Temples of Nepal
A great trip to include all the major sights, temples, monasteries etc. of Nepal. This trip will take you to Swayambhunath (Monkey) Temple, The great Stupa at Bouddhanath (Second largest in the world). Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, Kopan Monastery, Namo Buddha, Pharphing, Pokhara and Birthplace of the Buddha Lumbini.

A 16 day trip which includes a full itinerary visiting the best sites of Kathmandu.

Itinerary 

Day 1 – Kathmandu Arrival
On your arrival at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan Airport, you will be met by a representative of Sacred Himalaya and taken to your hotel in the Thamel district of Kathmandu.

Day 02: Swayambhunath Temple – Kathmandu Durbar Square
This will be the first of your sightseeing days in Kathmandu. In the morning we will head for Swayambhunath (Monkey) Temple. Swayambhunath is a UNESCO, World Heritage and one of the must see sights of the Valley. We will walk the 365 steps up to the Stupa. There is much to see, not least the three large Buddha statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Chenrezig and Guru Rinpoche. in the park to the rear. In the afternoon we visit the Durbar square in Kathmandu

Day 3 – Kopan – Bouddhanath Stupa
We will spend the day visiting three of Kathmandu’s many places of interest. We will start the day with a visit to the beautifully serene monastery of Kopan. We will then make our way down to Bouddhanath site of the great stupa where we will take lunch.and spend the afternoon there.

Day 4 – Kathmandu – Chitwan
From Kathmandu we will take the drive to Chitwan and overnight at selected hotel. If you are interested to go White water rafting then we can stop off along the Trishuli river at Charaundi en route to Chitwan

Day 05 – Chitwan
The full day activities in Chitwan National Park include Elephant Safari, Nature walk, Bird watching, Tharu culture dance, Tharu village tour and overnight at selected hotel.

Day 06 – Chitwan – Lumbini
We drive from Chitwan to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. It is largely regarded as the place where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama). Siddhartha Gautama lived roughly between 623 and 543 BCE. In Lumbini there are many temples to visit. Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 07 – Lumbini
Sightseeing in Lumbini. You will visit the birth place of Buddha. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi temple, Ashok pillar and many other monasteries. Also located here is the Puskarini or Holy Pond where the Buddha’s mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he, too, had his first bath.

Day 08 – Lumbini – Pokhara
Drive Lumbini to Pokhara. We take the beautiful drive from the Terai lowlands of Nepal up to Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara

Day 09 – Pokhara
We will take in the sights Pokhara valley including Devi’s fall, Gupteswor cave, world Peace pagoda, International Mountain Museum, Bindabasini temple, Barahi temple on the lake which we will get to by boat. Overnigh t Pokhara.

Day 10 – Pokhara – Kathmandu
We will take the early morning trip to Sarangkot (30 minutes) and (30minutes walking) Sarangkot hill (Top). We may see beautiful mountains views of Dhaulagiri 8167m, Manaslu 8163m and Annapurna 8091m and, in the middle of the Annapurna range, the Machhapuchhre 6993m (Fishtail). After that you will drive back to Pokhara and have a breakfast and we will drive back to Kathmandu.

Day 11 – Pashupatinath – Patan Durbar Square
Today we will spend the morning at the great Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Located on the Bagmati river it is regarded as the most sacred among the temples of Lord Shiva (Pashupati). In the afternoon we will go down to Patan to visit the impressive Durbar square there.

Day 12 – Pharping
We will take the short journey to Pharping. Pharping is where Guru Padmasambhava attained the level of a Mahamudra vidyadhara. It is considered to be for Vajrayana practitioners as important as Bodhgaya because it is where the second buddha Guru Padmasambhava attained the state of enlightenment. There are ancient caves and many Monasteries to see in Pharping.

Day 13 – Changunarayan
Drive to Changunarayan Temple we visit the oldest pagoda style temple which was listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. It was constructed in 4th century. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. From there we drive the short drive to Nagarkot. This is a vantage point for panoramic Himalayan scenery as well as unobstructed sunrise and sunset views. We can also see the captivating landscapes and the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight in Nagarkot

Day 14 – Namo Buddha
We drive to Namo Buddha through the ancient city of Dhulikhel, passing the Hindu temple and pine forests, until reaching Namobuddha. It is a highly recommended secret Buddhist pilgrimage destination in Nepal, where Lord Buddha sacrificed his body to a hungry tigress and its cubs. There is an amazing story concerned with the life of Buddha which is commemorated by ancient stone slab and a Stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Overnight in Namobuddha.

Day 15 – Bhaktapur
On our way back from Namobuddha we will visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artwork. We will then return to Kathmandu for our final night in Nepal. In the evening we will take you for a farewell Dinner, to an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.

Day 16 – Depart Kathmandu
Depending on the time of your flight departure, you may have time for a lttle more sightseeing or shopping in Kathmandu. We will then take you to Tibhuvan airport 3 hours before the departure time of your flight home and see you to your departure terminal where we will say goodbye and hope very much, that you will have enjoyed your time with Sacred Himalaya.