Buddhist Circuit Tour is an original pilgrimage program that covers world's most important Buddhist sites in Nepal. In this tour, you will learn about the true history of Buddhism and be a witness to the most sacred Buddhist sites in this land of Buddha.
Nepal - Lumbini to be exact- is the birthplace of Buddha where he spent 29 years of his life. Today Lumbini has become a center for world peace drawing tens of thousands of tourists every year. In the past century many historically important archaeological remains related to Buddha's life have been discovered and are on display for everyone to see. You will tour this world heritage site that hosts Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, Puskarni Pond, Nativity Marker Stone, Vihara and Stupas, Crane sanctuary etc.
You will also visit four important Buddhist sites in and near Kathmandu Valley, namely Boudha Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa, Namo Buddha and Kapan. Both Boudha Stupa and Swoyambhu Stupa are world heritage monuments and a major draw for Tibetans and Nepali Buddhist pilgrims. Namo Buddha, an ancient site, is dedicated to previous reincarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha while Kapan is a recently built institution that promotes Tibetan Buddhism.
Our office representative will be there at the airport to welcome you upon your arrival and take you to your hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Sightseeing of Buddhist heritage sites such as Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and Kapan. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
After early morning breakfast, our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel for a day-long tour. Today you will visit three important Buddhist sites within Kathmandu: Swoyambhu Stupa, Boudha Stupa and Kapan.
Swoyambhu Stupa: Swoyambhu Stupa is a world heritage monument dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism. The unique dome shaped Buddhist stupa was built some 2500 years ago when Kathmandu was under the influence of Tibetan rulers. Also called Monkey Temple, the stupa is situated west of Kathmandu and built on the top of a hill surrounded by green forests. There are temples, stupas, statues and shrines dedicated to Buddha along with a monastery, museum and library.
Boudha Stupa: Boudha Stupa is also a world heritage monument located north of Kathmandu. The dome shaped spherical stupa showcases all seeing eyes of Buddha. The stupa was completely rebuilt after it had been destroyed by the earthquake of 2015.
Kapan Monastery: Built in the 1970s, Kapan Monastery is one of the most popular Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu. The monastery was established by renwoned Zopa Rinpoche and has a monastic school that can accommodate 360 monks from Nepal and Tibet. Adjacent to it is a Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery.
Wake up early and start the day with a warm breakfast. Our tour guide will meet you at the hotel and brief you about today’s program. You will drive to the famous Buddhist site of Namo Buddha and spend the day sightseeing around. You will return to your hotel in Kathmandu by later afternoon.
Namo Buddha: Namo Buddha is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal visited by pilgrims and tourists alike. Located 40 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1750m, Namo Buddha literally means ‘hail to Buddha’. It is believed that when Shakyamuni Buddha was a Prince during his previous life he sacrificed himself to feed a hungry tigress and her cub. Today a monastery has been built nearby which houses hundreds of monks from Nepal and Tibet. Due to its altitude it overlooks the ancient town of Panauti together with splendid views of mountains.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Early morning, drive to Lumbini along Prithivi Highway and East West Highway.
A world heritage site, Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and apostle of peace. Located in southwestern region of Nepal in the Terai plains, Lumbini is a world heritage site and one of the world’s greatest pilgrimage centers. Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit this sacred site to pay their respects to Lord Buddha.
Stay overnight at hotel in Lumbini.
Today you will spend whole day sightseeing in and around Lumbini with a tour guide. Lumbini hosts archaeological remains related to the life and times of Buddha. Mayadevi Temple, Sacred Garden, Ashoka Pillar, Nativity Stone, Puskarni Pond, Buddhist Library, Crane Sanctuary, World Peace Stupa, International Monastic Zone are some important sites among others. There are as many as 62 historically important places discovered around Lumbini such as Tilaurakot, Kudan, Gothihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurorakot, Devadaha and Ramagrama.
Important sites in Lumbini:
Sacred Garden: The Sacred Garden was where Buddha was born in 623 BC. The garden is marked by a marker stone, the exact spot where Buddha descended at birth.
Ashoka Pillar: This stone pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka to marked the birth spot of Buddha, almost 800 years after Buddha was born. The pillar carries inscription in Pali script.
Puskarni or Mayadevi Pond: Puskarni Pond sits right in front of Mayadevi Temple. The pond is considered to be sacred since it was here Queen Mayadevi took a bath before giving birth to Buddha.
Lumbini Museum and Lumbini Research Center: These two are located within a few meters of each other. The museum has a substantial collection of Buddhist manuscripts, sculptures and coins dating back to 4th century. The Research Center is currently being developed as a knowledge repository for the benefit of scholars, researchers, students, pilgrims as well as travelers. There are over 12,000 books on religion, philosophy, art and architecture preserved in the center.
Take an early morning drive to Kathmandu. You can enjoy the scenic ride with views of beautiful green hills, rivers and villages. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Depending on time of your departure flight, our representative will take you to Kathmandu International Airport to catch your flight back home.
a) Kathmandu :
b) Lumbini :
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