A Spiritual Tour to Lumbini

Located in Nepal’s Rupandehi district, Lumbini is a revered pilgrimage site. It is well known around the world for being the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, also known as the Asian Light. Lumbini, with its religious and architectural richness, attracts millions of domestic pilgrims as well as international tourists. This sacred expedition starts by taking a flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Gautam Buddha International Airport, located in Siddhartha Nagar, which is 22 km away from Lumbini, followed by a local bus ride. Similarly, one may also opt out for an enthralling road trip from Kathmandu to Sunauli which is 30 km away, followed by a local taxi drive. The area has developed to cater to the needs of the visitors over the years, offering a range of culinary options and accommodation facilities. Numerous lodges, hotels, motels, and restaurants are strategically positioned throughout the area, offering a diverse range of options to cater to the discerning needs of visitors. The best time to visit Lumbini is during Buddha Jayanti, when the birth of Lord Buddha is celebrated, usually in the months of April and May.

The architecture of Lumbini is diverse, reflecting the contributions of various countries and Buddhist communities that have undertaken projects to develop and enhance the sacred birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). Travelers can find structures representing different Buddhist traditions from around the world, as well as architectural elements that reflect the local culture and heritage. Here are some sites that hold significance in representing the rich art and history of Lumbini:

1. Mayadevi Temple and Puskarini Pond: Mayadevi Temple is situated at the centre of the Lumbini Sacred Garden. It is dedicated to Queen Mayadevi and holds a importance history since it is believed that Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam holding onto a Sal tree in the exact same place. Similarly, Puskarini Pond is located just adjacent to the Mayadevi Temple.  Queen Mayadevi is believed to have taken a bath in that pond before giving birth to Siddhartha Gautam. 
2. Ashoka Pillar: Ashoka Pillar stands near the Mayadevi Temple which is believed to be construted by the Great Emperor of India King Ashoka.  The pillar bears inscriptions claiming Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha.
3. Bodhi Tree: A descendant of the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India is located near the Mayadevi Temple. 
4. Lumbini Museum: The Lumbini Museum is a modern architectural structure which consists of artifacts and exhibits related material to the life of Buddha and history of Buddhism, offering insights into the archaeological findings in the region. 
5. Monastic Zones: Lumbini has a monastic zone with monasteries built by various countries and Buddhist communities around the world.  Monasteries like Myanmar Gloden Monastery, Dae Sung Shakya (Korean Temple), Royal Thai Monastery, Manang Samaj Stupa, The Thrangu Maonastery, etc can be found in this zone with rich architecture. Amongst them the World Peace Pagoda ( Shanti Stupa), built by the architectural contribution of the Japanese Buddhists, is a must see in the site with its strong Japanese architectural features.
6. Eternal Peace Flame: Eternal Peace Flame, located at the southern end of the canal in Lumbini, is a major tourist attraction.  The flame was bought from the United States of America (USA) to promote global peace and harmony. The flame flickers 24 hours a day.
7. Tilaurakot: For the further understanding of life of Gautam Buddha, consider extending the trip to tilaurakot, where Siddhartha Gautam spent his childhood.
   This tour can be concluded within 2-3 days, with the exploration of Lumbini within 4-5 hours of time. 

An Adventurous Wildlife Tour to Chitwan

Chitwan, situated in the southwestern part of Nepal, is widely renowned for its natural beauty,  diverse wildlife, and rich tharu culture. The easiest and fastest way to get to Chitwan National Park is by air which takes about 20 minutes, from Tribhuvan International Airport to Bharatpur Airport. Similarly, a fascination road trip of 5 hours is also available from Kathmandu. It is highly recommended to spend at least 3-4 days to gain the best experience out of your trip. It is suggested to visit Chitwan October to early March, which offers a favorable weather condition and increased opportunities of wildlife viewing.  

Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved wildlife sanctuaries in Asia is a major tourist attraction in Chitwan. The park features a wide variety of flora and fauna, including, the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, including some species of deer, and numerous bird species. The local inhabitants of Chitwan are the indigenous Tharu community, because of which visitors are provided with the opportunity to learn and experience the unique Tharu culture and taste a number of local tharu delicacies which include Ghongi, Dhikri with Sidra, Patushni, along with other popular Nepali foods like Taas, Newari Khaja Set, and Nepali Thali set. Chitwan offers a range of accommodations suiting the needs and budget of visitors, which includes hotels and resorts, jungle lodges, eco-friendly accommodation to budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays. The major highlights of the tour include:

1. Jungle Safari: Visitors to Chitwan can indulge themselves in adventurous and enthralling jungle safaris, allowing them to explore the wildlife in their natural habitat. The modes of jungle safari include elephant safari, jeep safari and guided walks as well.
2. Tharu Culture Experience: Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture of Tharu community and experience their traditional lifestyle and architecture, allowing them to have a memorable and fun experience with Tharu dances, music and feasts.  
3. Adventurous Activities: Visitors can make their trip adventurous by engaging in adventurous activities like a canoe ride or a boat tour along the Rapti River, rafting, cycling and ziplining. 
4. Elephant Breeding Centre: Visitors can visit Elephant Breeding Centre to gain insights into the breeding practices of elephants and observe the young baby elephants.
5. Bird Watching: Visitors can indulge themselves into bird watching ad it is a home to a wide variety of bird species. 

A Journey Through the Paradise of Pokhara

Pokhara, located in the central part of Nepal, is popular for its panoramic landscape, serene lakes, awe-inspiring mountain views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges and adventurous escapades. The fastest way to reach Pokhara is by taking a domestic flight of around 30 minutes, from Tribhuvan International Airport to Pokhara International Airport. Similarly, road trips are also made available for the visitors, which takes around 6 to 8 hours depending on the road condition and traffic. It is recommended for the visitors to spend at least 2 or three days for their Pokhara trip. Visitors can also extend their trips for adventurous trekking experience to Annapurna region or nearby areas. The best time to visit Pokhara is during autumn (September to November), when weather is clear and temperature is moderate, offering an excellent visibility of the mountain ranges. Similarly, spring (March to May), is also considered to be the best time for this tour.

Pokhara, being one of the most populated city of Nepal, is a popular destination for vacation amongst international tourists and domestic visitors. It is widely renowned among visitors for its natural beauty and beautiful landscapes. The city’s landscape is characterized by majestic snow-capped peaks, rich green hills, and crystal-clear lakes. Similary, Pokhara is also famous for its diversified culture of mixed ethnicities and a variety of Nepali delicacies. Visitors can enjoy traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat, momo,gundruk, sel roti, etc. Lakeside is widely known for its array of fish item. Similarly, Pokara offers a diverse range of accommodations including hotels and resorts, guesthouses and homestays suiting the needs and budget of visitors. It is recommended to reside near lake side area for the best experience of natural scenery. Visitors are recommended to indulge themselves in the following activities to make the best of their trip:

1. Boating on Phewa Lake: Relax with a pleasant and calming boat ride to the middle of Phewa Lake to visit the Barahi temple, dedicated to goddess Barahi.
2. Bindhyabasini Temple Visit: Immerse into the religious and spiritual experience at Bindhyabasini temple.
3. Sunrise at Sarangkot: Experience the breathtaking view of sunrise over the Himalayas from Sarangkot, which is a popular viewpoint.
4. Adventurous escapades: Experience an adrenaline rush by engaging in Bungee jumping and Zip-lining.
5. Paragliding: Soar through the skies of Pokhara Valley for a thrilling adventure and a beautiful aerial view of the mountain ranges and Phewa Lake.
6. Captivating Exploration: Immerse into the beauty of Pokhara by the exploration of natural caves like Devi’s fall, Gupteshwari Gupha, Mahendra Gupha, Chameri Gupha, religious site like World Peace Pagoda. Visit International Mountain Museum to peek into the mountaineering history and Himalayan culture.
7. Visitors can also indulge themselves into an adventurous rafting experience in Seti River.
8. If the visitors aren’t in short of time, it is highly recommended for them to visit Ghandruk and a plan a trekking or hiking trip to Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill. The visitors are also recommended for a Ghandruk Stay and Pundikot Shiva Temple visit, which is trending amongst the tourists nowadays and is a great sight to explore.

Traverse Through the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal

Mustang, also known as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal, is located in the north-central part of Nepal, borders Tibet China to the north. It is surrounded by tall towering mountains, and is situated within the Himalayas, being a part of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. There is no direct route to Mustang from Kathmandu. First, visitors need to arrive at Pokhara either by a flight or local bus. From Pokhara, take a trip to Jomsom either by a flight or a road trip and then proceed to Kagbeni by trekking or jeep. It is highly recommended to spend at least 4 days on this tour. The best time to visit Mustang is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for mild weather and clear skies, providing an excellent view of the mountains. 

