Nepal Buddhist Circuit Tour
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- Nepal Buddhist Circuit Tour
The 06N/07D Buddhist Circuit Tour is a brilliantly planned itinerary which takes you to the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. For, as much as it is a Hindu country, it is also a Buddhist country, and the influence of one upon the other is unmissable here. Although the majority of people practice Hinduism in Nepal, Buddhism too, enjoys a strong presence. After all, it was in Lumbini (a holy pilgrimage site for Buddhists) that Gautama Buddha was born, a fact that its people take great pride in.
Buddhism spread in Nepal under the reign of King Ashoka of Mauryan dynasty. Right from Licchavi period to the present day, the teachings of Buddha has had a profound impact on the people. Today, it is the second largest religion in the country, and is dotted with various Buddhist religious sites. Many of these trace their origins to ancient times, and are visited by tourists in large numbers both for their architecture and special historical significance. During the course of this trek, you are taken to the most popular religious places of Buddhism in Nepal, while being offered plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and relaxation.
Your Buddhist circuit tour Nepal begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. After arriving at the airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. After resting and relaxing for some time, set off to visit the city of Patan. It is the third largest city of Nepal after Pokhara and Kathmandu. The city is famous for its rich cultural heritage and exceptional proficiency in the manufacture of arts and crafts since ancient times. As a historical city, it is dotted with temples, monasteries, palaces and a former Royal Palace Complex. One of the most popular religious attractions in Patan is the temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna. Located to the west of Patan Square (itself a famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the temple was built in the mid-16th century by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. Built in the traditional Hindu style of architecture, it boasts 21 towers. Seek blessings at the temple and admire its architectural beauty.
The next place which you will visit is the Tibetan Refugee Camp. This market is extremely popular among tourists for its handicraft items, Tibetan art and weaving carpet.
Another famous tourist attraction here is the Kwa Baha, also known as Golden Temple. This monastery, located to the north of Durbar Square, was built in the 12th century. It is called the golden temple because of the gilded metal plates which are a part of its facade. Besides being the wealthiest (Buddhist temple or monastery) vihara in Nepal, it is also known by other names like Hiranyavarna Mahavihara and Sri Bhaskaradeva Samskrita. After visiting this monastery, you will visit the Mahabuddha Temple. A visit to this religious structure is always included in any Buddhist circuit tour Nepal. It is said that the temple structure is inspired by the Bodh Gaya temple structure in Bihar. It is also known as the “temple of a thousand Buddhas” because an image of Lord Buddha is engraved on every brick. Spend some time at this temple, exploring and admiring its architecture and observing the various rituals observed inside it.
Overnight stay at Kathmandu.
You will be visiting the famous places to visit in Kathmandu on day two of your travel itinerary. The tour begins with a visit to Swayambhunath, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site for devotees belonging to Nepal as well as Tibet. Located to the northwest of Kathmandu Valley, it was built by King Manadeva in the 13th century. Also known as the Monkey Temple, it is one the of the oldest monasteries in the country, besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the attractions inside the stupa are the Vajra thunderbolt, Sleeping Buddha, a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan style paintings. After exploring the temple at leisure, head towards Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Mandir. Located on the banks of River Bishnumati in close proximity to Swayambhunath, it also consists of several smaller chaitas within its temple complex. To reach the main shrine, however, you will have to go to the second floor.
In the afternoon, you will be visiting the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most popular Buddhist sites in Nepal. The stupa was built by Licchavi rulers in the 8th century. It is interesting to know that it stands on the same place which once served as the ancient trade route to Tibet and served as a place of rest and worship by Tibetan merchants. Further, it is built in the shape of a mandala, thus lending it a stark similarity to the Gyangtse Monastery in Tibet. Visitors to the stupa are extremely impressed by the 176 miniature stupas and paintings that depict Tibetan Buddhist pantheons.
After visiting the stupa, enjoy a light but delicious lunch at a cafe. Then, catch a flight to Bhairahawa, from where, you will head to Lumbini. Lumbini has been accorded a special place in Buddhism because it is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It also finds a mention in various Buddhist scriptures, most notably the Mahaparinibbana Sutta. It is believed that Emperor Ashoka visited this place around 3rd century BC and constructed a pillar with an inscription which read, “here was born the Buddha”. You can enjoy sightseeing and exploration of the various places of popular interest in Lumbini like Mayadevi Gardens, Ashokan Pillar and Lumbini Gardens. Visiting the birthplace of Lord Buddha during your Lumbini Buddhist Circuit Tour is an amazing experience which gifts you with special memories.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Your Buddhist Circuit tour continues with a morning drive to the Sravasti, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. It was famous for being one of the largest cities in ancient India during the lifetime of Gautam Buddha. According to popular folktales in Buddhism, Buddha is believed to have performed several miracles here. It was in this city that he lived for the most part of his life and gave several discourses and sermons to his followers. Some of the attractions which you will visit is the remains of Gandha Kuti, Ananda Monastery and Rahul Monastery. You will also visit the ruins of Maheth, which is believed to stand on the site where ancient Sravasti once stood.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
On this day, you will drive your way to Kushinagar while crossing the towns of Basti and Gorakhpur. Make a brief stop for lunch at a hotel and then proceed for some incredible sightseeing of Kushinagar. Kushinagar, one of the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, holds a great spiritual importance because it is here that Lord Buddha preached his last sermon with the words, “All things must pass. Decay is inheritance in all things”. Lord Buddha also attained parinirvana at this site. It was especially a place of immense cultural and spiritual importance under Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. You will visit the Ramabhar Stupa, which stands on the same spot where Buddha was cremated in 543 BC.
Another attraction is the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which is a major crowd puller for its statue of Gautam Buddha, who is depicted in a reclining position. From here, proceed towards the Matha Kuar Shrine. It houses an enormous statue of Lord Buddha, but unlike the statues found in other monasteries and shrines, he is depicted in a pose called sparsh bhumi mudra (earth touching pose), with his finger touching the ground.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Return back to Lumbini via Gorakhpur, a city in Uttar Pradesh most famous for the Gorakhpur Temple. After arriving at Sunouli (a famous transit point at the India-Nepal border), continue your journey towards Lumbini after completing the cross border formalities. Enjoy lunch at Lumbini and resume your journey towards Kapilavastu. Historical sources state this was where Gautam Buddha spent 25 years of his life. On the way, make a stop and visit the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary which houses endangered crane species. The premises of the sanctuary were once the ancient Lumbini Gardens.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
You have the morning to yourself and can spend it any way you like. You can decide to visit other popular places of attraction or enjoy shopping for souvenirs and other items.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, get transferred to the airport to catch a flight and continue with your onward journey. This religious and cultural tour in Nepal has been quite enlightening and exciting, the memories of which will stay with you until you visit this place again.
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