Hindu Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal

This Hindu Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal offers the most spiritual experiences in a short period. Our Hindu Pilgrimage tour is mostly an overland drive with brief flights while witnessing the snow-capped Mountains. This trip is best for those individuals and families seeking to explore the influence of the Hindu religion in Nepal within a short period of time.

Nepal is a country known for its rich religious and cultural heritage, particularly in Hinduism. There are several significant Hindu pilgrimage sites in Nepal that attract devotees from all over the world. This Hindu Pilgrimage tour in Nepal can be a spiritually enriching experience.

Our tour, takes you to visit holiest Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Budhanilkantha, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, respectively. Your trip makes way for an exciting cable car ride to Manakamana temple atop a hill. The tour progresses to Pokhara city for sightseeing around sites like Barahi and Bindabasini temples.

The scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, and the further drive north leads to Muktinath temple, believed that a visit to this temple can wash away sins and provide salvation. After flying back to Pokhara from Jomsom, a drive leads to Kathmandu to visit the revered Dakshinkali temple inside the valley before a final departure homeward.

Day 01 Arrival day in Nepal - Transfer to Hotel and tour Preparation
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meal Included: Welcome Dinner

Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu (Tribhuvan intl.) airport our airport representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel. At the evening, you'll transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 Sightseeing of Major Hindu temple in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meal Included: Breakfast

Today early morning you will be visiting the Pashupatinath temple, located to the northeast of the city. It is one of the most significant holy Hindu temples around the world. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The salient features of the pagoda-style temple are its gold-plated roof and the giant Bull statue bowing to the Shiva in the main temple. Although non-Hindu tourists cannot visit the main temple, they can witness it from afar and visit the different shrines in the temple's vicinity.

Following the visit to the Pashupatinath temple, you will be driven to the northern end of the valley under the Shivapuri hills to visit the Budhanilkantha temple. Budhanilkantha temple is open-air and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, whose status sits reclined on the floor in the state of sound sleep. The statue is still regarded to be the biggest stone carving in Nepal. Hundreds of pilgrims show up in the festival of Haribodhani Ekadashi, which signifies the awakening of Lord Vishu from his long sleep.

Later in the afternoon, we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square upon your return. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is full with temple, unique architectures and the living goddess Kumari in central Kathmandu. Overnight.

Day 03 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Visit Manakamana Temple
Altitude: 825m/2706ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Meal Included: Breakfast

Today after breakfast, you will be heading to one of Nepal's most renowned Hindu temples, Manakamana. After having breakfast, you will drive on the Prithvi Highway to the west. Passing by the Trishuli River on the side, you will eventually reach Kurintar. At Kurintar, there is a cable car station that connects the hills of Manakamana. It is a 15 -minute-long Cable Car ride which is interesting and wholesome.
The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Manakamana. As per the Nepali name, "Mana," which means heart, and "Kamana," which means wishes, it is believed that Goddess Manakamana grants wish to the devotees that come here and worship.

From this temple, you can observe the views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. Usually, the temple is filled with Hindu pilgrims and particularly crowded during auspicious occasions and festivals.

After puja and exploring shrines we will drive off further west along the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara, the 'city of lakes. As you reach Pokhara, you will witness the close-up views of Annapurna Massif and Mt. Machhapuchhre. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 04 Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom then drive to Muktinath Temple (3710m/12168ft) and back to Jomsom 
Altitude: 2710m/8890ft
Activities: 25 minutes flight and 2 to 3 hours’ drive
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This is an exciting day as you will be visiting further up northwest to Jomsom to witness the amazing Muktinath temple. You will be transferred to Pokhara airport early in the morning to fly to Jomsom airport. You will drive to Muktinath temple from the Jomsom, passing by the ancient villages. Muktinath temple is a holy pilgrimage for Hindu and Buddhist religions and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the outside courtyard of the temple, there are 108 bull-faced taps where devotees take holy bath. Also, there are two small sacred pools where devotees take a bath even in the freezing temperatures to rid themselves of sins. After the rituals and the prayers, you will drive back to Jomsom. Overnight stay in Jomsom.

