Nepal Pilgrimage Tour - 10 Days

As you arrive in Kathmandu, a representative will be waiting outside the airport holding a company placard to help with 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 confusion and questions will be answered 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. As the dinner concludes, you will be transferred to your hotel. There you can rest and prepare for the following day. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Note: At the airport, you may encounter people who voluntarily approach you to carry your luggage to the vehicle. Please be aware that they do not represent our company. After assisting you with your luggage, they often ask for money, which can feel uncomfortable, especially at the start of your trip. To avoid such a scenario, please hand your bags only to our company representative, who will be clearly identifiable and happy to assist you. This way, you will not have any hassle or unwanted surprises.

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: It was built by King Prithivi Narayan Shah, is now a museum.
• Taleju Temple: It 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.

Today, you will wake up early and have breakfast, or get a packed lunch from the hotel. Afterward, our guide will escort you to the nearby bus station for a drive to Pokhara. The drive from Kathmandu to Manakamana takes four hours, depending on traffic. However, it may be longer due to ongoing construction along different sections of the road. The road condition is often good, though some sections can be bumpy due to construction work.

You will travel from Thankot, leaving Kathmandu along the river road, and pass various waterfalls and prominent villages like Naubise, Thakre, Gajuri, Benighat, and Kurintar, then to Manakamana. Since you are visiting a Hindu sacred site, it is better to worship on an empty stomach.

Then, as you reach the Manakamana Temple entrance in Kurintar, you can catch a cable car that connects Kurintar to the Manakamana Temple on Kafadada Hill. The cable car ride takes about 20 minutes, and the temple is located 1300 meters away. After the cable car ride, please continue with the visit to Manakamana temple and its popular attractions.

• Golden Door with Line of Sacred Bells: The golden door is the main entrance to the Manakamana temple, which is gold-plated and features beautifully carved Hindu symbols, deities, and a floral pattern. Above the doorway, a row of heavy bronze and brass bells rings before entering the temple.
• Manakamana Temple (Garbha Griha): The center of the area lies the Garbha Griha, where Goddess Manakamana is enshrined. Here, Goddess Manakamana is depicted as the form of Bhagwati. The main idol is adorned with fresh flowers, sindoor, red cloth, and traditional ornaments. Devotees believe that Goddess Manakamana has the divine power ot fulfill the wishes of her devotees. Most newlyweds also visit Manakamana Temple to seek blessings for fertility and a healthy child.

• Spacious Stone Courtyard: The inner stone-paved courtyard of Manakamana Temple is filled with pilgrims. The space is used by pilgrims who stay in line to visit the main deity. Similarly, other pilgrims perform several puja, offer offerings, light oil lamps, and relax.

After the visit to the Manakamana Temple, you can have a short tea break. Afterwards, return via cable car and settle in an accommodation option. Then, have dinner, rest, and stay overnight in Manakamana.

Today, you will wake up early and have breakfast, or get a packed lunch from the hotel. Afterward, our guide will escort you to the private vehicle for a drive to Pokhara. The drive from Manakamana to Pokhara takes about four hours, depending on traffic. However, it may be longer due to ongoing construction along different sections of the road. Once you reach Pokhara, settle into your accommodation option, then refresh for a bit.

Then, you will continue your Pokhara tour, where you will see some of the city's popular attractions. The tour will include a visit to the following places:

