Nepal Pilgrimage Tour Kathmandu, Lumbini and Muktinath

Nepal, the land of temples, monasteries, and natural beauty, offers a profound spiritual experience for those seeking solace and enlightenment.

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Good To Know

  • Duration 10 days
  • Activity Enlighment Tour
  • Difficulty Type Easy
  • Best Season Spring and autumn
  • Max. Altitude 3800 m
  • Accommodation Deluxe Hotels & Tea Houses
  • Meal Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Trip Starts Kathmandu

Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a land of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and deep spirituality. The Nepal Pilgrimage Tour is a 10-day spiritual journey that immerses travelers in the rich tapestry of the country’s religious heritage. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serene birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, and the high-altitude sacred temple of Muktinath, this pilgrimage offers a remarkable blend of cultural exploration and spiritual rejuvenation.

The journey begins in Kathmandu, the capital city, where you’ll visit the awe-inspiring Pashupatinath Temple and explore other pilgrimage sites, including Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa. As you drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, you’ll traverse through diverse landscapes, from cityscapes to tranquil countryside. In Lumbini, you’ll explore the sacred garden, Maya Devi Temple, and Ashoka Pillar, immersing yourself in the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.

Your pilgrimage continues to the enchanting city of Pokhara, known for its serene lakes and panoramic mountain views. Here, you’ll visit sacred sites like Gupteshwor Cave, Tal Barahi Temple, and the World Peace Pagoda. The journey then leads you to Muktinath, perched high in the Mustang region, offering spiritual experiences and breathtaking landscapes. After seeking blessings at Muktinath, you’ll return to Pokhara to unwind by the tranquil Phewa Lake.

The final leg of your pilgrimage takes you back to Kathmandu via a visit to the Manakamana Temple. Your spiritual journey comes full circle with a morning darshan at Pashupatinath, concluding your 10-day tour with a sense of fulfillment and spiritual enlightenment. This immersive pilgrimage tour promises to be a life-changing experience, providing insights into Nepal’s spiritual and cultural diversity amidst its stunning natural beauty.

Nepal Pilgrimage Tour Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Muktinath Highlights

1. Pashupatinath Temple: Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s one of the holiest Hindu temples globally and offers a profound spiritual experience.

 2. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Explore the ancient Swayambhunath stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Its hilltop location provides panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley, and it’s a spiritual hub for both Buddhists and Hindus.

3. Boudhanath Stupa: Visit the massive Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists. The atmosphere around the stupa is filled with deep spirituality.

4. Lumbini – Birthplace of Lord Buddha: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Lumbini, where Lord Buddha was born. Explore the sacred garden, Maya Devi Temple, and the Ashoka Pillar. 

5. Pokhara’s Natural Beauty: Enjoy the serene landscapes of Pokhara, surrounded by stunning lakes and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. It’s a perfect place for relaxation and reflection.

6. Gupteshwor Cave: Visit Gupteshwor Cave in Pokhara, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Inside, you’ll find the mesmerizing Devi’s Fall (Patale Chhango).

7. Tal Barahi Temple: Explore Tal Barahi Temple, a two-story pagoda located on an island in Phewa Lake. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Barahi and offers a unique spiritual experience.

8. World Peace Pagoda: Discover the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara, a Buddhist stupa offering panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range. It’s a place for contemplation and inner peace.

9. Muktinath Temple: Visit Muktinath, a high-altitude pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple features 108 water spouts believed to offer liberation, making it a spiritually significant location.

10. Manakamana Temple: Stop at the Manakamana Temple, accessible via a thrilling cable car ride. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, and it’s believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes.

Best time for the Nepal Pilgrimage Tour Kathmandu, Lumbini And Muktinath Tour 

The best time for the Nepal Pilgrimage Tour Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Muktinath Tour is during the spring and autumn seasons in Nepal. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions, clear skies, and optimal temperatures for the tour.

