Buddhist Cultural Tour in Nepal – 6 days
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Budget
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2-16
Duration
6 Days
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Best Time
Mar-May, Sep-Oct
Max Alt
1,350m (4,429ft)
Need Help?
Talk to
trip expert
Trek Overview
Are you looking for a meaningful, deep encounter with the Buddhist heritage of Nepal? If so, the Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal offered by Prime Holidays Travels and Tours is made just for you.
This tour is composed for those who aspire to learn about Buddha, his authentic birthplace, and his meditation practices from the spiritual teacher called the Lamas.
Our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal will furnish you with detailed insights into Buddha, his life, and his profound philosophy. With the excellent, delicious views of Kathmandu and Lumbini, our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal will also offer you enlightening information about Tibetan Buddhism.
In addition, you will have comfortable accommodations, the guidance of our expert guide, and thorough logistical arrangements throughout the tour.
Our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal begins in Kathmandu with the visitation of the Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas. Both sites are highly regarded for their history and spiritual tradition by not only Buddhists but also Hindus.
Then, our journey will lead you to a significant Buddhist landmark of Pharping, a Newari town very close to Kathmandu. Every corner of this town tells the story of Guru Rinpoche’s legacy.
The Asura Cave, his meditation site, along with Sakya Tharig Monastery, White Gumba, and Neydo Tashi Pharping Monastery, are the delicate and most vital spots for Buddhist exploration here.
Our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal will then fly you to the Terai town of Bhairahawa, from where you will be driven to Lumbini, the authentic bornplace of Buddha.
On the same day, you will visit the Maya Devi Temple, where a stone sculpture of Maya Devi giving birth to Buddha can be seen. You will then dedicate the following day in Lumbini to seeing the Ashoka Pillar, the Peace Pagoda, and international monastic sites.
The tour will then proceed to Tilaurakot, the exact birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, who later became Buddha. You can see the excavation of numerous archaeological sites of the palace of Prince Siddhartha.
Next, you will journey to Kudan, which was once called Nyigrodharama, the reunited spot of Buddha with his father after his enlightenment. You may also visit Gotihawa, thought to be the birthplace of Nirvana of Karkuchanda Buddha, who came before Shakyamuni Buddha in Nepal, Lumbini.
After this visit, our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal concludes with your return to Kathmandu. After this tour, no doubt will remain in your mind about the true birthplace of Buddha.
Therefore, our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal is literally a Feel Like Buddha tour suitable for participants of all ages at any time of the year.
Trip Highlights
- Visit the Little Tibetan corners in Kathmandu: Swayambhunath and Boudhanath
- Experience Buddhist spirituality in Pharping monasteries
- Explore for a whole day in Lumbini and see Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and international Buddhist temples
- Look around the archaeological digs and ancient monuments of Tilaurakot, the palace of King Suddodhan, the father of Lord Buddha
- Visit Kudan, the vital spot of Buddha and his remeeting with his father and son
- Enjoy a short transitioning flight to Bhairahawa
Trek Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
01
Today, you will land in the original kingdom of Buddha and its capital. At Kathmandu International Airport, you will receive a warm greeting from our English-speaking representative, who will then transfer you to your hotel in the capital.
Depending on the timing of your flight, you may have some free time to discover the true Buddhist spirit of this remarkable city. In the evening, you will receive a short information about our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal from our guide.
Activity: 30min Airport Pickup
Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. ()
Accommodation: Hotel
02
After you have your breakfast, our guide will pick you up, and together we will go to the Boudhanath Stupa. This 36 m tall white stupa is regarded as one of the largest decorated with an octagonal mandala.
There are hundreds of prayer wheels around, and also 108 images of Buddha around its enormous structure. There are also over 50 small monasteries, which we will explore.
We will then transfer directly to Swayambhunath, enriched by the history of over two thousand years. The climb of its 365 steps to the main stupa represents a spiritual journey of self-discovery.
On the other hand, the cosmic all-seeing eyes of Buddha will penetrate your soul, filling it with deep awareness about life. Next, we will proceed to Pharping, another prime Buddhist pilgrimage Newari town near Kathmandu.
Each of its corners still speaks of the legacy left by Guru Rinpoche. From Kathmandu, we will drive along the Dakshinkali Road and pass by the major Hindu temple of Dakshinkali.
En route, we will also encounter the charming Taudaha Pond that hosts a variety of migratory and aquatic birds, as well as lush aquatic plants. As we drive along, we will pass Kulekhani and Phakel before arriving in Pharping.
This Newari town is rich with monasteries, meditation centers, and workshops that we can explore. In addition, a visit to Asura Cave is also a must, where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated for enlightenment.
