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Buddhist Heritage Tour of Nepal

The Buddhist heritage tour of Nepal is a 7-day journey to the most important Buddhist sites in the country. Visit the great stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, the Newar Buddhist courtyards of Patan, spend a night at the hilltop monastery of Namo Buddha, and travel to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, to see the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar and the international monasteries.

Suitable for pilgrims and anyone interested in Buddhism and history. Guides, hotels, transport, flights to and from Lumbini and entry fees are included.

CountryNepal
Duration7 Days
DifficultyEasy
ActivityPilgrimage and culture
Max. AltitudeAbout 1,750 m / 5,741 ft (Namo Buddha)
Best SeasonOct–Apr
AccommodationHotels and monastery guesthouse
MealsBreakfast daily; dinner at Namo Buddha
Group size1–15 people

Trip highlights

  • Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas
  • Newar Buddhist courtyards of Patan
  • Night at Namo Buddha monastery
  • Maya Devi Temple and the Ashoka Pillar in Lumbini
  • International monasteries of the Lumbini monastic zone

Buddhist Heritage Tour of Nepal overview

Quick answer: this tour takes 7 days, covering the main Buddhist sites of the Kathmandu Valley, Namo Buddha and Lumbini, and costs from US$790 per person. The best time is October–April; Buddha Jayanti in April or May is a special time to visit.

Nepal is where the Buddha was born, and the Kathmandu Valley has been a centre of Buddhist practice for well over a thousand years, from the Newar Vajrayana tradition to the Tibetan monasteries around Boudhanath. Read our guides to Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Namo Buddha and Lumbini.

At a glance

FactDetails
Duration7 days
SitesSwayambhunath, Boudhanath, Patan, Namo Buddha, Lumbini
TransportPrivate vehicle; flights Kathmandu – Bhairahawa – Kathmandu
GradeEasy
Best timeOctober–April
CostFrom US$790 per person

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1
Our team meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel.
1,400 m Hotel
Day2
Morning at Swayambhunath; afternoon and evening kora at Boudhanath, with monastery visits.
1,400 m Breakfast Hotel Sightseeing
Day3
Visit the Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal) and Buddhist courtyards of Patan, then drive to Namo Buddha.
1,750 m Breakfast, dinner Monastery guesthouse Sightseeing
Day4
Morning prayers with the monks, visit the stupa, then return to Kathmandu.
1,400 m Breakfast Hotel Sightseeing
Day5
Morning flight to Bhairahawa and drive to Lumbini. Afternoon at the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar and sacred pool.
150 m Breakfast Hotel Flight and sightseeing
Day6
Morning in the monastic zone, then fly back to Kathmandu.
1,400 m Breakfast Hotel Sightseeing and flight
Day7
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
1,400 m Breakfast

What’s included

Included

  • Airport transfers and private vehicle throughout
  • Hotels in Kathmandu and Lumbini, and Namo Buddha monastery guesthouse (6 nights)
  • Breakfast daily and dinner at Namo Buddha
  • Flights Kathmandu – Bhairahawa – Kathmandu
  • Licensed, English-speaking guides
  • Entry fees to listed sites
  • All government and local taxes

Not included

  • International flights and visa
  • Meals not listed and drinks
  • Donations at monasteries
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Useful info

Etiquette

Walk clockwise around stupas, remove shoes and hats in shrine rooms, dress modestly and ask before photographing monks.

Best time

October–April. Buddha Jayanti (April or May) brings celebrations at Lumbini, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.

Packing list

  • Modest clothing
  • Easy-to-remove shoes
  • Sun hat and sunscreen
  • Warm layer for Namo Buddha evenings
  • Small offerings or donations (optional)

Add-ons & trip options

Chitwan extension (2 nights, per person)US$320
Meditation half-day course (per person)US$40

Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.

More options, quoted on request:

  • Meditation course in Kathmandu.
  • Chitwan extension after Lumbini.
  • Muktinath pilgrimage.

Frequently asked questions

Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Patan, Namo Buddha and Lumbini.

7 days.

From US$790 per person.

Yes, one night at Namo Buddha.

On the full moon of April or May.

Yes, it is open to anyone interested in Buddhism, history and culture.