Satiate your soul close to the rooftop of the world!

Many travellers come to Nepal for spiritual pursuits like meditation, yoga, astrology, retreats and to merge with the mighty Himalayas. Nestled in the cradle of the highest mountains in the earth, it is not surprising that Nepal has come to be known as a country where deities mingle with mortals. Nepal with its rich cultural heritage has much more to offer the extraordinary hospitality, warm and generous people with their authentic religion; Hinduism or Buddhism. Imagine up to a 100,000 people queuing for more than 72 hours to get through the gates of the world’s biggest Hindu Shrine – Pasupathnath, for the annual event of Shiva-Ratri. Buddhists from all over the world wanting to get a glimpse of the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha and catholic preachers reaching some of the most remote villages on earth wishing to expand their religion among the population base of 20 million. Religion is a way of life in Nepal with 90% of population being Hindus, however, every form of race, religion and culture is welcome in this sacred land. Kathmandu valley itself holds domicile to over 3,000 temples and the Hindu religion is believed to have 33 million gods and goddesses. So even if you are not a pilgrim, you are sure to bump into some form of a religious festival that happens throughout the year, which can be quite an awesome experience.

Nepal is the birthplace of one of the greatest healers known, Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha. Today in the Kathmandu Valley many monasteries and schools is where the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha can be heard, the same as it was two and a half thousand years ago. Ancient sagas sought the highest climbs for meditative seclusion, amongst Gods who bestow love or sudden anger on a worshipful people. The devotion of ages passed remains among Nepalese today whether, Hindu, Buddhists, or animist, the people of Nepal live close to their Gods and with perfect harmony. One such spiritual pursuit under meditation is Vipassana that is the most ancient techniques. Long lost to people, it was rediscovered by Gautam Buddha more than 2500 years ago. Vipassana means 'to see things as they really are'. It is an art of living which frees the individual from all the negativities of mind, such as anger, greed and ignorance. Another such is faith under astrology. Like the other significant parts of the Nepali heritage Astrology too links its origin to the Vedas, the major source of virtually everything (for the Hindus) written thousands of years ago. Likewise one such ancient art of controlling mind, body and soul together is Yoga. Practicing yoga can give benefits to everyone regardless to their spiritual aims.

Places to visit:

Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Kopan and Swyambhunath Stupa

Pashupatinath Temple: It is situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. The temple of lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden roof & silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Entrance to the temple precinct is forbidden to non-Hindus. The best view is from the terrace on the wooded hill across the river. The large gilded triple-roofed temple was built in 1696 AD though 300 years earlier there was a structure on this site. The Bagmati River is lined with dharmasalas and cremation ghats. There is usually a cremation in progress on one of the platforms by the river, regarded as holy as it flows into the sacred Ganges. There are many occasions when the faithful take ritual baths in the river. One of the most colorful festivals is the women's festival Teej when they are dressed in their finest red and gold saris. Hundreds of women are seen laughing and singing on the way to the temple of Lord Pashupatinath. Another great time to be here is the Festival of Shivaratri, the birthday of lord Shiva.

Bouddhanath Stupa: Situated at the distance of 8 km from Kathmandu Bouddhanath is the biggest stupa in Nepal and the pilgrimage centre for great many Tibetans living in Nepal. Many Tibetan Lamas and Rinpoches reside in surrounding area of the stupa. This colossal Stupa is set on concentric ascending terraces in the powerful pattern of a Mandala. Around the base of this strikingly enormous and simple stupa is a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing prayer wheels.

Kopan: Kopan is situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu, near Boudhanath. It is about 15km from the city, and about 5km from the airport. This place is very famous from the spritual perspective. Many monasteries are scattered hither and thither within Kopan periphery. One of such is the monastery called center of Mahayana Buddhism which was established in 1969 by two Lamas; Lama Thupten Zopa Rinpoche & Lama Thupten Yeshe. Since its inception the center has been responsible for introducing thousands to Buddha's teaching through meditation courses, lectures & retreats. The road to the monastery is accessible all year round.

Swayambunath Stupa: About 45 min of walk from city centre, atop a green hillock west of Kathmandu stands the great stupa of Swayambhunath, a site over 2,500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushri discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley Lake. For centuries an important centre of Buddhist learning, the painted eyes of the Buddha gaze out from all four sides of the monument. Constructed to specific rules each with a symbolic meaning, the stupa of Swayambhunath is a model of its kind. The whole is hung with multi-coloured prayer flags of which every flutter releases holy prayers. The faithful circumambulate the stupa clockwise, turning the banks of prayer wheels and even prostrating full-length in reverence. Swoyambhunath commands great view of Kathmandu valley and the Himalayas and a visit around sunset time will be highly enjoyed.

