Nepal is the land of Lord Buddha and a land which signifies peace and serenity. It is where Lord Buddha was bred and born, and it serves as the destination of peace lovers all around the world. Needless to state, this Himalayan national nestled between China and India, is a haven for Buddhist pilgrims as well as for people with an inherent interest in Buddism and its origins. Nepal is a land also inhabited mostly by ethnic Buddhist people. The presence of Buddhism and the widespread use of its peace-loving nature can be seen all around Nepal.

Embark on the one in a million opportunity to witness some of the most important Buddhist sites around the world, with the Buddhist circuit Tour. The Buddhist Circuit tour involves visiting several Buddhist inhabited regions and destinations and exploring the peace and serenity of these areas.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bouddhanath, Syambhunath, and Lumbini to get a firsthand experience of Buddhism and its origins. Explore the World Peace Stupa and explore Tibetan Buddhism with the visit to the Tibetan Refugee Center. Embark on this spiritually enlightening experience which amalgamates cultural diversity and natural beauty of Nepal at its best. Visit holy sites of historical importance and leave with heart's content over the enlightening experience of a lifetime. Come experience true peace and serenity with the Buddhist Circuit tour in Nepal.

Itinerary

  • Day Arrival in Kathmandu

    Today marks the beginning of this wonderful, spiritual journey in Nepal. Kathmandu is the heartthrob and the capital of this beautiful mountainous country, and the only city with an international airport. You will be arriving in Kathmandu from your respective locations today. Our guide will transfer you to the hotel.

    The evening can be spent in strolling around the throbbing streets of the Kathmandu City or relishing the unique and the delicious cuisine that Nepal is famous for. Rest adequately as the wonderful experience begins from the very next day.

    • Meals include: None
    • Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
  • Day Sightseeing around Kathmandu

    Kathmandu is home to extremely beautiful architectural miracles and Buddhist pilgrimage spots worth exploring. Today, the destinations allocated for sightseeing include the Kathmandu Durbar Square in all its glory, the Kopan monastery, and Swayambunath.

    We start the day by visiting the Kopan monastery in the wee hours of the morning. The monastery keeps the Buddist and Tibetan traditions alive and houses a huge number of monks. Prayers and puja ceremonies are carried out by the monks living here, for the benefit of all people. This monastery is situated on a hill overlooking Kathmandu.

    In the afternoon, we visit the Swaymbunath. This Buddhist temple has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is located on a lofty hilltop overlooking the entire Kathmandu city. Mobbed by monkeys, this temple is often called as the Monkey temple. The ancient carvings, the smell of butter lamps and incense, the spinning prayer wheels and the colored flags makes the visit to this temple an intoxicating experience that cannot be described in words. Syambhu essentially means self-arisen and according to legends, the hill of Syambunath rose spontaneously from the waters which formerly made the Kathmandu valley.

    We follow the retreat to Syambuntah by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kathmandu Durbar Square. An epitome of cultural and religious diversity Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with ancient Nepali architecture. With its old temples, architecturally rich encryptions and some renovated areas, Kathmandu Durbar Square surely releases an ambiance of a place that used to be ruled by ancient kings. The special attractions are the Hanuman Dhoka Museum, Taleju Temple, Kalbhairav, Kumari Temple( Temple of the Living Goddess) and the Basantapur Durbar.

    • Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
    • Breakfast included
  • Day Drive from Kathmandu to Namobuddha

    We start off by a visit to the Patan Durbar Square in the morning. It is a specimen of ancient Newari architecture and is furthermore attractive because of the three courtyards named the MulChowk, SundariChowk, and the Keshav Narayan Chowk. There are numerous types of temples in numerous shapes and sizes, all around the vicinity of the Patan Durbar Square. The attractions include the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna, Bhimsen Temple, Krishna Mandir and the scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana (Hindu holy books) adorn the entire region of the Durbar Square.

    This followed by a drive to the Namo Buddha monastery through a scenic path through terraced fields. Namo Buddha monastery falls on the Kavre district of Nepal and is known for its strikingly peaceful surroundings and a large monstery that houses a huge number of monks. It is known for being one of the most important sites of Buddhism and it is located on an elevated land, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The landscape of the monastery resembles that of an eight-petaled lotus and offers also the views of sky-high mountains, peeking at us. There are two caves in the region, one near the monastery and another on a nearby hill. This land is tread upon by people of the Sakya, Tsawa as well as Ngorpa schools. Explore the Namobuddha monastery in the evening and breathe in its quiet and pure beauty.

