6 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Bhairahawa-international-airport-in-lumbini

birth-place-of-lord-gautam-buddha-in-lumbini-nepal

Overview

Nepal is the land where the Buddha was born, and the Kathmandu Valley has been a centre of Buddhist learning and art for more than two thousand years. The 6 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour (5 nights / 6 days) connects the most sacred Buddhist places in the country – from the meditation caves of Guru Rinpoche to the great stupas of Kathmandu, the hilltop shrine where the Buddha gave his body to a starving tigress, and finally Lumbini, his birthplace. You travel with a private vehicle and English-speaking guide, stay in 3-star hotels with breakfast, and end in Lumbini – convenient for continuing to the Buddhist sites of India via the Sunauli border.

The journey begins with a night at Nagarkot and a Himalayan sunrise. At Pharping, on the southern rim of the valley, you visit the Asura and Yanglesho caves where Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) attained realisation, then climb to Swayambhunath, the 2,000-year-old hilltop stupa. Next day brings prayers and a short meditation at Kopan Monastery, a Gelug centre famous for its courses for foreigners, and an afternoon kora with Tibetan pilgrims around Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world.

On day four you drive 40 km east to Namobuddha, where the young prince Mahasattva – a former life of the Buddha – offered his body to a tigress and her cubs; the Thrangu Monastery here looks over a landscape said to resemble an eight-petalled lotus. Then fly to Bhairahawa for two nights in Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 62 archaeological sites linked to the Buddha’s life: the Maya Devi Temple and marker stone, the Ashoka Pillar, the Puskarini pond and the monasteries of the Buddhist world – with an optional visit to Tilaurakot, ancient Kapilvastu.

Why choose this tour?

Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites in one well-paced journey.
Private transport, guide, entrance fees and 3-star hotels with breakfast.
Ends at Bhairahawa or the Sunauli border for onward travel to India.

Who is it for?

Buddhist pilgrims, meditation practitioners, monastic groups and travellers interested in Buddhist history and art. The grade is easy. Domestic flights (about USD 115 per sector) are quoted separately.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF WITH LOCATION MAP

Trip Facts

Tour Code: PTT-NP-BP-01
Duration: 6 Days
Program Type: Pilgrimage Tour
Maximum Altitude: 1750m
Minimum Pax: 1
Mode of Travel: Land Transport, Air Transport
Start Trip: Kathmandu
End Trip: Lumbini
Program Grading: Easy

Trip at a Glance

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu – transfer to Nagarkot (32 km, 1.5 hours) for sunset
Day 02: Nagarkot sunrise – Pharping caves of Guru Rinpoche – Swayambhunath
Day 03: Kopan Monastery prayers and meditation – kora around Boudhanath
Day 04: Namobuddha and Thrangu Monastery – fly Kathmandu – Bhairahawa – Lumbini
Day 05: Full-day Lumbini Sacred Garden and Monastic Zone (optional Tilaurakot)
Day 06: Morning meditation in the Sacred Garden – transfer to Bhairahawa airport or Sunauli border

Trip Highlights

Himalayan sunrise from Nagarkot
Guru Rinpoche's meditation caves at Pharping
Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas (UNESCO World Heritage)
Prayers and meditation at Kopan Monastery
Namobuddha, where the Buddha offered his body to a tigress
Lumbini – Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar and the Monastic Zone

Itinerary in Details

Day 01Arrive in Kathmandu – transfer to Nagarkot (32 km, 1.5 hours) for sunset
Drive: about 32 km / 1.5 hours | Altitude: 2,175 m | Overnight: Nagarkot

Welcome to the land of the Himalaya! Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drives you up to your hotel on the Nagarkot ridge, briefing you on the pilgrimage on the way. Relax and watch the sun set over the snow peaks.
- OvernightNagarkot
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointNagarkot
- Altitude2,175m / 7,136ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 32 km / 1 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedNagarkot
Day 02Nagarkot sunrise – Pharping caves of Guru Rinpoche – Swayambhunath
Sightseeing by private vehicle | Overnight: Kathmandu

