Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Arrival at Kathmandu airport, pick up by our correspondent and transfer to the hotel. (At the foot of the Himalayas, where they assure that their gods live, Nepal stands, a land of spectacular landscapes, temples and cities with a rich cultural heritage. These seem to transfer the traveler to medieval times on their walks through KATHMANDU, BHAKTAPUR and PATAN, the three urban cities that represent the backbone of the country. Stay overnight at 3-star hotel.

Today after having breakfast prepare to explore around UNESCO Listed World Heritage sites:

• Patan Durbar Square (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar): Patan Durbar Square boasts of many famous sites and unique architectures. The major attractions of Patan Durbar Square are the stone temple of Lord Krishna, the Royal Bath with many carvings on stone, Viswanath temple and temple of Bhimsen with a magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square. Many more temple dedicated to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, Shiva, Narsingh, Taleju and other are situated in the Patan Durbar Square.
• Bouddhanth: Boudhhanath stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. The Stupa 100 meters in diameter, was built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels by the Lichchivi King Mana Deva in the 15th century. The pinnacle of this stupa represents the stages of enlightenment, symbol of royalty, compassion, knowing and nirvana. There are many myths about the origins of the Stupa. Early morning and evening are the times to visit Bouddha to join the residents in Kora. There is an enclosure with several monasteries of the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Swoyambhunath: Swoyambhunath is one of the most glorious Buddhist stupa. It is said to be 2000 years old. Swoyambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world and its worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan monks and Brahman Priests to lay Buddhist and Hindus. Swoyambhunath provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu valley.

Today after having breakfast prepare to leave Kathmandu and visit nearby popular Buddhist pilgrimage sites like:

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living museum of Newar art and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into Nepal’s medieval history and architecture. This square is famous for its exquisite temples, courtyards, and royal palaces that showcase intricate wood carvings and ancient craftsmanship. Key highlights include the 55-Window Palace, a royal residence with elaborately carved windows; the Golden Gate, known as the finest example of repoussé metalwork in the world; the Lion Gate, guarded by statues of mythical creatures; and the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, who is depicted in a gesture of devotion. Other attractions include the Vatsala Temple made of sandstone, the Barking Dog Bell, and the National Art Gallery, which displays centuries-old paintings and manuscripts. Walking through the square feels like stepping back in time, making it a must-visit for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.
• Namo Buddha (1750 m): Namo Buddha is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, located in the Kavrepalanchok District. This tranquil hilltop is associated with a profound legend of compassion and self-sacrifice by a previous incarnation of Lord Buddha. According to Buddhist tradition, the site marks the location where Prince Mahasattva (an earlier life of the Buddha) selflessly offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs. Deeply moved by this act of compassion, the site came to be known as "Namo Buddha", meaning "Homage to the Buddha." The white painted stupa we find here commemorates the actions of the Buddha Sakyamuni’s self-less sacrifice to feed a starving tiger by offering his own flesh. In fact, this place is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. The stupa is more than 20 ft high and its upper gilded tower is covered with prayer flags.

Overnight at Namobuddha monastery.

Today after having breakfast in the morning, prepare to drive towards Halesi Mahadev which takes about 6-7 hours of drive. The journey from Namo Buddha to Halesi Mahadev is one of the powerful spiritual experiences, blending the essence of Buddhist compassion and tantric pilgrimage.

Halesi Mahadev is a unique pilgrimage site revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Kiratis alike. Located in a remote cave system in eastern Nepal, it is especially significant for Vajrayana Buddhists, who associate it with Maratika Cave, the sacred place where Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) attained immortality through the practice of Amitayus.

Places to visit in Halesi Mahadev: 

• Ancient caves where Guru Rinpoche and Mandarava meditated.
• Pilgrimage site for both Buddhists (Maratika) and Hindus (Lord Shiva).
• Part of the “Six Sacred Caves” of Padmasambhava mentioned in Nyingma texts.
• Remote and powerful site for tantric practice, rituals, and prayer.

We can visit Halesi Maratika cave. Exploration day.

The temple is a venerated pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists and Kirat. The caves are called the Halesi Mahadev Temple by Hindus who associate them with Mahadeva, a form of Shiva; while they are known as the sacred place to Buddhists, who consider them to be the caves associated with the legend of Padmasambhava. It is believed that inside the temple, the Halesi cave has been used as a dwelling for 6000 yrs. Lord Shiva hide there when hiding from the demon Bhasmasur. Stay overnight at hotel in Halesi. 

Today after having breakfast prepare to return back from Halesi to Pharping, another popular and must visit Buddhist Landmark. 

