Last Updated on January 7, 2023 by Alpha Adventure Treks
“Buddhism is a way of life, not a particular religion”
The popularity of Buddhist pilgrimage tours in Nepal is rising among tourists who are sincere in their search for enlightenment and paradise. Since Maya Devi gave birth to Lord Buddha in Nepal, this nation serves as the center of Buddhism.
Nepal, the country where Lord Buddha was born, therefore, offers a wide variety of Buddhist trips. This journey includes stops at the Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini, the Boudhanath stupa, the Swayambhunath stupa, Namo Buddha, and other significant religious sites.
You can spend your vacation among Buddhist communities in every monastery and stupa you visit because Nepal has respectable Buddhist adherents.
We begin our tour in Kathmandu, where we’ll stop by two of the largest stupas, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (Monkey temple). We’ll hear Buddhist chants and see other things like prayer flags and prayer wheels.
Additionally, we go to Kapan, Nomobuddha, and the Pharping monastery where Padmasambha meditated (It is believed that Buddha semche chenpo offered himself to feed the hungry tiger cubs in Namobuddha). We travel to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, from Kathmandu.
There are numerous historic structures still standing, such as Ashoka Pillar, Maye Devi Temple, bathing pond, etc. After leaving the serene and lovely Lumbini site, we take the return flight back to Kathmandu and spend the rest of the day exploring Thamel.
The following day, you will take a flight back home with a ton of special memories that you acquired by participating in the Nepal Buddhism Pilgrimage Tour.
Swoyambhunath stupa, Kopan Monastery and Boudhanath Stupa Tour
Our day starts with a visit to the Swayambhunath stupa, one of the most well-known tourist destinations and a World Heritage Site in the west of Kathmandu.
Once the vehicle reaches the halfway point of the hill, you will observe a large troop of monkeys, the Buddha statue by a little pool, and a short ascent to the stupa for breathtaking city views from the summit of the swayambhunath. We drive for 30 minutes from Swayambhunath stupa to Kopan monastery after exploring the significant historical monument.
The Kopan monastery, located at the summit of the Kopan hill and surrounded by a little forest, is extremely important to both Buddhists and lamas. 360 lamas and monks reside there. It serves as the Shakyamuni Buddha practitioners’ learning and spiritual center.
On the same day, we visit Boudhanath stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is close to Kopan monastery. Little Tibet is another name for the well-known world heritage site.
There will be a lighting ceremony surrounding the stupas as the sun sets, displaying breathtaking views mostly from the monastery on the western side or from the nearby roof-top eateries.
We return to the hotel and spend the night there after a busy day of exploring and sightseeing.
Kathmandu – Namo Buddha – Kathmandu
An entire day of guided sightseeing in the area of Namo Buddha. One of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage places in Nepal is Namo Buddha.
Along with the hilltop’s famed sunrise and sunset views, the artistic monasteries and the idol of “Sacrifice to the Tigress” draw tourists. Bhaktapur is referred to as “The Living Museum” because it still smells like the Middle Ages.
The cave where Milarepa meditated is located just on the hill above Bhaktapur. Bagishwari Saraswati Sthan is its name (Manjushree cave). Drive to Namobuddha later.
The Namobuddha Stupa is thought to have been built over the remains of a Bodhisattva who gave his life to feed a mother tigress and her children who were starving. At 1,700 meters, Namobuddha also offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas.
Lumbini Buddhist Tour
Visit the most well-known Peace Pagoda, Lumbini Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Tara Foundation, World China Temple, Thai Monastery, Burmese (Myanmar) Temple, Nepal Buddha Temple, and Dharmaswami Buddhist monastery during the course of a full day of guided sightseeing. A rikshaw and foot will be used for the tour.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal: Best Season
Buddhist pilgrimages can be made at any time of the year in Nepal. However, spring and autumn are regarded as the ideal times to visit for a variety of reasons. In both India and Nepal, spring begins in March and lasts until May. The weather is stable, sunny, and clear.
Autumn runs from September to November. Additionally, these months have the most consistent weather, with beautiful blue sky and temperatures that are ideal for traveling and sightseeing.
A wonderful time to take this trip is during the winter, when the days are sunny and clear and ideal for daytime tourist activities. You can travel on this route during the summer or monsoon, but you will have to contend with the hottest weather of the year.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal: Meal & Accommodation
The Nepal Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour includes lodging in 3* standard category hotels for twin/double sharing. Based on aspects like cleanliness, service, location, and meal quality, we will pick the greatest option that is accessible.
We can provide them at an additional cost and with advance notice if you prefer a single supplement or wish to increase the hotel category or service. Depending on the location, all breakfasts are offered as a buffet or as a fixed menu.
What makes Nepal the best Buddhist pilgrimage site?
Below are few aspects that makes Nepal as the best Buddhist Pilgrimage destination in the world:
- The oldest living Buddhist heritages and culture.
- Home of Buddha (Lumbini) and Buddhism
- Tour following the footsteps of Buddha’s earlier life (Tilaurakot palace, Kudan monastery, Namobuddha Stupa and more.)
- Must visit meditation caves of Buddhist masters like Nagarjuna, Padmasambhava, Milarepa, Naropa etc.
- Boudhanath Stupa marked as the biggest stupa in the world.