Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu,
Our company representative will be on standby with our vehicle & a sign-board plaque displaying our your name & company's name at the Airport to pick you up and transfer you to your Hotel. After you've freshen up, a senior executive from the office will give you a short briefing about your whole program. Get familiar with your surroundings, rest or take a short stroll down the road. Your first overnight at your hotel in the valley of the gods.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu .
After breakfast in hotel,Sightseeing:
A. Syambhunath Temple:/ Monkey Temple
Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple.Swayambhunath occupies a central position, it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. Although the site is considered Buddhist, the place is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Numerous king Hindu followers are known to have paid their homage to the temple, including Pratap Malla, the powerful king of Kathmandu.
B. Seto Gumba:
Situated western part in the outskirts of the Kathmandu valley, Seto Gumba also know as Druk Amitabh Mountain or white monastery, is the Buddhist nunnery bliss of astounding the rich Tibetan culture, paintings, statue and architecture. Except monastery, the most spectacular views of Kathmandu Valley at once glance and surrounding lush green villages are well worth to visit the monastery. Various meditation practice and teaching about Buddhism have given in the monastery.
Toursit Highlights:
Buddhist Monastery with rich painting and architecture.
Meditation and teaching practice inside monastery.
Surrounding lush green villages and spectacular views of Kathmandu Valley.
Hiking trail around the monastery and villages.
C. Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa) is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha, on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. The stupa consists of a dome at the base, above which is a cubical structure painted with eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions with the word "unity" in the main Nepali dialect between them. There are pentagonal Toran present above each of the four sides with statues engraved in them. Behind and above the torana there are thirteen tiers. Above all the tiers there is a small space above which the Gajur is present. The stupa has many artifacts inside it.
D. Kapan:
Just north of the ancient Buddhist town of Boudhanath is the Kopan hill (pictured left), rising up out of the terraced fields of the Kathmandu valley and visible for miles. Dominated by a magnificent Bodhi tree, it was once the home of the astrologer to the king of Nepal. It was to this hill that these lamas came with their first Western students in 1969.Kopan Monastery had its beginnings in the Solu-khumbu region of the Himalayan mountains. In 1971 Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the reincarnation of the Lawudo Lama, a yogi of the tiny hamlet of Lawudo, fulfilled the promise of the previous Lawudo Lama to start a monastic school for the local children. The school was called called it Mount Everest Center. Twenty five monks moved down from the mountain to Kopan in 1971 - prompted by the harsh climate at an altitude of 4000 am, which made study barely possible in winter. Now Kopan is a thriving monastery of 360 monks, mainly from Nepal and Tibet, and a spiritual oasis for hundreds of visitors yearly from around the world. Nearby is Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery, home to 380 nuns. Both the monastery and the nunnery are under the spiritual guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and the care of the abbot, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel. And it is the wellspring of the FPMT, a network of some 140 centers and activities world-wide, themselves expressions of the Buddha activity of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu - Pokhara .
Depart from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Passing through beautiful landscape, paddy farm, river, tiny villages etc. Pokhara is located 200 kilometer west of Kathmandu city .This is second largest city of Nepal. It is a most beautiful city with lakes and panoramic view of Annapurna Himalayan ranges. The Annapurnas and the famous �Fishtail� mountain peak of Machapuchare can be seen from Pokhara valley.
A. Pokhara: Arrival
Pokhara is blessed with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. The mesmerizing Machhapuchhre also called Mt. Fishtail dominates the scenery because of its proximity to the valley and can be seen from anywhere in Pokhara. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna 1 to IV and Annapurna South. Further away are seen the giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Manaslu (8,163m).
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 04: Pokhara .
A. Sarangkot
Early morning drive to Sarangkot (1590m) to view the sunrise. From here, you can see a panoramic sweep of Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8167m) in the west to the perfect pyramid that is Machhapuchhare (6997m) and the rounded peak of Annapurna II (7937m) in the east. The village of Sarangkot overlooks the city of Pokhara and its lake on the north-western outskirts of the city. Back to Hotel for breakfast.
B. Peace Stupa:
A Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace.The view of the Pokhara city, lakeside in focus, another reason why the world peace pagoda of pokhara is a must visit.
C. Tibetan Refugee Camp
D. Gupteshwor Cave
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave contains a huge stalagmite worshiped as a Shiva lingam. The standard ticket only covers the temple, but you can pay extra to clamber through a low tunnel behind the shrine, emerging in a damp cavern behind the thundering waters of Devi's Falls It is probably the longest and attractive cave in south Asia.
E. Devis Fall
Davis Falls is one of the popular tourist destinations of Nepal. It is known as Patale Chango in Nepali. The Gupteshwar Cave is located near this fall. The waterfall gets its water from the Phewa Lake. The Davis Falls is a unique waterfall around 2 kms from the centre of Pokhara city. This falls flows directly into a narrow and deep canal which has no ends.
F. Boating in Phewa Lake
Boat trip in the lovely Phewa Lake is the foremost attraction of Pokhara. Paddling out into the middle of the lake is a nice way to spend a quite afternoon. Phewa lake is the largest lake in Pokhara valley and the second largest lake in Nepal. Encircled by Sarangkot and Kaskikot hills, the lake holds a pagoda-style temple. Another attraction is the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range on the crystal clear water of the lake. While boating in Phewa Lake, you can see several varitiies of fish.
Day 05: Pokhara - Lumbini.
Breakfast, Drive towards Lumbini,
We leave Pokhara for Lumbini driving along a very scenic highway via Tansen, a hill station overlooking the plains of Terai.This drive passes through green hills, dense forests, river valleys and beautiful Annapurna contryside and finally reaches the tropical plains of Terai in Lumbini.Lumbini is the birth place of the Buddha, founder of Buddhism.