In Daman visit - Chumik Changchup Monastery (Spring of Enlightenment).

To the west of the Kathmandu Valley, beyond the winding roads of the seemingly endless Pahari hills, there lies a realm in which the very stones are etched with Guru Padmasambhava’s heroic efforts to curb the savage spirits of the land. The Mahaguru’s journey to Tibet brought him through this place, and he displayed incredible feats here as he brought down haughty demons and led them to the Dharma. Here, known as Kyechok Tsulzang, Eminent Noble Being, he left an outpouring of power and blessings that remain available for everyone to this day. The sacred spring itself is at the heart of this site, as we can tell from its name, Chumik Changchup, Spring of Awakening.

Stay overnight at monastery in Pharping. 

Today after having breakfast prepare to travel towards Chitwan which takes about 6-7  hours of driving.

Pharping is the place where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) had attended enlightenment. So, it is one of the most sacred sites related to him. For Tibetan Buddhists, the hills of Pharping are believed to be as holy as Bodhgaya in India. Within the area of Pharping, there are two sacred caves, Asura cave, and Yanglesho cave, on the mountainside, and several Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries and retreat centers in and around this small town.

As you reach hotel in Chitwan, you will be provided with briefing about the program / activities in Chitwan and then you can rest in hotel for a while. In the late afternoon, head for Tharu village walk (Tharu: one of the ethnic groups of Nepal) and visit Tharu Cultural Museum. Tharu people are indigenous to the area, and their culture is very unique, different from what can be found in Nepal or even India. Stay overnight at hotel in Chitwan.

This day you will have breakfast in the morning and then prepare for the most adventurous and exciting Jeep Safari. The safari will be of 3-4 hours. During the safari, we can see floras, faunas, and different animals like one-horned rhino, countless species of deer, Bisons, and if you are lucky, you can have encounter with Royal Bengal Tiger. (Note: For Jeep Safari as per the regulation you will have to use the jeeps as mentioned by Government of Nepal - these jeeps are used for jeep safari only)

After safari you will have lunch and then we will go to visit Crocodile Conservation Project. Established in 1971, the Gharial (distinguished from other crocodiles by its narrow snout) conservation center has been breeding this endangered species and releasing them to the wild every year. At the evening, you can go for Canoeing and end our safari for the day. Then at late evening, we will enjoy Tharu Cultural Dance. The dance is an age-old tradition of the Tharus and is usually performed to appease the gods during religious festivals. Stay overnight at hotel in Chitwan.

Today after having breakfast in the morning, prepare to drive towards Lumbini which takes about 6 hours of driving.

The drive from Chitwan to Lumbini offers a scenic journey through Nepal’s southern Terai region. You’ll pass through fertile plains, local villages, and lush farmland, with occasional views of rivers and forests. Stay overnight at hotel in Lumbini.

Today after having breakfast in the hotel, prepare to explore Birthplace of Lord Buddha. You will explore around: 

• Maya Devi Temple: The exact birthplace of Lord Buddha, this sacred site houses a marker stone and the ruins of ancient temples dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
• Ashoka Pillar: Erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, this stone pillar bears inscriptions confirming Lumbini as the birthplace of the Buddha.
• Sacred Garden: A peaceful area surrounding the Maya Devi Temple, symbolizing enlightenment and home to the Bodhi tree, sacred pond (Puskarini), and ancient stupas.
• Puskarini Sacred Pond: Said to be where Queen Maya Devi bathed before giving birth and where infant Buddha received his first purification bath.

After visiting this side of Lumbini, you will continue to visit the Monastic Zone (East and West). Lumbini’s monastic zone is divided into two sections:

1. East Zone (Theravāda monasteries)
2. West Zone (Mahayāna and Vajrayāna monasteries)

Explore different monasteries like:

Royal Thai Monastery, Myanmar Golden Temple (Lokamani Cula Pagoda) & Cambodian Monastery (Wat Anandokharam). Again, explore around: Great Lotus Stupa (Germany), Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery, Korean Buddhist Temple (Woncheuk), Nepal Vajrayana Mahavihara and Drigung Kagyud Monastery (Germany/Tibet).

Today is the last day of the tour, the return drive from Lumbini to Kathmandu takes you from the flat plains of the Terai to the hilly and mountainous terrain of central Nepal. It's a long but scenic journey, often broken with lunch or tea stops along the way. Stay overnight at hotel.

At your scheduled departure time, our correspondent will pick you up from the hotel, transfer you to the airport, and bid you farewell with warm hearts.