Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour – 8 Days of Spiritual and Cultural Exploration

Welcome to Kathmandu!
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, you can take a leisurely stroll around the vibrant streets of Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu, or relax and unwind at the hotel after your journey. Kathmandu is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern, offering everything from spiritual landmarks to bustling markets.

• Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Explore Kathmandu’s Cultural and Spiritual Highlights
Start your day with a visit to some of the most iconic landmarks in Kathmandu. With a local guide and private transport, you’ll visit:

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Perched atop a hill, this ancient stupa offers panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. The all-seeing eyes of Buddha gaze over the city, providing a peaceful and spiritual experience.

• Basantapur Durbar Square: This UNESCO-listed site features historical temples, palaces, and monuments, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s royal history and architecture. The intricate woodwork and courtyards are a testament to Kathmandu’s rich Newar heritage.

• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest and holiest Buddhist stupas in Nepal, where you can experience the rhythm of prayer wheels and Buddhist chants, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity.

After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for a restful night.

• Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Dive Deeper into Nepal’s Cultural and Spiritual Heritage
Today, continue your cultural journey through Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath.

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Explore this ancient city filled with UNESCO-listed temples, palaces, and pagodas. Bhaktapur is a living museum of medieval architecture and Newari culture, where narrow streets and bustling markets tell stories of a bygone era.

• Pashupatinath Temple: As the day draws to a close, experience the Aarti Ceremony at Pashupatinath, one of Nepal’s holiest Hindu temples. The ritual, held on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, is a mesmerizing sight, with oil lamps, chanting, and rituals carried out under the open sky.

• Cremation Ghats: Visit the cremation site at Pashupatinath, where you’ll gain insight into Nepalese spiritual practices surrounding death and rebirth.

• Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Fly to Lumbini: The Birthplace of Buddha
After breakfast, take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa, the gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will transfer you to your hotel in Lumbini.

Lumbini, recently ranked #9 in The New York Times’ 2025 list of the 52 Best Places to Visit in the World, is a tranquil spiritual hub, offering a unique atmosphere for reflection and peace. Its historical significance as the birthplace of Buddha draws millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Read more about Lumbini’s ranking in the NY Times.

• Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Lumbini.

Discover the Sacred Sites of Lumbini
Lumbini is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide, and today, you’ll explore its most significant historical landmarks:

• Tilaurakot: Start your day with a visit to Tilaurakot, the ancient palace where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, spent his early years. This site offers fascinating archaeological insights into his early life before he embarked on his path to enlightenment.

• Ashoka Pillar: Visit the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE to commemorate the birthplace of Buddha. The inscriptions on the pillar make Lumbini one of the most historically significant Buddhist sites in the world.

• Maya Devi Temple: The heart of Lumbini, this temple marks the exact location where Buddha was born. The temple is home to a sacred marker stone and a carving of Queen Maya Devi giving birth to Siddhartha Gautama.

• Lumbini Sacred Garden: Take a walk through the serene gardens surrounding the temple. The peaceful environment, dotted with sacred trees and monuments, invites introspection and quiet meditation.

• Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Lumbini.

Return to Kathmandu for Leisure and Relaxation
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Once you arrive, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, either relaxing or shopping for souvenirs in the vibrant Thamel district.

• Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Optional Mount Everest Scenic Flight
Wake up early for an optional Mount Everest Scenic Flight. Take a one-hour flight that offers unparalleled views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering breathtaking vistas and the chance to photograph the world’s highest peak. (Optional and at an additional cost.)

Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxing day, you can spend time exploring more of Kathmandu, visiting local markets, or enjoying a leisurely day in Thamel.

• Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Farewell to Nepal
On your final day, depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

• End of Tour.