Buddhist Trail in Nepal 6 Night 7 Days

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of three significant places: Kopan Monastery, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa.

The day begins early with a drive to Kopan Monastery, located on a hill near Boudhanath, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. This monastery, dominated by a massive Bodhi Tree, will introduce you to one of the senior monks who will explain various meditation techniques and guide you in a meditation session lasting about 1.5 hours. What started as the Mount Everest Center in 1971 with just twenty-five monks has grown into Kopan Monastery, home to over 360 monks and nuns from various regions, including Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, and India.

Next, you'll visit Boudhanath Stupa, an impressive landmark in Kathmandu and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism. It features one of the largest spherical Giant Stupa Mandalas. The stupa, standing at 36 meters (118 feet) on a three-story mandala-style pedestal, is adorned with 108 small statues of Amida Nyorai and prayer wheels. Pilgrims circumambulate the stupa clockwise to turn the prayer wheels, a practice believed to be equivalent to reciting mantras. This massive mandala-style stupa ranks among the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The final destination for the day is Swayambhunath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the world's oldest shrine, established over 2,500 years ago. It is perched on a 3km hill in the western outskirts of Kathmandu and holds profound significance in Buddhism. Legend has it that when the Kathmandu Valley was a lake 2,000 years ago, a lotus flower grew in the middle of the lake. When Bodhisattva Manjushree drained the lake with his sword, the lotus settled on a hill and magically transformed into a stupa, earning Swayambhunath the nickname of the "self-made stupa." This ancient stupa provides breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley, with the compassionate eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides, and the enigmatic third eye symbolising true wisdom.

Overnight at Hotel [B]

Dhulikhel, nestled between Panauti and Banepa, is a popular hiking destination. It is home to the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, located on elevated terrain. The area offers breathtaking views of distant snowcapped mountains and is adorned with fluttering prayer flags, creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere. The village also provides various recreational options, including shops selling local artefacts and souvenirs, as well as a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.

You will return to Kathmandu later in the day.

Overnight at Hotel [B]

Flight Duration (Domestic Flight): Approximately 30 minutes

Altitude: 150 m / 490 ft.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, is a highly revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with significant archaeological and religious importance. Upon your arrival in Lumbini, you will be transferred to your hotel. After some relaxation, you will visit the World Peace Pagoda and the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary.

Overnight at Hotel [B]

After breakfast, you will explore the archaeological sites scattered around Lumbini, all of which hold significance in the life and enlightenment of Buddha. These sites include the Myanmar temple (Lokamani Cula Pagoda), the China temple built by the Buddhist Association of China, the Dae Sung Suk Ga Sa Korean Temple, and the Japan Peace Stupa, constructed by Nippon Jon Kyohoji of Japan. Additionally, you will find beautiful monuments and temples built by various countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, France, Germany, and Sri Lanka.

Overnight at Hotel [B]

Flight Duration (Domestic Flight): Approximately 35 minutes

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, and the rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore as you wish.

Overnight at Hotel [B]

After enjoying breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your onward flight.

Trip Ends

B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner