8-Day Buddhist Pilgrimage Through Kathmandu and Lumbini
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed with a traditional greeting by a representative from Marvel Treks. You will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel in Thamel and assisted with check-in. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. In the evening, you are welcome to visit our office for a short briefing and discussion regarding the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour itinerary.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Day 2: Full-Day Sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist Sites
After breakfast, begin a full-day guided tour of major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): One of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal, perched atop a hill overlooking Kathmandu. The stupa is surrounded by prayer wheels, monasteries, and vibrant prayer flags, offering panoramic views of the valley.
Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas in the world and the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Walk clockwise around the stupa, spin prayer wheels, and observe monks and pilgrims performing daily rituals.
Kopan Monastery: A renowned Tibetan Buddhist monastery offering deep insight into Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and teachings. Visitors may explore the monastery grounds and experience its peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Patan City Sightseeing & Namobuddha
After breakfast, drive to Patan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite Newari architecture and rich Buddhist heritage.
Visit Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) and Rudra Varna Mahavihar, important Buddhist monasteries reflecting traditional craftsmanship and religious significance.
Later, continue the journey to Namobuddha, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. According to legend, this is where Buddha, in a previous life, sacrificed himself to save a starving tigress and her cubs. Visit the monastery and stupa while enjoying serene Himalayan views.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa & Drive to Lumbini
After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for a short scenic flight to Bhairahawa. Upon arrival, drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha and the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. After hotel check-in, you may relax or take a gentle walk around the sacred area.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Lumbini
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Duration: Approx. 30 minutes
Day 5: Full-Day Lumbini Sightseeing
Today is dedicated to exploring Lumbini Sacred Garden and surrounding monastic zones.
Visit Maya Devi Temple, the exact birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Explore the Ashoka Pillar, erected in the 3rd century BCE confirming Buddha's birthplace.
Visit the sacred pond where Queen Maya Devi bathed before giving birth.
Explore international monasteries built by countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Myanmar, Korea, Germany, and France.
Optional boating along the Lumbini canal and meditation in the peaceful surroundings.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Lumbini
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Excursion to Tilaurakot & Gotihawa
After breakfast, drive to Tilaurakot, believed to be the ancient palace of King Suddhodana, where Prince Siddhartha spent the first 29 years of his life. Explore archaeological remains dating back over 2,500 years.
Later, visit Gotihawa, believed to be the birthplace of Krakuchanda Buddha, one of the previous Buddhas. Observe the remains of ancient stupas and the Ashoka Pillar ruins before returning to Lumbini.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Lumbini
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Return to Kathmandu & Visit Pharping Monastery
After breakfast, drive to Gautam Buddha International Airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, proceed to Pharping, a sacred site associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).
Visit Pharping Monastery and Asura Cave, where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated and attained enlightenment. Spend time engaging in spiritual activities and interacting with the local community. In the evening, return to Thamel for shopping and leisure, followed by a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Day 8: Departure or Onward Journey
After breakfast, the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour with Marvel Treks officially concludes. You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule. You may either return home or continue onward to your next destination in Nepal.
Meals: Breakfast
