Overview of Nepal Buddhist Tour
Nepal Buddhist tour, The Buddhist pilgrimage isn’t complete without traveling to Nepal. Buddhism is about spirituality and fundamental insight into living a simple life. Nepal is the birthplace of the founder of Buddhism and the Light of Asia, “Lord Gautam Buddha.
” Hence, a Nepal Buddhist tour will take you to Nepal’s serene Buddhist pilgrimage sites, also famous globally. Are you planning to visit Nepal in a Buddhist area in 2024 and 2025?
You can explore and learn more about Nepal’s sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Even as a non-follower of Buddhism, you can spend classical time in Buddhist communities. However, a Buddhist tour in Nepal by a non-Buddhist person is also the best way to embrace the richness and serenity of the religion.
Chants and prayers in Nepal’s monasteries, Gumbas, and stupas will give you mental peace. Burning natural incense, the magic of healing sounds, and fluttering prayer flags in the air are famous symbols of the Buddhist Tour.
Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini are a famous list of Buddhist locations. Like Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, and Ashan Bihar in Kathmandu. World Peace Stupa, Matepani, gumba, in Pokhara, and the Birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha was in LUMBINI.
You will visit these places and other Gumbas while you are traveling Buddhist tour in Nepal. The terms look at more Buddhist people, communities, philosophies, and cultures. You may book this tour because of Buddhism’s historical, religious, spiritual, and cultural aspects in Nepal.
Excellent Buddhist tour vision in Nepal
While the world is seeking peace, you can find your inner peace in this Buddhist tour of Nepal. Many Buddhist people believe that Buddhism isn’t a religion but a philosophy. There are many followers of Buddhism in Nepal and the world. Most Buddhist people primarily reside in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
The four noble truths and eightfold path are the words of Buddha. During your trip, you can observe Buddhists following it as a ritual closely in Nepal. Your fascination with the sacred places for Buddhists will go up on your tour. Your holy journey will start from Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath, known as the “Monkey Temple,” holds religious, spiritual, and historical importance in Kathmandu. Kathmandu has Boudhanath, and Namo Buddha monasteries are famous for Buddhist philosophy.
Similarly, Pharping Monastery, Matepani Gumba, and Hyangja Gumba are famous Buddhist Gompas outside the Kathmandu valley. You will visit all these places in Pokhara with arresting views of Phewa Lake, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Annapurna Himalayan range, and the beauty of Pokhara.
However, Lumbini is the leading destination for Buddhist people in Nepal. On the southern outskirts of the Kathmandu valley, there is a sacred site for Buddhists, Pharping Monastery. Around 200 monks reside and study Buddhism in this Monastery.
This peaceful and calm place offers a break for visitors. You can do meditation, study Buddhist philosophy, or experience monastic life for a day or more.
Besides the monastery area is the Vajrayogini temple, famous for Newar Buddhists. You can also visit the Yanglesho cave, a small retreat near the Monastery. Pharping Monastery is a renowned institution for young monks who want to live a monastic life.
Additional Activities for during the Tour (options)
Meditation program at the Kapan Monastery although not included in our standard itinerary, you can opt to enroll in the meditation program at Kapan Monastery. There are meditation courses available, which range from 5 days to 10 days, depending on your time schedule.
During these times, you will taught Tibetan meditation techniques and knowledge about Buddhism. Please inquire with us for more details and learn about available dates for enrolment.
Tibetan Healing
The practice of ancient Tibetan practices for cleansing the mind and negative energy have been a popular form of activity. There are various locations in Kathmandu that provide these services. Tibetan healing mainly includes Tibetan medicines, Acupressure and Massage, Moxibustion, Hot stone therapy, and several other techniques. Please inquire with us for more details and learn about available dates for enrolment.
Essential Information - Nepal Buddhist Tour
UNESCO has listed sites
1. Swayambhunath, Buddhist tour
Swayambhunath, in the west of Kathmandu Valley, is an ancient religious site on the top of the hill. It’s also known as ‘Monkey Temple,’ foretold in many mythological stories. It is a sacred Buddhist temple but is also popular among Hindus.
Swayambhunath stupa has giant eyes and eyebrows with symbolic meanings. The word ‘Swayambhu’ means self-created. The parts of the stupa have different purposes where. The dome signifies the whole world. The eyes represent ‘wisdom and compassion, and curled nose symbolizes unity. History says a ruler inside Kathmandu Valley found it around the Lichhavi period. Even Emperor Ashoka built a monument that later.
2. Boudhanath
Boudhanath is a big white dome between a giant Mandala with a big pair of huge eyes that symbolize a beacon of peace. Many tourists come just for a visit or as a pilgrim to this 14th-century-built Buddhist stupa.
This spectacular Buddhist site became the center of pilgrimage for many centuries and still is of notable one. People gather here to see the grand view of the site. They offer peace and prayers through lights, butter candles, chants, etc. The prayer flags, wheels, and monks will give you spiritual vibes. You will observe the serenity in the aura and air of this place.
3. Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha is on the outskirts of the valley, particularly to the southeast of a valley surrounded by the Tamang community. It would be best if you drove for a few hours to get to this place.
At an elevation of around 1750m, it is perfect for a short hike, meditation, and watching the beautiful sunrise and sunset. Along with the magnificent view of the mountain peak, this Buddhist site is an important pilgrimage site.
Legend says that the Namo Buddha stupa was built on the bones of the Prince, who offered himself to a hungry tigress to save her and her cubs. The vital lesson for any individual on the learning path is to overcome compassion and help without hesitation. The same thing happened to the Prince; hence, this Monastery is prominent for all Buddhism followers.
4. Kapan Monastery
Kapan monastery on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley is well-known for preaching Buddhism to practitioners. You can visit the Monastery and take a look around every Saturday. Otherwise, it doesn’t allow the public to enter on other days of the week.
This Monastery accommodates around 400 monks and teaches them to get a monastic life. It’s an excellent place to learn more about Buddhism and its philosophy, as you can interact with monks and use their library.
5. Pharping Monastery
On the southern outskirts of the Kathmandu valley, there is a sacred site for Buddhists, Pharping Monastery. Around 200 monks reside and study Buddhism in this Monastery.
This peaceful and calm place offers a break for visitors. You can do meditation, study Buddhist philosophy, or experience monastic life for a day or more. Along with running the Monastery, there is a small hotel near the Monastery. The hotel helps with the expenses of the Monastery.
Besides the monastery area is the Vajrayogini temple, famous for Newar Buddhists. You can also visit the Yanglesho cave, a small retreat near the Monastery. Pharping Monastery is a renowned institution for young monks who want to live a monastic life.
Buddhist Monestry in Pokhara.
1. Matepani Gumba
Legend says that the Tibetan king, who used a sacred sword to slay demons, lost his sword in Matepani, Pokhara. Since then, it has been a holy and auspicious place.
The Monastery has beautiful architecture and marvelous art on the wall. Though it has its own mythological story, people only found the Monastery in 1960 AD.
Monks perform daily and special rituals at the end of the day. You might observe the rare tradition if you have a friend there. Walking up to the gumba, you will see the spectacular view of Mount Machhapuchhre and the serene environment.
2. World Peace Stupa
World Peace Stupa is one of the significant attraction locations in Pokhara. The stupa is one of the eight peace stupas built by a monk of Nipponzan-Myohoji. Four statues from different places signify different yet sacred meanings: special pujas and daily Buddhist rituals are in the Dhamma hall near the peace statue.
You will find majestic Annapurna Himalayas and Lakes views from Pokhara. Pokhara City is also famous for hiking and cycling trails for tourists. You can enjoy the religiously significant peaceful place with a splendid panoramic view in Pokhara, Nepal.
3. Hyangja Tibetan Refugee Camp
Hyangja is on the outskirts of Pokhara Valley. You can take a vehicle to this small village or hike it.
This village is full of Tibetan refugees who fled China during the Cultural Revolution. They live here, and they practice their Buddhist rituals in the monasteries. They are still keeping their language, culture, and traditions alive.
If you made it to the camp, you could explore the areas and monasteries with someone who knows the site better. You can interact and learn more about their Buddhist cultures and language.
You may buy some handmade and eccentric souvenirs from them. They sell handmade bracelets, necklaces, rings, woodcarvings, carpets and rugs, and clothing. They also sell authentic thangka paintings.
The Birthplace of Lord Buddha is LUMBINI.
1. Maya Devi Temple, Nepal Buddhist tour
Maya Devi temple is the main temple around the site of the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
It has a sacred garden and a sacred pool. Archaeologists have found the first evidence of Buddha’s life here. So many archaeologists have invested their time and effort in discovering many facts and artifacts of ancient times.
Emperor Ashoka built the temple initially when he visited it around the third century. This ancient temple holds utmost importance, being the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
2. Ashoka Pillar
Emperor Ashoka built the Ashoka pillar while he was in Lumbini to pay homage to the birthplace of Buddha. Ashoka devoted his later life to Buddhism after losing lives in the Kalinga War. He built several Ashoka pillars in India and Nepal.
The Ashoka Pillar in Nepal is half-broken and capped to protect it from breaking down. The construction of this pillar was to honor the Emperor’s visit to Lord Buddha’s birthplace. You may find it fascinating because the Emperor visited the place around the 3rd century.
And this pillar still stands here even though it’s half broken in present status. You will find more facts about it once you visit and read the inscriptions on the stone.
3. World Peace Stupa, Lumbini, Nepal
Among two peace stupas built in Nepal, one in Pokhara and another in Lumbini. The architecture and design of the stupa are the same as signifying the world piece. The white dome looks fascinating from far and near as well.
The Japanese built it on the premises of the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Just like the world peace stupa of Pokhara, it has four statues of different Buddhas brought from other countries.
