Buddhist Culture Tour

Buddhist Culture Tour - 9 Days

The Buddhist Culture tour combines the natural and cultural aspects of Nepal touring, starting from Kathmandu: Nepal’s cultural, historical and political center.

Kathmandu has its own style of cultural life based on a special mix of different cultures and religions. We visit Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and many other main Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu.

The highlights of the Buddhist Culture tour is to understand Buddhism. After visiting world heritage sites in Kathmandu. The tour takes you to a place where immortal souls, such as Siddhartha- the Buddha, have taken birth to uplift the consciousness and bring the existing level of consciousness to be channeled in a new positive direction.

Prominent, among the structures to be seen, is the “Maya Devi Temple” Lumbini in Nepal. There are many monasteries and schools in Nepal where Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings can be another remarkable one; two and a half thousand years ago it had happened the people of Nepal live close to their gods and in perfect harmony from the high mountain climbing worlds to the meditative cultures also to yogis. Vipassana (to see things as they really are), the most ancient methods are one of those spiritual practices under meditation.

Our 8-days Buddhist Culture Tour exposes you to a combination of natural and cultural sites designed especially for those interested in Buddhist monuments at Buddha’s birthplace. You may also find it interesting to check out our other tour packages depending on the time you spend on your trip to Nepal.

Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1400 meters)

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport after completing your custom formalities Visa, etc. pick up your luggage and look for our airport representative from Himalaya Discovery Adventures, who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate.

You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2
Free in Kathmandu for sightseeing and pre trip briefing.

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls.

Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Buddhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3
Fly / Drive to Lumbini.

Flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa takes 35 minutes and from there it is 30 mints drive to Lumbini. One can also drive to Lumbini (300 km) from Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4
Breakfast, Lumbini tour

Lumbini Tour includes visit to the Mayadevi temple and tour of surrounding areas of Lumbini Development Trust (LDT). The three square mile area of LDT includes Sacred Garden, Monastic Zone and New Lumbini Village, overnight at hotel.

Day 5
Breakfast, Lumbini cultural experiences.

On the day we will visit surrounding villages of Lumbini and observe rural culture. Interaction with warm and hospital local people, buying their authentic handicraft products and observing their traditional rituals will bring one closer to understand the diversity of Terai cultures in Nepal, overnight at hotel.

Day 6
Religious and archeological sites of Kapilavastu.

Drive and visit religious and archeological sites of Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Siddharthanagar, Niglihara, Sagarhawam Aurorakot. Tilaurakot is the ancient Kapilabastu – the capital of Shakya.

Kudan was where Buddha was received by his father after his access to enlightenment. Gotihawa is the birthplace of Krakuchanda Buddha. Niglihawa is where Kanakmuni Buddha was born.

Sagarhawa is the archeological findings as “place of the Massacre of the Shakyas”, Overnight in Siddharthanagar at hotel.

Day 7
Devdaha – Ramgrama- Bhairahawa – Kathmandu.

Drive and visit religious and archeological sites at Devdaha and Ramagram. Devdaha is the ancient capital of the Koliya kingdom.

It is the maternal hometown of Queen Mayadevi (mother), Prajapati Gautami (step-mother), Princess Yasodhara (consort) and where Prince Siddhartha had spent his childhood. Ramgrama is the brick mound on the bank of the Jharahi River.

It is seven meter high brick stupa consisting of relic (one of the eight astha dhatu) of Lord Buddha. The Stupa was built by the king of Ramgrama, who was the eighth king to obtain the Buddha’s relics, Overnight at hotel.

Day 8
Fly / Drive to Kathmandu.

After breakfast departure to kathmandu, transfer to the hotel, rest of the time is free. Overnight in Kathmandu. If you are interested in continuing on to Chitwan jungle safari, Himalaya trekking, rafting, bungee jumping, Paragliding, Scenic Everest flight, Tibet tour, Bhutan tour.

Day 9
Free day / Fly to home.

Today is rest and relax throughout the day. If you get interested to take some gifts from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or go out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 10
Fly to home.

The trip ends, We will drop you to the airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

Price Includes

  • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
  • 5-nights hotel accommodation in Lumbini with breakfast.
  • guided sightseeings tour.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all tour staff.
  • Entry permits and fees for all temple, park, monasteries, cultural and historical spots.
  • Ground transportation from and to Kathmandu by tourist vehicle.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural dance (on day 8th).
  • All our government taxes.
  • Please Note: USD 450 per person if you want to upgrade the accommodation in to five star hotel in Kathmandu.

Price Excludes

  • International airfare and Nepal visa.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Lumbini.
  • Tips for guide / driver (tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the 'Price Include' section.

Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

A. Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalaya Discovery Adventures sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

Q. When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

A. For the trekking regions of the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Jumla Rara Lake, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Manaslu we recommend the periods February to May and September to December as the best time for travelling.