There are also significant monasteries such as Sakya Tharig Monastery, White Gumba, and Neydo Tashi Pharping Monastery, among others, which we will see if we have enough time. After our explorations, we will return to Kathmandu for the evening.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
03
The momentous day on our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal has finally come. Early morning, we will fly straight from Kathmandu Airport to the Terai town of Bhairahawa, also known as Siddharthanagar.
Within just half an hour, we will land at its comfortable airport from where we will drive along the local highway for around 15 to 20 minutes to reach Lumbini, the revered birthplace of Buddha.
After checking in and enjoying a restful lunch, we will set out to visit the Mayadevi Temple, the white square, well-known building erected on the very spot where Buddha was born.
We will see a stone sculpture of Maya Devi, gracefully suspended from a branch, giving birth to Buddha. Then, we will calmly walk around the sacred garden of the temple, where we can find small ponds, majestic bodhi trees, and tranquil meditation areas.
It is the perfect spot if you like to do some self-reflection and meditation, encircled by the ambiance of Buddha.
Activity: 35min flight & 20min drive
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Hotel
04
Lumbini is the key Buddhist and historical site in the world. The area is very vast, and we will try to explore as many places as we can today. We will visit the museum, the Peace Pagoda, and see the Ashoka Pillar, put up by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC at Buddha’s birthplace.
This pillar also has the oldest inscription, which shows that Buddha was truly born in Nepal and not in any other place or country. Then, there is also the international monastic site filled with monasteries built by various countries.
We can find the unique architecture from nations like Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Japan, Germany, Sri Lanka, Korea, and Austria. We will also visit the Lumbini Museum, which exhibits artifacts of Buddhism.
Next, we will journey for around 45 km towards Tilaurakot, passing Parsu Chowk along the way. This small town near Lumbini lies along the edges of the Banaganga Rice and is surrounded by lush trees.
It is the location where Lord Buddha spent 29 years of his life as a prince. Away from crowds, the site was excavated for historical evidence and today shows the remnants of Buddha and his palace.
We can still view the basement of the palace and other historical remains made from materials that date back 2500 years. We will then also take a look at a small museum that exhibits various objects unearthed during excavations.
Next, we will drive across the 6 km-long road from Tilaurakot to Kudan, which was formerly known as Nyigrodharama. This is the site that has played a crucial role in the journey of Buddha.
It is the very spot where he reunited with his father, King Suddhodhana, after enlightenment. It is also the same location where his son Rahul was ordained at the delicate age of 8 and from where the Buddha’s teachings were disseminated.
These important sites today are marked by the stupas. Near Kudan, we can also look around Gotihawa, the birthplace of Krakuchhanda Buddha, and Niglihawa, the birthplace of Kanakamuni Buddha.
We can also find the pillars erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. We will now drive back to our hotel in Lumbini for our overnight rest.
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Hotel
05
After breakfast, we will leave Lumbini and drive to the Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa. We will then board a local flight to Kathmandu, where our team will greet you and transport you to your hotel in the capital. If you prefer, you can spend some time today visiting the Kapan Monastery on your own.
Max. Altitude: 1,349m/4,426ft. ()
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
06
Today is the final day of the entire Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal. We hope you have overflowing fond memories and knowledge about our Buddhist culture and traditions.
Our representative will ensure your smooth travel to TIA to your onward destination.
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Trip Information
Best Season
Kathmandu and Lumbini both have a very friendly climate throughout the year. However, from June to mid-September, Kathmandu and Lumbini are drenched in moderate to heavy monsoon rain, with notable mosquito infestation restricting walking tours and local flights to Bhairahawa.
The months between March to May welcome spring in Kathmandu and Lumbini. This season brings the delicious warmth of around 20 degrees Celsius and the lovely aroma of flowers.
On the other hand, from late September to November, autumn starts to envelop Kathmandu and Lumbini with delicate, stable, and dry weather with a heat of around 28 degrees Celsius.
The winter from December to November comes with frosty mornings but sunny days, great for sightseeing in Kathmandu and Lumbini. Therefore, spring and autumn, followed by winter, are perfect for our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal.
Who can participate in our Buddhist Cultural Tour in Nepal?
If you are curious, have a sense of adventure, and an open mind, then our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal is the one for you. If you want to know and learn about the true and authentic Buddhist traditions, art, and history, then, without a doubt, you should join our tour.
One of our neighboring countries has been attempting to spread the false belief that Buddha was born in their region, but after this tour, you will discover that Nepal is indeed the original birthplace of Buddha.
In addition, if you are traveling alone, if you are a solo female guest, or traveling with family, including children and seniors, then our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal is for you.
It is the easiest and relaxing way of knowing about Buddha while in 100% safety. Your interest will also be looked after, and there is no need for any specific fitness level.
If you are looking for historical sites, museums, architecture, arts, and excavation sites, then our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal will be the one for you, where Kudan and Tilaurakot will fulfill your wishes.
