Nepal Cultural & Hospitality Tour

Pilgrimage starts exploring two iconic Buddhist great stupas – Swoyambhunath Stupa and Boudha Stupa UNESCO World Heritage Sites .
Swoyambhunath Stupa, holds profound spiritual significance in the Buddhist view. As one of Nepal’s oldest and holiest stupas, it symbolizes the enlightened wisdom and boundless compassion of the Buddha. The all-seeing eyes painted on the stupa represent the Buddha’s omniscience, offering guidance and understanding to all sentient beings. Buddhists visit Swoyambhunath to engage in meditation, seeking inner peace and contemplation amidst the serene ambiance of the stupa. Circumambulating the stupa while spinning prayer wheels in a clockwise direction signifies devotion and the accumulation of positive karma. Pilgrims embark on spiritual journeys to Swoyambhunath, aspiring to connect with the past and future Buddhas, emphasizing the timeless nature of the Buddha’s teachings. This sacred pilgrimage site inspires devotees to deepen their spiritual connection, find solace, and cultivate the path to liberation, following the wisdom of the Buddha and his compassionate teachings.
Boudha Stupa, a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal, symbolizes wisdom and compassion. Its all-seeing eyes remind devotees of the Buddha’s teachings, and circumambulation / Kora fosters a meditative atmosphere. The stupa represents the potential for enlightenment in all beings and serves as a living cultural heritage, uniting global Buddhist communities in pursuit of inner peace and harmony.

Drive approx 8-9 hours to Halesi (Maratika), an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.The sacred Maratika Cave, associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)

The Maratika Pilgrimage, viewed through the lens of Tibetan Buddhism, is a deeply revered and spiritually significant journey to Maratika Cave, also known as Halesi Mahadev Cave, nestled in the remote Khotang district of Nepal. At the heart of this pilgrimage lies the veneration of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the “Second Buddha” in Tibetan tradition, who attained the state of immortal realization within the cave, transcending the physical form into pure light. Undertaking the Maratika Pilgrimage symbolizes the aspiration for liberation and enlightenment, with the cave’s spiritual energy serving as an emblematic path of spiritual realization. It is believed that Maratika Cave houses hidden teachings, or “terma,” concealed by Guru Rinpoche for future generations, and the pilgrimage offers practitioners an opportunity to connect with these profound revelations. The journey involves devotion, rigorous practice, and circumambulation around the cave, accompanied by prayers and offerings as a demonstration of reverence and dedication to the spiritual path. The pilgrimage’s transformative power lies in purifying negative karma, releasing attachments, and planting the seeds of spiritual transformation. As practitioners come together in this sacred quest, the Maratika Pilgrimage fosters a sense of spiritual community and unity, reinforcing the shared faith and devotion to Guru Rinpoche’s enlightened legacy. It stands as a transformative and deeply meaningful experience for those seeking to connect with the spiritual essence and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

Mandarava: Mandarava was an enlightened female practitioner and a primary consort of Guru Rinpoche. She played a crucial role in Guru Rinpoche’s spiritual journey and was renowned for her profound realization and spiritual accomplishments. Maratika Cave is closely linked with Mandarava, where she engaged in intensive meditation and attained profound levels of realization. The cave is considered a place of great spiritual power and blessings, associated with both Guru Rinpoche and Mandarava’s transformative practices.

Manjushree Hill: Manjushree is a revered Bodhisattva of wisdom in Buddhism, embodying the transcendental wisdom that cuts through ignorance. At Maratika, there is a hill known as Manjushree Hill, named after this Bodhisattva. The hill serves as a sacred site for pilgrims, symbolizing the wisdom aspect of spiritual practice. Devotees visit Manjushree Hill to seek wisdom, insight, and clarity in their spiritual journey.

Bajrapani Hill: Bajrapani is a prominent Bodhisattva associated with the power of enlightened action and protection. Bajrapani Hill, located near Maratika Cave, is named after this Bodhisattva and represents a site of spiritual protection and strength. Pilgrims visit Bajrapani Hill to invoke the blessings and guidance of Bajrapani in overcoming obstacles and challenges on the path to enlightenment.

Drive back to Kathmandu by Jeep approx 8-9 hours stay overnight in Sherpa Home Hotel near Swoyambhu Stupa.

Personal free day

Drive to Chitwan national park approx 160 Km. 5-6 hours journey on the picturesque Prithvi Highway, passing through hills, valleys, and small towns. Upon arrival in Chitwan, head directly to Sauraha, the main gateway to the park. overnight in Resort inside national park.

After breakfast, set out on a thrilling canoe ride along the Rapti River. Glide downstream and observe aquatic life, including gharials and mugger crocodiles, as well as a diverse array of bird species along the riverbanks.
After lunch, jeep safari to explore different parts of the park, further increasing your chances of spotting more wildlife. In the evening, experience the rich cultural heritage of the Tharu community through their traditional dances and music.

Drive approx. 4-5 hours to Lumbini , on the way visit Ramagrama Stupa. Ramagrama Stupa is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, as it is believed to contain the relics of Lord Buddha. Explore the stupa and the surrounding area to learn about its historical and religious importance. Overnight at Hotel In Lumbini.

Visit and meditation in the Maya Devi Temple, and other historical and religious sites associated with the life of Buddha.

Kapilavastu, also known as Kapilabastu, is an ancient city in Nepal with significant historical and religious importance in Buddhism. It was the capital of the Shakya kingdom and the place where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Lord Buddha, spent his early life before embarking on the path of enlightenment. Today, the region is rich with archaeological sites and monuments that attract pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.
Visit Tilaurakot: Tilaurakot is the most important archaeological site in Kapilavastu. It is believed to be the ancient palace where King Suddhodana, Buddha’s father, ruled. The site contains the remains of a massive fortification wall and the foundations of ancient buildings, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.
Visit Kudan: Kudan is the place where it is believed that Lord Buddha met his father, King Suddhodana, for the first time after attaining enlightenment. The event is described in Buddhist scriptures and holds immense significance for followers of Buddhism.

Niglihawa: Niglihawa is an archaeological site that holds a special place in Buddhist history. It is believed to be the birthplace of Kanakamuni Buddha, one of the Buddhas who preceded Siddhartha Gautama.

Sagarhawa: Sagarhawa is an ancient site that is considered to be the location of a tragic incident in Buddha’s life. According to legends, a war broke out between the Shakyas and the neighboring Koliyas over the use of water from the Rohini River, resulting in the loss of many lives. It is believed that this incident deeply affected Siddhartha Gautama and played a role in his renunciation of worldly life.

Gotihawa: Gotihawa is another important site associated with Kanakamuni Buddha. It is believed to be the place of his enlightenment, and a stupa stands in his honor at this site.

Araurakot: Araurakot is a historical site located close to Tilaurakot. It contains the ruins of ancient stupas, monasteries, and other structures that date back to the time of the Shakyas.

After completing pilgrimage in and around Lumbini and Kapilavastu drive back to Kathmandu the drive approx. 8-9 hours.