Nepal is a religious country with the maximum population of Hindu and second majority group of Buddhist. Nepal is a fusion and mix of Buddhist and Hindu culture in every region. In Nepal there are many heritage sites and temples where we can see the fusion of Buddhist and Hindu culture. The whole nation of Nepal celebrates the birth date of Lord Buddha on 05th of May where monks perform different rituals and celebrate in all the monasteries, stupas of Nepal and devotees visit to pay tribute to Lord Buddha.
Buddhism is one of the second largest religion in Nepal. Talking about the history of Buddhism, the initiator of this religion, Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. The history starts before 536 years from the birth of Gautam Buddha. Nepal has been one of the pilgrimage site and sacred place for the visitors from worldwide and people of Nepal themselves. The different spiritual practices, meditation is performed as well as organized in different Monasteries by the Buddhist monks and spiritual leaders in Nepal. There are three types of Buddhism practices in Nepal: Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism and Varjrayana Buddhism. There is practice of Buddhism in the Himalayan, Hilly and Terai region of Nepal.
Buddhist Cultural Tour offers the beautiful tour activity where travelers can observe the different part of Nepal and visit the famous Buddhist places like Pokhara, Lumbini and Chitwan. Buddism is the second most followed religion of Nepal with the history of Gautam Buddha being born in Nepal in 564 B.C. In the country where Lord Buddha was born, it is the lifetime opportunity to explore the land mark of Buddha named as Buddhist Cultural Tour where the travelers can explore the history, heritages along with the culture and influence of Buddhism in Nepal. This tour is suitable for all age group as well as for the travelers who are admirer of Buddhism and want to explore more about Buddhism culture in Nepal. Nepal has 5 different seasons like: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter and Buddhist cultural tour can be done in all the seasons (available for 12 months). The birth place of Lord Buddha is the famous destination for the travelers in Nepal where thousands of visitors from worldwide come each year to visit each year. Buddhist cultural tour is designed with the aim to promote the history and culture of Buddhism being practiced in Nepal. Nepal is a holy land where not only Lord Buddha but many monks (lamas) have devoted their life following the Buddhism.
Buddhism is practiced from Himalayan to Hilly to Terai Region of Nepal. There are different forms of Buddhism practiced in Nepal. When we travel in Himalayan Region, the history of Buddhism is influenced by Guru Padmasambhava, widely known as Guru Rinpoche. He is the pioneer of Buddhism being followed in Himalayan Region. Himalayan region like: Everest Region, Mustang Region, Manang Region, Langtang and other regions are influenced by the Tibetan - Buddhism in Nepal. We can see the Tibetan prayers flags (lung dar player flags), monasteries during our visit in Himalayan Region of Nepal. The Hilly region includes the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like: Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath and Kopan Monastery, Namo Buddha and other monasteries where Buddhism is being practiced, taught and followed. Whereas, Lumbini lies in the the Terai plains of Nepal where Lord Buddha was born.
Buddhist Cultural Tour begins from the scenic mountain flight where travelers get the chance to see the mesmerizing view of Everest and other 8000+ Himalayas of Everest Region. Then after we explore the amazing and popular UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambu, Pashupati, Boudha. Then after we go to the scenic destination, Nagarkot from where we can see the beautiful sunrise and sunset along with the Himalayan range. After Nagarkot, we will head towards Chitwan for jungle safari activities. Chitwan is the habitat of Tharu people and beautiful national park where we can see the Rhinos, crocodiles, elephant and other wild animals. After adventure in Chitwan we go to explore Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city with the lakes and mountains. We can do boating, enjoy the Sunrise from Sarangkot while we are in Pokhara.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- 11 days tour to explore around Buddhist pilgrimage sites accompanied by tour guide
- Everest Mountain Flight; chance to see the magical Everest Range
- Visit the UNESO World Heritage site: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambu, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan
- Enjoy the beautiful sunrise in Nagarkot with your family and loved ones
- Explore the wildlife of Chitwan National park and Tharu culture
- Explore immense beauty of Annapurna side, Pokhara
- Boating in Fewa lake
- Visit to Jangchub Choeling Monastery of Pokhara
- Visit the Birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini and get enlightened with the Buddhism culture
- Visit Maya devi temple, Ashoka pillar and monasteries in Lumbini
- Explore the Buddhist corners of Nepal and history of Buddhism
- Spirituality and Tranquility
NOTE: Inquire us for the booking or customized booking of Nepal Buddhist tour and get the chance to explore the Buddhist culture along with the scenic tour to Nepal.