    • Overnight at hotel in Namobuddha
    • Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
  • Day Hike from Namobuddha to Panauti & drive to Bhaktapur

    By experiencing what true peace and serenity are, we hike to the Newari village of Panauti, richly ornamented with architectural delights. Tucked away in a side valley, the town sits at the confluence of the PungamatiKhola and the RoshiKhola. Fabled temples and magical pilgrimage spots make this a revered and sacred spot. From Panauti, we move further to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an open museum filled with pieces of perfect architecture.  An epitome of ancient architecture and ethnicity, the Durbar Square is a living heritage. Countless temples, architectural showpieces and stone figures adorn the entire region. Major attractions are the Batsala Temple, 55 Windows Palace, golden gate, picture gallery, the statue of BhupatindraMalla, among many others.  We spend the night in Bhaktapur.

    • Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
    • Overnight at hotel in Bhaktapur
  • Day Drive from Bhaktapur to Pokhara

    After a day in the Newari city of Bhaktapur, we drive to the beautiful Lake City of Pokhara. Pokhara Valley is considered to be one of the most picturesque and revered spots in Nepal. It is rightly called as the lake city due to its abundance of beautiful lakes, the major attraction being the Phewa Lake. These lakes arise from the glaciers of the Annapurna Range.  Lakeside is the district situated along the sides of the Phewa Lake. Phewa Lake reflects back the panorama of the beautiful Dhaulagiri, Macchapucchre, Annapurna peaks and other rising above us. Macchapucchre is only 28 kilometers from Phewa Lake and the views of this beautiful mountain are the most alluring from this point.

    Phewa Lake is the second largest lake in the Pokhara Valley. It has been for years, the center of attraction of the valley, with a lot of restaurants and hotels situated alongside it. We can boat around the Phewa Lake and visit the temple situated in its middle. Baidam or the lakeside is the home base for travelers. Approximately 6 hours drive.

    • Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
    • Breakfast included
  • Day Exploration in Pokhara

    We use this day to visit the Buddhist monasteries located in Pokhara. In the morning, we will be visiting some monasteries located in Pokhara itself, before moving on to pay a visit to the World Peace Stupa. The World Peace Pagoda, known better as the Pokhara Shanti Stups is located atop the Ananda Hill above Pokhara. it overlooks the entire city of Pokhara and the famous Phewa lake. Along with the panoramic views of Annapurna Range, the peace and serenity of the Stupa are worth mentioning.

    In the evening, we explore ideas about Tibetan Buddhism by visiting the Tibetan Refugee Center. There are four official containment camps for refugees in Pokhara. These refugees have been denied the opportunities to own land, drive a car or work. They are hence placed and settled by the HNHCR. Many Tibetan refugees sell handmade jewelry carvings, trinkets and carpets to earn a living, while some people spend time tending to crops. The items being sold in these Tibetan refugee camps are genuine in terms of being handmade. You can buy souvenirs for loved ones back home.

    • Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
    • Breakfast included
  • Day Drive from Pokhara to Lumbini

    We drive to Lumbini via Palpa today. Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site situated in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gaumta on 563 BCE in this place. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lumbini holds a great spiritual significance and attracts a lot of Buddhists all around the world. Once we reach the capital of Buddhism, we have the afternoon free for sightseeing. Approximately 7 to 8 hours drive.

    • Overnight at hotel in Lumbini
    • Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
  • Day Exploration of Lumbini

    This is a well-earned day to explore the Buddhist pilgrimage spot of Lumbini. We take a rickshaw ride and visit the Ashoka Pillar, the sacred pool of Puaskarni, the stone slab in Sanctum Sanctorum, the Maya Devi shrine etc.

    The spiritual heart of Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple which marks the spot where Siddhartha Gautam was born. The Ashoka Pillar is situated in the adjoining sacred garden. The garden also comprises of ancient ruins and monks congregating under a Bodhi tree. The Maya Devi Temple is situated in the middle of the Lumbini Development Zone which was designed by Japanese architect KenzoTange. The stone slab in Sanctum Sanctorum is believed to be the exact birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The Holy Pond, known as Pusakarini is where Buddha’s mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth, and also where he had his first bath. If time permits, we also visit the Lumbini International Research Institute.

    • Breakfast, lunch & dinnner included
    • Overnight at hotel in Lumbini
  • Day Excursion to Tilaurakot

    We spend this day with an exploration of Tilaurakot situated beside the Banganga River today. The site is situated in a peaceful meadow on the banks of the Banganga River. The foundations of residential compounds are seen today, but this place was once a place of extravagant luxury, where Prince Siddhartha lived before gaining enlightenment. It is situated 29 kilometers west of Lumbini.

    There is a small museum and a shrine in Tilaurakot. The museum offers the views of some artifacts found at the site. We also pay homage and visit the maternal home of Queen Mayadevi, Ramgram. From here, we drive back to Lumbini.