Spring Season (March to May)

Spring is one of Nepal’s most popular times for travel, including the Nepal Pilgrimage Tour. During this season:

  • Weather Conditions: The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
  • Clear Views: The skies are often clear, providing stunning vistas of the Himalayan range, including Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna Range, Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Manaslu etc.
  • Crowds: Spring is a popular season for traveling in Nepal due to the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Therefore, expect heavy foot traffic on popular routes.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn offers a rewarding tour experience in the Nepal Pilgrimage Tour. During the season:

  • Weather Conditions: The weather is quite pleasant and comfortable to visit, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
  • Clear Views: Autumn is known for its crisp air, providing excellent visibility of the surrounding landscapes and distant Himalayan peaks.
  • Crowds: Autumn is a popular time for travel in Nepal, as a result, the Nepal Pilgrimage  Tour route remains more crowded compared to other routes.

Off-Season Considerations

While spring and autumn are the best times for the Nepal Pilgrimage, some tourists prefer off-season travel for a unique experience. However, these periods come with challenges:

  • Winter Season (December to February): Traveling in the winter provides a bright sky, superb visibility, and fewer crowds than in the fall and spring seasons. However, the cold may bring certain obstacles, such as freezing temperatures, particularly in the early morning and evening, shorter day limits, and ice and snow, which can disrupt transportation, particularly at higher elevations.
  • Monsoon Season (June to August): The monsoon brings frequent and heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding and landslides, disrupting travel plans.

Overall, spring and autumn offer the best combination of weather, views, and cultural experiences, making them the ideal times to travel on the Nepal Pilgrimage Tour. If you’re planning a trip during the off-season, be prepared for additional challenges and always check weather forecasts and road conditions in advance.

Itinerary

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Your spiritual journey commences with your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. The moment you step off the plane, you’ll be enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere that’s a perfect prelude to your pilgrimage. After checking into your hotel, take a moment to acclimate to the new surroundings and prepare for the spiritual experiences that await.

In the evening, visit the iconic Pashupatinath Temple. This sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the holiest shrines in the world. The highlight of the day is witnessing the evening aarti ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River. As oil lamps flicker, priests chant mantras, and devotees pay their respects, you’ll be immersed in a profoundly spiritual atmosphere that sets the tone for your entire journey.

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Today, you’ll embark on a full day of exploration, visiting some of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu. Begin your journey at Swayambhunath, often referred to as the Monkey Temple. This ancient stupa sits atop a hill and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. The stupa itself is adorned with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, and the site is a center for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Your next stop is Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in Nepal. It’s a hub of Tibetan Buddhism, and the atmosphere around the stupa is deeply spiritual, with monks and devotees circumambulating it while spinning prayer wheels. Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical treasure trove. It features intricately designed temples, palaces, and courtyards, reflecting the rich history and architecture of the Malla kings of Nepal. The square is an open museum of art and history.

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Today, you’ll embark on a journey to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This drive takes you through varying landscapes, transitioning from the bustling urban environment of Kathmandu to the serene countryside. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred destination for Buddhists around the world. Upon arrival, you’ll instantly notice the peaceful ambiance of the place.

Explore the sacred garden, the Maya Devi Temple, and the Ashoka Pillar. The garden is believed to be the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Lord Buddha, was born. The Maya Devi Temple is built around the marker stone where Lord Buddha was born. The Ashoka Pillar is inscribed with an edict from Emperor Ashoka, who visited Lumbini and left his mark.

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Today, you have a full day to delve deeper into the spiritual significance of Lumbini. Spend time exploring the numerous monasteries built by different countries, each with its own unique architectural style. These monasteries serve as symbols of their devotion to Buddhism and contribute to the global unity of the religion.

Take moments for meditation and reflection, sitting in the serene surroundings of Lumbini. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the teachings of Lord Buddha and find inner peace.

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Bid farewell to Lumbini and begin your journey to Pokhara, a city renowned for its stunning lakes and breathtaking mountain views.

The drive itself is an experience, as you leave behind the flat plains and gradually ascend into the foothills of the Himalayas. The landscapes evolve, and the air gets crisper as you approach the gateway to the Annapurna region.

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Today’s drive takes you to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The journey is an adventure in itself as you traverse picturesque valleys and deep gorges, witnessing the grandeur of the Mustang region’s unique landscapes.

Muktinath is situated at an altitude of 3,710 meters and is believed to be a place where one attains salvation or moksha. Devotees come here to cleanse their sins by taking a holy bath under the 108 water spouts that flow from the walls surrounding the temple.

