Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal

Today we pay our visit to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a significant Buddhist pilgrimage. The unique octagonal Mandala design with hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 pictures of the Buddha put into the niches surrounding the massive edifice. The area of Boudhanath is also notable for around 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries, also known as the ‘Little Tibet’. The Kapan Monastery in Kapan Hill, a few kilometers higher north from Boudhanath is also known as Nepal Buddhist Mahayana Centre. Kapan Monastery follows the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism under the direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. There is also a nunnery adjacent to the main monastery, known as the Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery, home to roughly 400 nuns.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

We drive to Swoyambhu Stupa in the morning, which is one of the oldest Buddhist structures in the world with more than 2000 years of history and also an important Buddhist pilgrimage. According to mythology, the civilization of Kathmandu Valley itself began with Swoyambhu, which literally means “the self-existent.” It is reported that Bodhisattva Manjusri came across a lovely lake while traveling and observed a lotus, with thousand golden petals, diamond pistils, ruby anthers, and lapis lazuli stalks. The tale further relates that the lotus seed was planted on a full moon night by Bipaswi Buddha himself. In the course of time, Santikarcarya, the king who changed into a Bhikkhu or a monk, constructed the first stupa on the holy place. After touring Swayambhunath, we undertake a 6-hour trip to Pokhara in the afternoon to pay our visit to other Buddhist sites there.

Overnight at Pokhara.

Today we visit some Buddhist landmarks in Pokhara and also appreciate the nature’s magnificence. The huge Buddhist stupa of World Peace Pagoda was constructed by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji organisation on a narrow hilltop high above Phewa Tal. Besides being a cultural landmark, the place is particularly famed for the panoramic vista it affords of the Pokhara Valley. We cross the Phewa Lake on a boat and then climb to the Stupa. Then we will visit the Malepatan Gomba or monastery in Malepatan. Then we undertake another climb to Hyangja, the site for the Tibetan refugee camp who fled Tibet after the Cultural Revolution in China. You may try the Tibetan variety of delicacies, negotiate for curios, and at the same time acquaint yourself with the Tibetan culture. There is the Tashi Palkhiel monastery in the Karma Kagyu tradition.

Overnight at Pokhara.

We drive to Lumbini today – around 290 kilometers south-west from Pokhara which takes about 6-7 hours. We bid goodbye to the Himalayas at Pokhara, and move into a more flat plains of Nepal’s Terai. Generally, the weather gets hot and humid in the plains unless in the winter. Perhaps, Lumbini is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destination — the place where Buddha was born. When we reach Lumbini around the twilight hour, we can wander around the local market to have a look into the native culture.

Overnight at Lumbini.

Lumbini is one of the world’s biggest religious, architectural, and historical places. We concentrate today’s time in visiting as many sights and sites in Lumbini as possible. The place is truly a huge region containing monuments, temples, and ancient sites making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First we visit the Mayadevi temple which is built on the exact site where Buddha was born. We spend some time roaming around the gardens. We also visit the museum and peace pagoda. Some of the major landmarks and structures in Lumbini include: Ashoka’s Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka (249 BC) on the location of Buddha’s birth which also bears the oldest inscription in Nepal. There are various Buddhist Temples constructed by the devotees from many countries: Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese and Burmese, Korean, etc.

Overnight at Lumbini.

We are nearing the end of our Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour. We drive back toward Kathmandu today – roughly 300 kilometers trek up the twisting mountain road. The trek would take roughly 6-7 hours. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transported to your accommodation. To celebrate the successful conclusion of our adventure, we will enjoy a goodbye supper.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Your Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal concludes today. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Holidays Nepal will bring you to the airport. On your return home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the magnificent country of Nepal.