Buddhism Luxury Tour: Kathmandu, Namobuddha and Lumbini
Eight days on the Buddhist trail in Nepal: the monasteries and stupas of the Kathmandu Valley, the hilltop stupa of Namobuddha, and Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace. Stay at Hotel Barahi (Comfort) or Dwarika’s Hotel and Dwarika’s Sanctuary (Luxury).
8 days · Religious & Cultural · From US$ 1,370
Enquire- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- Private — from 2 guests
- Best season
- Oct–Apr
Overview
Nepal is where the Buddha was born, and it holds some of the most important places in Himalayan Buddhism. This private journey links them at a calm pace, with a licensed guide who knows the stories and the etiquette of each place.
In the Kathmandu Valley you visit Kopan Monastery on its hill, Shechen Monastery and the great stupa of Boudhanath, where you light butter lamps in the evening, the Golden Temple in Patan and Swayambhunath at dusk. A night in Dhulikhel lets you visit Namobuddha, where the stupa marks the story of the young prince who gave his body to a starving tigress, and Thrangu Monastery beside it.
Then you fly south to Lumbini on the plains: the Maya Devi Temple and its marker stone, the Ashoka Pillar of 249 BC, the Sacred Garden and its pond, and the international monasteries built by Buddhist countries around the world. On the last morning you sit quietly in the Sacred Garden at sunrise before flying back to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner.
Highlights
- Maya Devi Temple and the Sacred Garden in Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace
- An evening butter-lamp offering at Boudhanath
- Kopan and Shechen monasteries, and the Golden Temple in Patan
- Namobuddha stupa and Thrangu Monastery on a quiet ridge
- Sunrise meditation in the Sacred Garden before you fly back
Gallery
Day by day
Private airport pickup and transfer to your hotel: Hotel Barahi (Comfort) or Dwarika’s Hotel (Luxury). Rest after your journey.
Morning at Kopan Monastery on its hill above the valley, then Shechen Monastery and its painted temple. Late afternoon at Boudhanath: walk the kora around the stupa with the pilgrims and make an evening butter-lamp offering.
The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) in Patan, then a drive of about 2 hours east to Namobuddha. Visit the stupa and Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery on the ridge, then on to Dhulikhel for the night: Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort (Comfort) or Dwarika’s Sanctuary (Luxury).
A slow morning with Himalayan views, then the drive back to Kathmandu (about 1.5 hours) and time to rest. In the evening, climb to Swayambhunath for the view over the valley as the lamps are lit.
Morning flight to Bhairahawa (about 35 minutes) and a short drive to Lumbini. Visit the Maya Devi Temple and its marker stone, the Ashoka Pillar, the Sacred Garden and the Eternal Peace Flame. Night at Buddha Maya Garden Hotel (Comfort) or Tiger Palace Resort (Luxury).
A day among the monasteries built by Buddhist countries: the Thai, Myanmar, Chinese, Korean and German temples and others, the Lumbini Museum and the World Peace Pagoda. Tilaurakot (ancient Kapilavastu), about an hour away, can be added as an optional extra.
Sunrise meditation in the Sacred Garden, breakfast, then the flight back to Kathmandu. In the evening, a farewell Nepali dinner with music and dance. Night at Hotel Barahi (Comfort) or Dwarika’s Hotel (Luxury).
Private transfer to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight.
Choose your comfort
| Comfort tier | Lodging | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Hotel Barahi in Kathmandu (4 nights), Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort in Dhulikhel (1 night) and Buddha Maya Garden Hotel in Lumbini (2 nights), all with breakfast. | From US$1,370 |
| Luxury | Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu (4 nights), Dwarika’s Sanctuary in Dhulikhel (1 night) and Tiger Palace Resort near Bhairahawa (2 nights), all with breakfast. | From US$2,550 |
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car
- Flights Kathmandu–Bhairahawa–Kathmandu and airport taxes
- Private car in Kathmandu, Dhulikhel and Lumbini
- Seven nights in hotels at your chosen level, with breakfast
- Licensed guide in Kathmandu and a local licensed guide in Lumbini
- Entrance fees at Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, the Golden Temple and the Lumbini Development Zone
- Evening butter-lamp offering at Boudhanath
- Farewell dinner with a cultural show in Kathmandu
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Lunches and other dinners, drinks
- Monastery donations and the optional trip to Tilaurakot
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guides and driver, and personal expenses
Dates & departures
October to April is the most pleasant time; Lumbini is very hot from May to September and can be foggy in December and January, which may delay flights. Buddha Jayanti, the Buddha’s birthday, falls on the full moon of April or May and brings large crowds of pilgrims — ask us for the date. The price shown is for the Comfort level, per person, for two guests travelling together and sharing a room. Ask us for solo or larger-group prices.
Questions, answered
Do we need to be Buddhist to join?
No. The trip suits anyone interested in Buddhism, history or quiet places. Your guide explains what you see and how to behave respectfully, and you take part in offerings and meditation only if you wish.
Can we meet monks or join a teaching?
Often, yes. Kopan Monastery runs teachings and courses, and a guided meditation or talk with a monk can be arranged on some days for an extra fee. Ask us when you book.
What should we wear?
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Shoes come off inside temples and monasteries, so slip-on shoes help. Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
How hot is Lumbini?
Lumbini lies on the plains near the Indian border. From November to February days are mild and mornings can be foggy and cool; from April to September it is very hot. We plan the long walks for early morning and late afternoon.
Is the Lumbini Museum open?
Opening days and hours change, and parts of the zone close on some public holidays. Your guide checks the day before and adjusts the plan.
Is the price per person?
Yes. The price shown is per person for two guests travelling together and sharing a room. Tell us your group size and dates and we will send an exact quote.
Buddhism Luxury Tour: Kathmandu, Namobuddha and Lumbini: the complete guide
The route at a glance
Kathmandu (Kopan, Shechen, Boudhanath, Patan, Swayambhunath) → Namobuddha → Dhulikhel → Kathmandu → Bhairahawa (flight) → Lumbini (two days) → Kathmandu (flight).
Etiquette at sacred places
Walk clockwise around stupas, chortens and prayer wheels. Remove shoes and hats where asked, keep your voice low, do not point your feet at altars or monks, and ask before taking photos of people or inside shrines.
Offerings and donations
Butter lamps at Boudhanath are included. Small donations at monasteries are welcome but never required; your guide can suggest suitable amounts.
Weather
Kathmandu and Dhulikhel are mild most of the year, with cool winter evenings. Lumbini is warm in winter and very hot from April to September, so bring a hat, sun cream and light, covering clothes.
Getting around in Lumbini
The Sacred Garden and the monastic zone cover a large area. You use your private car between the main sites; walking inside each area is easy and flat.
Enquire about this journey
Share a few details for a private, tailor-made proposal.
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