Nepal Pilgrimage Tour | Buddhism & Hinduism - 16 Days / 15 Nights
Nepal has an extremely rich cultural and religious heritage. Our Pilgrimage tour incorporates many visits to ancient pilgrimage sites, UNESCO world heritage sites and historical monuments that reflect the rich diversity of Nepal. Every year, thousands of Hindu devotees come to Nepal for pilgrimage. Nepal is also one of the most important destinations for Buddhist pilgrimages. The Himalayan country is a safe haven and a sacred site for Buddhists.
This package is carefully designed to cover an important number of significant Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites throughout Nepal, allowing one to get a close look and understanding of Hinduism and Buddhism.
If you are interested in visiting a fascinating country and learning more about Hinduism and Buddhism influence in Nepal, this is the right tour for you!
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.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 02. KATHMANDU PILGRIMAGE TOUR
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. We will visit:
- Pashupatinath Temple, a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus. Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Lord Shiva. Devotees are regularly taking ritual baths in the holy Bagmati river. You will see a wide range of very interesting cultural activities.
- Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a very important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Walk clockwise around the stupa, enjoy the mystical atmosphere, encounter the Buddhist monks and take lots of pictures under the colorful prayer flags.
- Budhanilkantha Temple, a Hindu temple famous for its statue of sleeping Lord Vishnu, which was carved from a single black stone.
- Swayambhunath. Also known as the "Monkey Temple", Swayambhu is the oldest Buddhist Stupa in Kathmandu and a beautiful abode for lots of monkeys.
DAY 03. KAILASHNATH MAHADEV, LALITPUR & BHAKTAPUR SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Early in the morning, we will visit Kailashnath Mahadev, the world's tallest statue of Lord Shiva, located 23 km outside Kathmandu, in Sanga.
Then, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour in Bhaktapur. The ancient Newari town is renowned for its fine religious architecture and its traditional handicrafts. Among other places, we will visit:
- the Brass & Bronze Museum (Metal Museum),
- the Woodcarving Museum,
- the 55 Window Palace,
- the Golden Gate,
- and the Five Storeys Temple (Nyatapola Temple).
Then, we will drive to Patan (Lalitpur).
Cultural tour in Patan
The ancient city of Patan (Lalitpur), also known as the City of Arts, is renowned for its fine arts and amazing architecture. Among other places, we will visit:
- the Krishna Temple,
- the Chyasin Dewal,
- the Golden Temple,
- the Mahabouddha Temple,
- the Patan museum,
- and the Local Markets.
DAY 04. PHARPING PILGRIMAGE TOUR
After breakfast, we will drive to Pharping, a sacred site where Padmasambhava attained enlightenment.
We will visit the Sakya Tharig monastery, the Asura cave, the Pharping Vajrayogini temple and the Yanglesho cave. We will also visit the Dakshinkali Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali.
DAY 05. MANAKAMANA TEMPLE VIA CABLE CAR | DRIVE TO POKHARA
DAY 06. POKHARA PILGRIMAGE TOUR
• Tal Barahi Temple, a Hindu temple located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake.
If time permits, we will also visit the beautiful Matepani Gumba and the famous World Peace Pagoda (Shanti stupa).
DAY 07. FLIGHT FROM POKHARA TO JOMSOM (2720m) / TREK TO KAGBENI (2804m) | ≈ 3-4 hours
In the morning, you will embark on a spectacular mountain flight to Jomsom*. From there, we will trek to Kagbeni, the main gate to the Last Forbidden Kingdom. In Kagbeni, you will witness the great views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks, and the Kali Gandaki (the deepest canyon in the world).
*The mountain weather in Nepal is always unpredictable and the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom may be delayed or canceled due to the bad weather. We advise allowing 2 extra days should our flight to Jomsom be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather. Or if you are running out of time, we will hire a private jeep and drive to Jomsom.
DAY 08. TREK FROM KAGBENI TO MUKTINATH (3710m) AND TREK BACK TO KAGBENI | ≈ 7 hours
Today, we will trek to Muktinath. Temples and religious shrines are the major attractions of this holy place. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. In Muktinath, if you have the courage to do so, you can follow Hindu devotees and take a holy bath under the 108 chilled fountains (Muktidhara).
We will visit Muktinath, and then we will trek back to Kagbeni.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Overnight in Kagbeni.
DAY 09. TREK FROM KAGBENI TO JOMSOM | ≈ 3-4 hours
After a filling breakfast, we will trek back to Jomsom. Short hike to the Dhumba Lake in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Overnight in Jomsom.
DAY 10. FLIGHT FROM JOMSOM TO POKHARA
Scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Free time in the afternoon.
*The mountain weather in Nepal is always unpredictable and the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara may be delayed or canceled due to the bad weather. We advise allowing 2 extra days should our flight to Pokhara be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather. Or if you are running out of time, we will hire a private jeep and drive to Pokhara.
DAY 11. 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 12. 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 14. REST DAY IN KATHMANDU
Today, you will have some free time to relax or do some shopping.
DAY 15. 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.
DAY 16. DEPARTURE
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport Pick-up & Drop-off.
- Experienced and Government licensed English speaking tour guide.
- Accommodation (15 nights): Kathmandu (6 nights) – Pharping (1 night) – Pokhara (3 nights) – Jomsom (1 night) – Kagbeni (2 nights) – Lumbini (2 nights).
- Meals (refer to the itinerary for meal plan).
- All ground transportation during the tour (private vehicle).
- Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees.
- Cable car fees (Manakamana).
- Domestic flights: Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara.
- Conservation permits.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights.
- Excess baggage fees (domestic flights).
- Tips for guide & driver.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls.
- Visa fees.
- Travel insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Accommodation:
- Kathmandu (6 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
- Pharping (1 night): Carefully selected Monastery hotel.
- Pokhara (3 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
- Jomsom (1 night): Carefully selected lodge.
- Kagbeni (2 nights): Carefully selected lodge.
- Lumbini (2 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
Meals:
- Day 1: N/A.
- Day 2: Breakfast.
- Day 3: Breakfast.
- Day 4: Breakfast.
- Day 5: Breakfast.
- Day 6: Breakfast.
- Day 7: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 8: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 9: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 10: Breakfast.
- Day 11: Breakfast.
- Day 12: Breakfast.
- Day 13: Breakfast.
- Day 14: Breakfast.
- Day 15: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.
- Day 16: Breakfast.
