Guru Rinpoche Vajrayana Circuit Tour - 24 days

Welcome to the capital city of Nepal. Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are Buddhist sites included in the World Heritage sites. Thousands of Buddhist devotees enjoy pilgrimage trips to these spiritual sites in Kathmandu. The eyes of Buddha prevail on earth and shine at the top of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupa. They always wish to see peace and prosperity on the planet. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a live museum, located at the center of Kathmandu, which has statues of Gods and Goddess, pagoda style temples, museum, and an abode of Lord Kumari. After sightseeing, drive back to the hotel and rest. 

It's a 220 km drive east from Kathmandu through the BP Highway. The road journey will be scenic and takes about nine hours to reach. Then, you can participate in the Aarati ceremony at the temple prayer at the monastery. Overnight at the resort. 

The Maratika cave is such a significant cave, where Mahasiddhi Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated with his consort, Lhacham Mandarava, after coming from India. It is such a sacred cave; where both received the blessings of immortality from Buddha Amitayus.  Exploring this sacred site is a different level of experience in terms of spirituality.  The vibe is something different from participating in meditation sessions in the caves, where precious master Guru Rinpoche meditated and attained immortality. Overnight at the resort. 

Good morning, Halesi Maratika Cave. Having breakfast at the hotel, drive back through the BP Highway to Bhakundebesi and drive towards Temal. Lunch will be before that as there are no nice restaurants on the way to Temal. The accommodation at Temal will be basic as well. Overnight at the hotel. 

Welcome to the Yarinak Cave, Temal. It is one of the most sacred caves of Guru Rinpoche. The cave is located on a jaw-dropping cliff, which is too thrilling but amazing. You will walk through the stairs to the cave, and it's safe as the way is fully fenced, and the prayer flags block the thrilling view, which makes the journey easy. The view of Temal and the hills look astonishing. Exploring the cave, drive back to Kathmandu via Namobuddha monastery. Namobuddha monastery is of Himalayan Buddhism Karma Kagyu tradition. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. 

Welcome on board. Today, we will explore the closest caves of Guru Rinpoche from Kathmandu. It takes only 30 minutes to reach there from Thamel, Kathmandu. There are two caves, Asura Cave and Yanglesho Cave, which are known as the Summer Cave and the Winter Cave. Guru Rinpoche was called there to get the locals free from a monster who was blocking the rainfall. He attained enlightenment and re-enlightenment in these caves. At the same time, you will visit Vajrayogini Temple on the premises. After the tour, drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel. 

It's about 2.5 hours drive to Chumik Changchup (one-way) via Chandragiri Road. You still need to walk 800 meters up and down the route. Chumik Changchup literally means the spring of enlightenment. Thousands of Buddhist devotees around the world visit this sacred place of Guru Rinpoche as part of their pilgrimage trip. The place is called Daman, and it is located in an isolated part, surrounded by dense woods. On a fine day, the Himalayan views (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Langtang range) can be seen amazingly from Daman. After a pilgrimage, drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel. 

From Kathmandu, drive to Pokhara after having breakfast at the hotel. Although it is only 200 km, it takes about eight hours to reach there due to the Highway condition. Then, transfer to the hotel and take a rest. Overnight at the hotel. 

Driving from Pokhara to Marpha is almost a splendid drive. But; it has a couple of hours of off-road experience too, which is quite thrilling. On the way, you will see amazing suspension bridges, waterfalls, a hot spring side, and jaw-dropping hilly cliffs. There is a checkpoint at Ghasa that welcomes you to Mustang. The road is smoother hereafter with a view of the widespread view of Kali Gandaki River. You will pass through Lete, Kalapani, Kobang, and Tukuche and reach Marpha. Marpha is a beautiful Himalayan settlement, which is surrounded by an apple orchard. The evening time is fantastic for walking inside the old town of Marpha Gully. Overnight at the hotel.

Driving from Marpha, the road is splendid, and the landscape is flat. The Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna III accompany you throughout the ride. In 15 minutes, you will reach the district center of Mustang- Jomsom. Crossing Jomsom, we will drive towards Dhumba Lake, which is a picturesque Lake at the bosom of Mt. Nilgiri. Then we drive to Muktinath and walk to the temple. Muktinath Temple is a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, which welcomes almost half a million devotees and travelers every year. Exploring this historical site, drive down to Kagbeni. We are at the border point of Upper Mustang. Overnight at the hotel. 

After having breakfast at the hotel, explore around the mystical town of Kagbeni and visit Kag Chode Gompa. Kagbeni is equally significant for  Hindu devotees around the globe to commemorate the dead members. Then, drive towards Upper Mustang. At Chhusang, we must check in at the police check post with a special entry permit. Then the beauty of Upper Mustang will be seen, which includes the sandy caves, jaw-dropping cliffs, semi-arid landscape, and isolated settlements. We pass Chaile, Samar, and reach Syangbochen. From Syangbochen, drive downhill towards the Chungsi Cave, a significant 8th Century Cave of Guru Rinpoche. Paying homage, we drive back to Syangbochen and drive further to Ghami. Ghami is a beautiful town beside a stream; and a warmer city in Upper Mustang. Overnight at the hotel. 

