This Nepal Hindu Pilgrimage Tour is great for finding out more about the cultures of Nepal.
Nepal is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and sacred pilgrimage sites. The country is home to well-preserved temples, monasteries, and historical monuments. Stepping into Nepal means entering a land of legends and mythology, with thousands of Hindu pilgrimage sites scattered across the country. Nepal is also blessed with stunning natural landscapes, including the majestic Himalayas, hills, and valleys.
The mountains are a major attraction, drawing pilgrims from Southern Asia and Tibet. Hindu holy men, easily identifiable by their attire, can be seen during significant occasions like Shiva Raatri, which attracts pilgrims from the Kathmandu valley. Pilgrimage sites such as Gosainkunda, Dudh Pokhari, Panch Pokhari, Muktinath, and other high mountain shrines are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Janakpur, located in Nepal’s Terai region, is one of the oldest and most significant religious cities. It is the birthplace of Sita, the divine wife of Ram from the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to legend, King Janak discovered Sita in a field while plowing. The city is home to sacred sites such as the Janaki Temple, Dhanush Sagar, and Ram Sagar, holy ponds associated with the epic.
During Bibaha Panchami, a festival reenacting the wedding of Ram and Sita, pilgrims from all over visit Janakpur. Legend has it that Ram broke Shiva’s bow during the wedding, a piece of which fell at Dhanusha Dham. Janakpur is easily accessible via a direct flight from Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Journey Junction and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can either rest or explore the city, depending on your preferences. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepalese cultural dinner. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s key pilgrimage sites. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Budhanilkhanta Temple, Dakshin Kali, and Hanuman Dhoka. Dakshinkali Temple is famous for its religious significance dedicated to Goddess Kali. Overnight at hotel.
In the morning, drive from Kathmandu to Kurintar (100 km) and take a cable car to Manakamana Temple. After visiting the temple, enjoy scenic views of the valley before continuing your drive to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour in Pokhara. Visit Tal Barahi, located in the middle of Phewa Lake, Bindabashini Temple, Gupteswar Mahadev Cave, and enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna Range from Sarangkot. You can also explore lakes like Phewa Lake and Begnas Lake. Overnight at hotel.
In the morning, fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (25-minute flight). After arriving in Jomsom, drive to Muktinath (1.5 to 2 hours by jeep). Explore the holy site, including the Muktinath Temple and surrounding areas. Enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and Trans-Himalayan landscape. Overnight at hotel in Muktinath.
In the early morning, visit the sacred Muktinath Temple. The site is significant to both Hindus and Buddhists and offers a tranquil setting with spectacular views. Afterward, drive back to Jomsom, passing through the beautiful landscape of Kagbeni. Overnight at Jomsom.
In the morning, fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. After a brief rest, drive from Pokhara to Janakpur (377 km, approximately 5-6 hours). Overnight at hotel in Janakpur.
After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. Visit the famous Janaki Mandir, Ram Sita Bibaha Mandir, and Ram Mandir. Learn about the rich Mithila culture and explore the town’s narrow streets and sacred ponds. Overnight at hotel in Janakpur.
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu from Janakpur (approximately 5-6 hours). Spend the rest of the day relaxing, shopping, or visiting any sights you may have missed earlier. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the international airport for your departure flight. A representative from Journey Junction will assist with your transfer, 3 hours before the scheduled flight.
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Journey Junction. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
