Buddhist Cultural Tour

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative of AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. After completing your required formalities (visa, etc.), collect your luggage and meet a representative of AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions at the arrival gate. You will then be transferred to Hotel Vajra or a hotel of similar category. After checking in, you can relax or take a walk around Hotel to familiarize yourself. Similarly, in the evening, you will be served a welcome dinner hosted by AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepali cuisine that will introduce you to the culture of Nepali cuisine. After dinner, have a good night’s sleep in Kathmandu.

Max altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel Vajra
Meals: Dinner

Today you visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The huge structure features a unique octagonal mandala design with hundreds of prayer wheels and 108 images of Buddha in the surrounding chambers. The Boudhnath area is also famous for its more than 50 Tibetan gompas or monasteries, also known as ‘Little Tibet’. Kapan Monastery, located on the Kapan hill a few kilometers north of Boudhnath, is also known as the Nepal Buddhist Mahayana Center. Kapan Monastery follows the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. There is also a nunnery near the main monastery, called Khachoye Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery, where about 400 nuns reside. Spend the night in Kathmandu.

Max altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel Vajra
Meals: Breakfast

In the morning you visit Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in the world with a history of over 2000 years and also a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. According to legend, the civilization of the Kathmandu Valley began at Swayambhunath, which literally means "self-existence". It is said that Bodhisattva Manjusri came across a beautiful lake while traveling and saw a lotus, with thousand golden petals, diamonds pistils, ruby anthers, and lapis lazuli stalk. The legend also says that the lotus seed was planted on a full moon night by Bipaswi Buddha himself. In the course of time, Santikarcarya, the king who turned into a Bhikchu or a monk, raised the first stupa on the holy site.

After visiting Swyambunath, you will drive 5 hours to Bandipur in the afternoon and visit some of the Buddhist sites there. Bandipur is located at an altitude of 1030 meters in the foothills of the mountains, about 145 kilometers west of Kathmandu on the way to Pokhara. This hilltop settlement offers a great treat for urban eyes hungry for the company of nature, especially for the panoramic views of the Annapurna range. The town showcases beautiful wooden houses inspired by the centuries-old house-building style of Kathmandu. While staying here, you can also visit the Siddha Cave, which is famous in the region. Spend the night in Bandipur.

Driving: 5 hrs - 145 km
Max altitude: 1,030m/3,380ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (The Old Inn)
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will drive to Pokhara, also known as the city of lake because of the many lake in the city. Upon your arrival in the beautiful city of lake, Pokhara, you will be treated to magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail 6,993m), the five peaks of Annapurna and others. You will check-in to your hotel and relax. You can also stroll through the streets of Pokhara and enjoy being in one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. Spend the night in Pokhara.

Max altitude: 827m/2,713ft
Driving: 2-3 Hrs (76.6 km)
Accommodation: Hotel Mount View
Meals: Breakfast

Morning walk with Buddhist tour in Bandipur, Tundikhel is 10 minutes from the hotel. From there you will be treated to a wonderful view of the Marsyangdi Valley between you and the Himalayas. After a beautiful morning with Buddhist tour in Bandipur, you will reach Pokhara at a speed of 80 km / 2.5 hours. From there the view is breathtaking as you drive through a series of valleys with views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. You can take a boat ride on the banks of Phewa Lake or visit some Buddhist sites. Evening Enjoy the sunset over the Himalayas. Spend the night in Pokhara.

Max altitude: 827m/2,713ft
Accommodation: Hotel Mount View
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you bid farewell to Pokhara and travel through several valleys between green hills with mountain passes offering views of the Himalayas and farmlands and houses with stone slate roofs. On the way, you will reach the popular hill town of Tansen. From here, you will drive to the southern plains of the Terai. Generally, the climate in the plains is hot and humid except in winter. Lumbini is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site - the place where Buddha was born. If we reach Lumbini at sunset, you can visit the local market to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle. Spend the night in Lumbini.

Driving: 4-5 hrs, (205 km - 125 miles)
Max altitude: 150m/492ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Lumbini Garden - New Crystal)
Meals: Breakfast

Lumbini is one of the world's major religious, architectural and historical sites. You will spend today exploring the many sites and landmarks in Lumbini. This place is truly a large area with monuments, temples and ancient sites that make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First you visit the Mayadevi Temple which is built on the site where Buddha was born. You will spend some time wandering around the gardens. You will also visit the museum and the Shanti Shivalaya. Some of the important landmarks and monuments in Lumbini include: The Ashoka Pillar built by Emperor Ashoka (249 BC) at the birthplace of Buddha which also has the oldest inscription in Nepal. Lumbini has many Buddhist temples established by devotees from different countries: Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese and Burmese, Korean, etc.

Max altitude: 150m/492ft
Accommodation: Lumbini Garden - New Crystal
Meals: Breakfast

You are nearing the end of your Buddhist cultural tour. You will return to Kathmandu today - a journey of about 250 kilometers through winding mountain roads. The journey will take about 7-8 hours. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing left to do but exchange emails with travel companions and organize photos. Have a successful farewell dinner to your trip at a restaurant of your choice, and spend the night in Kathmandu.

Driving: 7-8 hrs, (250 km - 155 miles)
Max altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel Vajra
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Your Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal is coming to an end today. We hope you enjoyed your visit with us, and we are sure you will return to your journey somewhere in the Himalayas. A representative from AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions will transfer you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast