Meditation Tours in Nepal - 12 Days

As you arrive in Kathmandu, a representative will be waiting outside the airport holding a company placard for identification. Upon meeting, the representative will greet you and transfer you to a private vehicle for the drive to your hotel in Thamel. The ride from the airport to Thamel will take about 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

After you arrive at your hotel, the representative will assist you with check-in. Then you can go to your room and relax for a bit. Later in the evening, you will meet the company owner and discuss how the tour will commence. All your questions and concerns will be addressed during the meeting.

When the meeting concludes, you will join our representative for a welcome dinner in an authentic Nepalese restaurant. During the dinner, you can taste local Nepali cuisine while enjoying traditional dance and music. After dinner, you will be transferred to your hotel. There you can rest and prepare for the following day. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Wake up in your Kathmandu hotel and have breakfast. Later, around 9 A.M., a private vehicle, along with your tour guide, will meet you at the hotel lobby. Then, you will have a full day sightseeing around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu.

You may begin the tour in any order, visiting Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.

Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, dates back to 460 A.D. The temple lies on the western side of Kathmandu, a city that blends Buddhism and Hinduism. There are two entrances to the temple, one of which has 365 stone steps, each representing a day of the year. Some attractions of the Swayambhunath stupa are as follows:

• Swayambhunath Stupa: White dome stupa with all-seeing Buddha eye.
• Vajra: A large golden thunderbolt located on the eastern side of the stupa.
• World Peace Pond: A pond located near the flight of steps leading to the main stupa.
• Ajima Temple: Temple dedicated to Harati Devi, who protects children.
• Dewa Dharma Monastery: A monastery known for its bronze Buddha and paintings.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Also known as Hanumandhoka Durbar Square and Basantapur Durbar Square, which is marked by Newari architecture, stone carvings, temples, and wood carvings. Some popular attractions of Kathmandu Durbar Square are as follows:

• Hanuman Dhoka Durbar: built by King Prithivi Narayan Shah, is now a museum.
• Taleju Temple: which was built by King Mahendra Malla in 1,549 A.D.
• Kala Bhairav: A Gigantic statue of Kal Bhairav, the god of destruction, which King Pratap Malla discovered.
• Shiva Parvati Temple: The temple features wooden figures of Shiva and Parvati looking out from the central window.
• Kumari Ghar: The Temple of Kumari features wooden balconies built by King Jaya Prakash Malla. The Kumari goddess, also known as the Living Goddess, is replaced upon reaching puberty.
• Nasal Chowk: Coronation platform decorated with wood carving and architecture.
• Mohan Kali Chowk: Statue of Mohan Kali with artistic features.
• Sundari Chowk: Consists of Sunken Bath and Ornate windows.

Pashupatinath Temple: It is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. The significant attractions of Pashupatinath Temple are as follows:

• Mukhalinga: Stone representation of Lord Shiva's face.
• Guhyeshwari Temple: Shrine for Goddess Sati's "yoni" representing divine feminine energy and spirituality.
• Gorakhnath Temple: Devoted to Guru Gorakhnath, a respected figure in Hinduism's Nath lineage.
• Western Cremation Ghats: Places where death procedures are held according to the Hindu religion.

Boudhanath Stupa: The Largest Buddhist stupa of Kathmandu. White dome-shaped with a pinnacle on the top. The pinnacle represents Mount Sumeru (King of Mountains). The dome consists of the all-seeing Buddha eye. The significant attractions of Boudhanath Stupa are as follows:

• Ajima Temple: Temple dedicated to Mamo Pusaki, who is the protector of the stupa.
• Historical Pond and Ghyoilisang Peace Park: Located in the northwest part of Boudhanath.
• Guru Lhakhang Monastery: Oldest Nyingma monastery of the area.
• Jhamchen Lhakhang Monastery: Consists of a 32-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha.
• Samtenling Monastery: Oldest Tibetan Monastery in Boudhanath.

After the completion of the Kathmandu City tour, you can have lunch in Boudhanath. You can enjoy Tibetan and Nepali cuisine for lunch. Then, return to your hotel. You can have dinner around the streets of Thamel, or you can have it in the hotel. Then, rest, relax, and spend the night in Kathmandu.

