Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Overview
Early Life of Siddhartha Gautama and Renunciation: Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, was born a prince in 624 BC in Kapilvastu, Nepal, to King Suddhodhan and Queen Maya Devi. He received his education inside the palace and married Princess Yasodhara when he was 16 years old. It was at the age of 29 that, after the birth of his son, Rahul, Siddhartha renounced his royal life in search of deeper spiritual understanding. He soon left the kingdom and studied with various teachers, but their teachings didn’t satisfy him, so he started finding his own way to reach enlightenment. Lumbini: The Birthplace of Buddha – Lumbini is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists from around the world, situated in southern Nepal. It is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Some highlights of the site include the pond where Buddha was bathed following his birth, a temple dedicated to the young Buddha with his mother Queen Maya Devi in various depictions, and the Ashoka Pillar-erected by Emperor Ashoka, who designated this, and other places important to Buddha’s life. Other constructions at Lumbini include stupas by various Buddhist nations, including Thailand, China, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Myanmar.
Buddhist Sites in Kathmandu Valley: With enough Buddhist heritage, the Kathmandu Valley boasts of a number of ancient monuments and monasteries. Starting with the 2,000-year-old Swoyambhunath Stupa, better known as the Monkey Temple, to what is probably the world’s largest, the over-1,500-year-old Bouddhanath Stupa, there are a number of important Buddhist sites around the valley. A predominantly Buddhist city, Patan harbors the Mahabouddha Temple and Hiranya Varna Mahavihar-the two important Buddhist landmarks that reflect how deeply rooted Buddhist culture is in this region. Namobuddha and the Peaceful Pokhara Sightseeing: In addition to such a rich treasury of culture and spirituality that exists in the Valley, the other option-a journey to the serene lakeside town of Pokhara-an important Buddhist pilgrim destination in Namobuddha away from the busy city. For this reason, you will enjoy the view atop the World Peace Stupa located in Pokhara, comprising the Himalaya and Pokhara city proper. The serene surroundings are ideal to boat on Fewa Lake or shop for objects and souvenirs related to Buddhism, quite a few of which may perhaps not be held in your homeland.
Best time for Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
The best times for Buddhist Pilgrimage Tours in Nepal are during the spring and autumn seasons. In these months, the weather is good and usually consists of clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and a comfortable climate that gives rise to favorable conditions outside the comfort zone. During this time of the year, the landscape appears lush, with good views of the mountains, complementing the spiritual value of such a tour.
It is better to avoid the monsoon period that extends from June through August due to heavy rains that might disrupt, especially in remote areas. Winter-December to February-can also be cold, especially at higher altitudes, and not very good for outdoor activities. Thus, spring and autumn have the best combination of good weather and a spiritually rich cultural environment for a Buddhist pilgrimage journey.
Incredible sightseeing from Buddhist Pilgrimage
The Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour of Nepal combines two most valuable resources of this beautiful land: spiritual landmarks and natural beauty. The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama greets one with a landscaped garden area with lush gardens, peaceful ponds, and the sacred Ashoka Pillar. A temple that carries the statue of Buddha’s early life, along with the stupas constructed by different Buddhist countries combined, sets up an atmosphere tranquil and really inspiring. While the Swoyambhunath Stupa gives a great panorama of the valley, Bouddhanath Stupa is surrounded by prayer flags and monasteries and affords a closer-to-the-heart spiritual experience on the flank of the surrounding hills.
Next on the tour are visits to Pokhara, with the World Peace Stupa offering great views of Fewa Lake and the Annapurna Range, thus presenting a very peaceful and scenic environment; Namobuddha is another highlight in the hills, with its serene surroundings, offering breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains below. These incredible sights, enriched by both cultural significance and natural beauty, make the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour truly unforgettable.
