10-Day Buddhist Circuit Tour in Nepal: Exploring Sacred Sites and Spiritual Heritage

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival and Cultural Tour

Kathmandu, Nepal on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Garden of Dreams Café

Begin your journey with a traditional Nepali breakfast amidst serene surroundings in the heart of Kathmandu.
NPR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Explore one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal with panoramic views of Kathmandu, renowned for its beautiful stupa and peaceful atmosphere.
NPR200, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Himal Kitchen

Relish authentic Nepalese and Tibetan dishes such as momo and thukpa, perfect for Buddhist circuit travelers.
NPR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Boudhanath Stupa

Experience the largest spherical stupa in Nepal, an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists adorned with colorful prayer flags and monasteries.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Kopan Monastery

Spend late afternoon at this serene Tibetan Buddhist monastery to learn about meditation practices and monastic life.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Third Eye Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing vegetarian dinner featuring organic and traditional Tibetan-inspired meals near Boudhanath.
NPR800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Travel to Lumbini and Initial Exploration

Kathmandu to Lumbini, Nepal on May 19, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a nutritious breakfast to prepare for your day of travel towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
Included, 1h0m

7:00am

Drive or Fly to Lumbini

Travel approximately 320 km southwest either by flight (around 30 minutes plus transfer) or scenic drive (7-8 hours) to Lumbini.
Flight approx NPR7000 / Drive varies, 7h0m if driving

3:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Lumbini Garden Hotel

Settle in and prepare for visiting sacred sites tomorrow.
Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Sacred Garden of Lumbini

Explore the sacred site including the Mayadevi Temple, marking Buddha’s birth place with ancient ruins and beautiful gardens.
NPR200, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Buddha Maya Garden Restaurant

Dine on fresh local and vegetarian dishes ideal for spiritual travelers near the sacred garden.
NPR700, 1h30m
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Day 3: In-depth Lumbini Monastery Visits

Lumbini, Nepal on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an energizing breakfast before full-day exploration of monasteries.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Various International Buddhist Monasteries

Tour monasteries built by different Buddhist traditions including Tibetan, Thai, Japanese, and Myanmar, to learn diverse Buddhist cultures.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Monastic Restaurant

Experience simple, vegetarian meals served at nearby monastery teahouses.
NPR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit World Peace Pagoda

Walk to the Peace Pagoda overlooking the sacred garden, symbolizing global harmony and Buddhist ideals.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Lumbini Buddha Garden

Enjoy various Nepali and Asian vegetarian dishes in a peaceful garden setting.
NPR700, 1h30m
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Day 4: Lumbini to Kapilvastu Historical Tour

Lumbini to Kapilvastu region, Nepal on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before travel to Kapilvastu, Buddha’s childhood home.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kapilvastu

Approximate 3-hour scenic drive from Lumbini through the Terai plains to Kapilvastu.
Transport approx NPR1500, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Tilaurakot Archaeological Site

Explore the ruins of ancient Kapilvastu, believed to be Buddha’s childhood home, with guided tours explaining its significance.
NPR300, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Local Nepali Restaurant

Taste traditional Nepali cuisine and local Tharu dishes at a popular nearby eatery.
NPR500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Nigrodharama Monastery ruins

Explore ancient monastery ruins reflecting the early Buddhist monastic community in Kapilvastu region.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kapilvastu Guesthouse

Enjoy a quiet dinner featuring local vegetarian Nepali dishes, perfect for reflection on Buddha’s early years.
NPR600, 1h0m
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Day 5: Kapilvastu to Butwal and City Tour

Kapilvastu to Butwal, Nepal on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a nutritious breakfast before traveling to Butwal.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Butwal

Short 1.5-hour drive to Butwal, an important trade and transit city near the Lumbini Buddhist circuit.
Transport approx NPR1000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Ramagrama Stupa

Explore the only undisturbed original relic stupa of Buddha’s remains located near Butwal, rich in history.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Jasmine Restaurant

