9 days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour offered by Himalayan Joy Adventure takes pilgrims on a discovery journey in Nepal, to explore the scattered sites of Buddhism complex in the country. Join our meticulously designed itinerary and enjoy the incredible and mysterious grottoes mountains, temples, monasteries and stupas in the birth place of Lord Buddha. Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal is the best way to get the visual aid to life of Buddha and development of Buddhism. Along with spiritual tour, it also allows us to explore the immaculate beauty of nature and cultural wonder of Lake City, Pokhara.
Kathmandu, the central hub of Buddhism for ages, is blessed with gigantic domed shaped stupas- Swayambhunath and Boudhanath (both are listed in UNESCO cultural heritage sites) and these two are major Buddhist sightseeing destinations in and around Kathmandu. These sites are strongly connected with significant historical and religious stories on how Buddhism was spread over the valley. There are other Buddhist Pilgrimage sites in Namobuddha where future Buddha sacrifices his body to starved Tigress and her under-fed cubs.
Lumbini, the spiritual place where Lord Buddha was born, presents ultimate archeological significance and is listed in UNESCO world heritage site. The secret garden of Lumbini was the place where Prince Shiddhartha Gautam was born, who later became Buddha after enlightenment. There are more than 62 archeological sites in Lumbini region that displays different events of Buddha life. During Buddhist circular tour, we visit the Secret Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Ashok Pillar, Puskrani Pond, Nepal Buddha Temple, Lumbini Museum etc.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, Himalayan Joy airport representative will greet you outside the terminal hall and transfer to your hotel via private vehicle. You will meet your pilgrimage tour guide and he will make short briefing about next day’s trip.
Overnight in Kathmandu on B & B basis
After breakfast, we proceed for full sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Today, we explore three major Buddhist heritage sites – Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Kapan. Swayambhunath and Boudhanath are listed in UNESCO world heritage site.
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath is unique dome shaped Buddhist stupa which was believed to be built some 2500 years back. Also knowns as monkey temple, this sacred Buddhist site is located to the west of central Kathmandu and perched on the top of hill. This holy shrine houses many temples, stupas and statues dedicated to Lord Buddha. It is common site for both Hindus and Buddhist followers.
Boudhanath
Located north to Kathmandu valley, Boudhanath is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. This dome shaped spherical stupa is painted with pair of eyes of Buddha. It is strategically located at the trading route of Kathmandu and Tibet. It is believed that Tibetan trader used to rest here and offer prayers to this stupa.
Kapan
This monastery was built by the legend Zopa Rinpoche and is monastic body school for 360 monks from Nepal and Tibet along with 380 nuns who resides nearby Khachoe Ghakyi Nunnery.
After breakfast, we drive to the one of significant Buddhist site of Namo Buddha. Namo Buddha is perched at the height of 1740m and offers the incredible view of verdant valleys, emerald hills and Himalayan ranges (subject to clear weather). It is believed that the price named Mahasttva sacrificed his body to starving Tigress and her underfed cubs. This legendry story is illustrated in nine stone slab and placed right next to holy stupa. Here we find many monks performing ritual ceremonies.
After exploration, we drive to Dhulikhel, the district headquarter, and rest overnight.
After breakfast, we set for long journey to Lumbini. The drive goes through countryside villages, emerald hills and terrace farmland.
Overnight in Lumbini
Today, we spend full day exploring in and around Lumbini with expert tour guide. Maya Devi Mandir, Puskarni Pond, Ashoka Pillar, Peace Stupa, Buddhist Library and Museum, Crane Sanctuary and international museum are the major spots we explore today.
Lumbini, the UNESCO protected world heritage site is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Thousands of pilgrims flock to this sacred site to pay home to Lord Buddha. Lumbini boasts a plethora of archaeological relics of ancient palace, ponds, statues, and courtyard that goes back to the time of Lord Buddha. The complex is spread over 9km and is well marked by Ashoka Pillar, the pillar erected by King Ashok of India. A marker stone standing adjacent to this pillar is said to be the exact birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam. There is 62 archaeological site spread over Lumbini and Tilaurakot, Kundan, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurorakot, Devadaha and Ramgrama are the major sites.
Overnight in Lumbini
After breakfast, we set for drive to Pokhara which takes about 5 hours. After hotel check-in and short refreshment, we stroll around the Lakeside and visit Bindebashini temple.
Overnight in Pokhara
Today, we make a pre-dawn drive to Sarangkot hill located to north-west of Pokhara. It takes 45 minutes to reach the summit of the hill. Here we enjoy the magnificent sunrise view and Himalayan range. After breakfast, we drive back to Pokhara and join a short hike to World Peace Stupa. It offers the great view of Pokhara valley, Phewa Lake and Annapurna mountain ranges.
Overnight in Pokhara
After breakfast, we take an early morning drive to Kathmandu. Along the way, we drive through stunning emerald hills, rives and countryside villages.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Your 9 days Buddhist circuit trip comes to an end today. Our airport representative will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International airport for your final departure.
My family of four travel a lot but this trip to Nepal (Kathmandu, Gorkha, Tansen, Pokhara,Lumbini, Chitwan etc) - organized & accompanied by Himalayan Joy Adventure (HMJ) - was one of best trips ever. And this was not only because of this wonderful country and it's specific spirit. The team of HML was so sincere, very professional, always ready to help, prescient and trustworthy throughout the trip - no matter if it was the the Managing Director (CHOLENDRA), the guides (esp. TIKA RAi, the driver and Cholendra's new hotel team in Kath. i.e. Sampada Garden Resort. And it all came from their hearts. I highly recommend HJA! 6-star service. Date of experience: December 2016
Entry fees must be paid to enter Heritage Sites, museums, etc. at the entry point. Please refer to the table below for details about payment. Please note that the information below is as per the information provided by the concerned department.