    • Overnight at hotel in Lumbini
    • Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
  • Day Drive from Lumbini to Kathmandu

    After the spiritually enlightening experience in Buddhist pilgrimage locations, it is time to return back to Kathmandu via Bharatpur and Muglin. We start off early today, and the drive gives us adequate time to ponder upon the events of the past few days, and how it has affected us on a spiritual level. The drive through lush paddy fields and through the sides of the Trishuli River makes the drive a pleasant experience. Approximately 8-9 hours drive.

    • Overnight at hotel in Kathamndu
    • Breakfast included
  • Day Depart transfer

    After the wonderful pilgrimage tour around Nepal and the visit to several Buddhist destinations that this country boasts, it is time to bid goodbye to this peace-loving nation, only with a promise to return back for more. Buy souvenirs for loved ones back home, and depart to your country with content hearts.

    • Breakfast included

Trip Info

  • Accommodation & meals
    • Pre and post tour accommodations at three star hotel in Kathmandu.        
    • Standard hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in Namobuddha, Bhaktapur, Pokhara & Lumbini .
    • 10 Breakfast, 5 lunch & 5dinner during the intire trip as mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Inclusions & Exclusions

    Inclusions

    • All monument entrance fees as per the itinerary
    • One English speaking tour leader depending on the group size
    • English speaking city guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu
    • First Aid Kit
    • All Govt. taxes including service charges

    Exclusions

    • Emergency evacuation fee
    • International airfare
    • Personal Insurance
    • Personal expenses (Alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc)
    • Visa fee
    • Any services not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Transportation

    All transfers will be conducted on a private vehicle

  • Visa & documentation

    A visa for Nepal can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kodari on the Nepal-China border.

    Outside of Nepal, A visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. To renew a Visa you can go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

    Your passport must be valid for at least six months and you will need a blank page on your passport for visa.

    Visa Facility   Duration    Fee

    Multiple entry   15 days      US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency

    Multiple entry   30 days      US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency

    Multiple entry   90 days      US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

  • Insurance Policy

    We personally don’t recommend or advertise any particular insurance organization but we can help you figure out what kind of insurance company you should make a deal with. We kindly advise our guests that travel insurance is mandatory before any other travel and trek agreements.

    Ways of triggering your insurance:

    • There are actually two ways that your insurance fund can be triggered and brought into action. The first type is where you will have to use your own money if any injuries occurs or any medical attention is needed. Then the insurance company will pay you later when you return home and show them the documentation of insurance as proof.
    • Another type is where if any medical attention is needed and your insurance needs to be triggered the insurance company will cover all the cost up front and you won’t have to spend a single penny that is not meant for such incident.

    Personally we recommend you to pick an insurance company who are willing to pay you while you need medical attention in Nepal during the time of evacuation and other medical emergencies and not after you return from Nepal.

     

    Main conditions to look for in an insurance policy:

    General insurance only offers medical evacuation up to 4000m but we will attain maximum height of more than this, so we advise our clients to search for a company that provides medical insurance and evacuation plans up to 6000m. If you are planning to climb any peak along with trekking please make sure your policy also pays for “Climbing” as an option.

    You will need to find a policy where your insurance is activated only for the days that you are trekking. If you suffer from altitude sickness and have to be evacuated in an instant you will have to trigger your insurance. These insurance can cost up to $5000. Although these kinds of evacuations are very rare we still need to be prepared for it. So to make any insurance claim you firstly need to get a medical report from a hospital of Nepal as proof before triggering your insurance claim. You will be charged about $150 as a medical fee by the hospital to get your medical reports and documentations before claiming your travel insurance. Some insurance also cover for minor interference and obstacles like flight cancellations to Lukla or even from Kathmandu to your home.

    As mentioned before, please look for an insurance policy that pays you during the time of emergency while trekking and not after you get back to your country.

    What you need to know:

    We inform you that any kind of medical fees that your insurance does not cover will be your responsibility. So we want you to have a very good and thorough look at the insurance policy before applying for it. We do not take any kind of responsibilities for insurance related payments and fiscal managements but we will help you get required documentations and reports for the insurance.

     

    Examples of insurance companies:

    Bigcattravelinsurance.com, WorldNomads, travelguard.com, Squaremouth.com

     

    Important highlights to remember:

    1. Makalu travels do not hold any kind of insurance related financial management work but we will help you acquire important documentations needed for processing your insurance policies.
    2. Choose an insurance policy where you don’t have to pay your own money while trekking in Nepal while in need of medical attention. In other words look for a policy where your insurance company will cover all the money related process if you need any kind of medical attention.
    3. Choose policy with evacuation plan up to 6000m and with an option “climbing” if you are climbing any peak as well as trekking.
    4. Some companies like WorldNomads have a policy where clients have to pay their own money while trekking if they need any kind of medical attention and you will be payed once you return home. So please make sure you have a very good understanding of what type of insurance policy you are agreeing to.

