Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour - 8 Days

Things to Know
  • Duration8 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Altitude 1600 m
  • Trip Type Religious and Spiritual Tours
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time All time
What You’ll Do
  • Explore significant Buddhist sites in Nepal, including ancient monasteries, stupas, holy gardens, museums, and local markets
  • Learn about the roots of Buddhism and its connection to Nepal, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism
  • Visiting Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Kapan monastery, and optionally, Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu
  • Explore World Peace Stupa, the Tibetan Refugee Center, and witness breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains in Pokhara
  • Travel to the sacred birthplace of Buddha to explore the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and many monasteries
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural heritage of Nepal while enjoying the warm hospitality of the Nepali people
  • Contribute to the preservation of Buddhist communities in Nepal

This 8-day Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal is crafted to take you to some of the most significant sites for Buddhist people in the country. It is a leisure tour that explores monasteries, stupas, holy gardens, museums, and local markets. Our Buddhist culture tour in Nepal is a perfect holiday for you and your loved ones. You get to learn about the roots of Buddhism-where it all started, enjoy the warm hospitality of Nepali people, explore the bustling local markets, and get to see some Himalayan mountains. If you want to learn in-depth about Buddhism, you can customize a specific itinerary with us, including excursions to ancient monasteries in the Himalayas, meditation retreats and learn the teachings of Buddhism. For more information, get in touch with us at [email protected] or call us at +977 9851328431.

Nepal is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, so the country has a profound connection to the teachings and philosophy of Buddhism. There are many monasteries and stupas lying around the country that are hundreds and thousands of years old. On our Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal, we will take you to some of them that are easily accessible. The tour begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. In Kathmandu, you will visit Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, and Kapan monastery. If the time allows, we will also take you to Kathmandu Durbar Square. From Kathmandu, the tour heads to the city of lakes, Pokhara. Here, we will visit World Peace Stupa and the Tibetan Refugee Center. While in Pokhara, we will also witness Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,794 ft), and Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft).

Further venturing southwest, the tour leads us to the sacred birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini. Here, we will visit the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and many monasteries built by Buddhist communities from around the world. At last, the tour ends in Kathmandu. During the commute between these three cities, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes from lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, terraced fields, forests, and rivers.

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time1-2 hour

Our dedicated team members will pick you up from the Tribhuvan International Airport and drop you at the hotel, So you will have no problem finding your way to the hotel by yourself. They will welcome you on our behalf and assist with the luggage. You have the remaining day free to rest and look around the hotel.

  • Altitude1400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time7-8 hours

You will have a delicious breakfast early in the morning, and soon after that, our tour guide will meet you in your hotel lobby. He will quickly brief you on the day program, and we'll leave the hotel. First, we will drive to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Located in the heart of Kathmandu city, the Boudhanath is the largest stupa in the country. There are many monasteries around the stupa, along with numerous eateries and souvenir shops. After Boudhanath Stupa, the tour continues to Kapan monastery. Located north of Boudhanath Stupa, the Kapan monastery offers a tranquil retreat away from the bustling city. As the monastery is perched on the hilltop, we will get to see a fantastic view of Kathmandu. After the tour, drive back to Kathmandu. Spend the evening enjoying the vibrant streets of Thamel and window shopping. Many stores in Thamel sell thangka paintings, singing bowls, artifacts, and many other souvenirs that you can check out.

  • Altitude822 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time5-6 hours

Early in the morning, the tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Swayambhunath. Most tourists know this place as Monkey Temple. Perched on the hilltop, the location offers a lovely view of Kathmandu. Here, we will explore stupas and monasteries. See monkeys playing around and return to the hotel. We will then get ready to leave Kathmandu and embark on a lovely ride to Pokhara, the city of lakes. Following a winding hillside road, the ride offers beautiful views of green hills, rivers, terraced fields, and waterfalls. As we get close to Pokhara, snow-clustered mountains begin to come into sight. The tour guide will drop you at the hotel. Freshen up and take a rest. Later in the evening, enjoy a soothing sunset at Phewa Lake. You can go boating as well. We will then shortly explore the bustling Lakeside Market and have a delicious dinner before going back to our hotel.

  • Altitude822 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hours

We will begin this morning with a warm breakfast and then drive to Sarangkot. Sarangkot is a viewpoint from where we can see breathtaking views of Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Annapurna, and Mt. Dhaulagiri. This place is also widely known for paragliding and offers an excellent aerial view of Pokhara. From here, the tour continues to World Peace Pagoda, and then we will head to Malepatan Gumba. Situated on a hill, this monastery offers panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley and the majestic Himalayan mountains. The monastery is adorned with vibrant Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind, creating a peaceful and sacred atmosphere. Our final stop is the Hyangja Tibetan Refugee Camp, established in the early 1960s. This place offers a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan culture, traditions, and way of life. We can see traditional Tibetan-style houses and colourful prayer flags fluttering inside the camp. We will also stop at Davis Falls and Bat Cave on the way to the hotel.

  • Altitude150 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hours

On this day, we will drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The drive will be long and comfortable. On this part of the drive, you will witness the beauty of Nepal's lowland called the Terai region. Following lush hillsides and rivers, the road soon goes by small towns alongside dense forests to Lumbini. Upon reaching Lumbini, we will spend some time relaxing and later visit the sacred garden and enjoy a peaceful walk.

