A Tour of Lord Buddha’s Birth Place

Difficulty
Share:
  • 8 days

  • Kathmandu/Kathmandu

  • 10 people

Take a spiritual journey through the cultural essence of Nepal with our 7-day tour of the birthplace of Lord Buddha, visiting Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Pokhara. The tour provides you with the chance to experience Buddhism, Hinduism, and natural attractions in a very short period of time.

Explore Kathmandu, one of the culturally diverse and ancient cities of Nepal, filled with ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and rich history. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Kathmandu Durbar Square and the popular temples of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath.

Explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Visit the temple of Mayadevi situated in the Sacred Garden of Lumbini and the Ashoka Pillar, built by Emperor Ashoka on his visit here in the year 249 BC.

Experience Pokhara, the city of lakes, with a tranquil environment and the backdrop of the Himalayas. Experience breathtaking mountain views, serene lakes, and beautiful landscape in Pokhara.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a spiritual journey, cultural exploration, and scenic relaxation, offering a memorable experience across Nepal’s most iconic destinations.

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrive in Kathmandu

    Meals: N/A

    The experience of arriving in Kathmandu is nothing short of spectacular, especially when the weather is clear and you can witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains covered in snow while flying into the city.

    Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative of our company along with a private car and driver. You will be assisted in checking into your hotel for the night.

    You will then get a brief overview of your entire tour plan, including your sightseeing schedule and other travel details. The rest of the day is left free for your relaxation.

    Stay: Hotel

  • Day 2
    Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu

    Meals: Breakfast

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and go for a full day tour around Kathmandu where you will visit some of the most important heritage sites associated with Buddhism. Visit the first site which is the Boudhanath Stupa. This is the largest stupa of Nepal. It is also among the most important Buddhist monuments in the world, and has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its importance.

    The next stop is the Kopan Monastery. It is located at the foot of a hill and is noted for being peaceful.

    Stay: Hotel

  • Day 3
    Bhairahawa – Flight & Drive to Lumbini

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Later, head to the airport in Kathmandu for a quick scenic flight to Bhairahawa (around 30 minutes). On arriving at Bhairahawa, proceed with a drive to Lumbini (1-1.5 hours) - the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

    Lumbini, situated amid peaceful hills of the Himalayas, is considered among the most revered religious centers in the world. In the past, Lumbini was known as a beautiful garden of sal trees where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama (future Buddha) on her way to Devadaha.

    Visit the sacred sites at Lumbini, such as the famous Maya Devi Temple, which is the actual birthplace of Buddha. Adjacent to this temple stands the ancient Ashoka Pillar erected by Ashoka, the emperor of India, during his visit in 249 BC. The Ashoka Pillar carries the inscription that identifies Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha.

    Stay: Camp

  • Day 4
    Full Day Excursion in Lumbini

    Meals: Breakfast

    On the fourth day, have breakfast at the hotel in Lumbini before embarking on a full-day excursion in this religious hub.

    Your first point of interest will be the historical Ashoka Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 B.C. The monument is considered an emblem of peace and embodies the ancient history of the region, having inscriptions that affirm the religious importance of Lumbini in Buddhism.

    Your next stop will be at the sacred Maya Devi Temple, which is regarded as the holiest place in Lumbini. It denotes the exact place of birth of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) and features ancient ruins, stone inscriptions, and sacred ponds.

    Spend the remaining time of the day wandering around the tranquil monastic zone, meditation centers, and beautifully constructed international monasteries created by Buddhist societies globally. Conclude the day by retiring to your hotel to relax and unwind.

    Stay: Hotel

  • Day 5
    Travel to Pokhara (205 Km/6-7 Hours)

    Meal: Breakfast

    Commence your journey after breakfast at the hotel in Lumbini by going on an adventurous drive to Pokhara (approximately 205 Km/6-7 hours). This travel will take you through the wonderful countryside views, rivers, rice paddies, and villages of Nepal.

    Pokhara is known as a lakeside city where you can enjoy various adventurous activities and is among the top choices of tourists in Nepal. It has been historically an important trading link between India and Tibet, and now it has become an important tourist center.

    Located along the lakes with panoramic views of Himalayan ranges, Pokhara acts as a starting point for the famous treks of Nepal. Apart from being a destination for trekkers, Pokhara also offers some relaxation spots in its surroundings. Check-in at your hotel and explore the peace offered by this lakeside city.

    Stay: Hotel

  • Day 6
    Full-Day Tour of Pokhara

    Meals: Breakfast

    On completion of breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara, set out for a full day tour to the most celebrated spots in the city.

    Begin with a visit to the spectacular Devi’s Fall, where the Pardi Khola stream goes underground through an amazing waterfall. Next, move on to the captivating Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave site and the remarkable Seti River Gorge, which cuts through the city in a deep white-water gorge.

    Continue to the Tibetan refugee camps, where you will learn more about their culture and lifestyle. Later, proceed to the World Peace Pagoda, which is situated on top of a hill and provides a panoramic view of the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara valley, and Phewa Lake. End your day with a pleasant boat trip on Phewa Lake.

    Stay: Hotel

  • Day 7
    Fly back to Kathmandu (25min).

    Meals: Breakfast

    Start your day with breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara followed by transfer to the airport and board a short flight back to Kathmandu that will take you about 25 minutes. Marvel at the breathtaking aerial view of the Himalayan mountain ranges along the way.

    Arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport and proceed to meet our representative who will guide you to your hotel. You have a free day at leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Day 8
    Last Day of Travel

    Meals: Breakfast

    Following breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu, pack up, checkout, and proceed to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey to your destination.