Day 05 Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, Sightseeing in Pokhara 
Altitude: 825m/2706ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Meal Included: Breakfast

Early in the morning fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom. On the way, you will witness a birds-eye view of the green hills and the snow-capped mountains of Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks. After your arrival in Pokhara we will transfer you to the hotel in Pokhara. Afternoon we tour by boating on Phewa Lake and visiting the island temple of Tal Barahi. The two-storied pagoda temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is a Hindu holy place famous for marriages, puja, and other auspicious activities. From there, take a ride to the oldest temple in Pokhara, Bindabasini, which is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati. It is located atop a hill and was built in the 17th century by the ancient King of Kaski. Visit the many shrines of gods Vishu, Ganesh, Shiva, Saraswati, and more in the vicinity. From the hill, you can see breathtaking views of Pokhara city. If time permits, you can also explore the other tourist destinations in Pokhara, like Gupteshwor Cave, and the Davis Falls. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 06 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meal Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel we drive back to Kathmandu. After returning to Kathmandu and relaxing at your hotel, you can head out to stroll around in the streets of Thamel for souvenir shopping.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 07 Visit Dakshinkali Temple & Patan Durbar Square
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meal Included: Farewell Dinner

Today, you will be driving to visit a majestic Hindu temple, Dakshinkali. Located just about 25 km far from your hotel to Dakshinkali temple, a significant Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, the protector of children and devotees. On any auspicious day or festival, the temple is jam-packed with Devotees who offer their prayers and sacrifice animals to appease the goddess. The main idol of the goddess is situated inside the main temple.

In the afternoon, we will visit Patan Durbar Square on your way back to Kathmandu. The durbar square is located in the Newari town of Patan and was once the royal residence of the Malla Kings of Nepal. The palaces have now been turned into a museum with a different metal, wood, and artworks on display. You can stroll in the courtyards and check out other temples of Lord Krishna before heading back. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 08 Final departure from Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Meal Included: Breakfast

Today, our trip comes at the end. You will be transferred to the airport to your onward destination. Or, join us with another adventure or ask us for the assistance of the other additional activities you would be interested in.
“End of our services”

Cost Includes:

• Arrival & departure transfer
• Welcome & farewell dinner in Kathmandu
• 4 nights on twin sharing accommodation on Breakfast basis in Kathmandu 
• Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley and in Pokhara as per itinerary
• 1 night on twin sharing accommodation on Breakfast basis in Jomsom
• 2 nights on twin sharing accommodation on Breakfast basis in Pokhara     
• Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle (as per itinerary)
• Pokhara – Jomsom - Pokhara flight
• Services of an experienced English speaking local guide for sightseeing tours (as per itinerary)
• Applicable monument entrance fee (as per itinerary)
• All applicable taxes (subject to change)

Cost not Includes:

• Any personal nature expenses such as beverages, laundry, telephone call, etc.
• Any services/optional activities/meals not mentioned in the inclusions/itinerary
• Nepal visa fees
• Travel Insurance
• Any international airfare (unless specified in the inclusion)
• Tips and gratuities to staff and driver

Even for the most seasoned traveler, it's still important to be up to speed on Nepal before you arrive in the country. So here are few things to be considered: 

Best Season 
Nepal has five season temperate climate. Due to its location, landscape and power outages those seasons often dictate when the best time to visit.
Autumn: The peak tourist season is in the autumn between September to late November. This is just after the monsoon season so the air is dry and clear. This is perfect time for visiting Nepal if you are going trekking also.
Winter: December and January are cold winter months throughout Nepal. Though it doesn't snow in any of the main non-trekking cities in Nepal it does hit freezing.
Spring: February to April is Nepal's second busiest tourist season. The climate starts cold but in preceding months get increasingly warm. Flowers in the valleys begin to bloom and there's little rain. It does however get quite hazy so mountain views will be lessened.
Summer: May to June is the start of the pre-monsoon summer. It gets hot and humid with several showers on the hottest of days. Climate change has meant a lengthening of showers. 
Summer (monsoon): June to late August is when the monsoon rains hit Nepal. Climate change again mean that the monsoon may be earlier or later than this. Rain are heavier and there's a risk of flooding in places. The sky is heavy with cloud but it also means blooming flowers and lush green valleys.