Sidetrips

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• Patan Durbar Square
• Changunarayan Temple
• Chandragiri Hilltop
• Nagarkot Viewpoint
• Mountain Flight in Nepal
• Jal Narayan

Wake up and enjoy your breakfast at Kathmandu hotel. After breakfast, get ready for your first day of meditation in Nepal. Your day is filled with mindfulness, inner peace, and learning more about the foundations of Buddhist meditation. You will drive with your meditation instructor to one of Kathmandu's peaceful monasteries for meditation. As you reach the destination, you will spend some time preparing yourself for the ideal setting, then begin your meditation. Your session begins with an introduction to mindfulness meditation.

As you progress, your meditation instructor will explain breathing techniques, body awareness, posture, and methods for focusing your wandering mind. Then, your body will feel the effects as you dive deep into meditation. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the meditation session will allow you to reduce mental distractions and develop concentration.

Following the meditation session, you will enjoy a simple vegetarian lunch. Then, you can wander around the monastery or engage in conversation with the instructor, monks, or any of your peers. You can also enjoy solitude and spend quality time.

Later in the afternoon, you will participate in a gentle yoga session focusing on breathing exercises, stretching, and relaxation techniques. The blend of yoga will allow you to improve flexibility, posture, and mental clarity. Then in the evening, you will return to your hotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy dinner and reflect on your meditation experience. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Meditation course

After breakfast, you will begin your final full day of meditation tours in Kathmandu with a wellness-focused program designed to prepare the body for the upcoming pilgrimage to Lumbini. In the morning, you will participate in a guided walking meditation through peaceful temple grounds or monastery gardens. Walking meditation encourages awareness of every movement.

Later, you will experience one of Nepal's traditional wellness therapies. Depending on availability, you may participate in Tibetan sound healing, singing bowl meditation, breathing therapy, or relaxation sessions inspired by ancient Himalayan healing traditions. These therapies will use sound and vibration to promote emotional balance, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Then, after lunch, you can spend the afternoon learning about the life of Siddhartha Gautama and the history of Buddhism in Nepal. Your guide will explain the significance of the sacred places you will visit in Lumbini and help you appreciate the historical and spiritual significance. Later in the day, prepare for tomorrow, pack accordingly, and enjoy the rest of the day to yourself. Have dinner and stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Wake up early and have breakfast. If not, you can always carry a packed breakfast from your hotel. Then, according to your flight schedule, a private vehicle will pick you up from the hotel lobby and drive you towards the domestic section of Tribhuvan International Airport. The drive will take about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.

As you reach the airport, you will board the plane and take a short scenic flight to Bhairahawa airport. The flight will take about 30 minutes with an aerial view of Nepal's diverse landscape. You may also have the opportunity to see snow-capped mountains during the flight.

Upon arrival at Gautam Buddha International Airport or Bhairahawa airport, you will be escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. During the drive, you will pass through peaceful countryside, traditional villages, and agricultural lands. Then, as you arrive at the hotel, our representative will help you with the check-in. Then, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, if you want, you can do some gentle meditation. Later, have dinner and stay overnight in Lumbini.

Wake up, refresh, and have breakfast. Then, begin your sightseeing tour in Lumbini. You will enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, and start your exploration. Here are popular attractions that you will see inside Lumbini:

• Maya Devi Temple: the most sacred site in Lumbini. It is believed that the Maya Devi Temple is the exact spot where Lord Buddha was born. The temple houses stone slabs marking the actual birthplace of the Lord Buddha. The temple is named after the mother of Buddha, Maya Devi. You can see pictures of Buddha and Queen Maya Devi inside the temple. The temple features a sacred pond where Maya Devi took a ritual bath after giving birth. Likewise, there is the famous Bodhi Tree, where Maya Devi is said to have rested in the shade.
• Ashoka Pillar: The pillars were apparently built during 249 BC when Emperor Ashoka of India visited Lumbini. He built four stupas and a pillar topped with a horse idol. There are also ancient inscriptions that mention Ashoka describing the importance of Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The pillars are now surrounded by a small fence, prayer flags, and incense sticks used for meditation.
• Myanmar Golden Temple: The Golden Temple has three prayer halls, which are among the oldest structures in Lumbini. The temple's interior features the Lokamani Pula Pagoda.
• World Peace Stupa: The stupa was made by the Japanese Buddhist Organization in 2001 in Lumbini. It is a white-domed structure decorated with Buddhist symbols and paintings of Buddha. The central part of the stupa features a golden statue of the Buddha in meditative posture.

