Mild Hiking and Monastery Visit Tour to Nepal – 12 days

Today we have full day sightseeing of heritage sites and temple as follows:

• Pashupatinath,

One of the holiest temple of Hindu deities Lord Shiva, has a golden roof and silver doors and is built in pagoda style. The temple is in the mid of green forest and the river Bagmati on whose bank Hindus are cremated is flowing on its side. People except Hindu are not allowed to enter the main courtyard of the temple but can be viewed from the eastern bank of the river. During the evening there is a Arati pooja in pashupati which starts around 6 pm The priests perform the Aarati by taking oil lamps and moving them in circular motion and dedicating their act to the Divine. Bhajan (songs with religious theme) are sung by devotees during the Aarati, creating blissful surrounding. The priests perform the Aarati by taking oil lamps and moving them in circular motion and dedicating their act to the Divine. Bhajan (songs with religious theme) are sung by devotees during the Aarati, creating blissful surrounding.

• Bouddhanath

Bouddhanath Stupa not only takes you to the journey to the ancient and world’s biggest Stupa or to Buddhist Pilgrimage sites but also exposes you to the Tibetan communities within Nepal. Along with monasteries and devotees chanting religious hymns and playing prayer wheels you will also get to be close with the young boys and girls devoted to be Buddhist Monk which gives you a different perspective about life.

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square

This durbar square will mesmerize you with the beauty of different temples and palaces. You will not only be able to see the spectacular view of 15th century architecture but also will be acquainted with the palaces and the courtyard of the ancient times. The golden gates, wooden palace studded with 55 windows, Batsala temple, Shiva temple and the National Art Gallery are the major attractions of this square. Moreover, you might not want to miss out the five storied Nyatapola Temple built in 17th century; adding on to its structure are the pair of two wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and goddess’s tigress & lioness in each storey making it the most tallest pagoda style temple exhibiting the immense creativity and craftsmanship of Nepali in those centuries.

After breakfast drive to Bandipur. A very scenic drive lasts for nearly about 5 hrs through the beautiful riverbanks & gorges. After reaching to Bandipur, Rest at Hotel or walk leisurely around Beautiful Bandipur town & local market. Bandipur is one of old Newari settlement located at Hill station close to prithvi Highway. The old town is able or preserve and maintain it’s cultural look and beauty. We will explore the town by walking because vehicle is prohibited to maintain it’s beauty. Bandipur also offers nice mountain view if weather permits.

After breakfast we drive from bandipur to Hemja (2 and half hour drive). Lunch enroute . Check in Monastery in Hemja around Rest and refresh before the Dinner with Monks & O/N at Monastery Guest House in Hemja.

Today we perform the following activities in the monastery:

• Puja participation
• Breakfast
• Meditation
• Monastery visit
• Free time in Monastery or Short Hike around Hemja Village
• Dharma Debate
• Dinner in Guest House O/N at Monastery Guest House in Hemja.

After breakfast we drive from hemja to phumdi. Then we hike to peace stupa which is about 3 hours hike. The hike offers insight into the rural life and also offer views of mountains if the weather permits. Upon reaching peace stupa we will witness it as a stunning monument which is symbol of peace and Buddhism. Peace stupa is located at a hilltop and hence it provides splendid view of Pokhara City.

After breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to Gorkha which is about 4-5hours drive. Upon reaching Gorkha and checking in hotel we freshen up and go visiting Gorkha Palace.

Gorkha Durbar, also known as Gorkha Palace, is a historic palace situated in the town of Gorkha The palace was built in the 17th century by King Ram Shah of the Shah dynasty and was the seat of power for the Kingdom of Gorkha until the mid-19th century. The darbar meaning palace is situated on the top of the hill and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is considered as a symbol of Nepali culture and history. Since during 17^th and 18^th centuries this palace was one of the major kingdoms of Nepal it has immense historical significance.

After breakfast, we drive from Gorkha to Kathmandu which is approximately 7 hours drive.

Wake up call at 0700 hrs , Breakfast at 0730 hr to 0800 hrs and we start driving ( 0900 hrs) toward Dhulikhel ( 27 KM – 1 hour drive ). Check in Hotel in Dhulkhlel.

Start hiking in dhulikhel ( around 1100 hrs ) of Kali Temple and surroundings. Hiking will be around 2hrs to Kali temple and surrounding village. We will see the magnificient, Hilly landscape, Mountain View and visit local village around. We will return to Hotel or will enjoy lunch in any nice restaurant. Return hotel and relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery from Hotel itself. Free time in Hotel for the rest of the day.

Today, after having our breakfast we drive 2 and half hours and reach the Tibetan pilgrimage site of Namobuddha (1,750 m). Here the guests are welcomed in one of the oldest monastery by monks. We then explore the monastery and the beautiful mandalas and frescoes and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. The monks will explain about the history and about Buddhism. Our guides will translate we then hike down easily accessible paths to our overnight stay in Balthali (1,780 m).

We pass small villages, see farmers in their fields and can’t help but see the mountains in the distance. We reach our accommodation in the early afternoon, our guide will give you tips for a late lunch. Enjoy the wonderful view of the surrounding village from our accommodation – everyday life seems far away here.

Breakfast is served around 7:30 am after breakfast we start our hike for 1 hr 10 minutes from Balthali to Khopasi it is an easy hike. We then drive to Panauti for 10minutes and do sightseeing at Panauti which is an old city where we can see local traditional lifestyle of Newari community.  In the afternoon we are free to do some last minute shopping.