ENTRY FEES |
||||||
Place |
Foreign Nationals |
SAARC nationals |
Chinese |
Nepalese |
Contact |
Remarks |
Kathmandu Durbar Square including Tribhuvan Museum |
NPR. 1000 |
NPR. 150 |
NPR. 1000 |
Free |
01-4268969 |
Below 10 years free |
National Museum, Chauni, Kathmandu |
NPR. 150 (NPR. 100 for the camera, NPR. 200 for video camera) |
NPR. 50 (NPR. 75 for the camera, NPR. 150 for video camera) |
NPR. 150 (NPR. 100 for the camera, NPR. 200 for video camera) |
Students: NPR.10; Others: NRs. 25 (NPR. 50 for camera and NPR.100 for video camera) |
01-4271504 |
Closed on Tuesdays and Public Holidays. Open for half-day on Mondays from (10:30 am to 2 pm) |
Patan Durbar Square including Patan Museum |
NPR. 1,000 |
NPR. 250 |
NPR. 1,000 |
Students with a letter from school: NPR. 10; Student Card Discount: NPR.20; Others: NPR.30 |
Entry fees for Nepalese are applicable only for Patan Museum |
|
Patan Golden Temple |
NPR. 50 |
NPR. 20 |
NPR. 50 |
Free |
01-5534595 |
Closed on Buddha Jayanti |
Bhaktapur Durbar Square |
US$ 15 or NPR. 1,500 |
NPR. 500 |
NPR. 500 |
Free |
01-6612249 |
Below 10 years free. For groups from 11-20, one tour leader can enter free. |
National Art Museum, Bhaktapur |
NPR. 150 (NPR. 100 for the camera, NPR. 200 for video camera) |
NPR.. 50 (NPR. 50 for the camera, NPR. 150 for video camera) |
NRs. 150 (NPR.. 100 for the camera, NPR.. 200 for video camera) |
Students: NPR.10; Others: NPR.25 (NPR. 50 for the camera, NPR. 100 for video camera) |
01-6610004 |
Closed on Tuesdays. The fee includes wood carving and brass and bronze museum in Dattatreya Square. |
Swayambhunath Stupa |
NPR. 200 |
NPR.. 50 |
NPR. 200 |
Free |
01-4281889 |
Below 10 years free. |
Bauddhanath Stupa |
NPR. 400 |
NPR. 100 |
NPR. 400 |
Free |
01-4489257 |
Below 10 years free. |
Pashupatinath Temple |
NPR. 1,000 per day per entry |
NPR. 1,000. Free for Indian Nationals |
NPR.. 1,000 |
Free |
01-4462767 |
Tourists can view the temple from the back premises. |
Changunarayan Temple |
NPR. 300 |
NPR. 100 |
NPR. 300 |
Free |
01-5090958 |
|
Ethnographic Museum, Bhrikutimandap, NTB |
NPR. 200 |
NPR. 100 |
NPR. 100 |
Students: NPR. 15; Others:NPR. 30 |
01-4256909 |
|
Chitwan National Park |
NPR. 1,500 per day per entry +13% VAT |
NPR. 750 per day per entry+13% VAT |
NPR. 1,500 per day per entry+13% VAT |
NPR. 100+13% VAT |
056-621069 |
Elephant ride fare - Foreigner: NPR.. 2,500; SAARC: NPR.. 1,500; Nepali NPR. 500 |
Chitwan Elephant Breeding Camp |
NPR.50 |
NPR.. 25 |
NPR. 50 |
NPR. 10 |
056-580154 |
|
Tharu Cultural Museum,Chitwan |
NPR. 25 |
NPR. 15 |
NPR. 25 |
NPR. 10 |
056-580121 |
Below 10 years free. |
Lumbini |
NPR. 200 |
NPR. 100 |
NPR. 200 |
Free |
071-580189 |
NRs. 16 for Indians. |
Lumbini Museum |
NPR. 50 |
NPR. 50 |
NPR. 50 |
NPR. 10 |
01-580318 |
Closed on Tuesdays |
Kapilvastu Museum |
NPR. 10 |
NPR. 5 |
NPR. 10 |
NPR. 2 |
Closed on Tuesdays |
|
International Mountain Museum, Pokhara |
NPR. 400 |
NPR. 200 |
NPR. 400 |
NPR. 80 |
061-460343 |
|
Garden of Dreams, Katmandu |
NPR. 200 |
NPR. 200 |
NPR. 200 |
NPR.. 100 |
01-4425340 |
Below 5 years free. NPR. 50 for 5-11 years. 25% discount for a group of 10 pax. |
Godawari Park |
NPR. 200 (NPR. 150 for children below 10 years) |
NPR. 57 (NPR. 23 for children below 10 years) |
NPR. 100 (NPR. 50 for children below 10 years) |
NPR. 34 (NPR. 12 for children below 10 years) |
01-5174246 |
Student 50% discount. |
Central Zoo |
NPR. 250 (NPR.150 for children 4-12 years ) |
NPR. 250 (NPR. 150 for children 4-12 years ) |
NPR. 250 (NPR. 150 for children 4-12 years ) |
NPR. 50 (NPR. 25 for children 4-12 years) |
Nepali Students: NPR. 30; |