The Hindu Pilgrimage Tour is one of the popular tour packages in Nepal. This tour takes you to various ancient and famous landmarks dedicated to several Hindu deities. On this tour, you will visit these landmarks and gain insights into the rich history, culture, traditions, and legends. This 11-day tour package takes you throughout the country learning about this ancient culture.
The Hindu Pilgrimage Tour starts with a tour of Kathmandu Valley to the various pilgrimage sites. First, you will start by exploring the Pashupatinath, a temple complex on the western bank of the holy Bagmati river dedicated to Shiva which is regarded as the most sacred Hindu temple. Next head towards Budanilkhanta Temple, an open-air temple dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu. The temple is located on the foothills of Shivapuri hill. From here you will be heading towards the southern part outside the valley to Dakshin Kali a “Shakti Peetha”, a place of eternal power. Later head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square. An epicenter of the culture and lifestyle of Kathmandu.
The next day you will be going towards Pokhara. On route, you will be heading to Manakamana temple, dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati. The temple is nestled at Kafaldada Hill which sits at the confluence between the mighty Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. You will be heading on a cable car towards the temple. After exploring the temple head towards Pokhara.
At Pokhara, you will be visiting various temples. First head towards Tal Barahi temple which is located on an island on the southeast section of Phewa Lake dedicated to the deity Durga. Next head towards Bindhyabasini Temple which is the oldest in Pokhara, the temple is devoted to Bhagawati who is the incarnation of Kali. Afterward head towards Gupteshwar Mahadev, a cave of Shiva.
The next day proceeds to the domestic airport and catches a flight to Jomsom. Upon landing at Jomsom start your short trek to Muktinath. The following day visit Muktinath temple dedicated to Vishnu regarded as Shakti Peetha. After visiting the temple head back to Jomsom.
Form Jomsom catch an early morning flight to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara head towards Janakpur. In an ancient city, Janakpur visits the Ram Janaki mandir and discovers a unique style of architectural wonder. The next day head on a long drive to Kathmandu.
The Hindu Pilgrimage Tour is a specially made tour package to cover all the powerful Hindu pilgrimage destinations. Be a part of this tour with Overland Trek Nepal.
Once you arrive at Kathmandu a representative from Overland Trek Nepal will greet you and assist you with your accommodation. Once you checked in rest for a while. Later on, head out to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening attend a welcome dinner program.
Maximum Altitude: 1400 m
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Three-star Level Hotel
After breakfast the full day of sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. First head towards Pashupatinath, a temple complex located on the western bank of the holy Bagmati river dedicated to Shiva. Of all the holy shrines located in South Asia, the Pasupathi is regarded as the most sacred Hindu temple. The temple complex consists of various artifacts and temples and is visited by devotees, pilgrims, saints, and yogis. Explore the holy shrine and learn about its history, culture, and legends.
Pashupatinath Temple
Next head towards Budanilkhanta Temple, an open-air temple dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu. The temple is located on the foothills of Shivapuri hill on the northern end part of Kathmandu Valley. Here witness the grand 5 meters idol of Mahavishnu, which according to legend was found by a farmer while plowing the field. After exploring Budanilkhanta Temple head towards Dakshin Kali temple.
Daskshinkali Temple
Dakshin Kali temple is located in the southern part of the valley. The temple is regarded as one of the most powerful, dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple is regarded as “Shakti Peetha” a place of eternal power. A large number of devotees, saints, and pilgrims flock to this area. Learn about the history and explore the temple.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
After exploring Dakshin Kali temple head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square. An epicenter of the culture and lifestyle of Kathmandu. The Durbar Square complex consists of various temples dedicated to several Hindu deities, which fall under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take a tour around all these holy shrines learning about the rich history of the region. After exploring Durbar Square head back towards your accommodation.
Maximum Altitude: 1400 m
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Three-star Level Hotel
Pokhara: Phewa Lake
Today after breakfast you will be heading towards Pokhara the city of lakes. On route visit the holy Manakamana temple. The temple is nestled at Kafaldada Hill which sits at the confluence between the mighty Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Manakamana temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati.
Manakamana Temple
Once you reach the settlement of Kurintar, you will be heading towards Manakamana on a cable car. The cable car rides over a distance of 2.8 kilometers which takes around 10 minutes. A short walk uphill will take you to the temple premises. After exploring the temple head back down and towards Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara head towards your accommodation and later stroll around the banks of Phew Lake.
Maximum Altitude: 800 m
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Three-star Level Hotel
Tal Barahi Temple
After breakfast head towards the Phewa lake. A short boat ride will take you to Tal Barahi temple which is located on an island on the southeast section of Phewa Lake. The temple is dedicated to the deity Durga, known as the protector of the gods. After exploring Tal Barahi head toward Bindhyabasini Temple
Bindhyabasini Temple
Bindhyabasini Temple is the oldest in Pokhara, situated on a small hill in the Northeast. The temple is dedicated to Bindhyabasini, a Bhagawati who is the incarnation of Kali. Learn about the rich history of the temple and observe the devotes, and saints conducting their daily worship.
Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave
Next head towards a powerful Shiva cave, the Gupteshwar Mahadev. The cave runs deep and has a temple in the mid-section Following the cave to its end will lead you directly below the rapid waterfall of the Devis Falls. After the tour head towards your accommodation and rest.
Maximum Altitude: 800 m
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Three-star Level Hotel
Today catch an early flight to Jomsom. The flight takes you to parallel the snowcapped mountains and rolling hills of central Nepal. Once you reach Jomsom airstrip after a brief rest head towards Muktinath.
The trek is short, and you will be traversing the banks of the Kali Gandaki River in the arid Himalayan landscape. Once you reach Muktinath head towards your accommodation and rest.
Maximum Altitude: 3,710 m
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Muktinath Temple
The Muktinath temple is dedicated to the Vishnu temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and regarded as Shakti Peetha. It is one of the highest place temples in the world nestled at an elevation of 3,800 meters and is one of the eight most sacred shrines. The temple complex consists of the central shrine of Sri Muktinath, 108 bull faces stone water taps, and two pools. It is believed that taking a dip in the freezing waters of the pond will clear all your sins and assist you in nirvana. After exploring the temple complex, bask in the views of the Himalayan land. Later head on a downhill track retracing your steps back to Jomsom.
Maximum Altitude: 3,710 m
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Janaki Temple
After breakfast, catch a flight to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara your transportation will be waiting. Head towards Janakpur, an ancient city located on the southern plains of Nepal. The drive takes to past central hills and the lower Terai plains. Upon reaching Janakpur head towards your accommodation and rest.
Maximum Altitude: 74 m
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge, Hotel
Ram Janaki Temple
Today you will be heading on a full day of sightseeing in Janakpur. First head towards Ram Janaki mandir a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. The temple complex is covered with architectural wonder. The temple is a mixture of Nepali and Mughal architecture, and a unique design.
Thousands of pilgrims from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and other countries visit this temple and during the festivals of Ram Navami, Vivaha Panchami, Dashain, and Tihar a large number of pilgrims come here. Learn about the rich history, culture, and tradition of the region.
Maximum Altitude: 74 m
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge, Hotel
After breakfast head on a long drive towards the Kathmandu valley. The drive takes you past various bustling and isolated settlements along the way. Upon reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation and rest. Later take a stroll around Thamel a touristic hub.
Maximum Altitude: 1400 m
Meals: Breakfast , Lunch
Accommodation: Three-Star Level Hotel
Kathmandu: Thamel
Today you will have a free day, you can either go on a guided tour or stroll on your own. Go for souvenir shopping and to various attractions around the valley. In the evening attend a special dinner program to mark the end of your successful tour.
Maximum Altitude: 1400 m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Three-Star Level Hotel
Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA)
After breakfast head towards the international airport. A representative from Overland Trek Nepal will drop you at the airport 3 hours before your flight.
The best time for the Hindu Pilgrimage Tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is generally mild with clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, which may affect travel plans and road conditions. Winter (December to February) can be cold, especially in higher altitudes like Muktinath.
Traditional Nepali meals are readily available throughout the pilgrimage route, with options ranging from dal bhat (rice and lentils) to vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Bottled water is widely available and safe to drink, but it’s advisable to carry water purification tablets or a filtered water bottle for refills, especially in remote areas like Muktinath.
Road conditions in Nepal vary from well-maintained highways to rough and narrow roads, especially in rural areas. Land transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara and onward to Muktinath may involve traveling on winding mountain roads. Hiring a reliable vehicle and driver is recommended to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Accommodation options in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Muktinath, and Janakpur range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations catering to different budgets and preferences. In Muktinath and Janakpur, accommodations may be more basic but still offer comfortable amenities for pilgrims.
Flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and onward to Jomsom provide a convenient and time-saving option for travelers on the Hindu Pilgrimage Tour. These flights offer stunning aerial views of the Himalayas and the Annapurna region. It’s advisable to book flights in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nepal is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, remove shoes before entering temples and monasteries, and refrain from pointing with your feet. Engage with locals respectfully, learn about their culture and traditions, and seek permission before taking photographs, especially of people.
Most visitors to Nepal require a tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or land borders. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation is recommended for all travelers, especially those embarking on a pilgrimage tour.
Some tourist attractions along the Hindu Pilgrimage Tour route may have entrance fees, which vary depending on the site. For example, entry to sacred temples like Pashupatinath in Kathmandu or the Muktinath Temple may require a nominal fee. It’s advisable to budget for these entrance fees in advance.
Explore the Hindu heritage and historical significance of pilgrimage sites such as the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, the Bindhyabasini Temple in Pokhara, the Muktinath Temple in Mustang, and the Janaki Mandir in Janakpur. Learn about the religious rituals, legends, and cultural practices associated with these sacred sites from knowledgeable guides or local priests.
Essential items to pack for the Hindu Pilgrimage Tour include comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing suitable for varying temperatures, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, a reusable water bottle, insect repellent, a camera for capturing memorable moments, and a respectful attitude towards Hindu customs and traditions.
Prepare for your Hindu Pilgrimage Tour with Overland Trek Nepal with careful planning and consideration for local customs, ensuring a spiritually enriching and culturally immersive experience in Nepal.