Rich cultural encounters in the traditional villages
This Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour is a very culturally enriching tour as most of the traditional villages lie along the route, offering rich experiences to the people visiting these areas. Visitors, for example, get exposure to the mannerisms, life, and day-to-day rituals followed by the local Buddhists visiting places like Lumbini and Kathmandu Valley. These pilgrimage sites are surrounded by villages showcasing vivid traditions of peoples where visitors can experience local festivals, family-run monasteries, and villagers who exercise the path of Buddhism.
Further rural areas of Namobuddha and beyond Pokhara are more emotionally affecting. People travel far into the countryside to little villages that have maintained the same customs for hundreds of years. These villages are homes to monks and nuns where travelers can learn how the Buddhist teaching enters into every day, mundane life. The tranquility of the village atmosphere allows for personal reflections and spiritual connections, while the possibility to experience the local crafts, rituals, and religious practices is an immersion in depth into the heart of Nepal’s Buddhist heritage.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Highlights
- Swoyambhunath Stupa: A 2,000-year-old Buddhist monument, also known as the Monkey Temple, has a panoramic view of Kathmandu.
- Bouddhanath Stupa: The world‘s largest stupa dates back 1,500 years and is a big pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.
- Situated in Patan, famous for its intricate terracotta design, much similar to Bouddhanath Stupa, and is a well-known Buddhist site.
- A golden Buddhist temple of incredible historical and religious significance to Patan‘s Buddhists.
Important Notes
Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. Hurry up! Adventure is waiting for you and mountains are calling you.
This trip is fully customization. Importantly, this trip is available on both a fixed departure and a private group basis. Moreover, we can also customize the trip as per your needs, please contact us at Whatsapp (+977-9843770916) or email us at [email protected]. Let us know how we can help you, and we will do our best to give you the best customer service you’ll get anywhere else.
Furthermore, Nepal holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reputable and reliable company serving relentlessly in the field of tourism to fulfill the dreams of diverse adventure seekers around the globe into reality where they can feel most alive. So, we recommend you to reserve seat for yourself by booking with us right away for a wonderful and unforgettable trip experience.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Itinerary
Expand allDay 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Then Transfer To Hotel. (1,400 meters | 7 km | 30 minutes)
On the first day, one of our company’s representatives will come to receive you and then transfer you to
the hotel rooms.They will help you with the transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. You rest at the hotel and get ready for the journey that starts the next day. Kathmandu is the capital city, lying at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,593 feet). Today is a rest day to acclimatize to the local environment.
Day 2: Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu (1,400 meters | 40 km | 1.5 - 2 hrs)
Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour On the next day, you will go for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa also known as the Monkey Temple where you can see the panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley. After that, the tour continues to Bouddhanath Stupa–one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world. The day will also include visits to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical site with temples and palaces, and Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples. The day at Kathmandu allows for spiritual and cultural landmarks in one setting for an in-depth history and heritage of Nepal
Day 3: Sightseeing Tour outside Kathmandu ( 1,750 m | 1.5 - 2 hrs)
Kathmandu Outer City Sightseeing Tour On Day 3, depart from Kathmandu to Namobuddha, one of the most holy places for Buddhists, which lies in the hills. The drive from Kathmandu takes about 1.5–2 hours. Lastly, after your arrival, you can enjoy the serenity of peaceful surroundings and absorb the spiritual energy of this important Buddhist destination. You will enjoy an awe-inspiring sunrise view in the early morning before heading to Dhulikhel. Dhulikhel is a hilltop city situated in the Himalayas and bestows fantastic views. The highland retreat, with its rich Newar culture and breathtaking scenery, lies in tranquility.
Day 4: A short sightseeing in Dhulikhel (1,400 m | 30 km | 1.5 hrs)
On the 4th day, we will reach the Dhulikhel. The overnight stay in Dhulikhel will be followed by sightseeing of the renowned places of Dhulikhel. You will be able to visit temples, and there are great views against the background of higher mountains and valleys. Dhulikhel is an excellent place to experience rural Nepal and its vibrant culture. Later in the afternoon, drive back to Kathmandu for an overnight stay to get some rest and reminisce about your day in the countryside.
