Nepal special with focus in monastery & ashram
Nepal special with focus in monastery and Ashrams
This itinerary is different than the regular tour program offered by the most of the companies. This program gives you special emphasis to identify the life of monks in a monastery and also gives some idea of the refugees from Tibet who is settled in the different Tibetan villages in Pokhara and around Pokhara. Some of the accommodation is inside the monasteries and some of the meals are also inside the monastery. The itinerary specially focused for individuals and small groups. We are comfortable with big groups changing some part of the itinerary.
The detailed itinerary of the trip
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Free Afternoon to take a rest to prepare for the tour next day.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley including Swoyambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar square and Patan durbar square. The stupa of Swoyambhunath which overlooks Kathmandu valley is the famous Buddhist temple constructed about 2000 years ago. Both Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square was the palace complex of ancient kings.
Day 03: Sightseeing of villages around Kathmandu including Bungmati, Khokana , Pharping and Kirtipur. Bungamati and Khokana are the typical Newar villages located in the southern part of Kathmandu valley. Pharping was once a very famous Buddhist center having some sacred monasteries, cave where Guru Rimpoche has meditated and temple for Vajrayogini who is an esoteric goddess worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhist. Kirtipur was once a gateway to enter Kathmandu valley and famous for its temple of Baghbhairav, Temple of Umamaheswor and small stupa of Chhilancho which was constructed in 15th century.
Day 04: Sightseeing of Dhulikhel, walk from Dhulikhel to Kavre Bhanjyang and drive to Namobuddha Monastery. Early morning start from Kathmandu to go to Dhulikhel which is a small Newar town located in friendship highway 32 kilometers away from Kathmandu, stop for tea, coffee, washrooms and visit to Dhulikhel, after visit to Dhulikhel climbing up to Kali temple and walk down to Kavrebhanjyang and take a transfer to go to Namobuddha Monastery and overnight stay in Monastery. Dinner inside the monastery with monks and see the activities of the monk.
Day 05: Breakfast in the monastery, drive to Bhaktapur and visit to Bhaktapur and overnight stay in Bhaktapur. After having simple breakfast with monks the tour lead to medieval town of Bhaktapur which is famous for its squares, bahals and palace complex. Start the trip from Dattatraya square, continue walk to Taumadhi square and finish the visit to Bhaktapur at the palace complex of Bhaktapur. Lunch at Bhaktapur in local restaurant, after lunch check in in the hotel in Bhaktapur.
Day 06: Drive from Bhaktapur to Bandipur and overnight at Bandipur. The drive takes 5-6 hours depending on traffic nearby Kathmandu and visit to Bandipur. Bandipur was once a business village controlling businesses of villages nearby and also an administrative center before construction of Prithvi highway. Bandipur is famous as a Mountain View point and to see the local lifestyles. It houses a temple for Bindhabasini, Thani mai and Khadgamai. An overnight stay there in peaceful and calm environment gives energy to mind and soul.
Day 07: Short drive from Bandipur to Pokhara and sightseeing of Pokhara. About two hour drive from Bandipur one can reach Pokhara famous for its lakes and mountains. Visit to Pokhara include Bindhabasini temple, seti river gorge, Devi’s fall and Gupteswor cave. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 08: Visit Tashiling Tibetan Settlement their monastery, traditional medical center and move to another Tibetan settlement and stay overnight in Monastery.
Day09: After observing worship in monastery and breakfast drive back to Pokhara and hike up to Peace pagoda and drive back to Pokhara, an hour boating in Phewa lake and afternoon free in Pokhara.
Day10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. After breakfast take a transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu and overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 11: After breakfast move to Tapoban and participate in different type of activities there. The activities include meditation and different type of yogas.
Day12: Pick up from Ashram and free day in Kathmandu or transfer to airport for your departure. The ashram gives breakfast only after 9:00 am so please plan accordingly.
Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu. On a proper time take a transfer to airport for your final departure for international departure.
Price Includes:
- All transfers in private vehicles.
- Hotels in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara according to the itinerary with breakfast in twin sharing basis.
- Local English speaking guide throughout the trip.
- Stay in Monastery in Namobuddha and Hemja and meals inside the monastery.
- Comfortable private transport according to the itinerary.
- Stay in Ashram with all meals inside the Ashram.
Price Excludes:
- Lunch and dinner except mentioned in the itineraries.
- Drinks of any type during the whole trip.
- Tips and gratuities.
- International airfare
- Whatever not mentioned in the included section.