Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

After breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Boudha. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the important destinations for the Buddhist pilgrimage. Boudha is famous for the Tibetan Gompas and monasteries and is also known as ‘Little Tibet.’ After visiting the monasteries of Boudha we will drive to Kopan monastery. The monastery follows the tradition of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism following the footstep of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. This monastery is beautiful as well as peaceful and we can meditate for a while as well in this monastery. After visiting Kopan Monastery, we will drive to Swoyambunath, which is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The stupa is one of the most sacred Buddhism pilgrimage sites which believes that visiting here provides individual with the inner peace, luck and blessings. Stay overnight at hotel.

Bouddhanth: Boudhhanath stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas 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 local residents in Kora. In the Boudhanath, we can see octagonal Mandala with 100s of prayer wheels as well as 108n images of Lord Buddha in the niches around the stupa. There is an enclosure with several monasteries of the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Kopan Monastery: Kopan Monastery is the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery near to Boudha in Kathmandu city which was originated form the Solukhumbu (Himalaya) region of Nepal from 1971. Under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the monastery follows Gelug tradition of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. The monastery is the home of 360 lamas, monks, teachers and workers. Buddhist pilgrimage from the world wide visit here for the different programs and meditation courses.

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.

After having breakfast, we will either fly or drive by private vehicle to Lumbini. It is 25 minutes flight from Kathamndu to Lumbini and it takes 10 to 11 hours (330 km) to reach Lumbini by private vehicle. It is advisable to take flight as it saves time and is more comfortable by flight. After arrival in Lumbini, we can explore around Mayadevi temple, birthplace of Lord Buddha. Lumbini lies in the Terai region of Nepal, situated at the altitude of 150m from sea level. The weather is hot and there are many religious and historic monuments around Lumbini. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture) and holds immense archaeological and religious importance.

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in the Terai plains of Nepal is one of the greatest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Lumbini has been categorized by 3 different areas: Cultural Centre & New Lumbini Village, the Sacred Garden and the Monastic Zone. In the cultural centre we can explore around the Lumbini Museum, Word Peace Pagoda, Crane Sanctuary, Lumnini International Research Institute and so on. The other is Sacred Garden which is the epicenter of Lumbini and here we can explore around the Mayadevi temple, birthplace of Buddha. Maya Devi Temple: A large number of Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit Lumbini to pray at the Mayadevi Temple where excavations have revealed the “marker stone” showing the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautam Buddha was born. Also, we can explore around Ashoka Pillar, Monuments of spiritual and archaeological importance, Paskarini Sacred Pond and Nativity Sculpture. Monasteries: To the north of the Sacred Garden are monastic zones where different countries have built temples and monasteries depicting different sects of Buddhism like Myanmar Temple, China Temple, Korea Temple, Japan Temple and etc. On Monastic Zone which is the sacred and pilgrimage site, we can explore around 2 different zones: East Monastic (Theravada school of Buddhism) and West Monastic Zone (Vajrayana and Mahayana school of Buddhism). Stay overnight at hotel.

After breakfast we will transfer to airport for returning back to Kathmandu.  This day we will have a free day for shopping or sightseeing on heritage sites or other activities. Stay overnight at hotel.

Enjoy your last day on Kathmandu before departure. At your mentioned departure time our correspondent will pick you up from hotel and transfer to airport and depart you with warm hearts.