Before breakfast enjoy sunrise and mountain views. Then drive across the valley to Pharping, a sacred site for Vajrayana Buddhists. Two caves are associated with Guru Rinpoche: the Asura Cave, or "Upper Cave of Yanglesho", on the hillside above the village, where he is said to have attained the realisation of Mahamudra and left his handprint in the rock, and the Yanglesho cave a short walk below. In the afternoon climb to Swayambhunath, the ancient stupa on its hill west of the city, among prayer wheels, butter lamps and monkeys.
- OvernightKathmandu
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointNagarkot
- Altitude2,175m / 7,136ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 60 km / 3 hr
- Places VisitedNagarkot, Pharping Mnonastery, Swayambhunath temple
- MealsBreakfast
Day 03Kopan Monastery prayers and meditation – kora around Boudhanath
Sightseeing by private vehicle | Overnight: Kathmandu

Drive to Kopan Monastery on its hill north of Boudhanath, dominated by a magnificent bodhi tree and once the home of the royal astrologer – now a monastery of the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, famous for its meditation courses. Join the morning prayers and a short meditation session. In the afternoon walk the kora around Boudhanath Stupa with Tibetan pilgrims, spinning prayer wheels and visiting the surrounding monasteries.
- OvernightKathmandu
- CountryNepal
- Travel ModeDrive: 25 km / 1 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedKopan Monastery, Boudhanath Temple
- MealsBreakfast
Day 04Namobuddha and Thrangu Monastery – fly Kathmandu – Bhairahawa – Lumbini
Drive about 1.5 hours each way, flight 35 minutes, then 30 minutes by road | Altitude: 150 m | Overnight: Lumbini

An early drive 40 km east to Namobuddha (about 1,750 m), a peaceful hilltop where, in a former life, Prince Mahasattva offered his body out of compassion to a starving tigress and her cubs. A stupa marks the place, and the great Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery overlooks a landscape said to resemble an eight-petalled lotus, with white Himalayan peaks glistening beyond. Return to Kathmandu airport for the flight to Bhairahawa and drive to Lumbini.
- OvernightLumbini
- CountryNepal
- Highest PointNamobuddha
- Altitude1,750m / 5,741ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 40 km / 1 hr / 30 min · Drive: 40 km / 1 hr / 30 min · Fly (Kathmandu to Bhairahawa): 35 min · Drive: 22 km / 30 min
- Places VisitedNamobuddha, Lumbini
- MealsBreakfast
Day 05Full-day Lumbini Sacred Garden and Monastic Zone (optional Tilaurakot)
Full-day sightseeing from 9:00 am | Overnight: Lumbini

The Sacred Garden, spread over about 8 sq km, holds all the treasures of the historic area and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Ashoka Pillar with its inscription identifying the birthplace of the Buddha, the Maya Devi Temple over the marker stone, and the Puskarini pond where Queen Maya Devi bathed. Then tour the Monastic Zone – Theravada and Mahayana temples built by Buddhist nations around the world – and the World Peace Pagoda. If time permits, drive 27 km to Tilaurakot, ancient Kapilvastu, the palace city of the Buddha's youth.
- Insider tip: early morning and dusk are the most peaceful times to meditate in the Sacred Garden.
- OvernightLumbini
- CountryNepal
- Travel ModeDrive: 40 km / 2 hr
- Places VisitedMaya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, Lumbini Museum, World Peace Pagoda Lumbini, Tilaurakot
- MealsBreakfast
Day 06Morning meditation in the Sacred Garden – transfer to Bhairahawa airport or Sunauli border
Transfer: about 30 minutes | End of tour

After an optional early meditation in the Sacred Garden and breakfast, transfer to Bhairahawa airport for your flight to Kathmandu, or to the Sunauli border if you are continuing to the Buddhist sites of India – Kushinagar, Sarnath and Bodh Gaya.
- CountryNepal
- Travel ModeDrive: 22 km / 30 min
- Places VisitedSunauli Border
- MealsBreakfast

Altitude Chart of 6 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Total Driving Time: 6h 30m Total Flying Time: 0h 35m Total Travel Distance: 162 km

Driving distance & time shown here are approximate — for city tours the exact distance/duration can vary and isn't always measurable.

