Nepal Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu airport: Pick up from the airport and transfer to Nagarkot (2195 m/ 1-1.5 hour) The tour guide or/and our airport representative holding AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES sign-board and group name-list will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and transfer you to the Fort Resort, Nagarkot on our private vehicle which takes about 1 – 1.5 hours from the airport. On the way to Nagarkot, we stop by the medieval town of Bhaktapur and explore the oldest part of the town where there are a few interesting squares with age old temple, traditional squares and living museum. Afterwards, we drive to the famous hill resort of Nagarkot for overnight stay. Nagarkot is located atop a hill amidst dense greenery and beautiful views of terraced farmland and typical villages down the valley. If the weather favors, we get to enjoy the beautiful sunset and have an excellent wide range views over the snowcapped Himalayas.

Day 02Sightseeing tours around Nagarkot (sunrise/sunset/village tour/Himalayan views) We spend one extra day in Nagarkot exploring its beauty and magnificent Himalayan views. Early in the morning, we wake up to observe the breath-taking sunrise over the Himalayan Range. Later in the day, we take a little hike to the View Tower and enjoy the views over surrounding hills and mountains. Later in the evening, we can enjoy the sunset with a cup of tea or coffee.

Day 03Drive/Fly to Pokhara (230 KM/9-10 hours drive/25 minutes flight) After breakfast, we take a nice and scenic drive to Pokhara, naturally beautiful lake city. It’s a bit long drive, but we stop from time to time to take snacks & refreshment breaks and enjoy watching the beautiful Himalayan Rivers, Trishuli and Marshyangdi. In a clear day, we can also enjoy the Himalayan views of Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Annapurna ranges. Upon arriving in Pokhara (885 m), we check-in to a nice hotel near by the lake and take some refreshments. Then we take nice stroll into the colorful streets of Lakeside. Later in the evening, we go out for dinner in a Traditional Nepalese Restaurant with Nepalese music and cultural dancing program.

Day 04Pokhara Sightseeing: Sunrise in Sarangkot/Boating on Fewa Lake/International Mountain Museum/Davi’s falls/Gupteshwor Cave/Tibetan Refugee Camp etc. Early in the morning, we drive to the Sarangkot Hill (11KM/ 30 minutes) for a beautiful sunrise and Annapurna Himalayan views. Then we get back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we go for exciting boating experience on Fewa Lake. We then drive to the International Mountain Museum, Davi’s Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Tibetan refugee settlement and explore the natural beauty of the falls & cave and observe the tradition and lifestyle of Tibetan refugees who have migrated from Tibet and settled here for many decades. Later on, we drive to Peace Pagoda for sunset. Peace pagoda is located atop a hill above Fewa Lake and the views from there is really mesmerizing – the lake, city and the mountains.

Day 05Drive/Fly to Lumbini (199 KM/ 7-8 hours drive/20 minutes flight) Sightseeing around Lumbini We take early breakfast and take on interesting drive to Lumbini – the birth place of Lord Buddha. It’s a beautiful drive and we take a few refreshments breaks for lunch and drinks.

Day 06Lumbini Sightseeing Tour: Mayadevi Temple/ Marker Stone/Ashokan Pillar/Lumbini Garden/ Monasteries/Temples etc. Today, we visit some of the interesting and historically important spots including the bath pond, where Mayadevi-the mother took bath before giving birth to prince Siddhartha (Lord Buddha), marker stone- exact spot where lord Buddha was born and Asokan Pillar, that Mouryan Emperor Ashoka erected in 3rd century BC to symbolize that the Buddha was born here. We will also visit beautiful Monasteries, Temples and Lumbini Garden.

Day 07Drive/Fly back to Kathmandu (272KM/ 9-10 hours drive/25 minutes flight) We take on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu with beautiful landscape, lowland Terai, big flat fields of rice, sugarcane, wheat etc. We get back to Kathmandu and check-in to our hotel. After some refreshments, we go for a traditional farewell dinner with cultural program.

Day 08Mountain Flight & Kathmandu valley sightseeing: Patan Durbar Square/Boudhnath Stupa/Swoyambhunath (Monkey) Temple Today, we will visit three spots in Kathmandu valley of historical, cultural and religious importance which are also the UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Sites. In the evening, after the sightseeing, we will explore the buzzing streets of Thamel before going for dinner at a lovely Restaurant. Patan Durbar Square/Krishna temple/Bhimsen temple/ Kumari Ghar (personal audience with Patan Kumari-The living goddess of Patan) Patan is famous for its temples, fine arts/metal works/stone and wood carvings. We can witness local artists working on their workshops. Patan used to be separate kingdom from Kathmandu and Bhaktapur and different kings ruled this ancient city. Boudhnath Stupa/Monasteries/Thangka school Boudhnath stupa is the biggest stupa of Nepal which is believed to be built in 6th century with a Kasyapa Buddha bone buried in it. Walking around the stupa clock-wise and turning the prayer wheels around it add merit to good Karma and bring good luck and prosperity. Swoyambhunath (Monkey) Temple/ Buddhist Monasteries Swoyambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill about 5 KM west of Thamel. It is famous as Monkey Temple as there are hundreds of holy monkeys living in the forest near-by and often coming around the temples to amuse the visitors. This place is believed to have self-existed and its hill top location provides great view down the city and also the Himalaya in a clear day. There is an interesting monastery which we can visit while circling the Stupa.

Day 09Drop to the Airport for Farewell & departure or extend the trip with other activitiesYour Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative from Authentic Adventures will drive you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your outbound flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. However, If you have more time in Nepal and are interested in extending the trip with us, there are many options such as trekking to other regions, jungle safari, river rafting, sightseeing tour, mountain biking, adrenaline activities etc.