4. Tilaurakot in Lumbini
Tilaurakot is on the outskirts of Lumbini. It traces the ancient royal family in which Gautam Buddha was born. Gautam Buddha spent his first 29 years as a prince in this old location.
There are remnants of the palace, which you will see while visiting it. After much research, archaeologists have found palaces, temples, monuments, sculptures, ponds, etc. They have displayed many artifacts in the museum as well.
Buddhism started in Nepal.
Buddhism was pioneered by Siddartha Gautam Buddha in Indian Subcontinent including Nepal. Buddha is believed to be born back in 563-483 BCE. He is considered the one whose teachings laid the foundation for Buddhism.
Difficulty with Buddhist tour in Nepal
It isn’t challenging for tourists to travel around Nepal. You can quickly go and explore different locations. If you know English, it won’t be difficult for you to interact with people. Most people of Nepal can speak English fluently. You can even find translators in case people don’t understand your language.
As a traveler on a Buddhist tour in Nepal, you might need a professional guide which you can easily hire through travel agencies. You may need a permit from a related organization to enter the Monastery and observe the monk’s monastic life.
You might need to hike to some Buddhist sites or take a private vehicle. It’s not that hard to reach the place. You can either take any means of transportation or walk on your own.
Safety of travelers on the Buddhist Tour in Nepal.
Nepal is a safe country to travel although it has an open border with India and shares a border with China. The rate of severe crime is comparatively lower than in any other country. Crimes that mainly occur to people are minor ones like pickpocketing and mugging if you are careful while in the streets of Nepal.
Similarly, we don’t have any problem even though solo females can travel and tour cities and mountains.
Birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Siddhartha Gautam Buddha (Lord Buddha) was born in Lumbini of Kapilvastu kingdom, present-day Nepal. Lumbini site holds Mayadevi temple which is said to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha. 20 kilometers west of Lumbini is Tilaurakot which has been concluded as the kingdom of the Saky dynasty.
Cost of Nepal Buddhist Travellers
The tour cost depends on the itinerary type and Accommodation categories every night, whatever you have chosen. These packages are the basic ones that you will find in different travel agencies or companies.
Similarly, if you are traveling in a group, then you might get a heavy discount.
There is some privilege for couples traveling together. It would help if you made an inquiry and only decided how much money you would spend on your tour.
Types of Vehicles in Tour
The vehicle is significant wherever you travel and tour Nepal. We can’t walk to our travel destinations, even though we will trek in the Himalayas. Boundless Adventure provides vehicles according to the size of your group. Cars for up to 3/4 of people.
Jeep or van for 6/7 people. TOYOTA Hiace/minibus for up to 14 people, Bus for 24, 32, and 45 people. Every vehicle has complete air conditioning.
Accommodation in Nepal Buddhist Tour
There are all sorts of lodging facilities you can find every day. You can get budget and standard hotels to luxurious five-star hotels on the trip. You can also find some tacky and yet very affordable lodges. The price range for the rooms is according to the categories of the hotel, as you know.
Hence, you can select the accommodation type on your own. You can have such a facility to meditate and experience monastic life. You can enjoy your Accommodation to the fullest if you want a luxury stay.
Meals in Nepal Buddhist tour
Food is the primary thing you must be careful about in any travel and tour. You must ensure that food is safe to eat as you can get sick if you don’t have clean food. Ensuring the prepared ingredients were good, and the kitchen was hygienic would be best.
Tour guide
Your packaged tour will include a professional licensed tour guide during your trip. Your guide will speak English as a primary language. If you require language-specific guides we can provide such guides for extra cost.
Best seasons travel Buddhist tour in Nepal.
You can travel in any season in Nepal. It’s not like you will have any problem visiting Nepal, but autumn and fall are the best seasons to travel.
March to June and September to December are the best months to visit Nepal, as the weather is warm, dry, and pleasant. You can see the blue sky, magnificent Himalayas views, and greenery.
Not suggested Buddhist tour season in Nepal
Since we know that autumn and fall are suitable for travel, monsoon, and winter aren’t good seasons. The monsoon makes the way slippery. Most roadways to Pokhara, Lumbini, and Kathmandu are landslide-prone areas. You will have flight delays continuously due to rainfall, and Pokhara is the place that receives the most precipitation.
During the winter, the heavy fog will disappoint you on your tour. The area is moist, so traveling on roads and airways isn’t easy. But many people who travel worldwide can come here in any season.
Conclusion of the Buddhist Tour
Nepal is a tiny and beautiful country. There is no doubt that you will love traveling to this country. The welcome, love, and farewell you will get here are warm and cozy. You will love the hospitality and friendly nature of the people.
Since Gautam Buddha was born in Nepal, your Buddhist tour will be fascinating and wondrous. You will love the place, monasteries, people, food, and schedule. The facts you will learn about Buddhism and the practices Buddhists use to live their lives are very informational.
You can get firsthand experience on how to live a monastic life. You can learn meditation and have a quiet time within nature. Besides, it is very safe to travel to Nepal as the serious crime rate is comparatively meager here. You can have a fun and safe trip here.