Nepal occupies a unique position in “Buddhism” history of being the birth of its founder. Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini grove about 15 miles from his father’s state of Kapilvastu. In the early centuries Buddhism of Nepal most likely developed along the lines of North India.
It was when Muslims invaded Bihar and Bengal in the later twelfth century that many Buddhist monks and scholars took refuge part of Buddhist art and literature. In due course of time, Buddhism became one of the main religions among the people of Nepal. Nepal has strong Buddhist background and has played a significant role in spread of Buddhism to Tibet. Nepalese princess Bhrikuti played a significant role in the development of Buddhism in Tibet and Far East. Buddhism is the dominant religion of the thinly-populated northern areas which are inhabited by Tibetan related peoples, namely the Sherpa, Lopa, Manangi, Thakali, Lhomi, Dolpa and Nyimba, Ethnic groups that live in central Nepal, such as Gurung, Lepcha, Tamang, Magar, Newar, Yakkha, Thami and Chepang are also followers of Buddhism.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport. Drive to Hotel. Free day. Overnight at Hotel
Day 02: Full day Sightseeing. Visit two powerful places of Buddhism in the Kathmandu vally including the famous stupa of Buddhanatha and Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple) Buddhism practiced in the valley is very strongly influenced Tantrism and Hinayana or the yellow hat sects’ dominance is evident. Overnight at Hotel
Day 03: A mid morning flight will get you to Bhairahawa and half hours drive will see you in the vicinity of the magical garden at Lumbini. Here Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha and set in motion on of the most awe inspiring events in the last two and half millennium. Sightseeing in the gardens in the afternoon we will include visit to various Monasteries that have been built here by people of nations that largely follow Buddhism. Overnight at Hotel
Day 04: A morning visit to the Mayadevi temple which is built on the site where the Buddha was born is a refreshing way to begin your day. Continue visiting the various other monasteries and see the subtle difference in the way that various communities practice this great religion.
Day 05: Spend this day exploring the other important Buddhist sites in and around the Lumbini area. These include Tilaurakot, Niglihawa and Piplihawa. Overnight at hotel
Day 06: Drive to Nepal-India border and upon completion of immigration formalities continue driving Bodhgaya. It was here nearly 2500 years ago that Siddhartha, meditating under a Bodhi tree attained supreme enlightenment and became the Buddha or the all knowing one” in Bodhgaya, visit the various sites which are considered important in the life of Buddha.
Day 07: Drive to Sarnath. Upon attaining Supreme Enlightenment Buddha delivered his very first sermon here in this ancient town and thus began the journey that would shake established faiths of the time and begin something that would sweep the world with its message of love, peace, understanding and non-violence.
Day 08: Drive to Khusinagar. Having ceaselessly traveled the plains of present day north India, delivering his message to all who cared to listen, Buddha was returning to the place of his birth- Lumbini when in this remote town he attained Maha Parinirvana or was freed from the ceaseless cycle of re-births,
Day 09: Drive back to Indo-Nepal border and cross back to Lumbini. In the evening attend a meditation session at one of the monasteries.
Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu in the mid morning. Sightseeing of Kathmandu city in the afternoon.
Day 11: Free day in Kathmandu. Hotel
Day 12: Final departure, transfer to airport.
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