A Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal is not just for Buddhist followers but also those seeking peace and a true meaning of life. Check out the Top 9 places for your Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal.

Nepal is the land of Buddha. Buddhism is woven into the very fabric of Nepali society, shaping their culture and lifestyle. The catalyst for this influence is some hubs with huge religious and cultural significance. These Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal are the epicenters that promote peace and harmony in Nepali society. A Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal around these sites gives visitors a sense of calmness and rejuvenation of their soul. Here is a list of the top 9 places everyone should visit on their Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal.

Top 9 Places for Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal

1. Lumbini

Lumbini is known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The sheer fact that the childhood and youth of the founder of Buddhism are observable from every corner of this place gives you the reason why one can not miss this place during a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.

Devotees and travelers can visit various places in Lumbini. One of the locations is Maya Devi Temple. The ancient temple was built during the period of Emperor Ashoka around 250 BC. A legend surrounding the temple says that Queen Mayadevi (mother of Lord Buddha) was on her way to her father’s kingdom but went into labor near a pond, where the temple stands today. The story of Lord Buddha’s birth is inscribed on the Ashoka Pillar, another ancient site to visit during a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.

Other notable places in Lumbini include World Peace Pagoda, Devdaha, Kudan Stupa, and Nyigrodharama.

2. Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa is a perfect place to show your faith and devotion to Buddhism while enjoying the stunning views of Kathmandu Valley from the hilltop.

One of the oldest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, Swayambhunath Stupa, has deep roots among the locals of Kathmandu Valley. It is believed that the valley was once a lake, and a lotus grew on it, which took the form of Swayambhu. To see this divine miracle, Manjushri visited the valley, cut a gorge at Chovar to drain the water out of the lake, and made the valley habitable for settlement. The story captivates people from every region and faith and pulls them to the stupa during their Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.

The Swayambhunath Stupa Complex tells the stories of various kings, their achievements, and their contributions. It also shows the scars of great calamities and the perseverance to overcome the suffering.

3. Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is shrouded in countless myths and legends. An important location for locals and Tibetan Buddhists alike, the place has several origin stories, each giving it many names.

According to local Newar Buddhist myths, one of the sons of King Vikramaditya built the original stupa. There was once a great drought in the valley, and the king consulted his astrologers, who suggested a human sacrifice with exceptional qualities. Since only the king and his sons were suitable candidates, the king decided to sacrifice himself. To honor the king, the prince cast off a chicken and built a stupa where it landed. Tibetan Buddhist mythology, however, claims an old woman and her four sons built the stupa, which also contains a tomb of Kasspa Buddha.

Several other stories related to Boudhanth Stupa are popular among people in surrounding areas. But the stupa itself has become a symbol of peace and harmony between people, despite their differences, and should be on the list of every Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.

4. Muktinath

Muktinath is another great Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. The place is popular among several kinds of people, from devotees to hikers and historians to adventurers. On their Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal, millions of people travel to witness the rich history and supernatural spectacles of Muktinath.

Revered as the temple of the deity Avalokiteshvara, Buddhist devotees call it Chumig Gyatsa, or “Hundred Waters.”. The temple is believed to be one of the 24 Tantric places and holds an idol, which is a manifestation of Avalokitesvara, the most compassionate form of Lord Buddha. Muktinath is mentioned in many Hindu and Buddhist scriptures as one of the most sacred places. The temple area has several mystical events, histories of conquest, and a rich cultural exchange.

The vibrant but soothing architecture of Muktinath is one of its main highlights. Also, the calming environment, even among the hustles of devotees, gives Muktinath a spot on a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.

5. Namo Buddha

Namo Buddha is famous for the Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal, especially among Tibetan Buddhists. The place is also commonly known as Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery and is believed to have the tombs of Prince Mahasatwo or Gautam Buddha, who sacrificed himself to feed a starving tigress in a previous life.

Aside from the Buddhist devotees, the Namo Buddha area is also popular in the hiking communities. The high ground of Namo Buddha provides a peaceful and serene location with a picturesque view of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas in the background. The monastery is home to more than 250 monks who learn the teachings of Lord Buddha.

The monastery is open to all. The hike is relatively easy and takes about an hour. The area around the stupa is adorned with colorful prayer flags, and visitors can observe monks praying and meditating under them.

6. Ramagrama stupa

Ramagrama stupa is believed to be the sole remaining stupa containing relics of Lord Buddha that have not been excavated. The followers of Buddhism consider the place a testament to the early Buddhist tradition and visit it during Buddhist pilgrimage tours in Nepal.

The entire area of Ramagrama Stupa holds historical and religious importance. The complex contains a large meadow surrounding the main stupa, with a green mound sanctuary inside the stupa for prayer and meditation. A unique bodhi tree, comprising four different intertwined species, crowns the stupa and is viewed as a fascinating symbol of unity.