  • Altitude150 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hours

Lumbini is the epicentre of Buddhism. This place lets you understand the roots of Buddhism and the early life of Gautam Buddha. We will begin our tour by visiting the revered Maya Devi temple, the very spot where Queen Maya Devi is believed to birth Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Buddha. Here, we will also see the sacred Pushkarini Pond where the newborn Buddha was believed to bathe. We will then head to the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to commemorate the birthplace of Buddha. The later part of the tour involves visiting numerous monasteries built by different Buddhist communities from around the world. After the tour, the guide will drop you at the hotel.

 

  • Altitude1400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hours

Today, we will drive back to Kathmandu. The ride will be long and comfortable. Upon reaching, the guide will drop you at the hotel. You have the remaining day free. This is your time to shop and explore the local market. We highly recommend visiting the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which you can reach in a 10-minute drive from Thamel. It is also a historical site with great history and used to be home of the royal family. In the late evening, we will meet for a farewell dinner.

    Our airport team will drop you at the international terminal as per your flight departure time. They will receive you three hours before your flight schedule and help you with your luggage. If you wish to extend your trip to Nepal, feel free to let us know.

    The Nepal Buddhist Pilgrimage tour for eight days exposes you to a combination of natural and cultural sites, specially designed for those interested in the Buddhist monuments in the birthplace of Buddha. Depending upon the time you can spend for your Nepal trip. You can always customize this itinerary as per your preference.

    Trip Cost Details
    Included
    • International & domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary
    • Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini, including breakfast. (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
    • Guided city tour in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini on a private vehicle
    • All ground transportation is by private vehicle. (Depending upon the group size we provide Car, Van, Jeep, and Coaster)
    • A professional English-speaking guide for the entire trip
    • Entry permits and fees for all temples, parks, monasteries, and cultural and historical sites
    • Complementary farewell dinner in a Typical Nepali cultural restaurant
    • All government taxes, VAT, Tourist Service charges, and official expenses
    Excluded
    • International airfare
    • Entry Visa fees - at present $25 for 15 days, US$ 40 for 30 days, and US$ 100 for a three-month visa on entry into Nepal
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini
    • Bar bills and Personal Expenses.
    • Tips and gratitude provided to staff expenses.
    Useful Info

    Best time to do a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal

    You can do the Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal throughout the year. March, April, May, September, October, and November are the best times climate-wise. You can also do this tour in winter, from December to February, or in summer/monsoon from June to August. While travelling to Nepal in winter for this tour, make sure to pack enough warm clothing. Likewise, the summer/monsoon season brings lots of rainfall, and the climate remains hot and humid.

    Do I need to get travel insurance for this tour?

    No, you do not need travel insurance for this tour. However, for your peace of mind, you can get travel insurance that covers international flight cancellation, baggage loss, medical bills, etc. Our team will be with you throughout your trip with us to Nepal, so you do not have to worry about anything.

    Accommodation and Meals

    We will book you three-star hotels or nice tourist standard hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini. You can request a shared or single room as per your wish. The rooms will be big and clean, with an attached washroom. You will have all the modern amenities in the room. The cafes and restaurants in Nepal usually have a multi-cuisine menu. You can get a wide variety of dishes from dal bhat to momo, pizza, burger, pasta, etc for the meals. Likewise, we will also make you taste many Nepali dishes during the tour.

    FAQs
    • Nepal has very close ties with Buddhism, which has resulted in monasteries thousands of years old throughout the country. Some of the famous Buddhist pilgrimages of Nepal are Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, Kapan monastery, Namobuddha, etc. Likewise, Lumbini, the entire town, is a pilgrimage site, and there are many ancient monasteries in the Himalayas of Nepal with great significance.

    • Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. He was believed to be born in 623 B.C. in the famous holy garden of Lumbini. There are many monasteries and stupas in Lumbini that pilgrims visit.

    • During the Buddhist pilgrimage tour with us, we will take you to different historical sites in Nepal that hold huge importance for Buddhist people. You will visit the monasteries and stupas, learn about their significance, explore the local markets around the sites, and also understand the values of Buddhism for Nepali people. It is an easy and very immersive tour.

    • The two famous Buddhist sites in Kathmandu are Swayambhunath, which is widely known as Monkey temple, and the Boudhanath Stupa.

    • Lumbini, a small town in the Terai region of Nepal, is the home of Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha was a royal child, a prince, and was known as Siddhartha Gautam in his early age. You can still visit the ruins of the place where he spent his childhood.

    • Boudhanath in Kathmandu is the biggest Buddhist temple in Nepal. Likewise, Lumbini has a great number of monasteries.

    • Yes, you can do our 8 days Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal with your family. You can bring kids and elders of the family on this tour. We always have special discounts for big groups.

    • No, there is no risk of difficulty associated with the Buddhist pilgrimage tour. It is an easy tour with light walking involved around the sites.

    • Yes, our Buddhist pilgrimage tour package cost covers all permits, accommodation, meals, and expenses of the tour guide. You only have to bear your personal costs like international flights, tips, shopping, etc.

    • It depends on whether you can take pictures inside the monasteries and tourist sites or not. Some places may have prohibitions on taking pictures and videos. So, it's better to look out for any photo prohibition or ask your guide before taking pictures.

    • Yes, you have to open your shoes before entering any temple or monastery in Nepal. It is Nepali culture to open shoes before entering a religious place or any one house.

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