“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 09 Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 10 Departure
Day 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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.
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 & $- 50 for 30 days)
Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu (Except welcome/farewell dinner)
Travel insurance
Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or coca-cola), cost of extra meals, snacks, phones bills, Internet, WiFi, laundry etc.
The cost incurred during emergencies, evacuations
Tips for Guide/porters/driver …
Anything not included in “What is Included”
Nepal Visa & Getting in to Nepal
All the foreign nationals (except Indian nationals) are required to display Visa while entering Nepal. Nepalese Visa can be obtained either at Nepalese Embassy of respective country or can be obtained during your arrival at the International Airport in Kathmandu or from the Nepal’s border entry point. However, certain nationals are requested to arrange Visa prior to arrival in Nepal. The listed countries are- Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia and cannot secure Nepalese Visa on arrival.
Requirements: Traveler should have a valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photos (size: 1.5″ x 1.5″) and Visa fees (either US$ or equivalent) mentioned as below:
| Visa Facility | Duration | Fee |
| Multiple entry | 15 days | US$ 30 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
| Multiple entry | 30 days | US$ 50 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
| Multiple entry | 90 days | US$ 125 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
You can also download VISA form and fill up. Please go through the link as below:
http://www.online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
Group Size:
For Tour, group size do not hamper however, we normally run with minimum 2 person to maximum 10 in our published group departure program. Even, private trip is run without any barrier on group size. Even, we run a trip for single person and for more than 10 in a group.
Meals and accommodations
During your stay in Kathmandu, we accommodate you in 3 star category hotel in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Breakfast is included with room accommodation. Normally, based on your group size, you will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing basis. In case of single room stay in a group, you will require to pay single supplement charge mentioned in our trip cost. Also, if you wish to upgrade hotel accommodation, we can accommodate you in respective hotels with surcharge.
On your arrival in Kathmandu and a day before your departure for homeland, we Hiking Nepal Team will invite you for Welcome and Farewell dinner. You will be taken to an authentic restaurant serving Nepali Cuisine with some cultural Dance Show. For your other day’s meals, you can get hygienic restaurants providing verities of taste including continental, Chinese, Italian, Nepalese and many more.
Regarding upgrade in Hotel accommodation, we can accommodate in 3 to 5 star range to Boutique Hotels based on your suggestion.
Transportation:
On our given program, we use private vehicle throughout the trip. The vehicle types depend on the group size and also if A/C is required, certain surcharge will be applicable. Please let us know for specific requirements in advance.
Trip Safety; our Guide and Supporting Team
During your trip, it is very essential that you are accompanied with very experienced and qualified tour guide for the safety and successful of the trip. Our guides are trained and licensed from Nepal Government and fluent in any language as per your need. Our guides are especially for the tour so that they have very good knowledge about the historical places with its entire history and many more. We assure you that your trip is at the right and professional hands.
Best Season for Tour
For Tour in Nepal, you can travel whole year and every season display different scenarios. However, it is wise to know about climatic season. Normally, 2 season are considered best: Spring and autumn and season is categories in 4 different climatic seasons:
Spring (March, April, May):
During this time, temperature is mildly warm in low lands while moderate in higher altitudes with plenty of opportunities to have astonishing views of the mountains and landscape. At this time, the blossom flowers especially national flower of Nepal – rhododendron decorate the ascending altitudes with its generous color and beauty. Even the High altitude lodges get opened and get occupied with the mountain lovers.
Summer (June, July, and August):
This is also the monsoon season in Nepal. At this time, the weather is hot and wet at times. It rains almost every day with occasional thunderstorms in the evening. The rain spreads the pleasantness around with lush green vegetation. If you are planning to trek in this season, we suggest to choose rain shaded areas of Nepal. Even, if you do not mind rain, and wants to trek in this season, you should compulsorily bring umbrella, pancho, proper waterproof hiking boots, wind proof jackets, baggage wrap, and raincoat as well as required insect repellent. Likewise, the reward of this month is the view of lush green valley captured by small flowers. It is a wonderful time to observe monsoon cycle of agriculture and the traditional life of Nepalese people.
Autumn (September, October and November):
This time is considered to be the best tourist season in Nepal with the end of summer and the winter to set in. The weather is highly pleasant so are the mountain views. The trekking routes get beautified with the presence of trekkers and expedition groups. Meantime, most of the festivals of Nepalese societies are enthusiastically celebrated at this time.
Winter (December, January and February):
During this time, the weather is cool and the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls at higher elevations. At this time, trekking in lower elevation is fine however, at the high altitude, most of the lodges get closed and it will be a bit difficult to cross high altitude passes. This season is good for trekking in lower elevations. The morning and night get extreme cold sometime reaching temperature at (-) minus but the days are warm and pleasant.
