12-Day Monastery and Mild Hiking Tour in Nepal with Hemja Stay

12 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a 12-day Nepal journey that blends Kathmandu's cultural monuments, a monastery stay in Hemja, and mild hikes through scenic hill towns and villages. V...

Duration: 12 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Panauti · Languages: English, German, Mandarin, Spanish

About Panauti

Nepal

Panauti

Explore the list of top ranked local tour guides in Panauti. Get tour activities offered by tour companies and independent travel guides in Panauti.

Explore Panauti Nepal All destinations

What's Included

Admission to attractions
English / German-speaking guide
Guided tour inside the attraction
Professional guide
Breakfast throughout the trip
Round-trip transfers
4-night accommodation at Hotel Tibet or similar on B/B in Kathmandu
1-night accommodation at Bandipur Village Inn or similar on B/B in Bandipur
2-night accommodation at Pema Tsal Guest House on entire board in Hemja
1-night accommodation at Hotel White Pearl or similar on B/B in Pokhara
1-night accommodation at Gorkha Garden Hotel or similar on B/B in Gorkha
1-night accommodation at Aagantuk Resort or similar on B/B in Dhulikhel
1-night accommodation at Balthali Mountain Resort or similar on B/B in Balthali

Not Included

Travelers Insurance
Tips and gratuities
Lunch and dinner, except during the days at the monastery in Hemja
Expenses not mentioned in the inclusions

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Thamel Walk

Welcome to Nepal! You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, go for a short walk on Thamel street. Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar in Kathmandu. Meals: Welcome Dinner
2

Day 02

Sacred Valley Monuments of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur

Today, we visit three of the most sacred monuments in the Valley: Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath, one of the holiest temples of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, has a golden roof and silver doors and is built in pagoda style. The temple stands in the middle of a green forest, and the Bagmati River, on whose bank Hindus are cremated, flows beside it. People other than Hindus cannot enter the temple's central courtyard, but it can be viewed from the river's eastern bank. There is an Arati pooja in Pashupati, which starts around 6 pm. The priests perform the Aarati by moving oil lamps in a circular motion and dedicating their act to the Divine. Devotees sing bhajan, or songs with religious themes, during the Aarati. Boudhanath: Boudhanath Stupa not only takes you on a journey to one of the world's most prominent and ancient stupas and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, but also exposes you to the Tibetan communities within Nepal. Along with monasteries and devotees chanting religious hymns and playing prayer wheels, you will also get close to the young boys and girls devoted to becoming Buddhist monks, giving you a different perspective on life. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This durbar square will mesmerize you with the beauty of its different temples and palaces. You will not only be able to see the spectacular view of 15th-century architecture, but also become acquainted with the palaces and courtyards of ancient times. The Golden Gate, the wooden palace studded with 55 windows, Batsala Temple, Shiva Temple, and the National Art Gallery are the major attractions of this square. Moreover, you might not want to miss the five-storied Nyatapola Temple, built in the 17th century. Adding to its structure are pairs of two wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two gryphons, and a goddess's tigress and lioness on each storey, making it the tallest pagoda-style temple and exhibiting the immense creativity and craftsmanship of Nepalis in those centuries. Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast
3

Day 03

Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur

Bandipur: After breakfast, drive to Bandipur. The scenic drive lasts nearly 5 hours through beautiful riverbanks and gorges. After reaching Bandipur, rest at the hotel or stroll around beautiful Bandipur town and the local market. Bandipur is an old Newari settlement located at a hill station near the Prithvi Highway. The old town has preserved and maintained its cultural look and beauty. We will explore the town on foot because vehicles are prohibited in order to maintain its beauty. Bandipur also offers lovely mountain views if the weather permits. Accommodation: Bandipur Village Inn or similar on B/B in Bandipur Meals: Breakfast
4

Day 04

Drive to Hemja and Monastery Stay

Hemja: After breakfast, we drive from Bandipur to Hemja, a journey of about 2 and a half hours. Lunch en route. Check in at the monastery in Hemja, then rest and refresh before dinner with the monks and an overnight stay at the Monastery Guest House in Hemja. Accommodation: Pema Tsal Guest House on the entire board in Hemja Meals: Breakfast/Dinner/Lunch
5

