Mystical Padma : Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

This tour, like the petals of the mystical Padma(Lotus) unfolding, will leave you spiritually enriched…

Nepal has been a sacred destination for both Buddhists and Hindus for centuries. Sages and mystics from all over the world visited this mystical land long before the advent of organized commercial tourism.  Nestled under the shadows of the awe-inspiring Himalayan mountains, Nepal is a haven for those seeking spiritual bliss.

Your spiritual journey begins from Kathmandu valley. Immerse yourself in the teachings of Lord Buddha by visiting Kopan Monastery(an important centre of Mahayana Buddhism), step on a giant ‘mandala’ at the Boudhanath Stupa (one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world) , visit a hilltop temple(Swoyambhunath) that a Boddhisattva from Tibet (Manjushri) is believed to have built and circumambulate around the ancient stupa at Namo Buddha . Enrich your experience further by visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Pay obeisance at the actual site where Lord Gautama Buddha was born (Maya Devi Temple), feel the calm surrounding the Pushkarini Pond (the pond where He received His first bath)and the Sacred Garden, examine the ancient inscriptions on the Ashokan Pillar and spend some quiet hours reflecting and meditating at one of the many monasteries surrounding the Maya Devi Temple.

Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu TIA

Day 2 –Kathmandu – AM: Kapan Monastery (Drukchuma/Protector Puja) **, PM: Visit Boudha and Swoyambhu

Day 3 – Fly Lumbini/ Afternoon visit Maya Devi temple, Pushkarini Pond, Sacred Garden

Day 4 – Fly Kathmandu- Visit Namo Buddha

Day 5 – Depart Kathmandu

Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu

Transfer from airport to hotel. A representative from our office will be there to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport.  At reaching the hotel, you will be briefed on your itinerary.

Day 2 –Kathmandu – AM: Kopan Monastery (Puja)**, Afternoon: Visit Boudha and Swoyambhu

After an early breakfast we visit Kopan Monastery. The monastery is an important Mahayana Buddhist centre. Here a Lama will conduct a special puja (Drukchuma/Protector Puja) for you.

Later we head to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath Stupa is regarded as the most important centre of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet. Buddhists believe that the remains of Kasyapa Buddha (Lord Buddha’s previous incarnation) were interred at the spot where the stupa is built.  Light butter lamps and visit the nearby Tibetan monastery.

Later we proceed to Swoyambhunath Temple. Located on a hilltop, Swoyambhunath is regarded as the first temple in Kathmandu valley. According to local folklore, the Bodhisattva Manjushri built a temple here after draining the water that inundated Kathmandu valley. There are Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples in the vicinity of the stupa. Enjoy a 360 degree view of Kathmandu Valley from the temple.

 (**Note: Please be informed that sometimes monks at the Kopan Monastery go on a retreat and are unavailable for pujas. In such an event, the Drukchuma/Protector Puja will be held at some other monastery in Kathmandu.)

Day 3 – Fly Lumbini/ Afternoon visit Maya Devi temple, Pushkarini Pond, Sacred Garden

After an early breakfast, we catch our flight for Lumbini. From Kathmandu it takes about thirty five minutes to reach Bhairahwa Airport. From Bhairahwa Airport, Lumbini is just an hour’s drive away.

After checking in at our hotel, we have some refreshments. Later in the afternoon, we proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lumbini. Here we visit the spot where Lord Buddha was born (Maya Devi Temple), the Pushkarini Pond where he was given his first ritual bath, Ashoka’s Pillar and the Sacred Garden.

Day 4 – Fly Kathmandu- Visit Namo Buddha

Transfer to Bhairahawa Airport and fly to Kathmandu. After refreshments, we visit Namo Buddha, a hilltop Buddhist shrine, located about 40km from the city.

Legend has it that Lord Buddha in his previous birth saved a dying tigress and her cubs from starvation by offering to feed them with his own flesh. According to local legend his bones are enshrined in an old Buddhist stupa that lies at the top of the hill. We visit this stupa, circumambulate around it and light incense and butter lamps. Take pictures and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Visit a Tibetan monastery (Thrangu Tashe Yangste Monastery) located nearby.

Evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali feast and a lively Nepali cultural programme.

Day 5 – Depart Kathmandu

Our representative will drop you at the airport on time to catch your return flight.