Enjoy fresh vegetarian and Nepalese cuisine in a comfortable setting in Butwal city center.
NPR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Butwal Garden and Local Markets

Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens and vibrant local markets offering handicrafts and souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at EHA Restaurant

Savor local flavors with vegetarian options in a warm ambiance perfect for relaxing after touring.
NPR700, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Tansen and Cultural Exploration

Butwal to Tansen, Nepal on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a healthy breakfast before heading to Tansen, known for its rich cultural heritage.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Tansen

Approximate 2.5-hour drive to Tansen, located on the hill ridge with beautiful views over the Terai plains.
Transport approx NPR1200, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Tansen Durbar and Local Museums

Explore the historic palace and learn about local Newari and Magar culture with a visit to museums nearby.
NPR250, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Mountain Village

Enjoy traditional Nepali dishes with fresh ingredients while taking in mountain views.
NPR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Buddhist Temples in Tansen

Visit local Buddhist temples such as Sheelapani Devi Temple to witness regional religious practices.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tansen Lodge Restaurant

Savor warm traditional meals with vegetarian options and local hospitality.
NPR700, 1h0m
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Day 7: Travel to Pokhara and Lakeside Relaxation

Tansen to Pokhara, Nepal on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a nutritious breakfast before your scenic travel to Pokhara.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Pokhara

Enjoy a 3-4 hour scenic drive through hills descending to the lake city of Pokhara, a perfect spot for rest and spirituality.
Transport approx NPR1500, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moondance Restaurant

Dine lakeside with a menu featuring fresh vegetarian and international dishes.
NPR800, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit World Peace Pagoda Pokhara

Climb or drive up to this striking white stupa that overlooks Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range, symbolizing peace and spirituality.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Café Concerto

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options in the lakeside area.
NPR750, 1h30m
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Day 8: Pokhara Exploration and Meditation

Pokhara, Nepal on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Eat a healthy breakfast to prepare for an active day in Pokhara.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit International Buddhist Meditation Center

Join a guided meditation session and learn about Buddhist teachings and mindfulness practices in a tranquil setting.
Donations welcomed, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Divine

Enjoy light vegetarian meals with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
NPR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Boating on Phewa Lake

Relax with a peaceful boat ride on the lake, visiting the Tal Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake.
NPR500, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Bindhyabasini Temple

Explore this Hindu temple that is important culturally and often visited by Buddhists for prayer and offerings.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Busy Bee Café

End the day with a hearty vegetarian dinner featuring international and local dishes in a lively atmosphere.
NPR800, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return to Kathmandu and Final Cultural Visits

Pokhara to Kathmandu, Nepal on May 26, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast before returning to Kathmandu by flight or car.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Flight to Kathmandu

Take a 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu for your final day of the tour.
NPR7000 approx, 0h30m

9:00am

Check in and rest at Hotel

Rest after your flight and prepare for afternoon sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Pashupatinath Temple

While primarily Hindu, the temple is important in Nepali spiritual life and worth visiting for cultural understanding; open 4 am to 8 pm.
NPR1000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at OR2K

Enjoy vegetarian and vegan Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine near Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub.
NPR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Patan Durbar Square & Buddhist Monasteries

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich Buddhist and Hindu temples, perfect for your last cultural immersion.
NPR1000, 3h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Krishnarpan

Celebrate your spiritual journey with a traditional Nepali multi-course vegetarian dinner in an elegant setting.
NPR2000, 2h0m
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Day 10: Departure and Reflection

Kathmandu, Nepal on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast, reflecting on your incredible Buddhist circuit experience.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Optional Shopping and Souvenir Hunting in Thamel

Spend a couple of hours buying souvenirs, prayer flags, and handicrafts from local shops.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Hotel Checkout and Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport

Make your way to the airport for your onward journey home or to your next destination.
Transport approx NPR1500, 1h0m
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