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Today, you’ll explore Muktinath, a place of profound spirituality and natural beauty. The Muktinath Temple is a key attraction, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here, you can witness the 108 water spouts, each with a significance related to the 108 beads of the Hindu rosary.

After seeking blessings and experiencing the spiritual energy of Muktinath, you’ll return to Pokhara, where you can relax by the serene Phewa Lake, surrounded by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

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Spend your day exploring Pokhara’s sacred sites, which offer a mix of spirituality and natural beauty. Start with a visit to the Gupteshwor Cave, a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Inside the cave, you’ll find a striking natural formation, Devi’s Fall (Patale Chhango), where the Pardi Khola River disappears underground.

Head to Tal Barahi Temple, a two-story pagoda located on an island in Phewa Lake. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Barahi, a form of Goddess Durga, and is accessible by boat. Visit the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa that offers panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range. The stupa represents peace and unity and is an excellent place for reflection.

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On your way back to Kathmandu, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Manakamana Temple. To reach the temple, take a thrilling cable car ride that offers mesmerizing views of the lush hills and valleys. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati and is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees.

Seek blessings at Manakamana and continue your journey to Kathmandu, where you’ll find the perfect blend of spirituality, culture, and history.

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Conclude your spiritual journey by returning to Pashupatinath Temple in the morning. This final visit allows for a moment of reflection and gratitude for the spiritual insights you’ve gained throughout your pilgrimage. Witness the temple coming to life as devotees gather for morning prayers and the aroma of incense fills the air.

Afterward, your guide will drop you off at the airport for your departure, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment and a heart full of spiritual experiences from the land of the Himalayas.

Inclusions

What’s Included

1. Accommodation: The tour includes accommodation in well-appointed hotels and lodges with options for various budgets. You’ll have a comfortable and convenient place to stay throughout the journey.

2. Meals: Meals include daily breakfast at the hotel, with the option provided for you to choose your own lunch and Dinner

3. Transportation: The tour includes transportation from the moment you arrive in Nepal until your departure. This includes airport transfers, inter-city transfers, and comfortable vehicles for the journey.

4. Professional Guide: A knowledgeable and experienced tour guide will accompany you throughout the pilgrimage, providing insights into the history, culture, and spirituality of the places you visit.

5. Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to the various pilgrimage sites, temples, and attractions listed in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

6. Activities and Excursions: The tour will cover all the activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the key spiritual experiences.

7. Permits: Necessary permits for visiting certain regions or sites, such as Lumbini and Muktinath, are included. The tour operator will handle these formalities.

8. Cable Car Fees: The tour includes the cost of cable car rides, such as the one to Manakamana Temple.

What’s Excluded

1. International Flights: The tour package does not include international airfare to and from Nepal. Travelers are responsible for booking their own flights.

2. Visa Fees: Travelers are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas to enter Nepal and any associated fees.

3. Travel Insurance: It’s advisable to have travel insurance to cover any unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. This is not typically included in the tour package.

4.  Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses, such as additional meals, snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities outside the itinerary, are not included.

5. Tips and Gratuities: Tipping the tour guide, driver, and other service staff is at the discretion of the traveler and is not included in the package.

6. Alcoholic Beverages: The cost of alcoholic beverages is not covered in the tour package.

7. Optional Tours: Any optional tours or activities not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary come at an additional cost.

8. Additional Travel: If you plan to extend your stay or deviate from the tour’s scheduled itinerary, any additional travel expenses are not included.

9. Personal Medications: Any personal medications, medical treatments, or health-related expenses are the responsibility of the traveler.

 

Detailed Itinerary 

FAQs

Nepal is generally considered safe for travelers. However, it's important to follow local customs and guidelines provided by your tour operator for a safe and enjoyable experience.

The best times are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and stable. These seasons offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures for exploration.

The tour caters to individuals of varying fitness levels. Some sites may involve walking or hiking, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

​​​​​​​Yes, it's important to dress modestly when visiting temples and sacred sites. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, and women are often required to cover their heads.

Yes, you'll have opportunities to buy souvenirs and local crafts at various stops along the way. Be sure to carry local currency for these purchases.

Yes, The Himalayan Trek handles all the permits required for visiting certain regions or sites, such as Lumbini or Muktinath.

Yes, we cater to your dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan meal options. Be sure to communicate your dietary requirements in advance.