Buddha Path to Bliss

A warm welcome to Nepal! As you step off the plane at Tribhuvan International Airport, our friendly representative will be there, ready to greet you with a smile and whisk you away to your hotel. Settle in, take a deep breath, and let the gentle rhythm of Kathmandu begin to soothe away the weariness of your travels. Feel at home, and allow yourself to simply relax and recharge after your long journey. Overnight in Kathmandu, Nepali Ghar / Similar.

Today, alleviates jet lag with a 90-minute Shirodhara treatment, an ancient practice promoting tranquility. This includes a 45-minute head, foot, and shoulder massage, followed by the gentle flow of aromatic oils on your forehead. Deepen your serenity with a 60-minute singing bowl session, easing muscle tension, relieving pain, and restoring balance. This transformative experience blends ancient rituals with modern well-being. Overnight in Kathmandu, Nepali Ghar / Similar.

Begin with an early morning yoga and meditation session with our instructor. Then, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Patan Durbar Square, showcasing 16th-18th-century temple and palace architecture; and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), offering panoramic Kathmandu Valley views. In the evening, visit Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, a vast temple complex. Observe the evening aarati ceremony on the Bagmati River. Overnight in Kathmandu, Nepali Ghar / Similar.

Start with an early morning yoga and meditation session. Then, drive to Shesh Narayan Temple, nestled in Kathmandu's western hills. Explore the temple's intricate carvings and statues dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Continue to Vajrayogini Temple, a revered Buddhist shrine. Finally, visit Asura Cave, where a monk will share the legend of Guru Rinpoche's meditation. Hike to the cave for stunning landscape views. After a fulfilling day of spiritual exploration, settle into the peaceful town of Pharping for a restful overnight stay. Pharping is renowned for its significant Buddhist sites and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect place for reflection and relaxation after a day of discovery. Overnight in Pharping, Nyado Monastery Hotel.

A monk will guide a 90-minute meditation session and Buddhist philosophy teaching. This session will begin with gentle breathing exercises to calm the mind and prepare for deeper meditation. Participants will be guided through mindfulness practices, focusing on present moment awareness and cultivating inner peace. The monk will share insights into Buddhist philosophy, discussing concepts such as impermanence, interdependence, and the path to enlightenment. After breakfast, drive to Dhulikhel and hike to Namo Buddha Monastery, a tranquil Buddhist pilgrimage site. Enjoy the scenic hillside terraced farms and interact with monks. Relax amidst the pristine landscape. Overnight stay will be in Namobuddha, Vishuddhialaya Retreat Center.

Begin with a traditional Hatha yoga flow, preparing your body and mind for a day of cultural immersion. The journey continues towards Panauti, the oldest town in Nepal, where we will drive to a community homestay for a warm lunch prepared by our gracious hosts. This provides an invaluable opportunity to interact with local people, learn about their daily lives, and experience the authentic flavors of Nepali cuisine. Following lunch, we proceed to Bhaktapur, a city that feels like an open-air museum, brimming with medieval art, architecture, and local folklore. Enriched with ancient trade routes, temples, and courtyards, Bhaktapur offers a glimpse into Nepal's rich historical past. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk at Pottery Square, where handicrafts are still made using traditional methods passed down through generations. After exploring Bhaktapur’s historical wonders, we will drive back to Kathmandu and head to Bauddhanath for a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s cultural and culinary delights. Overnight stay in Hotel Dolmaling.

Begin your day with an invigorating early morning session of Hatha power yoga, pranayama, and meditation inside the Dolmaling monastery. This practice is designed to awaken your body and calm your mind, preparing you for the day's journey. The yoga session will focus on dynamic poses to build strength and flexibility, while pranayama breathing techniques will enhance your energy flow and promote inner peace. Meditation will guide you to a state of deep relaxation and mindfulness, setting a positive tone for the day. Following this rejuvenating morning ritual, we will embark on a 5-6 hour drive towards Bandipur, a charming Newari village nestled on a hilltop. Bandipur offers a delightful blend of rich cultural experiences, ancient history, exotic architecture, incredible panoramic views, breathtaking caves, and untouched natural landscapes. From Tundikhel, a scenic viewpoint, we can catch a glimpse of the majestic surrounding mountain range, including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal (weather permitting). In the evening, take the opportunity to chat with the friendly locals, immersing yourself in their way of life and gaining insights into their unique traditions. Overnight stay in Bandipur Hotel Old Inn.

After a morning Hatha yoga flow and pranayama session, enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Bandipur (1,030m). The old Newari town is at its best in the early hours, with locals opening up their shops, the smell of fresh tea drifting out of doorways, and soft morning light falling across the stone-paved bazaar. Take your time to wander, snap a few photos, and enjoy the quiet before the day gets going.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive to Pokhara (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours), winding down through green hills, terraced farmland and small roadside villages along the way. Pokhara is known for its tranquil lakes, sweeping Himalayan views, and relaxed, easygoing feel, and it’s a lovely change of pace after the hills.

On arrival, we check in at Hotel Heritage, our base in Pokhara town (approx. 820m). We’ll sit down for lunch together and then take a short rest to settle in and recharge.

In the afternoon, we head up to Sarangkot (approx. 1,600m) by cable car. The ride itself is a highlight, gliding up the hillside with Fewa Lake opening up below. From the top, Sarangkot offers panoramic views over the whole Pokhara Valley, the shimmering lake, and on a clear day, the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and the distinctive fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre to the north. We’ll spend some time exploring the ridge, soaking in the views and enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Later, we ride the cable car back down and return to Pokhara town, with the rest of the evening free to relax at the hotel or take a gentle stroll before dinner. Overnight stay at Hotel Heritage, Pokhara.

