This tour is especially made to highlight the major Buddhist heritage sites of Nepal. For those who are curious about Buddhism, this tour is made to provide them the opportunity to get to know the details about Buddhism and it's culture. It takes you to the major Buddhist pilgrimages in the valley and to the birth place of Lord Buddha to Lumbini. In the valley you will visit Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO and Lumbini (birth place of Lord Buddha) out of the valley. During the trip, visitors can see the Buddhist devotees chanting religious hymns in their religious attire totally devoted to Buddhism. Lumbini is known as the birth place of Lord Buddha "The Light of Asia.". The nativity site is marked by a stone pillar erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred spot.
Season: Throughout the whole year.
Clothing: Cottons & light woolens during summer, warm clothing during winter.
Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at the airport, welcome by our representative & transfer to the Hotel. At the hotel briefing about the program by our representative. Rest day at leisure.
Day 02
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley:
After breakfast, introduce with the Sightseeing Guide & driver. We set to the first day sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley. Today you will see the following spots; the details are as described below:
Swoyambhunath: The four seeing eyes of Swoyambhunath Stupa watch over the valley from the top of 77-m high hillock on western side. This most glorious Stupa in the world, is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu valley out of a primordial lake. The surroundings of the Swoyambhunath are covered with small Chaityas & monasteries as well as some Hindu temples. The National Museum and the Museum of Natural History are situated at the foot of the hill.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between 12th and 18th Centuries, used to be the seat of ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. It is the place where kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. Kumari Temple: Kumari temple is the residence of the Living Goddess. Kumari, known as Virgin Goddess has got some specialties, she must be chosen from a typical Newari cast with no body marks & injuries & will be replaced by another Kumari after puberty. Kasthamandap: Kasthamandap is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree in the sixteenth century. Situated near to the Kumari Temple. The name Kathmandu was named after this temple.
Patan City: Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square is an enchanting mélange of Palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious monuments. One remarkable monument here is 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.
Day 03
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.
After breakfast set for another day's sightseeing:
Boudhanath
This Stupa lies 6-km downtown Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa, one of the biggest in the world, has the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It was built in the fifth century AD. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. One can observe devotees chanting religious hymns & playing with prayer wheels
Pashupatinath Temple: Situated 5 km east on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, the temple of Lord Shiva with two-tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Chronicles indicate the temple's existence prior 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River.
Bhaktapur City
|Durbar Square: As you walk in, you can not but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the special layout here. The 15th century Palace of 55 windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also situated inside. The Palace Entrance, Golden Gate that is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 windows, is masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. There are temples like Batsala Temple and the Shiva temple, the replica of Pashupatinath Temple etc. Nyatapola Temple: This five story pagoda was built in 1702 AD. Each story has pair of figures (two wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and goddess's tigress & & lioness). This temple is one of the tallest pagodas & famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship
Day 04
Drive Kathmandu-Lumbini.
Drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. About 7-8 hrs drive. Drive passes through the bank of the famous rivers of Nepal, enjoying the natural beauties; green forests & gorges, after 4 hrs, the drive enters into lowland of Nepal where the roads are straight & wide. Upon arrival in Lumbini. Check in to the hotel & rest days at free.
Day 05
Lumbini:
Visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, compassion & non-violence. Here one can see the broken Ashok pillar, remnants of an old monastery, images of Buddha's mother Maya Devi etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. Visit sacred Garden where Buddha was born, Mayadevi Temple, and Puskarni Pond where Buddha's mother had taken a bath before giving birth to Buddha. Visit different monasteries, which represent different countries like Myanmar Temple, China Temple, Korean Temple, Nepal Buddha Temple etc.
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Day 06
Drive Lumbini-Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu. Rest day free for shopping..
Day 07
Departure to onward destination.
The cost can be worked out depending of the number of people or any desired hotels and mode of travel e.g. By Air/Train or surface etc.
<Contact : Mr. Akhil Chaturvedi, E-mail: akhil@wwt-usa.com, Ph.- 800-343-0038 (ext.- 210) >
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