Nepal Visa/Entry Requirement 
Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your return dates and two passport-size photo with a light background. Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa.

Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency
Note: You can obtained Nepal Visa at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.

Download visa form: www.nepalimmigration.gov.np

Money Matter
Always keep your encasement receipt while making foreign exchange payments or exchanging rupees from any foreign currency. You might need the receipt to exchange the money left over from your trip before you leave. Service providers such as hotels, travel agencies, and airlines accept foreign currency for payment of service provided. American Express, Master and Visa are widely accepted by the tourism service providers.  ATM machines are available in most of the cities but many local banks do not offer withdraw service to the foreign cards. You can contact some international banks such as Standard Chartered, Nabil Bank, SBI Bank and Everest Bank to withdraw money from ATM. 

Health Advice
No vaccinations are required. But it's wise to be inoculated against typhoid and hepatitis A. Depending on how long you plan to stay, you may also want to get vaccinations for rabies, meningitis and Japanese encephalitis. We recommends to carry mosquito repellents if you are visiting in summer can be wise or you can buy it in Kathmandu if you are travelling to the southern plain of Nepal. Consulting your doctor is a better idea.

People/Language/Time Difference/Currency
Nepal is a country of mixed settlements of various ethnic groups and castes. They welcome travelers with their best hospitality. Nepalese greet each other by saying "Namaste" joining both palms together meaning "I salute the divine in you". It is used both when people meet and depart. Nepali is the official language. Other Hindu dialects are spoken however English is widely spoken across the country.

The GMT of Nepal is +5:45 and currency used is Nepalese Rupees (NPR).

Tailor-Made Trip & Departure
Explore Culture with adventure covers Kathmandu, Pokhara with Muktinath activity. We have some fixed departures for this tour. However, we can tailor this trip to suite your specific requirement. You can either shorten this tour to meet your planning time or extend the journey to explore other places in Nepal. Advanced Adventures Nepal is there to assist you.

Group Size
Minimum group size would be two and maximum group size is twenty or more on request. We can also organize private trip to solo person with single supplement cost. Or join our estimated group departure dates available online or request us with your personal dates. We will open group date on the same date.

Guides/Trip/Safety
With Advanced Adventures Nepal, it is very essential that you are accompanied with very experienced and qualified tour guide for the safety and successful of the trip. Our guides are trained and licensed from Nepal Government and fluent in any language as per your need. Our guides are especially for the tour in which they have very well and depth of knowledge about history, culture, tradition and places as well. We assure you that your trip is at the right and in professional hands.

Accommodations 
For Kathmandu, we use three star hotel while in Pokhara three star hotels which are available for the overnight. Based on your requirement, we can arrange suitable budget hotels from standard, deluxe to luxury.

Meals 
All meals in hotels include only breakfast. Day of your arrival, there is welcome cultural dinner hosted in typical and authentic Nepali restaurant.

Transportation 
In every trip, we use our private transport based on your itinerary. We provide car for 1-3 person, jeep or tourist van for up to 10 persons. 

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory. You are required to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before travelling with us. Please ensure that you know exactly what you are covered for such as trip cancellation insurance, general medical expenses and hospitalization.

To Book
Once you choose which trip you would like to book, write to us with the information or call us on our number for the trip booking confirmation. In our online trip booking option, you may go on the link, choose your trip, date and follow the instruction with information required and submit to us. Each tour has an itinerary with everything that is included for that specific trip. Once your trip booking request is received, we would suggest you the final trip booking procedure with advance payment. Non-refundable deposit of 20% (per person) is required to confirm a place on your selected trip.
Please contact us with any concerns or questions.