Highest point: 7,136 ft / 2,175 m — Day 01 · Arrive in Kathmandu – transfer to Nagarkot (32 km, 1.5 hours) for sunset

Services Included

Accommodation using 3 star standard hotel on sharing Room.
Daily Breakfast
Private transfers and tours
English speaking local guide
Meeting and assistance on Arrival/Departure by Office representative.
Porterage on arrival/departure at airports.
Monument Entrance Fees at all places as per the Itinerary.
Mineral water during sightseeing.
Our 24 hour personal care and Attention

Services Excluded

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Lumbini
Your travel Insurance
Kathmandu -Bhairahawa – Kathmandu Air fare approx Usd 115+115= 230 per person for both way
Personal expenses like telephone bills, laundry charges, table drinks, tips, camera/video-camera fee at monuments etc.
Any items not mentioned in above include section

Trip Notes

Notes for this tour

Pace and grade: This is an easy sightseeing tour with short walks on uneven stone steps and temple courtyards; it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Temple etiquette: please dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes where asked, walk clockwise around stupas and ask before photographing people or rituals. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main courtyard of Pashupatinath, but the whole complex can be seen from the east bank.
Domestic flights: The Kathmandu–Bhairahawa flight takes about 35 minutes; airfare (about USD 115 per sector) is not included. Mountain flights depend on visibility and are sometimes delayed or rescheduled; if a flight is cancelled we transfer you by road or adjust the programme. Domestic baggage allowance is normally 20 kg checked plus 5 kg hand baggage.
Lumbini: the Sacred Garden is a place of pilgrimage – please be quiet and respectful, and remove shoes inside the Maya Devi Temple. Days are hot from April to June, so carry water and a hat.
Mountain views: sunrise and sunset views of the Himalaya from Nagarkot depend on clear weather. October–December and February–April usually offer the clearest skies; in the monsoon (June–September) clouds often hide the peaks after early morning. Mornings and evenings in the hills are cool – bring a warm layer.
Monastery etiquette: remove shoes and hats in shrine rooms, walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, and keep silent during prayers and meditation.
Flexibility: the order of sightseeing may be changed to suit festivals, temple closing times, flight schedules or road conditions, without missing any included visits.

Instant confirmation if you are booking for 7 days later at least.
Adult pricing applies to all travelers except for infant.
If you prefer other Language Guide ( Russian/German/French/Spanish/Chinese) , please email us instead of direct booking.

FAQ

6 days. It starts in Kathmandu and ends in Lumbini. Overnight stops: Nagarkot, Kathmandu, Lumbini. The day-by-day itinerary above shows travel times, places visited and meals for each day.

October to March is the most pleasant time on the Terai plains; February to May is best for wildlife sightings but April to June is hot. The tour runs all year, with fewer activities in the July–August monsoon.

The grade is easy, with a maximum altitude of about 1,750 m. It is suitable for most travellers, including families with children and seniors; walking is mostly short and on paved paths or easy trails.

Lumbini is a sacred pilgrimage site. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes inside the Maya Devi Temple and monasteries, walk clockwise around stupas, keep your voice low and ask before photographing monks or rituals.

Yes, the Terai plains are hot from April to June (often 35–40°C) and humid in the monsoon. October to March is the most pleasant time; carry water, a hat and sunscreen in any season.