Detail Itinerary for Buddhist Cultural Tour
Day 01: Kathmandu (1350 m)
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 Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu – Mountain Flight / Sightseeing
After breakfast we will go for mountain
flight and enjoy the mesmerizing views of Himalayas. Each one will get the
window seat during an hour flight. Then after we return to hotel and get ready
for the tour around the Kathmandu valley. We will get visit the
different places which are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu
Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath today. Stay overnight at hotel.
Kathmandu
Durbar Square: (World Heritage Site): Kathmandu Durbar square is one
of the popular place which is liked by many visitors due to its exquisite
architecture and artistic embellishment. It consists of Huge Royal Palace with
different temples dating back from the 15th to the 18th
century. The house of the living goddess, the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the red
monkey god, the Hanumandhokha palace, the Ashok Binayak temple, Kasthamandap,
the Temple Taleju and hundreds of erotic carvings are some few examples of the
sights at the square. All woodcarvings, statues and architecture in this area
are exceptionally fine.
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 it’s
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.
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 represent 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. There is an enclosure with several monasteries of the different
schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is one of the
most sacred temples in Nepal. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large double
roofed pagoda of brass and gilt gold; the gateway is plated with silver. There
are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines and temples dedicated to
other deities in the temple complex. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu
pilgrims from all over South Asia offering worship to Shiva, the Lord of
Destruction. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the Hindus only.
However, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in
the temple premises from the vantage point across the bank of the Bagmati
River.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Nagarkot (2175 m.)
We will do the sightseeing in Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan
which are listed in UNESCO World heritage site and then head towards the
beautiful place nearby the valley, Nagarkot. We can see the beautiful view of
sunset and sunrise from Nagarkot. Stay overnight
at hotel.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most
charming Architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights the ancient
arts of Nepal. The Square contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces
like the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery,
the Golden Gate, the palaces of 55 windows, the Batsala temple and the bell of
barking dog etc.
Changunarayan: The temple of
Changunarayan is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings and is said to
be the oldest pagoda style temple in the valley. The temple, built around the 3rd
century, is decorated by some of the best samples of stone, wood and metal
craft in the valley. The courtyard has many other temples such as that of
Kiloswar Shiva, Chhinnmasta Devi and other figures like Garuda, Vishnu and
other deities.
Nagarkot (2175 m): It is one of the
most popular mountain resort destinations in the Kathmandu Valley rim. Located
32 km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a magnificent place to spend the night and
awaken to view the sun rising across the wide Himalayan range of Langtang,
Gaurisanker and Everest range. It is also the starting point of the valley rim
trek for those who are in Nepal for short stay.
Day 04: Kathmandu – Chitwan (415 m.)
After breakfast we drive to airport and fly to Bharatpur
airport (Chitwan). From there we transfer to hotel via private vehicle. Chitwan
is known for the most attractive national park located at southern terai region
of Nepal. The Park has wide varieties of wildlife offering people from across
the world an opportunity to observe beautiful flora and fauna. Here, one can
see very rare endangered species like one-horned rhinos, sloth bear, wild
boars, leopards, crocodiles and many more than 500 species of birds. This day
we will visit Tharu village, enjoy Tharu cultural dance in the evening. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Chitwan (415 m.)
Early morning we will enjoy various jungle activities such
as Elephant riding, canoeing, jungle walk and etc. We will do the canoeing in
Rapti River for 35 minutes and get to see the Gharial crocodile, many different
species of birds. Then after we go for the jungle walk, 2 to 3 hours and
Elephant Safari / Jeep Drive in the Chitwan National Park. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Chitwan - Pokhara
Early morning Bird watching trip and after returning from Bird watching trip we will have breakfast drive to Bharatpur airport and fly to Pokhara. From there we transfer to Pokhara hotel. After having rest we will start Pokhara city sightseeing tour, at first we do boating in Fewa Lake and visit Tal Barahi Temple. If we have enough time we can also drive to World Peace Stupa. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Pokhara
Early morning drive to Sarangkot to see the sunrise and
great panoramic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri including Annapurna range. After
spending few hours there we will drive back to Pokhara and have breakfast in
hotel. We will do the sightseeing around Pokhara at: Gupteshore Cave,
David Fall, Seti Gorge, Pokhara International Mountaineering Museum Bindabasini
Temple and Tibetan Refugee Camp. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Pokhara – Lumbini (150 m.)
After
having breakfast we will head towards the airport and fly to Lumbini. It takes
20 minutes to reach Lumbini airport. Transfer to hotel from the airport. In the
afternoon explore around Mayadevi temple and monasteries. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Lumbini (150 m.)
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in the
Terai plains of Nepal is one of the greatest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. It
is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture) and holds immense archeological
and religious importance. 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. 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. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: Lumbini – Kathmandu
After breakfast we will transfer to airport for returning
back to Kathmandu. This day we
will have a free day for shopping and other activities. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu
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.