# 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.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 7 days
- **Difficulty:** Easy
- **Activity:** Pilgrimage and culture
- **Max altitude:** About 1,750 m / 5,741 ft (Namo Buddha)
- **Best season:** Oct–Apr
- **Group size:** 1–15 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotels and monastery guesthouse
- **Meals:** Breakfast daily; dinner at Namo Buddha
- **Price:** from US$790 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/buddhist-heritage-tour-nepal
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=buddhist-heritage-tour-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](/places/boudhanath-stupa), [Swayambhunath](/places/swayambhunath), [Namo Buddha](/places/namo-buddha) and [Lumbini](/places/lumbini).

### At a glance

FactDetailsDuration7 daysSitesSwayambhunath, Boudhanath, Patan, Namo Buddha, LumbiniTransportPrivate vehicle; flights Kathmandu – Bhairahawa – KathmanduGradeEasyBest timeOctober–AprilCostFrom US$790 per person

## 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

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Our team meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Swayambhunath and Boudhanath
Morning at Swayambhunath; afternoon and evening kora at Boudhanath, with monastery visits.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 3: Patan, drive to Namo Buddha
Visit the Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal) and Buddhist courtyards of Patan, then drive to Namo Buddha.
_Altitude: 1,750 m · Meals: Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Monastery guesthouse_

### Day 4: Namo Buddha, return to Kathmandu
Morning prayers with the monks, visit the stupa, then return to Kathmandu.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 5: Fly to Bhairahawa, Lumbini
Morning flight to Bhairahawa and drive to Lumbini. Afternoon at the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar and sacred pool.
_Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 6: Lumbini monastic zone, fly to Kathmandu
Morning in the monastic zone, then fly back to Kathmandu.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 7: Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is 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 information
### 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)

## Frequently asked questions
### Which sites does the tour visit?
**Swayambhunath**, **Boudhanath**, **Patan**, **Namo Buddha** and **Lumbini**.

### How long is the tour?
**7 days**.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$790 per person**.

### Can we stay at a monastery?
Yes, one night at Namo Buddha.

### When is Buddha Jayanti?
On the full moon of **April or May**.

### Is it suitable for non-Buddhists?
Yes, it is open to anyone interested in Buddhism, history and culture.