  • Cancellation & Changes

    There are two ways to deal with modification in travel plans. First is you can cancel the trip completely and second is you can postpone the date. But for any of these change to take effect we need to be informed 6 weeks before your booked trip date before cancelling or postponing the trip.

    Important note: In case of natural disasters and national political issues our hands are tied so we cannot undertake any kind of activities which we will take full responsibility of and make sure our clients get the flexibility of making decisions to either postpone or cancel the trip they initially advocated for. There will be no extra fees or cost for rescheduling but if you decide to cancel the trip volunterily our cancellation fees apply which is listed and described below.

     

    Cancellation fees rules:

    These are our specific rules for trip cancellations and refund fees involved:

    1. If we are informed by our clients at least 43 days before the travel date then the full deposit amount will be refunded after deducting 4% bank surcharge on total deposit amount.
    2. If we are informed by our clients 6 weeks before the travel date then we can refund complete deposit by just deducting $195 per person.
    3. If cancellation is done between 4 and 6 weeks of travel date then we can refund your deposit after deducting $395 per person. This is because we will have to pay to the hotels, guides and other personals involved to make this trip possible to recover their financial plans.
    4. If we are not informed between 4 and 6 weeks of travel date there will be no refund as there are many other workers and organizations that needs to be paid by us for planning your trip. Losing you as a customer means losing their employment opportunity which will harm involved worker’s financial status.

    So, we request our respectful guests to inform us about any kind of modification plans (postpone or cancellations) at least before 43 days of travel date. This will help us to refund your designated deposit and also maintain financial status of every worker and organization involved.

  • Payments & Deposits

    Makalu Travels offers easy & reliable online payment through credit/debit card, & Paypal. All online payments are processed through the our highly secured online payment partner Authorize.net Please kinldy be informed that all online payments are subject to additional 4% bank surcharge & processing fee. 

    If you would like to avoid the 4% transaction fee then you also have an option to deposit the money into Makalu Travels' bank account in Wells Fargo Bank, USA. The bank details will be provided on request. You will receive a notice from us after a successful deposit or any kind of financial transaction. We will make sure that your transfer amount has arrived to us before sending you any type of confirmation invoice or notification.

  • Hotel & Room Bookings

    The hotel we will accommodate you to is Hotel Le Himalaya pre and post trek in Kathmandu. We will book the hotel rooms for you as per your request with a good pricing than that of online booking. We will transfer all your luggage while being transferred from one accommodation center to another. In Kathmandu we will have a very standard hotel but while trekking we won’t have such luxury so we will have to spend our nights in tea houses. These tea houses are fairly of good standard, you can’t be too picky in the Himalayas! You can contact us if there is any specific query you have about the accommodation structure.

     

    In Kathmandu

    Rooms are very spacious and have private bathrooms and toilets. You will not have to compromise even a bit while your stay at Kathmandu. Hotel Le HImalaya is where you will be before and after the trek as we will have pre booked everything for our respected guests. In case of extending your vacation in Nepal we can help you book rooms for extra nights but we will need to be pre informed. If it is a peak season it will be difficult to manage room in same hotel but we will make an utmost effort to accommodate you in the hotel of same caliber.

    Note: Our guests will not have to pay for the nights that they don’t spend in a hotel room in Kathmandu. We can always come to an agreement if there are certain flight delays or cancellations. During these kind of situations we will accommodate our guests fitting best to their requirements.

Date & Prices

Date Trip Status Price  
Oct 01, 2018 - Oct 11,2018 Available - Guaranteed Departure | Full Moon Departure US$ 2,000 Book Now
Oct 22, 2018 - Nov 01,2018 Available - Guaranteed Departure | Full Moon Departure US$ 2,000 Book Now
Nov 05, 2018 - Nov 15,2018 Available - Guaranteed Departure | Full Moon Departure US$ 2,000 Book Now
Dec 03, 2018 - Dec 13,2018 Available - Guaranteed Departure | Full Moon Departure US$ 222 Book Now

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Access to Local Expertize

We take pride in our carefully selected well-trained, experienced tour guides and leaders who have an insider access that is certain to enhance your experience.Their knowledge of meticulous details of all the local places without exaggeration is what will make a world of difference to your travel experience.

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It goes without saying that your safety is our topmost priority. The difference in climate, altitudes and geography can cause a certain level of distress for some, which is why our tour guides and leaders are trained and well-equipped for first aid services throughout the trip. Our super tour guides and leaders will ensure your safety at all times.

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Makalu Travels maintains a strong ethics of business. We therefore assure you there are no hidden charges applied in our packages. Unless you opt for additional activities other than those mentioned in the pre-booked itinerary, even in cases of unforeseen circumstances, the extra costs would be ours to bear.

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