Mustang is well known for its unique geography, picturesque landscapes, ancient monasteries, cave dwellings and Tibetan influenced culture. The local inhabitants of Mustang are the Gurungs and Thakalis. Accommodations in Mustang range from basic teahouses in villages to comfortable lodges. The cuisine in Mustang reflects the influence of Tibetan culture in Nepali food, offering foods like, dal bhat, gundruk, Tibetan bread, Khapse, Marpha, etc. Some of the key highlights of visiting Mustang include:

1. Explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang
2. A beautiful sight of the Kali Gandaki River, which holds religious significance
3. Visit ancient monasteries like Thubchen Gompa and Jampa Gompa
4. Visit Marpha village, renowned for its apple orchards
5. Visit Kagbeni, a village rich in religion and history
6. Immerse yourselves in the Local Tibetan lifestyle
7. Traverse through the beautiful valleys adorned with oaks and Rhododendrons
8. Discover the unexplored ancient kingdoms of Nepal
9. Explore the historic sky caves of upper mustang
10.  Visit Muktinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for both tourists and Buddhists
11. Admire the majestic Rupse waterfall on your way back
12. Admire the impressive Red Cliffs, a natural wonder in the area

A Journey through Kathmandu Valley’s Rich Heritages:

Kathmadu, the capital city of Nepal, is situated in the central part of Nepal. Kathmadu, a beautiful valley surrounded by tall Himalayas from all sides, is one of the most populated and busy city of Nepal. Tribhuvan International Airport has made it easier for the tourists to reach Kathmandu Valley. It takes a minimum of 2-3 days of time for a trip around Kathmandu valley. The best time to visit Kathmandu is during the autumn season from September to November when temperature is mild, the mountain rnages visibility is clear, and most of the festivals are celebrated during this season, offering an insight into Nepalese tradition. Spring is also considered to be another good season for the tour with a pleasant temperature and excellent visibility of the mountains.

Kathmandu, a beautiful valley surrounded by tall Himalayas from all sides, is geographically divided into three major cities: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur. Hills around Kathmandu valley include the Chandragiri Hills, Pulchowki, Shivapuri Hills, Nagarjun, Champadevi, etc. The Newars are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley. However, it is seen to be inhabited by a diverse range of community including the Brahmins, Chhetris, Tamangs, Gurungs and Magars, etc as of now. So, Tourists can enjoy a wide range of culinary options in Kathmandu Valley, including Newari food items like Bara, Yomari, Yela, Aila, Gundruk, Newari Khaja set, popular Tibetan dishes like Thukpa, laphing ,Thakali set, Nepali thali set and so on. Being the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu offers a wide variety of accommodation facility including hotels, lodges, guesthouses, resorts to cater to the budget and needs of the visitor. Here a are the must-visit places and must-do things in the valley.

1. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic ancient monument included in the UNESCO world heritage site.
2. Experience the spiritual atmosphere of the Boudhanath Stupa, which is considered to be one of the largest Stupas in Nepal.
3. Visit Pasupatinath temple, a sacred Hindu temple which is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated at the bank of Bagmati River and witness the hindu cremation ritual.
4. Climb the stairs of Swayambhunath stupa for the panoramic view of whole Kathmandu valley and encounter the monkey population of the valley.
5. Visit the well-preserved Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the equisite Newari architecture.
6.  Take a cable car ride to the Chandragiri Hills for stunning views of the valley and witness the sacred Chandragiri temple of Lord Shiva.
7. Wander through the vibrant and busy streets of Thamel for shopping, dining and lively atmosphere.
8. Wake up early to witness the breathtaking view of sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot hill station.
9. Indulge yourselves in the Newari culture with newari culinary delights like momos, bara, yomari, etc.
10. Explore the ancient city of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, known for its medieval architecture and juju dhau, a type of curd.
11. Enjoy a hiking trip to Shivapuri National Park to explore the wildlife of Nepal including a variety of butterflies, leopard, jungle cat, Himalayan Black Bear and so on.
12. Unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of the Garden of Dreams, a garden reflecting the neoclassical European architectural style and a serene environment.
13. Raom through the beautiful Hanuman Durbar Square showcasing Nepal’s royal legacy and cultural heritage.
14. Immerse yourself through the royal history of Nepal through a visit to Narayanhiti Palace.
15. Explore the diverse artifact, art and historical objects representing Nepal’s cultural and archaeological heritage by a visit to The National Museum.