Buddhist Tour of Kathmandu

Nestled in the Himalayan foothill, Kathmandu valley nourished Buddhism during the medieval time. The valley along the trans-Himalayan trade route was a popular Buddhist pilgrimage and learning center. The three stupas of Kathmandu valley have always been the lifetime pilgrimage for Buddhist from around the globe. Renowned Buddhist masters like Nagarjuna, Padmashambhava (Guru Rinpoche), Milarepa and Naropa visited Kathmandu valley. Their meditation caves around Kathmandu are still revered by devotees seeking inspiration.

With more than 500 medieval monasteries, Kathmandu valley served as a prominent center for Buddhist education from the 9th to the 18th century.

Remnants of these monastic towns can still be found today.
Buddhist pilgrimage tour of Kathmandu valley visits Buddhist power places, meditation caves and explores the living Buddhist heritages of Kathmandu.

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Highlights of the tour

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Kathmandu Buddhist Tour Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVE KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Our represent will receive you from the Kathmandu airport. Please look for your namecard. After formal meeting, you will drive to your hotel in Buddhist neighborhood of Boudhanath. There is an option of familiarization walk in the evening.

DAY 02: Buddhist Tour of Kathmandu

Drive to Old Kathmandu and walk through its maze like alleys discovering the hidden courtyards with beautiful Stupas, temples and medieval Newari monasteries. Visit Kathmandu Durbar square which has a 12 ft. Mahakala statue from 5th century and the living goddess worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Later visit Vajeshwari temple (vajrayogini) and Swyambhunath Stupa. Drive to Pashupatinath to visit Naropa and Tilopa cave. Visit Boudhnath stupa and Sechen monastery.

DAY 03: Patan and Pharping Tour

Drive to Patan and walk through the oldest living Buddhist city. Visit few of its oldest and intact Newari monasteries. The 8th century golden temple (Hiranyavrna Mahavihar ) still recites 900 years old book of 'Pragya Paramita' in the morning. Visit the 16th century Mahabouddha temple, Rudravarna Mahavihar and Vajrayogini temple. The palace of Patan houses one of the finest iconography, art and architecture museum. Later drive 30 km south to Pharping where there are meditation caves of the 8th century Indian master, Padmashambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Visit the self arisen Tara temple, Asura cave and Yanglesho cave. You can also visit the Kyapjé Chatral Rinpoche's reliquary stupa and his monastery near by.

DAY 04: Bhaktapur and Namo Buddha

In the middle of Ratnagiri hill in the east of Kathmandu valley is where Maha Manjushree appeared before he drained the water from the legendary Kathmandu Lake. People still believe there is a tunnel known as Lhasapake (Road to Lhasa) behind Manjushree idol. Several Buddhist masters and Siddhas visited the site including the 11 - 12th century great poet and Buddhist master Milarepa. Later drive to Namobuddha and overnight in the monastery guest house. Enjoy the widespread view of the mountains and have dinner with monks.

DAY 05: Shanku Bajrayogini and Nagarjuna hill

Namobuddha Stupa is the third important Stupa in Nepal. This is where Buddha in one of his previous life as prince sacrificed himself to feed Tigress and her cubs who were starving to death. The stupa is believed to be built over his relic. Drive to Vajrayogini temple of Sankhu. The Milarepa cave is just about 200 m below the temple. Later drive to Nagarjuna hill. This is where the Indian master Nagarjuna is believed to take his retirement. He articulated the doctrine of emptiness (shunyata) and is traditionally regarded as the founder of the Madhyamika (“Middle Way”) school of Mahayana Buddhism.

DAY 06: FINAL DEPARTURE

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Things to do from Kathmandu

Listen " Pragya Paramita " in English

  Four of the ancient monasteries of Kathmandu have the 'Pragya Paramita' dating back to at least 900 years. Public display and reading of these books are now limited because of their vulnerability. Nine priests read the book present at Golden temple of Patan every day. The one present at Bhagwan Bahal of Kathmandu is the most ancient and is available for public observation and preaching in English on request. The book of 10,000 stanzas was written by gold on banana leaf.

Helicopter Tour of Maratika

Maratika cave lies some 220 km southeast of Kathmandu. This is where Indian Buddhist master Padmashambhava (Guru Rinpoche) is accomplished the Vidyadhara of immortal life. Lord Amitayus granted him blessing to attained the indestructible vajra body, free from birth and death.
While a road trip takes about 2 days (220 km / 7 hours), a helicopter tour of about one and half hour is also available from Kathmandu.

Buddhist Pilgrimage tour of Nepal

Kathmandu valley emerged as a prominent hub for Vajrayana practices in the medieval period. When embarking on a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal, one can expect to explore the sacred meditation caves of revered figures like Padmashambhava and Milarepa, as well as pay homage to significant Buddhist landmarks including Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

Buddhist pilgrimage tour of Nepal