8 days Buddhist Pilgrimage Lumbini and Jungle Safari Chitwan National Park Tour

8 days Buddhist Pilgrimage Lumbini and Jungle Safari Chitwan National Park Tour

In Pokhara you can experience the best in boating, hiking, pony rides, paragliding or simply relax at one of the lakes near the city with the stunning Annapurna mountain range at the background. Next, we will visit Mayadevi Temple, it's one of the important sites in the Lumbini Garden with many historians and archaeologists referring to it as the place of birth of Lord Buddha. Inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar also refers the spot as his birthplace. It is said that here the newly born Prince took his first seven steps and gave a peace message to humanity. Last but not least, Chitwan National Park, covering an area of 932 sq. km this is the most well preserved conservation area in all of Asia. The park is rich in flora and fauna and has a fascinating variety of mammals and birds. The park preserves some of the last habitats for endangered species like the greater one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal tiger.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrived in Kathmandu

Pass By: Tribhuvan International Airport, Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. After checking into your hotel and a brief rest prepare for a half-day guided sightseeing tour of the city. You will get to visit two of the city’s World Heritage Sites:

Kathmandu Durbar Square

This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th- century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.

Swayambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple

The stupa watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge white-domed stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swoyambhu is also known as ‘Samhengu’ and the Monkey temple because of the countless monkeys living in the premises.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at boutique hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara - approx 7 hours

Stop At: Pokhara Lakeside, Lakeside Rd, Pokhara 33700 Nepal
Take off from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. After an early breakfast we head to Pokhara on a tourist bus, van or a car, depending on the size of the group. it is a scenic drive filled with inspiring views of the mountains, Himalayan rivers and picturesque hilltop villages.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Hotel included buffet style breakfast.
Accommodation included: Overnight at boutique hotel in Pokhara

Day 3: Sarangkot for Sunrise and Sightseeing in Pokhara

Stop At: North East of Town Sarangkot, Pokhara 33411 Nepal
A drive of 45 minutes with 25 minutes hike brings us to the viewpoint of Sarangkot. It is the best spot in Pokhara to view the Himalayas. Get mesmerized with the magical sight of the golden sun rising over white spires of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), including views of the beautiful the Pokhara Valley and Phewa lake. It takes about 15-minute walk down and 45 minutes drive to the hotel in Pokhara. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Hotel included buffet style breakfast.
Accommodation included: Overnight at boutique hotel in Pokhara

Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Lumbini - approx 6 hours

Stop At: Lumbini Monastic Site, Taulihawa Road, Lumbini 32914 Nepal
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a World Heritage Site 285 kms south-west of Kathmandu. This pilgrimage site in southwest Nepal attracts devout Buddhists from around the world, who arrive to pay homage at the Sacred Garden where the ‘Enlightened One’ was born. A famous landmark is the Ashoka Pillar raised by the great emperor Ashoka who converted to Buddhism. Today Lumbini has been enlivened by the multitude of architecturally beautiful temples, stupas and monasteries built by various international Buddhist communities.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Hotel included buffet style breakfast.
Accommodation included: Overnight at boutique hotel in Lumbini

Day 5: Spiritual Tour in Lumbini then Drive to Chitwan - approx 4 hours

Stop At: Chitwan National Park, Main street Hatti Chwok, Sauraha 44200 Nepal
Lumbini is hallowed ground as Shakyamuni Buddha was born here in southern Nepal more than twenty-five hundred years ago. As a sacred birthplace, it is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the globe. Many excavations have taken place here around this small town in the southern Terai plains of Nepal. Ruins of the old city are clearly visible and many artifacts were unearthed during the excavation. Shakyamuni Buddha was born a prince to the ruler of the little principality. Important landmarks are the Maya Devi temple and the Ashoka pillar. The remains of many ancient stupas and monasteries can be found in the surroundings of Lumbini. The Ashoka pillar is said to have been erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC and bears an inscription confirming this as the birth place of the Buddha. A stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch is seen in the Maya Devi temple.

Later transfer from Lumbini to Chitwan; approximately 155 Kms / 4 hrs drive.

Upon arrival at Chitwan, transfer to Hotel by Jeep. On reaching resort, you would be briefed by our Guest Relations Officer. After the lunch you would be going for Village tour. Meanwhile the dinner would be ready by the time you return to the resort. Overnight at Resort.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Hotel included buffet style breakfast.
• Lunch: Resort will prepare onsite buffet style lunch.
• Dinner: Resort will prepare onsite buffet style dinner.

Accommodation included: Overnight at resort in Chitwan

Day 6: Wildlife activities in Chitwan National Park

Stop At: Chitwan Tharu Village, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal A-one Business Complex, Sauraha 32909 Nepal
A traditional dug-out canoe takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti River to view aquatic birds and the animals of the river banks. Jeep safari by land rover starts from canoeing put out point covering the distance of approximately 10km with chances of seeing rare wildlife. Later we head to the elephant breeding centre and spend some time with the tuskers. Remaining hours before the afternoon program: take a dip in the pool or relax on your verandah.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Hotel included buffet style breakfast.
• Lunch: Resort will prepare onsite buffet style lunch.

• Dinner: Resort will prepare onsite buffet style dinner.

Accommodation included: Overnight at resort in Chitwan

Day 7: Drive Back to Kathmandu - approx 6 hours

Stop At: Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
After returning to Kathmandu, you have the afternoon and the evening free. Explore the city on your own. Stroll along the streets of Kathmandu for some last-minute shopping. There is a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Hotel included buffet style breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at boutique hotel in Pokhara


Day 8: Final departure

Pass By: Tribhuvan International Airport, Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal
The trip concludes. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Hotel included buffet style breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.