Good morning, Ghami. After having breakfast, we will visit Ghami Gompa, which is the spiritual epitome of the medieval time. Driving from Ghami, we take a left road towards Dhakmar, leaving the main highway. Dhakmar has some magic to show the red cliff, which is incredible scenery in this region. The mythology is connected to Guru Rinpoche and his slaying of a lady demon. It is believed that the cliffs changed into red with the blood of that lady demon. From Dhakmar, we drive further to Lo Gekar Monastery, which is an 8th-century built monastery. It is the oldest monastery in the world.  The spiritual vibe at this place is just incredible. Then we drive an hour further, and the 14th-century town of Lomanthang welcomes us. Welcome to the capital of Upper Mustang. Overnight at hotel. 

From Lomanthang, we will take a horse ride to Chodzong Cave Gompa, which is a full-day trip. The Gompa is located in an isolated valley, and the journey by horse is wonderful. Here, you will find the detailed info:

• Chöd is a Tibetan spiritual practice that involves chanting, visualization, and music to cut through obstacles to enlightenment: 
• Meaning: The word "chöd" literally means "to cut through" or "to sever". 
• Origin: Chöd originated in India and was developed in Tibet. 
• Practices: Chöd practices include:
• Offering the body: Practitioners visualize offering their bodies to various guests, such as Buddhas, dakinis, gods, and demons. 
• Cutting through obstacles: Chöd aims to cut through obstacles to enlightenment, such as self-cherishing thought and ignorance. 
• Tapping the power of fear: Practitioners may perform rituals in graveyards to tap the power of fear. 
• Linked to the Prajñāpāramitā: Chöd is based on the Prajñāpāramitā, or "Perfection of Wisdom" sutras, which expound the concept of emptiness in Buddhist philosophy. 
• Attributed to Machig Labdron: The Chöd practice is attributed to Machig Labdron, a great Tibetan yogini.

Lo Manthang was the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo from its founding in 1380 by Ame Pal who oversaw construction of the city wall and many of the still-standing structures. There are four major temples: Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa, the oldest, built in the early 15th century and also known as the "God house"; Thubchen Gompa, a huge, red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century and located just southwest of Jampa Gompa; Chodey Gompa, now the main city gompa; and the Choprang Gompa, which is popularly known as the "New Gompa.'"

After exploring Lomanthang, we will drive to Choser, which is a half-hour drive. More mysteries of caves and Gompas are there, including Sky Jhong Cave and a Monastic school. We will try to organize a cave-hotel at Choser for a remarkable experience. Overnight at the hotel. 

In the morning, we will explore around and see the impressive landscape. We will drive back to Tsarang via LomanthangOne we will reach Tsarang, we drive on the side road and it's one hour more to the famous cave monastery- Luri Gompa. 

Luri Gompa is a primary destination as it holds the history of Tibetan Buddhism. The caves are adorned with murals, depicting the life of Buddha, and his teachings. The surroundings of this cave are surrounded by the wonders of the fluttering Tibetan Buddhist mantra-scripted prayer flags, caves, and chhortens. The tour to Luri Gompa is truly a spiritual adventure to the blessed monastery that offers you a unique enlightenment

Astamangala as projected inside Luri Gompa

1. The parasol
2. The victory banner
3. the lotus
4. The endless or glorious knot
5. The wheel
6. The golden fishes
7. The right-turning conch shell
8. The treasure vase

After the tour, drive back to Tsarang and rest. Overnight at the hotel. 

In the morning, we will explore the Gompas in Tsarang. The “local monastery” is around 500 years old. The inner walls of the main temple are painted with murals depicting the deities of the Medicine Buddha mandala. Tsarang Village is famous for its traditional mud-brick houses, narrow alleys, and a majestic fortress-like structure called Tsarang Dzong, which stands as a testament to its rich heritage. Then we drive downhill via Ghami, Syangbochen, Samar, and Chaile. We check out from Chhusang and drive back via Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha, all the way to Tatopani. We can enjoy natural hot spring, which is believed to be a good cure for skin. Overnight at the hotel. 

Having breakfast at the hotel, we drive back to Pokhara, which is about 4 hours drive. We will drop you at the hotel and you can get refreshed. Walking in the evening around the Lakeside is amazing. Overnight at the hotel. 

Welcome to the Pokhara sightseeing tour. Gupteshor Cave, David Falls, International Mountaineering Museum, and Peace Stupa are the major attractions on this tour. Then, enjoy the afternoon with a wonderful boat ride on Phewa Lake. An evening walk around the Lakeside street is wonderful. Overnight at the hotel. 

Now, a wonderful retreat is on our way, we drive from Pokhara to Chitwan, which takes about 6 hours. Arriving at the hotel, you have lunch and the activities start after a short refreshment. You will take a village tour and enjoy the sunset view. The evening time is so precious to witness the remarkable Tharu dance. It is known as a stick dance. Overnight at the hotel. 

The day starts with a schedule in hand. The jungle safari activities include a jeep safari or elephant ride, bird watching, jungle walk, canoe ride, and a village tour. Lunch will be served at the hotel. You will get an opportunity to see some of the rarest mammals, including the one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, and crocodiles. Spend a good evening at the hotel. 

It is about 180 km drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You will not be bored after a couple of stops in between for lunch and coffee/tea. Then, transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. 

Nothing to do in a rush with a fixed plan. You can enjoy personal time for shopping, massage, or buying souvenirs for your dear ones. If you still would like to get a day program, you can let me know. We will meet for the culture dinner in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. 

It's a departure day. Our representative drops you off at the international airport. It's not a farewell, it's see you again time.