Sleeping, Dining, and Travel Arrangements
We will arrange for you a medium-range three-star hotel for your accommodations in Kathmandu and Lumbini. You will sleep in the hotel’s twin room that will come with its in-room bathroom, hot and cold shower, and WiFi, along with a charging facility in your room.
Throughout our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal, breakfast will be part of our package, while lunch and dinner, along with drinks, will be for you to arrange.
From Nepali, Chinese, Italian, Indian, to Continental, you will get everything your heart desires. For meals excluded, we would recommend you set aside around USD 25 to USD 30 per person on a daily basis.
And, for your transportation, we will only use our own vehicle for your airport transfers (both international and local), intercity travel, and sightseeing exploration in Kathmandu and Lumbini. We will also organize your local flight between Kathmandu and Bhairahawa.
Fitness and Preparation
Our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal will be an effortless journey for those who are active and practice regular exercise. However, we would like to suggest some walking, jogging, running, and ascending stairs, and activities such as to our guests who are less active and not used to some moderate walks.
We also advise you to prepare your travel box not only with first aid and personal medicines but also with mosquito repellent.
Communication and Internet/WiFi
To get a mobile communication, you can choose between NCELL or NTC, which offer eSIM or a standard SIM (nano, micro, or regular size). Provide your proper ID to any outlet, and you can buy these SIM Cards.
For WiFi, your accommodations in Kathmandu and Lumbini, along with almost all public places, will give you access to free WiFi.
Money Matters
For changing your money into Nepali Rupees, the official currency in use, we advise you to do so through reliable banks like SBI, Nabil, and Standard Chartered for lower charging fees.
You can also choose to withdraw Nepali currency through ATMs in Kathmandu and Lumbini, but be aware of the charging rates between 5 to 7 US Dollars per transaction.
You can also use your credit cards, but understand the fees of anywhere between 3.5% to 4%. Online wallets like Esewa and Khalti are popular too; just load money from your bank into these wallets for payments.
Travel Insurance
You should always get travel insurance for any international travel, whether it is mandatory or not. Our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal is exceptionally comfortable and safe, and doesn’t require any permits.
Therefore, you can just take out a basic travel insurance policy that covers your health emergencies, repatriation, accidents, injuries, medical issues, lost luggage, extended stays, theft, robberies, or third-party liabilities.
Extra Uncovered Expenses
There are very few minor costs that you will have to bear independently once you book any trip with us, and that includes:
- Your personal travel insurance,
- International flights to and from Nepal,
- Lunch, dinner, and drinks in Kathmandu and Lumbini
- Nepal Tourist Visa cost
- Personal shopping,
- Tips for your guide and staff,
- Additional lodging,
- Extensions to your tour,
- Extra stays in Kathmandu and Lumbini
Buddhist Cultural Tour Extension
There are still many more revered and highly regarded Buddhist sites in Nepal that we could not cover within only 6 days. So if you want to get more Buddhist experience, then you can also extend our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal by visiting the following sites:
- Namo Buddha hiking or driving and exploration of its Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery
- Exploration of Hiranya Varna Mahavir (Golden Temple) and Rudra Varna Mahavir in Patan
- A tour to the Kopan Monastery
- White Peace Stupa and Malepatan Gumba in Pokhara
- Tashi Palkhiel Monastery in Hemja, Pokhara
- Muktinath tour through hiking, helicopter, or driving
We would be delighted to arrange these additional tours for you at a very reasonable extra cost.
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2-16
Duration
6 Days
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Best Time
Mar-May, Sep-Oct
Max Alt
1,350m (4,429ft)
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
We would suggest October through March for our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal for the most pleasant and comfortable climate in Lumbini.
Yes, some of the establishments do accept payments through credit cards, but we advise you to carry cash, as not all will accept the card payment.
We will only use our own vehicle to take you around Lumbini.
May or April will be the months to engage in our Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal to watch the Buddha Jayanti celebration in Nepal.
Respect for the culture and customs is key here. Always ask for consent before taking photos of monks and pilgrims. When exploring the monasteries and Lumbini sites, wear modest dress, remove your shoes, keep your voice quite low, and walk clockwise around the stupas.
We have allocated almost two days for your detailed visit to Lumbini.
Yes, you can get a 15-day duration Nepal tourist visa from the TIA Immigration counter on your arrival day in Kathmandu, paying US Dollars 30.
It depends on the luxury you seek, but generally, daily expenses will be between NPR 1000 to NPR 2000 each day for your food and drinks.
Simply click on the BOOK THE TRIP option, choose the date of your departure, mention the number of people traveling with you, choose between private or group tour, fill out the booking form, pay the advance, and proceed.
Please read the terms and conditions thoroughly mentioned in the ABOUT US Section on our website to know about our refund and cancellation policy.
If for any emergencies, you have to stop your Buddhist cultural tour in Nepal in the midway, then we can make arrangements for your return. However, the cost of the tour will not be refunded.
