Situated at the Terai plains
of the southern Nepal, Lumbini is the place where Siddhartha
Gautam, the Shakya Prince and the ultimate Buddha,
the Enlighted One, was born in 623 BC. The sacred place, marked by a
stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka of India in 249 BC, is listed
as one of the World Heritage Sites. Today the holy site is being developed
with international support as the supreme Buddhist pilgrimage and a
symbol of world peace. The shrines and monastries that many countries
have built or are still building reflect the architectural traditions
of the respective countries, and thus giving Lumbini an international
feel with a message of universal friendship and brotherhood. About 30km
east of Lumbini is the village of Tilaurakot which is believed to have
been the location of the Kapilvastu royal palace where the Buddha grew
up as the Shakya dynasty prince, until he renounced it at the age of
29 in search of enlightenment
Day 1: Kathmandu valley
city tour
Meeting and assistance on arrival
& transfer to hotel
Afternoon city tour visiting
the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter,
Mahadev and Parvati Temple, Machhender Bahl-holy place for the Buddhists
and Hindus, Temple House of Kumari, the vestal virgin or the living
goddess. Walk around the local bazaars. Also visit Swayambunath, a 2500-year
old site where, it is believed, the Radiant Lotus of the valley-mythology,
settled when the water was drained by Manjushri, the god of Wisdom.
The 5 dhyani Buddha's attended by their consorts are enshrined at the
base of the stupa. (Non-Hindus are not allowed inside Swayambhunath
temple).
Morning visit Patan. In Patan
visit the old Newar City, the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate,
the sky piercing temple of Teleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla,
other temples, old carved windows and balconies of wood, curio shops
and bazaars.
Afternoon excursion to Bhadgaon,
Bodhnath and Pashupatinath. Bhadgaon - another Newar city founded in
the 9th century. Visit the ancient Gateway, Durbar Square the Royal
Residential quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, the famous five-storeyed temple
of Nyatapola in pagoda style and other temples. Later, visit Bodhnath,
the 2500-year old Buddhist Stupa, - a holy place for Buddhist pilgrims
from Tibet. Also visit Pashupatinath temple where Shiva is worshipped
in the form of lingam. (Only Hindus are allowed inside). In the month
of February an annual pilgrimage on the occasion of Shivaratri is organized
here every year.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Kathmandu - Lumbini
Day 3: Lumbini tour
Day 4: Lumbini to Kathmandu and
Kathmandu to Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is a small township,
30 kms from Kathmandu, along the Chinese-built road which leads to the
border. It is at an altitude of 6000 ft and offers superb views of Cho
Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. The little town exudes great
charm in the bare-brick houses, carved wooden windows, sloping tile-roofs,
pagoda-temples and sacred statues everywhere. Lot of temples dot the
town and the skyline. Many vantage points offer a panorama of the Himalayan
Mountains. Besides bird watching, hiking and mountain biking are some
of the activities that can be undertaken here
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Dhulikhel - Namo
Buddha - Kathmandu
This tour can be operated with
other activities like short and long trekking, wildlife safari, rafting,
bungee jumping, yoga and meditation, social and cultural study. The
itinerary can be further customized according to your duration of your
holiday. For Cost and further information please make inquiry.
