ramagrama (stupa having relic of Lord Buddha), Kudan (a mound of structural ruins: where Lord Buddha meet with his father-King Suddodhana for the first time, after enlighten as Buddha) and many other archaeological sites defining the land of Lord Buddha. Lets’ plan and make your journey in the serene land of Light of Asia-The Lord Buddha.

Outline Itinenary: 
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel 
Day 02: Sightseeing of Swyambhu Stupa, Kapan Monastery and Boudhanath Stupa
Day 03: Sightseeing of Pashupatinath temple (Cave of Niropa and Tilopa at Suryaghat), drive to Namobuddha and back to Dhulikhel.
Day 04: Drive back to Kathmandu via sightseeing tour in Patan Durbar Square and Pharping Monastery and cave 
Day 05: Drive to Lumbini via visit of Ramagrama and visit Birth Place of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha, Monasteries and Museum 
Day 06: Sightseeing of Kudan, Sagrahawa, Niglihawa, Gotihawa, araurakot and Kapilvastu, twin stupa and back to Lumbini 
Day 07: Drive to Pokhara via Palpa Tansen, Visit of Peace Stupa 
Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 09: Departure

Costs

What is included? 
🟢Airport transfer with an escort in a private vehicle. 
🟢4 nights’ accommodation at 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast in twin accommodation 
🟢1 night’s accommodation at 3 star Hotel in Dhulikhel with breakfast on twin sharing basis 
🟢2 night’s accommodation at 3 star Hotel in Lumbini with Breakfast on twin sharing basis 
🟢1 night’s accommodation at 3 star Hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast on twin sharing basis 
🟢Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu by English speaking local guide 
🟢Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with cultural dance show 
🟢Farewell Dinner at authentic restaurant in Thamel Kathmandu 
🟢Round trip transfer as per the itinerary in a private vehicle 
🟢All government and local taxes as applicable 

What is not included? 
🔴Nepal Visa - (Cost- US$- 30 for 15 days & $- 50 for 30 days) 
🔴Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu (Except welcome/farewell dinner) 
🔴Travel insurance 
🔴Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or coca-cola), cost of extra meals, snacks, phones bills, Internet, WiFi, laundry etc. 
🔴The cost incurred during emergencies, evacuations 
🔴Tips for Guide/porters/driver ... 
🔴Anything not included in “What is Included”

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel

The first view of Nepal from the window of your plane could be a lifetime memorable view as the clear wide and white range of Himalayas shine straight in-front of your eyes. The ecstatic beauty is so rare that you won’t be able to blink your eyes. Welcome to Nepal; a large heaven within this small planet Earth. On your arrival in Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representative will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day trip. In the evening, we, the Hiking Nepal will offer you a welcome dinner introducing Nepalese cuisine and culture. 

Day 02 Sightseeing of Swyambhu Stupa, Kapan Monastery and Boudhanath Stupa 

Today, after breakfast, you will be introduced with tour guide who will take you for sightseeing of historically and religiously important places. Your first visit will be Swyambhu Stupa. Laying at the hilltop, is one of the ancient religious complex of Kathmandu valley. As populated by number of monkeys, the stupa is also named as the Monkey Temple. Your next destination will be Kapan Monastery, lies in the northern side of Kathmandu. Explore the biggest Stupa in the world, which resembles like Tibet with colorful outlets encircling the stupa that sell Tibetan products and Buddhist religious materials. Spending peaceful time at Boudha stupa, you will retrace back to hotel for rest. Overnight at Hotel.

 Day 03 Sightseeing of Pashupatinath temple (Cave of Niropa and Tilopa at Suryaghat), drive to Namobuddha and back to Dhulikhel 

Meet the guide in hotel for your today’s activities. Your first destination will be Pashupatinath Temple, which is the biggest and the holiest Hindu Shrine of Nepal devoted to Lord Shiva. Witness the Hindu cremation process at the bank of Holy Bagmati River at Pashupatinath Temple Square and visit the sacred caves where the holiest Niropa and Tilopa spend their valuable time in meditation before travelling to Tibet.  Now, you will move to the next sacred destination Namobuddha. It is approximately 40 km away from Boudhanath Stupa is the most important pilgrimage site of Buddhist where Lord Buddha fed Tigress and her cub cutting part of his bodies in his past life. Today’s visit will end with check-in at Hotel in Dhulikhel, another interesting destination. Enjoy the landscape and spend overnight at lodge.

 Day 04 Drive back to Kathmandu via sightseeing tour in Patan Durbar Square and Pharping Monastery and cave 

Enjoy the sunrise view and get ready for another interesting and important pilgrimage sites. First visit will be Patan. It is a city with fabulous art and craftsmanship. The heritage site houses so many beautifully constructed ancient monuments and sacred shrines. Explore Hiranya Varna Maha bihara, Rudra Verna Maha bihara, Ashokan Stupa, Achheswor Maha Bihara, temples of Macchendranath and Minnath as well as durbar square. Spending valuable time, you will drive for your next interesting destination Pharping. This is one of the most peaceful and a sacred destination where Guru Padmasambava attained the state of enlightenment. In the late afternoon, you will retrace back to Kathmandu hotel for refreshment and overnight stay.

 Day 05 Drive to Lumbini via visit of Ramagrama and visit Birth Place of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha, Monasteries and Museum 

Today is the most important day as you will have a long drive to Lumbini. Driving along the highway towards low land Terai belt. On the way to Lumbini, you will visit Ramagrama, a sacred destination where one out of eight urn of Lord Buddha was placed. Circumambulate the dome hill and retrace your journey toward Lumbini. Here, you can have a short brief about the Birth Place of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha, monasteries area, and museum. Visit museum, monasteries built by different countries, the Mayadevi pond, Ashokan Pillar, marker stone, and stupas of different centuries. You will end the tour with check-in at Hotel. 

Day 06 Sightseeing of Kudan, Sagrahawa, Niglihawa, Gotihawa, araurakot and Kapilvastu, twin stupa and back to Lumbini 

Wake up and get ready for whole day tour. Today, you will visit Kapilvastu, where, Lord Buddha spend his childhood as prince. It is a palace area of King Sudodhana. You can encounter eastern gate, western gate, ford, ponds, industrial area, twin stupas and central palace. Then, you will be taken to Sagrahawa, Niglihawa, Ghotihawa, arourakot and Kudan. Niglihawa and Ghotihawa are the place where another two Ashokan Pillars lies defining the places of Kanakmuni Buddha and Kurukchanda Buddha as well. Kudan is a place where King Sudoddhana met Lord Buddha for the first time after he receive cosmic enlightenment. 

Day 07 Drive to Pokhara via Palpa Tansen, Visit of Peace Stupa

 Today will be another interesting part of your journey. You will drive after breakfast towards Palpa. Visit Rani Mahal of palpa, the biggest vessel “Karuwa”, and retrace your journey towards Pokhara. If time allows, you can visit the Pokhara City including World Peace Pagoda, Davi’s fall and caves. You can spend your evening doing boating at Fewa Lake. 

Day 08 Drive back to Kathmandu 

Get ready for drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast. On arriving Kathmandu, you will be transferred to hotel. In the evening, we, Hiking Nepal, will offer you a farewell dinner at authentic restaurant. You can share your experience, feedback us and give us a chance to make your evening a wonderful time. Overnight at Hotel. 

Day 9 Departure 

Our tour officer will pick you up from your hotel three hours prior to your departure time. You will be escorted in a private vehicle to the airport for your final departure. Have a safe flight home.