A master plan is underway to create a comprehensive pilgrimage center with prayer halls, museums, and meditation spaces surrounding the stupa while adhering to eco-friendly principles and attracting more Buddhist pilgrimage tours in Nepal.

7. Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery serves as a center for practicing the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Established in 1970 by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Kopan Monastery is a perfect site for a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal and performs recreational activities, such as meditation and spiritual practices.

Kopan Monastery houses a vibrant community of over 360 monks, lamas, and staff. The monastery's core mission centers on helping everyone to develop their full potential for infinite wisdom and compassion. Kopan Monastery is situated on a hilltop behind the Boudhanth Stupa with breathtaking panoramic views. The staff does an excellent job of meticulously maintaining its gardens, vibrant flowers, trees, and sculptures.

The visitors of Kopan Monastery experience a serene environment as they walk into the monastery premises. The intricate paintings and prayer wheels inscribed with Buddhist mantras provide a divine yet calming sensation that attracts followers to Kopan Monastery for a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.

8. Shechen Monastery

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, a revered Nyingma lineage master, founded Shenchen Monastery in 1985. The monastery serves as a vital center for the preservation and transmission of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Shechen Monastery is known for its grand architecture, showcasing a magnificent temple with intricate carvings and statues of Buddhist deities. The monastery complex also houses one of the largest Tibetan libraries in Asia, with a huge collection of sacred texts, rare manuscripts, and woodblock prints. Students learn from these texts under the guidance of a monastic school operating within the monastery.

Shechen Monastery is not just a religious but also a cultural center, practicing a broad range of activities. Travelers during a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal, from all backgrounds, can visit Shechen Monastery to view annual events like sacred dance performances and ceremonies and embrace peace and harmony.

9. Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery is a key Sherpa Buddhist monastery popular for its location and the core mission of promoting balance and global harmony. Situated on a dramatic Himalayan setting of 3,867 meters, Tengboche Monastery is a perfect destination for adventurous activities, such as trekking, rock climbing, and hiking while on a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.

Tengboche Monastery holds the title of the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region. The architectural marvel of the vicinity features a three-story main structure with a symmetrical layout. The monastery contains several statues of Lord Buddha, Manjushri, and Maitreya, the Buddha of the future. The sanctum within the monastery holds the Kangyur, the ancient Buddhist scriptures translated into Tibetan. Tibetan Buddhist followers consider the entire region surrounding Tengboche Monastery to be a holy site to visit during Buddhist pilgrimage in Nepal.

Every year, Tengboche Monastery celebrates the festival of Mani Rimdu, when monks living in the monastery perform ritual masked dances and reenact Buddhist legends with Tibetan traditional music. Trekkers on their way to Everest Base Camp and devotees on a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal stop at Tengboche monastery to view this vibrant celebration under the colorful prayer flags and stunning mountain views.

Tips for Visiting Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal | Travel and Accommodation

Choose the right time: The best months for a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal are from March to May and September to November, with various festivals and celebrations.
Plan your itinerary: Create a realistic itinerary and travel plan for a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal, as the distance between various sites can differ.
Verify the accommodation type: Not all hotels and lodgings near religious sites offer the same type of accommodation. Check the services and reviews before booking.
Booking in advance: Hotel rooms are difficult to find during peak festive seasons. So, it is advisable to book hotels in advance.
Travel modes: Some sites are in remote areas with no direct roads or flights connecting them to highways and cities. Incorporate some walking and trekking into your Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.
Varying Region: Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal are located in both hot and humid Terai and cold and dry mountain regions. Pack clothing and personal care items accordingly.
Buddhist Norms: Familiarize yourself with the dress codes, local customs, and values of Buddhism and religious sites before going on a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.
Bring cash: Many local vendors and establishments in Nepal do not accept credit cards or digital payments. So, bring enough money for the trip.
Behave Modestly: Maintain silence and calmness at the pilgrimage sites during your Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.

Summary

The intertwined history and connection with Buddhism have given rise to several prime locations for the Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal. From Lumbini, the origin of Buddhism, to Ramagrama Stupa, the untouched relics of Lord Buddha, Nepal is home to different Buddhist religious sites. Each pilgrimage site in Nepal holds many mystical stories, and the number keeps growing every day.

The Buddhist monasteries and stupas in Nepal symbolize peace and harmony, and devotees embark on a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal to embrace these feelings. But aside from Buddhist devotees, there is an equal number of travelers and adventure seekers among the religious site’s visitors. The unique locations of all the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal provide excellent trekking and sightseeing opportunities with incredible scenery of either a lush forest full of diverse wildlife or a panoramic view of cities with picturesque mountain ranges.

If you are planning a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal, check out world-class services on hotel booking, flight ticketing, vehicle rental, and travel insurance. We also recommend you explore our various tour packages for different Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage tours in Nepal.