12-Day Monastery and Mild Hiking Tour in Nepal with Hemja Stay

• Welcome to Nepal! You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, go for a short walk on Thamel street.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar in Kathmandu.

Meals: Welcome Dinner

• Today, we visit three of the most sacred monuments in the Valley:
• Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath, one of the holiest temples of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, has a golden roof and silver doors and is built in pagoda style. The temple stands in the middle of a green forest, and the Bagmati River, on whose bank Hindus are cremated, flows beside it. People other than Hindus cannot enter the temple's central courtyard, but it can be viewed from the river's eastern bank. There is an Arati pooja in Pashupati, which starts around 6 pm. The priests perform the Aarati by moving oil lamps in a circular motion and dedicating their act to the Divine. Devotees sing bhajan, or songs with religious themes, during the Aarati.
• Boudhanath: Boudhanath Stupa not only takes you on a journey to one of the world's most prominent and ancient stupas and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, but also exposes you to the Tibetan communities within Nepal. Along with monasteries and devotees chanting religious hymns and playing prayer wheels, you will also get close to the young boys and girls devoted to becoming Buddhist monks, giving you a different perspective on life.
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This durbar square will mesmerize you with the beauty of its different temples and palaces. You will not only be able to see the spectacular view of 15th-century architecture, but also become acquainted with the palaces and courtyards of ancient times. The Golden Gate, the wooden palace studded with 55 windows, Batsala Temple, Shiva Temple, and the National Art Gallery are the major attractions of this square. Moreover, you might not want to miss the five-storied Nyatapola Temple, built in the 17th century. Adding to its structure are pairs of two wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two gryphons, and a goddess's tigress and lioness on each storey, making it the tallest pagoda-style temple and exhibiting the immense creativity and craftsmanship of Nepalis in those centuries.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast

• Bandipur: After breakfast, drive to Bandipur. The scenic drive lasts nearly 5 hours through beautiful riverbanks and gorges. After reaching Bandipur, rest at the hotel or stroll around beautiful Bandipur town and the local market. Bandipur is an old Newari settlement located at a hill station near the Prithvi Highway. The old town has preserved and maintained its cultural look and beauty. We will explore the town on foot because vehicles are prohibited in order to maintain its beauty. Bandipur also offers lovely mountain views if the weather permits.

Accommodation: Bandipur Village Inn or similar on B/B in Bandipur

Meals: Breakfast

• Hemja: After breakfast, we drive from Bandipur to Hemja, a journey of about 2 and a half hours. Lunch en route. Check in at the monastery in Hemja, then rest and refresh before dinner with the monks and an overnight stay at the Monastery Guest House in Hemja.

Accommodation: Pema Tsal Guest House on the entire board in Hemja

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner/Lunch

• Hemja: Today, we perform the following activities in the monastery:
  • Puja participation
  • Breakfast
  • Meditation
  • Monastery visit
  • Free time in the monastery or a short hike around Hemja Village
  • Dharma Debate
  • Dinner in the Guest House
  • Overnight at Monastery Guest House in Hemja

Accommodation: Pema Tsal Guest House on the entire board in Hemja

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

• World Peace Stupa: After breakfast, we drive from Hemja to Phumdi. Then we hike to the Peace Stupa, which takes about 3 hours. The hike offers insight into rural life and views of the mountains if the weather permits. Upon reaching the Peace Stupa, we will witness this stunning monument symbolising peace and Buddhism. The Peace Stupa is located on a hilltop and provides a splendid view of Pokhara City.

O/N at Pokhara.

Accommodation: Hotel White Pearl or similar on B/B in Pokhara

Meals: Breakfast

• Gorkha Museum: After breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to Gorkha, which is about a 4-5 hour drive. Upon reaching Gorkha and checking in to the hotel, we freshen up and visit Gorkha Palace. Gorkha Durbar, also known as Gorkha Palace, is a historic palace in Gorkha. The palace was built in the 17th century by King Ram Shah of the Shah dynasty and was the seat of power for the Kingdom of Gorkha until the mid-19th century. The durbar, meaning palace, is situated on the top of the hill and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is considered a symbol of Nepali culture and history.

Accommodation: Gorkha Garden Hotel or similar on B/B in Gorkha

Meals: Breakfast

• After breakfast, we drive from Gorkha to Kathmandu, which is approximately 7 hours. Free time in the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar on B/B in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

• Dhulikhel: Wake-up call at 0700 hrs, breakfast from 0730 hrs to 0800 hrs, and we start driving at 0900 hrs toward Dhulikhel (27 km - 1 hour drive). Check in to the hotel in Dhulikhel. Start hiking in Dhulikhel around 1100 hrs to Kali Temple and the surrounding area. The hike will take around 2 hours to reach the Kali Temple and the surrounding village. We will see the magnificent hilly landscape and mountain views and visit the local villages. We will return to the hotel or enjoy lunch in a nice restaurant. Return to the hotel, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the hotel itself. Free time at the hotel for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Aagantuk Resort or similar on B/B in Dhulikhel

Meals: Breakfast

• Namobuddha: Today, after breakfast, we will drive for two and a half hours to reach the Tibetan pilgrimage site of Namobuddha (1,750 m). Here, the guests are welcomed by monks in one of the oldest monasteries. We then explore the monastery, beautiful mandalas, and frescoes and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. The monks will explain the history of Buddhism, and our guides will translate. We then hike down along easily accessible paths to our overnight stay in Balthali (1,780 m). We pass small villages, see farmers in their fields, and cannot help but notice the mountains in the distance. We reach our accommodation in the early afternoon. Our guide will give you tips for a late lunch. Enjoy the fantastic view of the village from our accommodation - everyday life seems far away.

Accommodation: Balthali Mountain Resort or similar on B/B in Balthali.

Meals: Breakfast

• Panauti: Breakfast is served around 7:30 am. After breakfast, we start our hike for 1 hour and 10 minutes from Balthali to Khopasi. It is an easy hike. We then drive to Panauti for 10 minutes and go sightseeing in Panauti, an old city where we can see the traditional local lifestyle of the Newari community. In the afternoon, we are free to do some last-minute shopping.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar on B/B in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

• Today, through TIA, you will say goodbye to beautiful Nepal. Our representative will transfer you to the airport 3 hours before your departure. Please have a safe journey, and we hope to see you again.

Meals: Breakfast