• Lakeside Pokhara: Phewa Lake is the second-largest lake in Nepal, which is popular for boating. Across the lake, on an island, lies the Tal Barahi temple. The lakeside area is a vibrant space with restaurants and pubs. It is also a good place for walking and peace.
• Tal Barahi Temple: It is located in the center of Phewa Lake and is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima. The temple is two-storied and represents the protester deity of female force. You can see pilgrims carrying male animals and fowls across the lake for sacrifice.
• Bindabasini Temple: Located in the old part of Pokhara Bazaar, it is the oldest Hindu temple of Pokhara. You can seek blessings and offer offerings at the temple devoted to Goddess Bindhyabasini, regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Kali. It is believed that the central part of the goddess was brought from India.
• Devi's Fall: It is a waterfall that forms a 500-foot-long underground tunnel before disappearing. The name is dedicated to a Swiss woman who lost her life while swimming there. The Davis fall area is beautifully landscaped and caters to tourists. The garden around the waterfall is perfect for spending quality time and taking photographs.
• Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: It is a large limestone cave that has a statue of the Hindu God Shiva. The limestone cave features an underground waterfall, suggesting that water from the Devi's fall flows beneath it. The waterfall running down a small pool is one of the highlights of the Gupteshwor cave. Other than that, the cave has a large Shiva lingam at its entrance.
• World Peace Stupa: It is a white, dome-shaped hilltop stupa located in Anadu Hill. The stupa symbolizes purity and offers a stunning view of Annapurna and Pokhara. The World Peace Stupa features four images of the Buddha, each facing a different direction. The peace pagoda has several trekking trails that cross Phewa Lake, or one can cycle along tracks to the top of the hill. Reaching the hilltop can be part of a blissful silence and cool breeze. You can meditate or interact with the local monks.
• Pumdikot: It consists of a 51-foot-tall Shiva statue, which has religious significance. The Shiva statue is seated, with the right hand raised in a gesture of blessing. The left hand holds a Trishul, which symbolizes the power to destroy for balance. There are 108 stone-paved steps to reach the top of the Shiva statue.

You can have lunch at any suitable spot between the Pokhara tour. As the tour concludes, the vehicle will drop you off at your hotel. Later in the evening, have dinner, and you can go out to buy some souvenirs or grab a few drinks. You can stroll around and enjoy Pokhara's nightlife. Then, return to the hotel and rest. Spend overnight in Pokhara.

Today, wake up, refresh, and have breakfast at Pokhara hotel. Then, after breakfast, get ready to leave Pokhara and head towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. A private vehicle will drive you to Lumbini, a 5–6-hour drive depending on road conditions.

During the drive, you will continue through the flat, agricultural land of the Terai, passing through scenic villages and farmland. The drive will provide a glimpse of rural Nepalese Life through the lowland. Most roads are paved for a smooth ride. You will have lunch at a suitable place along the highway.

As you approach Lumbini, settle into an accommodation, then get ready for the Lumbini Sightseeing Tour. Some of the popular attractions for visitors are as follows:

• Maya Devi Temple: It is 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 that mark the actual birthplace of 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 the four stupas and a pillar with a horse idol on the top. 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 an accommodation option, have dinner, and spend the night in Lumbini.

Today you will wake up early and have breakfast in Kathmandu. 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 Prithivi 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 in an accommodation option and have dinner. Stay overnight in Chitwan.

Today, wake up, refresh, 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 elephant back. 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 Prithivi Highway while driving through rural landscapes, small villages, and waterfalls. You can take breaks along the route and have lunch.

Then, driving along the Trishuli River, you will reach Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, settle in an accommodation place and have dinner. Then relax and go to bed. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Today, wake up, refresh, and have breakfast. After breakfast, a private vehicle will pick you up and drive you towards Dakshinkali. The drive to Dakshinkali will take about an hour and cover approximately 22 kilometers.

Upon reaching Dakshinkali, begin your temple visit and explore its popular attractions.

• Dakshinkali Temple: It is the main temple where Goddess Dakshinkali is depicted as a form of Kali. Unlike many temples, the idol is not covered; her black stone image is decorated with bright red sindoor, flower garlands, and symbolic ornaments.
• Animal Sacrifice Area: There is a unique ancient tradition of animal sacrifice, performed in the dedicated Animal Sacrifice Area. Here, devotees offer Goats, Chickens, coconuts, and fruits. Temple priests maintain the space.
• Sacred Spring (Kunda): A small holy spring inside the temple has purifying powers. Devotees wash their hands and sprinkle water on their heads before offering prayers.
• Yanjna (Havan) Platform: A stone platform dedicated to performing special puja, fire rituals, and tantric ceremonies.

After the visit to Dakshinkali, you can have a short tea break and lunch. Then, as the tour concludes, you will return to Kathmandu. As you approach Kathmandu, settle in an accommodation option, then rest for a bit. Later in the evening, you will have a farewell dinner with the company owner and representative. At dinner, we will discuss how the tour went and hope to get some feedback. After dinner, if time permits, you can do some last-minute shopping or stroll around the streets of Thamel. Then, as the dinner concludes, settle into your accommodation, rest, and 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. As we bid goodbye, the Nepal Pilgrimage Tour with Trekking Planner Nepal Pvt. Ltd. ends. We hope to see you again for another adventure in Nepal. Until then, best wishes and have a safe flight. Namaste!