Day 5: Fly to Lumbini on time then sightseeing in lumbini. ( 150 meters | 25-min)
On the 5th day, you take a short morning flight from Kathmandu to the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, better known as Buddha: Lumbini. Arriving, you will be taken to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lumbini Garden and the birthplace of Buddha, the Mayadevi Temple. You can also visit different Buddhist monasteries built by various countries from around the world. Lumbini provides an environment where you can be much closer to the roots of Buddhism.
Day 6: Drive to pokhara on time then sightseeing in pokhara. ( 827 m | 190 km | 6 - 7 hrs)
You drive for about 6 to 7 hours and cover 190 km from Lumbini to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will get some time to relax in this beautiful city, which is nestled beside a mountain range with great views of various lakes and adventure activities. It’s a relaxed destination after all the spiritual visits and fills your heart with natural rejuvenation.
Day 7: Sightseeing in Pokhara old heritage side ( 10 km, 30 min)
On the 7th day, we will relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the beautiful lake city of Pokhara. We will visit
Sarangkot mountain viewpoint in the morning, boating in the lake in the afternoon and enjoy a short hike to
World Peace Stupa. We will stay in Pokhara even this night also.
Day 8: Drive Back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. (1,400 meters | 200 km | 6-7 hrs)
On the 8th day, we will fly back to Kathmandu. In the free time, we will go walking around and shopping
and Overnight stay in Kathmandu hotel.
Day 9: Departure at Kathmandu airport.
On the last day, we will take you to the airport for departure. last day of service.
If the above Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications.
Plan My TripBuddhist Pilgrimage Tour Cost Includes
✅All accommodations during the tour with twin/double sharing deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
✅Transportation cost of a private vehicle during the whole trip.
✅An authorized license holder English speaking guide during the whole trip.
✅All the government taxes and company service charge.
✅Insurance, daily wages, equipment, meals and accommodation for a guide.
✅Flight Tickets From Kathmandu to Lumbini and From Pokhara to Kathmandu
✅Farewell dinner, Nepali culture cuisine
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Cost Excludes
❌ International airfare
❌ Fees of visa for Nepal
❌ Personal related expenses
❌ Lunch & dinner during the trip.
❌ All the entry fees for sightseeing sites.
❌ Alcoholic beverages, mineral bottle and hot/boiled water, soft drinks, desserts, snack foods laundry or any other services which are not mentioned by the company
❌ Extra cost on natural disaster
❌ Entrance fees in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini.
❌ Travel Insurance.
❌ Items not included in Cost inclusions,
❌ Cost for spending extra nights in a certain destination in your will.
❌ Tips that you provide in the trip to guide, driver or any local people
Upcoming Departures
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour FAQs
Why am I going to trek with Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours?
Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours offers experienced guides, excellent customer service, and local knowledge that can make your trek safe, enjoyable, and well-organized.
What are the other documents that I need to bring along for trekking?
You will be requiring a valid passport with six-month validity, a Nepal visa available on arrival or online, and permits such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
I have previously gone on a trek; will I need a guide?
Yes, compulsory but highly advisable for safety, navigation, and to enrich your trekking experience. Guides speak English and have local knowledge.
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at the airport or apply online prior to your trip.
Do I need any previous trekking experience for the tour?
Previous experience will be helpful but not compulsory. Your fitness and stamina should be pretty good.
How safe is Nepal to tour solo for women travelers?
Generally, Nepal is safe to tours for a solo female traveler, but always in the back of one’s mind should be taking standard precautions such as the choosing of a reputable company or guide.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Equipment Lists
Clothing:
- Thermal base layers
- Trekking shirts (quick-dry)
- Fleece jacket and down jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking trousers
- Gloves (inner and outer)
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Trekking socks
- -20 Sleeping bags
Footwear:
- Sturdy trekking boots
- Camp shoes/sandals
- Gaiters (optional)
Accessories:
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag (-15°C)
- Backpack (50-60L) and daypack (20-30L)
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
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