  •  For trekking in Mustang or Dolpo region we recommend May to September.
  • The Poon hill  trek  in the Annapurna region takes place throughout the entire year.
  • Cultural tours takes place throughout the entire year. For the best mountain views the periods February to May and September to December are recommended.

Q. How is the climate (temperatures) during the seasons?

A. Winter – January and February. Pleasant temperatures. The nights, mornings and evenings can, however, be quite cold (approx. 0°C – 5°C. Throughout the day, it is mostly sunny with cooler temperatures (approx. 18°C – 20°C).

Spring – March to May. Hot and dry pre-monsoon season (approx. 25°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 7°C – 20°C at night). May is the hottest month in the lowlands. June is the hottest month in the mountains.

Summer – Monsoon from June to August (approx. 28°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 20°C at night). Strong rainfall, continuous sultriness and high humidity.

Early autumn – From September the monsoon season is constantly interrupted by periods with only a slight rainfall. Towards the end of August the pauses in rainfall become more frequent and longer.

Late autumn – Post-monsoon season from October to December. The nights, mornings and evenings can be relatively cool (approx. 5°C – 10°C). During the day the sun shines and it is warm (approx. 20°C – 27°C).

Q. Where can I change money?

A. Any cash you have taken with you can be exchanged into Nepalese rupees at the banks, large hotels and the numerous bureau de changes.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone in Nepal?

A. The network coverage is meanwhile quite good in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and other parts of the Terai (in the rural areas it is very unpredictable).

Basically, foreign SIM cards (providers having international roaming contracts with Nepal) can also be used. However, it is cheaper to buy a local SIM card (Mero Mobile, NTC (GSM) – for approx. NPR 500 or more) and top this up.

Q. Can I use the tap water for drinking and brushing teeth?

A. Tap water is not suitable for drinking in Nepal and it should not be used for cleaning your teeth, either. As there is often a scarcity of water in the countryside, water should be used very sparingly.

Q. What should I concern during my stay in Nepal?

A. Nepali people are very kind and friendly, but there are some things that you should be aware of:

  • Do not take photos of anyone without their permission; always ask permission first!
  • Do not wear hot pants/short paints or stylish clothes in the remote area! (shoulders and legs should be covered)
  • Do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel!
  • Do not touch Buddha statues or ritual offerings inside of a monastery!
  • Do not kiss or hug in public places, especially in monasteries!
  • Do not step across someone’s feet, cups or cooking gears!

Q. What documents do I need to visit Nepal?

A. A tourist visa is required for entering Nepal. The tourist visa can be applied for, for different lengths of stay. A visa is required for children under 10 years but no fee is charged. The entry to Nepal must take place within 6 months of issuing the visa.

Q. How much does the Visa for Nepal cost?

A. The fees for the tourist visa (fees valid since 16.07.2008) are staggered as follows:

  • 15 days (several entries possible)  $ 30 (approx. EUR 27.00)
  • 30 days (several entries possible)  $ 50 (approx. EUR 45.00)
  • 90 days (several entries possible)  $ 125 (approx. EUR 115.00)

An extension of the visa to a maximum of 150 days is possible (per year – January to December). The extension must be made at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. A fee of $ 2.00 is charged in Nepalese rupees (NPR) per day of extension.

Q. Can I find a hospital with western doctors?

A. CIWEC Clinic with western doctors is located in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Tel. +977 1 442 4111, info@ciwec-clinic.com.

Q. Do I need an international health and travel insurance?

A. It is recommended taking out a travel and health insurance covering the following risks:- Emergency and personal accident transport/emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue, rescue costs in a case of illness or accident), medical and personal accident risks, repatriation, tour cancellation, damages and theft of baggage.

Q. What happens in bad weather periods?

A. There is virtually always a possibility of a flight delay or postponement owing to highly unpredictable weather conditions that may occur in Himalayan regions, in particular, in the Everest region (Lukla), Jomsom, Dolpo, Simikot and the Jumla region, etc.

When trekking in remote areas or those described above, and especially outside the trekking season, the clients are strongly advised to reserve extra days for making  allowance for possible delays, and thereby avoid any frustrating consequences. In the case of a delayed flight prior to commencing the tour, or at the end of the tour, the participants shall pay for their own accommodation, food costs, etc.

Q. Where can I store my unneeded luggage during trekking?

A. As a rule there is the possibility before commencing the trek, of depositing part of the baggage in the hotel in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.

Q. What kind of meals I can have during the trekking?

A. All Meals on full board basis will be provided during trekking. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan meals are available in all places).

Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Q. Can I re-charge camera batteries along the trek?

A. Yes, Most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (per hour USD 2 – 3 for charging).

Q. What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

A. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.

On trip of this type weather, political strikes, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Buddhist Culture Tour

Trip Facts

  • 8 Days
  • Easy
  • Min. 2 to Max. 14 People
  • Round the year.
  • 1,400m.
  • 2 - 3 Hours.
  • KTM/KTM
Chhiring Sherpa - Trip Planner

“I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now. Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature.”