A. Arrival in Lumbini
Lumbini is the most important site for the followers of Lord Budha and those interested in Buddhism. Lumbini is now being developed as a major place of pilgrimage with the assistance of United Nations. The Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, around 544 BC.
Lumbini is one of four major Buddhist pilgrimage site related to Buddha's life, the others being at Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.
Lunch/Dinner and overnight at hotel in Lumbini.
Day 06: Lumbini - Kathmandu.
Breakfast, Seightseeing in Lumbini,
A. Lumbini Attractions:
Lumbini Grove
This is the sacred site of Lord Buddha's birth.The sacred site of the Buddha's birth is at the southern end of Lumbini grove. Excavations have revealed a series of rooms and a stone slab, which is now believed to mark the exact location at which the Buddha, (or Siddhartha as he would have been known then) was born.
The Rummendei pillar
Three hundred years after the Mahaparinirvana, Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and erected a pillar there. This pillar, though broken, still remains at the site. It is known as the Rummendei pillar after the earlier name of the place (modern name Rupandehi) in Nepal.
The Mayadevi temple
The Mayadevi temple and the tank nearby are part of the sacred complex. There are two beautiful panels in the temple, the older one in stone and the other in marble. Both panels show Mayadevi holding the Sal tree and the young prince emerging out of her right side. Just outside the temple is a tank whose water glistens in the faint sun, the gentle breeze creating endless ripples. Here Queen Mahamaya had her bath before the delivery and it was also here that Prince Siddhartha had his first purification bath.
Dharmaswami Maharaja Buddha Vihara
This Tibetan gompa belonging to the Sakyapa order, is also outside the complex. His Eminence Chogya the complex. His Eminence Chogya Trichen Rinpoche and the Raja of Mustang established it. Every morning around sixty monks who reside here conduct the Tara Puja. At the end of September, two thousand monks congregate for a 10-day Puja and on 13th December each year for the Mahakala Puja, which also lasts for 10 days.
International Monasteries:
A complex of monasteries is constructed on a grand scale. Monasteries in the respective national styles of Myanmar (Burma) China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand are among those that are built. Also in the vicinity are the Lumbini Research Institute, which has an impressive collection of Buddhist literature, and a Museum. Both are open from Sunday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm (10 am to 4 pm in winter)
After we finish the seightseeing of Lumbini we drive towards Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 07: Kathmandu.
Breakfast, Seightseeing in Pharping
A. Pharping Monastery
About 19km south of Kathmandu, Pharping is a thriving Newari town whose ancient Buddhist pilgrimage sites have been taken over by large numbers of Tibetans. Pharping lies on the road to Dakshinkali.More Buddhist monasteries are opening up around here every year, some of which accept foreign dharma students. Pharping is believed to be the place where Guru Padmasambhava attained the state of enlightment.
B. Chobar Gorge:
Chobhar caves are an extensive network of natural caves near the village of Chobhar, which is located 9 km southwest of Kathmandu, Nepal. Chobhar is also known for the Chobhar gorge through which all the water of the valley drains. A small temple of Adinath Sampradaya sits on top of a nearby hill. The temple offers a view of snow-capped mountains. According to Swayambhu Purana and legend, Kathmandu Valley was once a lake. It is believed that the goddess Manjushree cut a gorge at a place called Chobhar Gorge, near Chobhar Ancient Hill Village (sp. also Chovar, chobar) and drained away the waters to establish a habitable land.
C. Taudaha Lake
The myriad snakes which legend says lived in the depths of the lake filling the Kathmandu Valley, were washed away with the water. Manjushri asked Kartotak the snake king to remain in the Valley to watch over its fertility and prosperity, putting an underwater palace in Taudaha Lake at his disposal. Though the lake is hardly bigger than a pond it is of considerable depth. Here Kartotak lives undisturbed in his golden palace with diamond windows and jeweled columns. The snakes have shining jewels attached to their heads to illuminate their watery domain.
D. Hanumandhoka Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square or Hanumandhoka Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the old royal palace of the Kathmandu Kingdom. It is one of three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Hanuman Dhoka (Hanuman Gate), with several complexes spread over an area of about five acres, is the social, religious and urban focal point of Kathmandu. The square is the complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that were built between the 12th and the 18th centuries by the ancient Malla Kings of Nepal. The Durbar is divided into two courtyards, the outer comprising Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple, and the inner consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. It also houses two museums. Important ceremonies, including the coronation of the Nepali monarch, are held in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Most parts of the palace premise are open for tourists throughout the week during office hours.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 08: Kathmandu .
Early morning breakfast, proceed for sightseeing
A. Namo Buddha:
The Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery about 40 km (by road) southeast of Nepal's capital city Kathmandu. It is built at Namo Buddha, where it is said that Lord Buddha gave his life to a starving tigress and her cubs. Since it was founded by V.V. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche in 1978 the monastery has grown such that today it is home to more than 250 monks.
B. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom, 1400m above sea level. It is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the current town of Bhaktapur,also known as Bhadgoan, which lies 13 km east of Kathmandu. While the complex consists of at least four distinct squares (Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square), the whole area is informally known as the Bhakapur Durbar Square and is a highly visited site in the Kathmandu Valley.
Shopping Time:
You can indulge yourself with personal activities like shop for locally produced, unique, Nepali products.
Farewell Dinner
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 09: Kathmandu - Departure (B )
After breakfast, transfer to airport for final departure.
Price USD 550