Day 05

Monastery Activities, Meditation and Dharma Debate in Hemja

Hemja: Today, we perform the following activities in the monastery:Puja participationBreakfastMeditationMonastery visitFree time in the monastery or a short hike around Hemja VillageDharma DebateDinner in the Guest HouseOvernight at Monastery Guest House in Hemja Puja participation Breakfast Meditation Monastery visit Free time in the monastery or a short hike around Hemja Village Dharma Debate Dinner in the Guest House Overnight at Monastery Guest House in Hemja Accommodation: Pema Tsal Guest House on the entire board in Hemja Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
6

Day 06

Phumdi Hike to the World Peace Stupa and Onward to Pokhara

World Peace Stupa: After breakfast, we drive from Hemja to Phumdi. Then we hike to the Peace Stupa, which takes about 3 hours. The hike offers insight into rural life and views of the mountains if the weather permits. Upon reaching the Peace Stupa, we will witness this stunning monument symbolising peace and Buddhism. The Peace Stupa is located on a hilltop and provides a splendid view of Pokhara City. O/N at Pokhara. Accommodation: Hotel White Pearl or similar on B/B in Pokhara Meals: Breakfast
7

Day 07

Drive to Gorkha and Visit Gorkha Palace

Gorkha Museum: After breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to Gorkha, which is about a 4-5 hour drive. Upon reaching Gorkha and checking in to the hotel, we freshen up and visit Gorkha Palace. Gorkha Durbar, also known as Gorkha Palace, is a historic palace in Gorkha. The palace was built in the 17th century by King Ram Shah of the Shah dynasty and was the seat of power for the Kingdom of Gorkha until the mid-19th century. The durbar, meaning palace, is situated on the top of the hill and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is considered a symbol of Nepali culture and history. Accommodation: Gorkha Garden Hotel or similar on B/B in Gorkha Meals: Breakfast
8

Day 08

Return to Kathmandu with Free Evening

After breakfast, we drive from Gorkha to Kathmandu, which is approximately 7 hours. Free time in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar on B/B in Kathmandu Meals: Breakfast
9

Day 09

Drive to Dhulikhel and Hike to Kali Temple

Dhulikhel: Wake-up call at 0700 hrs, breakfast from 0730 hrs to 0800 hrs, and we start driving at 0900 hrs toward Dhulikhel (27 km - 1 hour drive). Check in to the hotel in Dhulikhel. Start hiking in Dhulikhel around 1100 hrs to Kali Temple and the surrounding area. The hike will take around 2 hours to reach the Kali Temple and the surrounding village. We will see the magnificent hilly landscape and mountain views and visit the local villages. We will return to the hotel or enjoy lunch in a nice restaurant. Return to the hotel, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the hotel itself. Free time at the hotel for the rest of the day. Accommodation: Aagantuk Resort or similar on B/B in Dhulikhel Meals: Breakfast
10

Day 10

Namobuddha Monastery Visit and Hike Down to Balthali

Namobuddha: Today, after breakfast, we will drive for two and a half hours to reach the Tibetan pilgrimage site of Namobuddha (1,750 m). Here, the guests are welcomed by monks in one of the oldest monasteries. We then explore the monastery, beautiful mandalas, and frescoes and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. The monks will explain the history of Buddhism, and our guides will translate. We then hike down along easily accessible paths to our overnight stay in Balthali (1,780 m). We pass small villages, see farmers in their fields, and cannot help but notice the mountains in the distance. We reach our accommodation in the early afternoon. Our guide will give you tips for a late lunch. Enjoy the fantastic view of the village from our accommodation - everyday life seems far away. Accommodation: Balthali Mountain Resort or similar on B/B in Balthali. Meals: Breakfast
11

Day 11

Easy Hike to Khopasi, Panauti Sightseeing and Return to Kathmandu

Panauti: Breakfast is served around 7:30 am. After breakfast, we start our hike for 1 hour and 10 minutes from Balthali to Khopasi. It is an easy hike. We then drive to Panauti for 10 minutes and go sightseeing in Panauti, an old city where we can see the traditional local lifestyle of the Newari community. In the afternoon, we are free to do some last-minute shopping. Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar on B/B in Kathmandu Meals: Breakfast
12

Day 12

Departure from Kathmandu

Today, through TIA, you will say goodbye to beautiful Nepal. Our representative will transfer you to the airport 3 hours before your departure. Please have a safe journey, and we hope to see you again. Meals: Breakfast

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), International Terminal, Kathmandu, Nepal · Tour start: Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.