Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour - 12 Days / 11 Nights
If you are interested in visiting fascinating sacred places and learning about Buddhism as a culture and religion in Nepal, this is the right tour for you!
Known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal is one of the most important destinations for Buddhist pilgrimages. The Himalayan country is a safe heaven and a sacred land for Buddhists. This package is carefully designed to cover a number of famous Buddhist sites throughout Nepal, allowing one to get a close look and understanding of Buddhism.
Buddha is known as the Light of Asia. The words of Buddha spread over the world as Bodhisattwa (Truths). Major Buddhist pilgrim spots are in Nepal. You will discover Lumbini, one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists. You will also visit a number of other Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Tilaurakot, Devdaha, Pharping and Namo Buddha.
100% flexibility! If we do not have a configuration that suits you, we will tailor-make one for you. Our Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal can be personalized to make all your wishes for the perfect holiday come true.
DAY 01. WELCOME TO NEPAL
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will receive a short pre-departure briefing.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
DAY 02. KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING TOUR
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. We will visit:
Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 03. DRIVE TO POKHARA | VISIT JANGCHUB CHOELING MONASTERY
After breakfast, we will head to Pokhara, one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal (6 to 7 hours' drive). We will check in to our hotel, where we will spend some time refreshing ourselves.
In the afternoon, we will visit the very colorful Jangchub Choeling Monastery.
Overnight in Pokhara.
DAY 04. SARANGKOT SUNRISE VIEW | POKHARA BUDDHIST TOUR
Early in the morning, we will head to Sarangkot to catch the sunrise. Sarangkot is famous for its views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and the Annapurna mountain range. Then, we will visit the famous World Peace Pagoda (Shanti stupa).
In the afternoon, we will visit the beautiful Matepani Gumba and the Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Settlement.
Overnight in Pokhara.
DAY 05. DRIVE TO LUMBINI
Early in the morning, we will drive to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Check in to the hotel. Relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere in Lumbini.
DAY 06. LUMBINI SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Today, we will visit the Maya Devi Temple, where Lord Buddha was born, and the World Peace Pagoda. We will also visit many beautiful Buddhist temples and monasteries built by various countries around the world (Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, India to name but a few).
We will explore the Wetlands and encounter the gorgeous Sarus Cranes.
DAY 07. TILAURAKOT, DEVDAHA AND RAMAGRAMA TOUR
After breakfast, we will visit Tilaurakot. Tilaurakot (the ancient capital of the Sakya kingdom of Kapilvastu, where Siddhartha Gautam spent the first 29 years of his life) is an important archeological and buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal.
Then, we will visit Devdaha, the birthplace of Lord Buddha's mother, and Ramagrama, a sacred stupa containing relics of Lord Buddha, before heading back to Lumbini.
Overnight in Lumbini.
DAY 08. DRIVE TO PHARPING
Early in the morning, we will drive to Pharping, a sacred site where Padmasambhava attained enlightenment.
Overnight in Pharping.
DAY 09. PHARPING BUDDHIST TOUR
Among other places, we will visit the Sakya Tharig monastery, the Asura cave, the Pharping Vajrayogini temple and the Yanglesho cave.
Overnight in Pharping.
DAY 10. NAMO BUDDHA DAY HIKE
After breakfast, we will drive to Dhulikhel. We will hike to Namo Buddha and enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley. This hike is considered as the best and one of the easiest day hikes near Kathmandu. Climb the stairs of Namo Buddha, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 11. REST DAY IN KATHMANDU
Today, you will have some free time to relax or do some shopping.
In the evening, we will have our farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you will also enjoy a Nepali cultural dance show.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 12. DEPARTURE
We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.
This package can be extended or customized upon request.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick-up & drop-off.
- Experienced and government licensed English-speaking guide.
- Accommodation (11 nights): 4 nights in Kathmandu (3-star hotel) – 2 nights in Pokhara (3-star hotel) – 3 nights in Lumbini (3-star hotel) – 2 nights in Pharping (Monastery hotel).
- Sightseeing tours and activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees for Monasteries, temples and world heritage sites.
- All ground transportation during the tour (private vehicle).
- All breakfasts.
- First Aid kits.
- Farewell dinner.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights and domestic flights.
- Tips for guide & driver.
- Meals (lunches and dinners) except farewell dinner.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, shopping, telephone calls.
- Visa fees.
- Travel insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Accommodation:
- Kathmandu (4 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel / Possibility to stay overnight at the Namo Buddha Monastery guest house on Day 10.
- Pokhara (2 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
- Lumbini (3 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
- Pharping (2 nights): Carefully selected Monastery hotel.
Meals:
Breakfasts only.
