| Nepal Buddhist Tour |
 Situated at the Terai plains of the southern Nepal, Lumbini is the place where Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya Prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlighted One, were born in 623 BC. The sacred place, marked by a stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka of India in 249 BC, is listed as one of the World Heritage Sites. Today the holy site is being developed with international support as the supreme Buddhist pilgrimage and a symbol of world peace. The shrines and monasteries that many countries have built or are still building reflect the architectural traditions of the respective countries, and thus giving Lumbini an international feel with a message of universal friendship and brotherhood. About 30km east of Lumbini is the village of Tilaurakot which is believed to have been the location of the Kapilvastu royal palace where the Buddha grew up as the Shakya dynasty prince, until he renounced it at the age of 29 in search of enlightenment.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu valley city tour
Meeting and assistance on arrival & transfer to hotel.Afternoon city tour visiting the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev and Parvati Temple, Machhender Bahl-holy place for the Buddhists and Hindus, Temple House of Kumari, the vestal virgin or the living goddess. Walk around the local bazaars. Also visit Swayambunath, a 2500-year old site where, it is believed, the Radiant Lotus of the valley-mythology, settled when the water was drained by Manjushri, the god of Wisdom. The 5 dhyani Buddha's attended by their consorts are enshrined at the base of the stupa. (Non-Hindus are not allowed inside Swayambhunath temple). Morning visit Patan. In Patan visit the old Newar City, the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Teleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, other temples, old carved windows and balconies of wood, curio shops and bazaars. Afternoon excursion to Bhadgaon, Bodhnath and Pashupatinath. Bhadgaon - another Newar city founded in the 9th century. Visit the ancient Gateway, Durbar Square the Royal Residential quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, the famous five-storeyed temple of Nyatapola in pagoda style and other temples. Later, visit Bodhnath, the 2500-year old Buddhist Stupa, - a holy place for Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet. Also visit Pashupatinath temple where Shiva is worshipped in the form of lingam. (Only Hindus are allowed inside). In the month of February an annual pilgrimage on the occasion of Shivaratri is organized here every year. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Kathmandu - Lumbini
Day 3: Lumbini tour
Day 4: Lumbini to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is a small township, 30 kms from Kathmandu, along the Chinese-built road which leads to the border. It is at an altitude of 6000 ft and offers superb views of Cho-Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. The little town exudes great charm in the bare-brick houses, carved wooden windows, sloping tile-roofs, pagoda-temples and sacred statues everywhere. Lot of temples dots the town and the skyline. Many vantage points offer a panorama of the Himalayan Mountains. Besides bird watching, hiking and mountain biking are some of the activities that can be undertaken here. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Dhulikhel - Namo Buddha - Kathmandu
This tour can be operated with other activities like short and long trekking, wildlife safari, rafting, bungee jumping, yoga and meditation, social and cultural study. The itinerary can be further customized according to your duration of your holiday. |
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