Rise before dawn for a short drive to the World Peace Pagoda, a white Buddhist stupa perched on a ridge high above Fewa Lake. With the city still quiet below us, we find a good spot and wait for the day to begin.

As the first light turns the sky gold and pink and catches the summits of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, we watch the mountains slowly come to life across the lake. It’s a peaceful, unhurried start to the day and one of the best views in Pokhara.

From the pagoda, we set off on foot for a gentle hike down 6.5kms. The trail winds through dense, shady forest, with birdsong all around and glimpses of the lake through the trees. Once we reach the bottom of the hill, we continue on an easy walk back into town and all the way to Hotel Heritage, taking in local life as Pokhara wakes up.

Back at the hotel, we sit down to a well-earned, hearty breakfast before setting out on a sightseeing tour of Pokhara. Our first stop is Gupteshwor Cave, an underground cavern known for its limestone formations and its sacred shrine to Lord Shiva. Just across the road is Devi’s Fall, where the water from Fewa Lake rushes into a narrow gorge and disappears underground, a striking display of nature’s power, especially after the monsoon.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to relax at the hotel, wander along Lakeside or enjoy dinner by the water. Overnight stay at Hotel Heritage, Pokhara.

We start the morning with a session of yoga, pranayama and meditation, a calm way to prepare the body and mind for the journey ahead and the spiritual side of the next few days. After breakfast, we say goodbye to Pokhara and set off on a long but scenic drive to Lumbini (approx. 6 to 7 hours, 150m), the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Along the way, the landscape slowly changes from green hills and river valleys to the flat, open plains of the Terai, with plenty of small towns and village life to watch from the window.

We arrive in Lumbini in the late afternoon, just as the light softens and the day starts to cool. After settling in, we head out for a relaxed stroll through the local market, a good chance to stretch the legs after the drive and get a feel for everyday life in this small, peaceful town. There’s a quiet, gentle energy here that’s hard to miss, and it sets the scene nicely for exploring the sacred sites tomorrow. Overnight stay at Hotel Buddhamaya Garden or similar, Lumbini.

In the serene dawn, a yoga and meditation session prepares us for the day. We then journey to the Mayadevi Temple, a place of profound significance, where we'll stand on the very ground where Lord Buddha was born. Following this, a peaceful walk through the temple's verdant gardens allows for quiet reflection and meditation, fostering inner tranquility. Our exploration continues with an e-rickshaw ride, meandering through a collection of monasteries, each built by different nations, allowing us to absorb the diverse interpretations of Buddha's timeless teachings. Overnight stay in Lumbini in hotel Buddhamaya Garden or similar.

We begin the day with a morning session of yoga, pranayama and meditation before sitting down to breakfast. Afterwards, we leave Lumbini and drive east to Chitwan (approx. 5 to 6 hours, 150m), following the lowland plains of the Terai past rice fields, small market towns and stretches of forest.

On arrival, we check in at Green Park Chitwan and take a little time to freshen up and relax. In the afternoon, we set out on our first jungle-side activity with a walk through a local Tharu village. The Tharu are one of the oldest communities in the Terai, and their mud-walled homes, painted designs and close ties to the forest give a real sense of how life has been lived here for generations. Our naturalist will walk with us and share stories about the village’s customs, traditions and way of life. We’ll also stop at the Tharu Cultural Museum, which offers a closer look at their history, tools, clothing and crafts.

In the evening, a local wildlife expert will give a short presentation on Chitwan National Park, covering the animals that live here, from rhinos and crocodiles to the elusive Bengal tiger, and what we can hope to see over the coming days. Overnight stay at Green Park Chitwan.

We start the morning with a Hatha yoga, pranayama and meditation session, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle waking up. Gentle poses help loosen and strengthen the body, mindful breathing brings a sense of calm and focus, and a short meditation lets us slow down and take in the natural world around us. It’s a grounding way to start a big day in the park.

After breakfast, we head out for a full day of jungle activities in Chitwan National Park. First up is a canoe ride in a traditional dugout boat along the Rapti River. As we drift quietly downstream, we’ll keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons and other water birds, as well as mugger crocodiles and the rare, long-snouted gharial sunning themselves on the banks.

Next, we climb aboard a jeep for a safari deeper into the park. Chitwan is home to a huge variety of plants and wildlife, and we have a good chance of spotting the one-horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, wild boar and the gaur, the world’s largest wild cattle. If luck is on our side, we might even catch a glimpse of the Royal Bengal tiger.

In the evening, we enjoy a performance of traditional Tharu dance. These lively, rhythmic dances have been passed down for generations and are usually performed during religious festivals to honour the gods. Overnight stay at Green Park Chitwan.

Early morning yoga, pranayama, and meditation. Drive 5-6 hours back to Kathmandu, where the vibrant energy of the capital awaits. Upon arrival, the afternoon is dedicated to a relaxing rest. This time is designed for personal reflection, allowing you to integrate the profound experiences of your journey and prepare for your departure. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you prefer a quiet meal at your hotel or a final stroll through the lively streets of Thamel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu Nepali Ghar or Similar.

A final, heartfelt farewell in the traditional Nepali style will be offered as we prepare to conclude your spiritual and rejuvenating journey through Nepal. Our representative will ensure a seamless departure, picking you up from your hotel three hours before your scheduled flight and providing a comfortable transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. We trust that your time in Nepal has been filled with profound experiences, enriching cultural encounters, and a deep sense of inner peace. We extend our warmest wishes for a safe and pleasant flight back home, carrying with you the cherished memories and renewed spirit gained during your time with us. May the tranquility and wisdom you've absorbed in Nepal continue to resonate in your life, guiding you towards lasting bliss.