Mountain views depend on the weather. October to December and February to April usually give the clearest skies, and early mornings are best in every season. During the monsoon (June to September) clouds often hide the peaks after sunrise, but the scenery is lush and green.

Yes. Your guide can help you arrange puja, offerings or special rituals with the temple priests. Please tell us your wishes in advance so we can allow enough time.

Accommodation using 3 star standard hotel on sharing Room; Daily Breakfast; Private transfers and tours; English speaking local guide; Meeting and assistance on Arrival/Departure by Office representative; Porterage on arrival/departure at airports; Monument Entrance Fees at all places as per the Itinerary; Mineral water during sightseeing; and more – see the full Includes list.

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Lumbini; Your travel Insurance; Kathmandu -Bhairahawa – Kathmandu Air fare approx Usd 115+115= 230 per person for both way; Personal expenses like telephone bills, laundry charges, table drinks, tips, camera/video-camera fee at monuments etc; Any items not mentioned in above include section.

This package includes 5 breakfasts, as marked on each day of the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost; your guide will recommend good local restaurants, and vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for.

Yes. We run this tour privately for your group on the dates you choose, and we can tailor it – add extra nights, change or upgrade hotels, add activities, flights or a guide in your language (Russian, German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Hindi on request). Just send us your wishes.

A deposit of 20–30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Your booking is confirmed once the deposit and the completed booking details are received and we send you a written confirmation. You can enquire through this page, email pigeontravel@gmail.com or contact us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm availability and send a booking confirmation.

Before 60 days – No cancellation charge. From 60 days to 45 days – 5% of the total tour / service cost. From 45 days to 15 days – 10% of the total tour / service cost. From 15 days to 07 days – 15% of the total tour / service cost. From 07 days to 02 days (48 hrs) – 30% of the total tour / service cost. From 48 hours to arrival or NO SHOW – NO REFUND. Please see the Cancellation Policy section for full details.

We welcome families, and children are very welcome on our Nepal tours. Under 5 years: free of charge when sharing their parents' room and bed (no extra bed). 5 to 12 years: discounted child rate – please ask us for the exact price for your dates and hotel. Above 12 years: charged the full adult rate. An extra bed or a separate room for children is charged as per the hotel's policy; domestic flights are charged at the airline's child fare.

Cancellation Policy

Policy Regarding Cancellation / NO SHOW / EARLY DEPARTURE
In the event of cancellation of tour / travel/Trekking services – due to any avoidable / unavoidable reason, you must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive advice in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:-

Before 60 days – No cancellation charge.
From 60 days to 45 days – 5% of the total tour / service cost
From 45 days to 15 days – 10% of the total tour / service cost
From 15 days to 07 days – 15% of the total tour / service cost
From 07 days to 02 days (48 hrs) – 30% of the total tour / service cost
From 48 hours to arrival or NO SHOW – NO REFUND

In case you cancel the trip after commencement, refund would be restricted to a limited amount, which too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers/contractors we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation & missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Booking Policy

Booking your Nepal tour with Pigeon Travel & Tours is easy:

Book online with the Book Now button when it is active, or send us the enquiry form / email with your dates, number of travellers and hotel preference.
A deposit of 20–30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.
The remaining balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Domestic flight tickets, permits and other non-refundable items included in the package are paid at the time of confirmation.
Please send a copy of your passport and your arrival/departure flight details so that we can arrange pick-up, hotels and tickets.
Your booking is confirmed once the deposit and the completed booking details are received and we send you a written confirmation.

Child Policy

We welcome families, and children are very welcome on our Nepal tours.

Under 5 years: free of charge when sharing their parents' room and bed (no extra bed).
5 to 12 years: discounted child rate – please ask us for the exact price for your dates and hotel.
Above 12 years: charged the full adult rate.
An extra bed or a separate room for children is charged as per the hotel's policy; domestic flights are charged at the airline's child fare.
Children under 10 years receive a free (gratis) Nepal tourist visa on arrival.