Travel Insurance:
While travelling to Nepal, you are requested to have a travel insurance that should cover any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Especially, your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you to bring your travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your home land. We do not arrange or sell insurance.
Vaccination
It is better to follow the precaution given by World Health Organization and other international health related institutions that recommend having vaccines before travelling Nepal to prevent from certain fatal illness. If possible, we suggest you to bring your medical certificate however, it is not required to show but for safety. The recommended vaccines are polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he might recommend you properly. You can also take suggestion of local travelers who have travelled Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.
Hiking Nepal Responsible Travel
Hiking Nepal is opened with a commitment to provide ecofriendly service to the guest and benefit to the host. It is our responsibility to minimize the negative impact in the society with an appropriate improvements and participation of locals. To upgrade the standard of living of the locals, Hiking Nepal inspired the local to involve in providing services. All our guides porters and staff are from different community who are given equal priority and no space is left to satisfy them. To upgrade the service quality, they are sent for various training and seminars. Even all our guides and porters are insured in regards to their safety, health.
Personal Checklist
For Tour in Nepal, you should bring certain basic equipment. While packing or buying gears, keep update about climatic condition in that area. Well, here are some list of equipment that are recommended for trekking are:
Foot Wear:
- Walking boots/shoes
- Socks
- Sandals
Clothing:
- Waterproof/windproof jacket and trouser
- Comfortable shirts
Head Wear
- Sun hat with hard front base
- Scarf
- Sunglasses
Personal Equipment:
- Day backpack
- Water bottles and water purifier
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Favorite snack food
- Books if habits of reading
- Camera, I-pod, cards, spare batteries
- Toiletry bag- toilet paper, soap, sanitizer, towel
- First Aid kits
- Small Alarm clock
- Torch/flashlight/headlamp
Documents:
- Travel documents (passport; itineraries, travel agent address, etc.)
- Money: Convertible currency in cash (USD or Euro is best for buying your visa at Nepal Entry points)
- Extra passport photos – for Heritage site and TIMS permits
- Credit/Debit cards
- Insurance Certificate
Booking and Payment
If you are satisfied with the proposal, we request you to fill up an online booking form along with 20% payment of total trip cost. Your booking form should be attached with a scan passport copy and a head shot photograph. One member of a team can fill up a booking form however; all other member should be familiar with the terms and condition before confirmation.
The trip cost is always quoted in US$ unless otherwise stated. Booking deposit can be made by Bank Transfer or by Credit Card (Visa or Master Card). 20% of your deposit is the non-refundable amount and compulsory to deposit by every member. You can pay your remaining amount once you arrive in Kathmandu. Meantime, the conditions applied only for Nepal Trip or your travel to other destination- Tibet, Bhutan, India via Kathmandu. Be informed that your deposit by credit card or debit card will deduct extra 4% as Bank service charge.
In case of Tailor Made trips, you may require a higher deposit or full payment during booking, which may differ from deposit rate referred in this clause. In such cases, you will be timely advised on mail by Hiking Nepal for the amount to be paid.
Payment:
Payment is done once you are agreed with the terms and conditions of Hiking Nepal and fill up a Booking form. Then, you should pay 20% of total trip cost and in a group, each member should deposit the mentioned amount. For the payment, you can either Bank transfer or pay by Credit Cards (Visa/MasterCard/AMEX).
Please have a look at http://www.hikingnepal.com/information/bank-details for details about the Bank deposit and Credit Card.
Don’t forget to Email the Bank Reference Number or remittance slip on deposit. It can track and claim the fund easier if provided with asked details (reference #/remittance slip or sender credential) and incase Bank misplaces the transfer.
Cancellation Policy
If cancellation is made 30 days prior to trip, 20% of your deposit is non- refundable. In case of deposit of full amount of more than 20%, we alter it for your next trip.
If you leave your trip after starts on whatever the reason be, no refund will be given for any unused portion of the trip.
If company in case failed to provide the trip due to unexpected circumstances like flight cancellation by airlines, heavy snow, landslides and any other disasters that are out of control; choice for tour of similar nature would be provided. Alternatively, your trip could also be postponed for the next time. However, any extra expenses incurred due to such cancellation, would be your own liability.
Likewise, any extra expenses incurred by you due to delay or cancellation of flight or any additional cost should bring upon yourself.
- Cancellation Charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total trip cost.
- Cancellation 60 days or more before departure: 100% of Total Deposit.
- Cancellation 59-21 days before departure: 50% of Total Trip Cost.
- Cancellation less than 21 days before departure: 100% of Total Trip Cost.
The Client is strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
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