Namobuddha: Namobuddha meaning, "hail to the Buddha" a sacred site, where according to legend Buddhist prince sacrificed his body to feed a starving tigress & her cubs. A carved stone slab at the main stupa depicts the moving story. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the hills visit this stupa. It is a lovely day hike from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha and back to Panauti. The hike from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha takes about two hours. It is relatively easy and passes through some typical villages such as Kawe (Kavre) and Phulbari before reaching the Buddhist monastery and stupa at Namobuddha, an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims. On the hill above Namobuddha is a famous stone tablet (left) depicting a Buddha (there have been many before the historical Buddha) feeding himself to a starving tigress and her cubs. This is from a famous Buddhist tale expressing the great compassion of the Buddha.

Lumbini: Lumbini, the birthplace of lord Gautam Buddha, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of Buddhists. The sites described as a beautiful Garden in the Buddha's time still retain its legendary charm and beauty. The main attraction at Lumbini remains the sacred garden spread over 8 sq. km and possessing all the treasures of this historical area. UNESCO lists this site, identified by the Indian Emperor Ashoka’s commemorative pillar as a world heritage site. To the south of the pillar, you find the sacred pond Puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had her bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. Other attractions include the various monasteries and stupas erected by different Buddhist countries. Lumbini Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, and Kapilvastu Museum (situated 27km west of Lumbini in Tilaurakot) are yet other places to see in this region. The Kapilvastu museum has ruins of ancient capital of Sakya kingdom where the Buddha spent his youth as Prince Siddhartha.

Day to Day Outline Itinerary (6 Nights/ 7 Days Scenic Tour Package)

Day 01.	Arrival in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel Upon arrival in Kathmandu airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to the hotel for refreshment or rest. Generally there will not be any tour activities today unless requested. Nevertheless, depending on your arrival time in Kathmandu, you may have opportunity to explore the touristy area “Thamel”. Eve: In the evening, you will be welcomed with traditional dinner at a Nepali restaurant featuring cultural programme. Overnight stay will be in a splendid hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02.	Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square a.m.: After breakfast, you will be introduced with your tour guide and then proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city. Today’s tour encompasses visit to most scared places of the city – the Pashupatinath Temple and the Boudhanath stupa. Relax and enjoy a delicious lunch in the vicinity of the Boudhhanath Stupa in a friendly Tibetan environment. p.m.: After the lunch, you will be driven to the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. Go classic for a couple of hours! Observe and feel what the history has left for Nepal. Afterwards, you conclude your day’s excursion being driven up to the Swayambunath stupa, which is situated atop a hill from where you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire Kathmandu valley. Overnight stay will be at a splendid hotel.
Day 03.	Namobuddha: At the break of the day, you will be driven for 2 hours to the sacred site named Namobuddha. You will have an opportunity for village walk sightseeing. Nomobuddha with its little Tibetan look possesses the Buddhist monastery and stupa and hold significance of an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims. After full day sightseeing around Namobuddha, you will be driven back to Kathmandu for overnight stay. In the evening you will be provided a nice dinner.
Day 04.	Lumbini: After the breakfast you will be driven for about 7 hours to get to Lumbini, the birthplace of lord Gautam Buddha. On reaching Lumbini there will be lunchtime for you. Take some rest after the lunch and get ready for a fine sunset view from the top of the World Peace Stupa. Enjoy dinner in the evening being at this most scared and tranquil place.
Day 05.	Lumbini: Today you will enjoy full day sightseeing within the sacred Lumbini garden spread over 8 sq. km and possessing all the treasures of this historical area. See the historical remains and archeological objects of interest. Visit the interesting, artistic and holy spots like Mayadevi Temple, Pushkarni pond, Myanmar Temple also known as Lokamani Cula Pagoda, Japan temple, Sri Lanka temple, Vietnam temple and many others. There is a ‘Torch of Eternal Peace’ lighting forever.
Day 06.	Fly Back to Kathmandu: Early in the morning after the breakfast, you will be driven for about one hour to Bhairahawa Airport. Then you will return to Kathmandu by flight. The flight will be about 35 minutes from Bhairahawa. After arrival in Kathmandu you will take another easy and relaxing afternoon.
Day 07.	Departure: Early in the morning you will have breakfast and after this you will be headed to the destination of your choice. Nepal is a land of beauty and adventure. You can go for outside the valley tour, Jungle Safari, trekking, bungy jumping, mountain flight etc. for giving completeness to your Nepal trip.

Total Trip Cost Per Person: USD 920

Number of Pax: Minimum Two person

Trip Cost Includes

Trip Cost Excludes