Excellent rating
Based on 30 reviews

Pigeon Travel is easily one of the best travel companies I have dealt with! I don’t know how busy Mr Min Katri is, but i think he has many clients on the go, but he made me feel like I was his only customer. He was so conscientious. The guides he organised for my travels in Nepal: Pokhara, Kathmandu, and the Everest flight, Lumbini and then in India at Kushinara for a few days, was well organised with excellent guides, good drivers and cars and a good choice of hotels. They accommodated me with the places I wanted to visit and were very flexible and everything went smoothly, including navigating across the Sunoli border to India, which is chaos at another level. These guys are really excellent. Totally recommend Pigeon Travel. 👍👍

Amal Karunaratna

We spent 4 days in Nepal, visiting different places with the Pingeon Travel Agency, Mr. Min Khatri was very friendly, helpful and was attentive to us at all times, with 24-hour service. for anything we needed and was attentive to us via WhatsApp every day. We booked everything from Spain, they picked us up at the airport and at the end they took us, including a driver, guide in Spanish, visits and hotels, and we had no problem, they complied with everything agreed and we were able to visit everything. The driver (Mr. Pawan) is a very good driver, friendly and kind, and the guide (Mr. Giri) is friendly and helpful. Punctual, helpful and attentive. We were in 2 different hotels, and both were very good, highlighting the one in Kathmandu, Hotel Hyatt Place Kathmandu, a new hotel, excellent service and very friendly. The Pingeon Travel agency is highly recommended and they have everything from tours to complete packages. We were happy with the services.

Maite Sanchez

Fantastic

JagdishMan Rajbhandari

Pigeon Travel has been an exceptional ressource for me in both travel support to and from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Min Katri is simply always there onnecway or another, checking fright and other arrangements, hotel schedules and in Bhutan excellent ( required) tour guides. As well, he and Pigeon Travel are exceptional in meeting last minute changes to my plans and really are “there” 24/7. I thinking now about next trips and highly recommend Min and Pigeon travel for your trips— as in planning my next trip to India and Nepal and am using Pigeon Travel the whole way. Highly recommend!

Jay Luboff

Wonderful tour with brilliant and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!

Frances Wingate

Min is very trustworthy and very easy to speak to. Tour guide and drivers are great and finally arrangement for Everest flight and Nagarkot Mountain View stay didn’t disappoint and we had wonderful time

Chip Yi

Best place to book ticket and travel.

Pratik Khadka

I contacted them via Facebook messenger and asked them for a price estimate for two people to Dubai. The representative told me I will receive the quote tomorrow and it’s been three days I haven’t heard from him yet. I will remove my one star rating once I hear back.

Krishna Giri

It was a well organised trip. The guides were very hospitable and cooperative.Overall it was a wonderful and memorable trip.

puneetha Kunimbedu

It was a memorable trip to Nepal. Thanks to pigeon travels. The hospitality is great and they took good care of us. I would highly recommend this to my mates.

Kavya K

No of people	Price per person
1	USD403
2	USD403
3	USD403
4-6	USD403
7-10	USD403
11-15	USD403

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6 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Overview

Why choose this tour?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of 6 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

FAQ

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Hotel We Use

Vehicle We Use

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6 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Overview

Why choose this tour?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of 6 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

FAQ

1. How long is the 6 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour and where does it start and end?

2. When is the best time to do this tour?

3. How difficult is it, and is it suitable for children or seniors?

4. How should I dress and behave at Lumbini?

5. Is Lumbini very hot?

6. Will I definitely see the Himalaya?

7. Can I perform puja or special rituals during the tour?

8. What is included in the price?

9. What is not included?

10. Which meals are included?

11. Is this a private tour? Can I customise it?

12. How do I book, and what is the payment policy?

13. What is the cancellation policy?

14. Do you offer child discounts?

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Hotel We Use

Vehicle We Use

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