Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour 8 days

• Trip Overview
• Detail Itinerary
• Trip Incusion
• Reviews
• Gallery
• Book Now

• Trip Highlights
  • This is a comprehensive tour to the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal
  • Includes important sites where Buddha visited in Kathmandu valley and places of importance in the teaching of Buddhism.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious significance
  • Ashoka Pillar ,Maya Devi temple ,Village Tour

  Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It is located in southern plain of central Nepal very close to the border of Indian State of Bihar and Utter Pradesh. We take you to the pilgrimage site of Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. Emperor Ashoka of India in the height of his power to renounce his acquisitive and bloody path visited Lumbini and built a Pillar in 250 BC. While in Lumbini we visit the temple of Maya Devi, mother of Gautam Buddha, and the sacred pool known as Puskarni, where Maya Devi gave purification bath to Gautam Buddha. The focal point of Lumbini is the sanctum sanctorum where a stone slab is located to mark exact birthplace of Gautam Buddha. We take two full-day tours to visit the restored garden and surrounding areas that has many ancient monuments, monasteries, and stupas including the archeological site at Kapilvastu where Gautam Buddha spent his early years of childhood. Archaeologist has discovered that the foundation of the palace scattered in the area has 13 successive layers of human habitation dating back to 8th century BC. If time permit we visit other historical places associated with the life of Gautam Buddha like Aroarakot Chatradei, Gotihawa and Kudan all in the vicinity of Taulihawa. Niglihawa and Sagarhawa are other nearby sites that are archeologically important. Surrounding villages and weekly market full of local merchandise and people provide interesting sightseeing tour.

  After Lumbini fly back to Kathmandu and travel to Bhaktapur to see many interesting monuments and people in their traditional attire. Travel onward to a resort in Nagarkot; stay overnight at the resort to see sunrise and sunset view over the Himalayan range including Mt. Everest. On the way back to Kathmandu we drive to the ridge of Namobuddha to have a look at the place visited by Buddha in Kathmandu before going to Varanasi (India) at the end of his life. This visit was during the reign of Kiranti king. At the end of the journey, we travel to Buddhist centers like Boudhanath and Swambhunath. In recent years Boudhanath stupa known as little Tibet has become the biggest center for Tibetan Buddhists and Buddhists in South Asia for pilgrimage and meditation.

  Buddhism is an integral part of Nepali culture. The Newars and Tibetans have played an important role in keeping up the tradition of Buddhism in the country. There are about 2,000 Buddhist shrines in Kathmandu valley in the form of Stupa, Chaitya or Chorten. These monuments enshrine a relic of Buddha or contain prayers, holy scripts or mortal remains of an important and holy Buddhist master. These structures are built alone or within a Vihar or Gompa where the community of devotees lives and practice ‘dharma’. Stupas and vihar are also the hallmarks of Nepali art and culture.

• Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu. In Kathmandu (BB)

  Upon arrival our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Free day.

  Day 2 In Kathmandu (BB). Full day sightseeing.

  After breakfast visit Baudanath. It is located about 8 km north east of Kathmandu city. It has a different layout and construction built in the shape of a mandala (a Buddhist representation of the heavens). It is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century by King Mandeva. This is the center for pilgrims from Tibet who often make the long journey entirely on foot to pay homage to Buddha. The stupa is the biggest in the country. is one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage. The stupa represents the Mind of the Buddha. Most of the monasteries in the vicinity of Boudanath, offer meditation and retreats to visitors. To get an insight into Buddhist monastic life it is worth visiting some of the monasteries in Boudha.

  Swayambhunath stupa is another important pilgrimage site for Buddhist. Legend has it that Goddess Manjushri found a shrine here after draining the lake; Kathmandu valley was once a lake before it was drained. The stupe is located on a hill just 2 km from the town center in the west. You can get a good view over the surrounding city and countryside. The big white stupa is tremendous. It is believed to be 2000 years old. It is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Both stupas are listed in the UNESCO Heritage Monument.

  In the afternoon visit Patan City situated across Bagmati river. Sightseeing places like Durbar Square, Hiranya Varna Mahavira, Mahaboudha are very close to the old palace which is believed to have been built in 299AD. There are many beautifully carved windows, doors and balconies for which it is famous. Mahaboudha is made of Terracotta bricks and pagoda style structure of Mahavira dedicated to Lord Buddha built in 13th century

  Day 3 Fly to Bhairawa. Transfer to Lumbini. In Lumbini (BB).

  After breakfast transfer to airport. Fly to Bhairawa. This airport is located very close to the Indian border in southern plain. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. The drive is about 20 km. Lumbini the birth place of Gautam Buddha is situated in the foothill of the Churiya mountain range about 300 km southwest of Kathmandu. Lumbini the birth place of Lord Buddha is the first and foremost pilgrimage site for all Buddhists.