    We wish you a pleasant departure with our representative's timely help. We are sure that you will carry back sweet memories of this trip in your mind.

What's Included

  • Guidance provided by our representative during check-in and check-out at the airport.
  • Airport Transfers according to the itinerary.
  • 03 Nights Accommodation at a 3-Star hotel in Kathmandu (BB). 
  • 02 Nights Accommodation at a 3-Star hotel in Lumbini (BB). 
  • 02 Nights Accommodation at a 3-Star hotel in Pokhara (BB). 
  • Entrance Fees of Monumental sites as per the itinerary. 
  • Local Guide who speaks English, as per the itinerary. 
  • Air Transfer between Kathmandu-Bhairahawa and Pokhara-Kathmandu. 
  • Land Transfer from Bhairahawa to Pokhara with required retention of vehicles. 
  • Sightseeing Tours and Transfers as per the itinerary in an A/C vehicle. 
  • Water Bottles kept in the vehicle during the tour.
  • Service Tax and all other Taxes as per Government rates.
Not Included
  • International Airline Fares. 
  • Any beverages (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, among others), unless specified. It will be cheaper for us to charge you for all the beverages consumed during your stay with us. 
  • Any Meals.
  • Any personal items, such as washing, telephone, among others. 
  • The following are not included in the cost: excessive escalation of fuel costs, new taxes on hotels, transportation charges and entrance fees. Any new huge increase in tax rates and levies will require additional payments.
  • Any other items that have not been stated under cost inclusions. 
  • Personal Insurance. 
  • Tips.

Do's & Don'ts

NHV next heartily welcomes all of our valued guests. Either you are trekking in the mountains or touring the Kathmandu valley we suggest you that you treat the land and its people with care and respect. Below are some tips on how you can keep the environment clean and show appreciation for age-old culture and traditional religious beliefs. Nepal's Culture might be astonishing and surprising for newcomers therefore these tips are sometimes necessary.

  • To show gratitude and respect, use both of your hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money. It’s seen as a gesture of respect.
  • Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.
  • Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men. In Nepal, people especially women, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "Namaste" greeting is preferable.
  • Do not eat with your left hand.
  • Never eat beef in front of Hindus and Buddhist because beef is strictly prohibited among both Hindus and Buddhists. Cows are sacred in Nepal.
  • Try not to step over or point your feet at another person, a sacred place or a heart.
  • Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery and leather items in Hindu temples and avoid smoking and wearing scant dress in religious settings.
  • Remember, some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for non-Hindus.
  • It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines, especially if you are non-Hindu.
  • Do not offer food to a Nepalese after tasting it, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
  • The sight of men holding hands is common, but men and women holding hands, and general acts of affection, are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to Nepalese culture.
  • Do walk around Stupas clockwise, so that the outer walls are always on your right. If you encounter a stone wall covered with Tibetan inscriptions, do the same: Walk past with the wall on your right (and don't take any of the stones).
  • Do not lose your cool. Raising your voice or shouting is seen as extremely bad manners in Nepal too and will only make any problem worse.
  • Do get a receipt of in authenticity when purchasing an antique replica. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to take it out of the country. And do not buy ivory or fur from endangered species. Your purchases encourage the trade in such illegal goods, and you would not be allowed to bring them back home anyway.
  • Do not give in to children who ask for just one rupee. Although a rupee is a small amount that anyone can spare, successful begging leads young children to drop out of school and take up panhandling as their trade. If you want to help, give to a trustworthy charity or a school.
  • Do not take photographs of locals, holy shrines and temples unless they have clearly given their consent.

padding: 10px; } .list--bullet li{ list-style-type: square !important; list-style-position: inside; }

NHV next heartily welcomes all of our valued guests. Either you are trekking in the mountains or touring the Kathmandu valley we suggest you that you treat the land and its people with care and respect. Below are some tips on how you can keep the environment clean and show appreciation for age-old culture and traditional religious beliefs. Nepal's Culture might be astonishing and surprising for newcomers therefore these tips are sometimes necessary.

  • To show gratitude and respect, use both of your hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money. It’s seen as a gesture of respect.
  • Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.
  • Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men. In Nepal, people especially women, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "Namaste" greeting is preferable.
  • Do not eat with your left hand.
  • Never eat beef in front of Hindus and Buddhist because beef is strictly prohibited among both Hindus and Buddhists. Cows are sacred in Nepal.
  • Try not to step over or point your feet at another person, a sacred place or a heart.
  • Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery and leather items in Hindu temples and avoid smoking and wearing scant dress in religious settings.
  • Remember, some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for non-Hindus.
  • It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines, especially if you are non-Hindu.
  • Do not offer food to a Nepalese after tasting it, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
  • The sight of men holding hands is common, but men and women holding hands, and general acts of affection, are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to Nepalese culture.
  • Do walk around Stupas clockwise, so that the outer walls are always on your right. If you encounter a stone wall covered with Tibetan inscriptions, do the same: Walk past with the wall on your right (and don't take any of the stones).
  • Do not lose your cool. Raising your voice or shouting is seen as extremely bad manners in Nepal too and will only make any problem worse.
  • Do get a receipt of in authenticity when purchasing an antique replica. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to take it out of the country. And do not buy ivory or fur from endangered species. Your purchases encourage the trade in such illegal goods, and you would not be allowed to bring them back home anyway.
  • Do not give in to children who ask for just one rupee. Although a rupee is a small amount that anyone can spare, successful begging leads young children to drop out of school and take up panhandling as their trade. If you want to help, give to a trustworthy charity or a school.
  • Do not take photographs of locals, holy shrines and temples unless they have clearly given their consent.