After completing the sightseeing tour, settle into accommodation, have dinner, and spend the night in Lumbini.

To enjoy one of Lumbini's most tranquil moments, get up before sunrise. Start the day with a guided meditation session in the peaceful setting that has drawn travelers for centuries, surrounded by prayer flags and old trees. By connecting with the mystical energy of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, early-morning meditation enables practitioners to feel a profound sense of tranquility and spiritual restoration.

Visit several international monasteries founded by Buddhist communities from Thailand, Myanmar, China, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, France, and Sri Lanka to continue your spiritual journey after breakfast. Through common Buddhist teachings of peace, compassion, and mindfulness, each monastery represents the distinctive architectural style of its nation while promoting global togetherness that inspires respect and connection.

Your guide will describe the various Buddhist traditions, meditation techniques, and cultural influences found across the Lumbini Development Zone as you tour these stunning temples. Awe and curiosity are aroused by the serene gardens, vibrant prayer halls, elaborate paintings, and striking Buddha statues, which encourage introspection and foster admiration for Nepal's rich spiritual craftsmanship.

After lunch, take part in another yoga or meditation class taught by knowledgeable instructors. Deep relaxation, thankfulness, and incorporating the lessons learned during your time in Lumbini are the main topics of the afternoon practice. To deepen your spiritual experience, you will also have free time to stroll among the meditation gardens, engage in introspection, or just relax under the Bodhi trees.

Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay in Lumbini, carrying with you a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness, and Nepal's remarkable spiritual heritage.

Today you will wake up early and have breakfast in Lumbini. Then you will pack your bags and head to Chitwan. A private vehicle will pick you up and take you on a scenic drive to Chitwan. The drive will take about 4-6 hours, depending on the road and traffic conditions. As you leave Kathmandu, you will drive along the Prithvi Highway along the riverside road following the Trishuli Highway.

You can see the landscape change from the urban city of Kathmandu to more rural areas with traditional villages. Along the highway, you will see various terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and small towns that welcome you to Chitwan. You can have lunch at a suitable place along the highway.

As you approach Chitwan, you will drive towards Sauraha, which is the entry stop to Chitwan National Park. Upon reaching Sauraha, settle into your accommodation and have dinner. Stay overnight in Chitwan.

Today, after waking up, get refreshed and have breakfast in Chitwan. Then, pack your bags and head towards Chitwan National Park for exploration. You will begin the Jungle safari on a private jeep or on an elephant. The tour lasts about 30 minutes, and you will head deep into the forest in search of exotic wildlife. Be sure to look out for one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, Musk deer, Antelope, Crocodiles, and others. You can click plenty of photos and enjoy the natural scenery.

After the jungle safari, you can visit the Elephant Breeding Center in Sauraha. You can see live actions taken to preserve and protect the land animals. The breeding center aims to protect wildlife and raise awareness of its importance. Afterwards, you can engage in various activities inside the national park, including Jungle walks, canoeing in the Rapti River, Elephant bathing, and others.

Later in the evening, you will visit a Tharu village and participate in a Tharu cultural program. Here you will witness Tharu dance and taste Tharu food. You can also visit the Tharu Cultural Museum to learn more about the local culture, traditions, and history.

After your quality time in Chitwan, return to your hotel, rest, and spend the night in Chitwan.

After waking up, refresh, have breakfast, and start your official return journey. You will leave Chitwan and head towards Kathmandu. The drive will take about 4-5 hours, depending on the road conditions, while covering approximately 179 kilometers. On the journey, you will travel along the Prithvi Highway while driving through rural landscapes, small villages, and waterfalls. You can take breaks along the route and have lunch.

Then, driving along the Kali Gandaki River, you will reach Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, settle into your accommodation and have dinner. Then relax and go to bed. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Today, according to your flight schedule, a private vehicle will drop you off at the airport for your departure. We wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors. We hope to see you again for another adventure in Nepal. Until then, best wishes and have a safe flight. Namaste!