  We visit Lumbini Garden where Lord Buddha was born and lake Puskarini where Mayadevi took holy dip before giving birth to the Sidhartha Gautam Buddha. This is the place where Buddha was given his first bath. We visit the archaeological site to see the stone image of Mayadevi, better known as the Nativity Sculpture dated fourth century. The image shows Mayadevi with her up-stretched right hand on newly born Buddha standing upright on a lotus pedestal and two celestial figures pouring water from heaven. Very close to the monument is the famous Ashoka Pillar. This was discovered by a German archeologist Dr. A. Fuehrer and then Governor of Palpa district Khadga Shamsher in 1895. The Pillar is the first epigraphic evidence relating to the birth of Buddha in Lumbini. The famous Mauryan Emperor Ashoka guided by his spiritual teacher Upagupta made a pilgrimage to Lumbini in 249 B.C. and erected the stone pillar bearing an inscription, which reads as “King Piyadasi (Ashoka), the beloved of Devas, in the 20th of the coronation, visited Lumbini and paid his homage.” To commemorate the occasion a stone railing was built and a stone pillar erected. . The 15 feet tall upper portion of the pillar bears the inscription attributed to Raja Ripu Malla of the Naga dynasty of western Nepal. The inscription reads “Om Mane Padme Hum.”

  Day 4 In Lumbini (BB). Explore Niglihawa

  Niglihawa is situated about 32 kilometers northwest of Lumbini. It is a significant archaeological site. A large tank known as Niglisagar is located in the area. Close to the tank lie the remains of broken part of the Ashoka Pillar. The pieces of pillar have been protected by the Lumbini Development Trust.

  Emperor Ashoka visited Niglisagar during his pilgrimage, built a stupa and set up a pillar. Archeologist Dr. A Fuhrer discovered this pillar in 1895. This site is regarded as a very important religious place for Buddhists and research scholars. It is believed that the Kanakmuni Buddha, who came earlier than Shakyamuni Buddha was born, enlightened, and met his father in this place. A Kanakmuni Stupa is situated here. The Ashokan Pillar of the Niglisagar is a testimony that Emperor Ashoka enlarged the stupa that enshrined the relics of the Kanakmuni Buddha. There are also ruins of ancient viharas in Niglihawa. Chinese pilgrims, Fa-Hien and Yuan-Chwang, who visited Niglihawa had described about Kanakmuni Stupa and Ashokan Pillar in their travel accounts. Near by Niglisagar there are remains of ancient stupas, monasteries and habitations that are yet to be excavated.

  Day 5 In Lumbini (BB). Explore the Ramgram Kingdom

  The Ramgram Kingdom was 60 kilometers to the east of the holy place where Buddha was born. The King of Ramgram Kingdom was one of the eight Kings who obtained relics of Buddha; he built a pagoda which was named Ramgram Pagoda. The relics were in it for offering. There are many stories related to this.

  Day 6 Fly back to Kathmandu. Travel to Nagarkot. Overnight in Nagarkot (BB)

  After breakfast transfer to airport at Vhairawa. Fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival we drive to Nagarkot. En-route we may visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur known as Bhadgaon. The interesting places in Bhakatapur are Durbar square, Nyatapola Temple, and Dattaraya Temple. Bhaktapur is 16 km from Kathmandu. It is one of the three main cities in Katrhmandu valley. The city is famous for museum of medival arts and architecture with many fine examples of sculputure, and woodcarving. Potery and mask making, and weaving are its major traditional industry. In the Durbar Square there are many temples built in pagoda style. Most impressive is a five storied Nyatapola temple built in 1702 AD. Dattatrya temple, built in 1427 AD, and intricately carved peacock window and numerous fountain inside the palace are other attraction. The city has been beautifully preserved. Its Malla dynasty architecture is particularly attractive. The city is dependent on agricultural and this rural atmosphere pervades the streets and bazaars. Travel on ward to Nagarkot (2195 m). It is located about 17 km from Bhaktapur on northeastern rim high above Kathmandu valley.  This is a well-known location to get best sunrise and sunset view over the Himalayan range. On a clear day you can see peak of Mt. Everest.

  Day 7. Drive to Kathmandu. En-route visit Namobuddha. In Kathmandu (BB)

  After breakfast drive to Bhaktapur and onward to Namobuddha. Nmobuddha is located on a hill southeast of Kathmandu. This is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site. From Dhulikhel You can also walk through several villages to the summit in about three hour. There are rows of Buddhist stupas adorned with fluttering prayer flags. The amazing story concerned with the Buddha was commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with all seeing eyes. The carved image on the slab portrays a popular legend that the lord Buddha in his previous incarnation allowed himself to be devoured by a starving tigress to save her and her cubs from starving to death.

  Day 8 Depart Kathmandu.

  Transfer to airport. Fly home.
• COST- Private Trip
  2 person US$ 1045 per person
  3 to 5 person US$ 1200 per person
  6 to 9 person US$ 795 per person
  Single Supplement :US$ 115
  
  *Government fees and airfares are subject to change
  Cost Includes
  1.  All airport transfers and ground transportation (AC-vehicle).
  2.  Excursion to Kathmandu Valley
  3.  Knowledgeable , English speaking tour guide
  4.  Accommodation on bed and breakfast based on double occupancy using comfortable hotel with attached bath room – hot and cold running water and wall to wall carpet with amenities and facilities
  Cost Excludes
  1. Visa fee, Airfares and Sightseeing entrance fee
  2. Personal accident and health insurance
  3. Emergency evacuation and medical expense
  4. Alcoholic and bottled veverage, mineral water , laundry and tips
  5. Expenses due to flight dealy, sickness and other contingencies.
  6. Any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned
• 

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Δ

  By clicking this button, I understand & agree with the Privacy Policy & Terms & Conditions of this Kailash Himalaya Trek service.