We are known to the fact that Nepal is rich in cultural heritages and pilgrimages. The temples, monasteries and other historical monuments are well-preserved till date from the ancient times. When you step in Nepal, you now are in the lands of legends and mythology. Nepal is a home to thousands of pilgrimage sites related to Hinduism. Besides, the country is rich in natural resources and sceneries like belts and ranges of Himalayas, hills and valleys
The Mountain is a great attraction to Nepal, Pilgrims comes to Nepal from all over southern Asia, and as travel conditions allow, from Tibet. Hindu holy men stand out clearly by their attire. The occasion of Shiva Raatri is especially significant both to holy men and Indian lay pilgrims, who flock to the Kathmandu valley. Sometimes holy men may be encountered who are observing vows of silence; they sometimes go for as long as twelve years without speaking. Pilgrimages sites are common –a high “milk lake” (dudh pokhari or kunda), the confluence (Beni) of sacred rivers, or an especially prominent shrine or temple. Some of the most famous pilgrimage sites for Hindus are at Gosainkunda, Dudh Pokhari, Panch Pokhari, and Baahar Pokhari, Muktinath and several other high mountain shrines are sacred pilgrimage attractions to Hindus and Buddhists alike. Swayambhunath, for one-that are sacred to both religious groups. Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, on the outskirts of Kathmandu city, are especially sacred to Buddhists and Hindus, respectively. Pilgrims comes to Nepal from all over southern Asia, and as travel conditions allow, from Tibet. Hindu holy men stand out clearly by their attire (or relative lack of attire, as the case may be). The occasion of Shiva Raatri is especially significant both to holy men and Indian lay pilgrims, who flock to the Kathmandu valley. Sometimes holy men may be encountered who are observing vows of silence; they sometimes go for as long as twelve years without speaking.
Lay pilgrims are commonly seen throughout the year on popular routes to the high-mountain shrines or lakes. For example, there are many seasonal events that attract pilgrims to and from Muktinath shrine above Thak Khola. Many of them have planned for years to come to a certain Himalaya shaivite or Vaishnavite shrine (devoted to Shiva and Vishnu, respectively). Others seem to come on the spur of the moment: some to cleanse themselves from sin or bad luck; others, just for the pleasure of doing something different and unusual, or to see the country. For Hindus, water is an essential element at pilgrim shrines, and bathing is a central feature of the ritual observances. Sometimes Hindu and Buddhist shrines offer other attractions as well, such as natural gas fires, the presence of sacred fossils, hot springs, an ice cave, a sacred footprint or other holy mark or memory of the gods, or a rich mythology of sacred events that adds to the attractiveness of a place. Legendary accounts of sacred pilgrimage sites and events in the Himalaya are recorded in the ancient literature of Hinduism, some works dating back over 2000 years.
Janakpur is the most important religious and one of the oldest Historical cities lying at the central Terai in Nepal. Janakpur –the capital of the ancient state of Mithila kingdom is the birthplace of the Sita. Sita was a divine lady and wife of the legendary hero of Hindu epic Ramayana Ram also said as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the Hindu myth it is believed that the king of Mithila King Janak found a baby girl under the soil in field while he was plowing the field. The baby girl later on was known as the divine lady Sita also called the daughter of the Mother Earth. There are many religious sites like Janaki temple, which is a good example of the Mogul architecture, Dhanush sagar, Ram Sagar which are the holy pond. Janaki temple is also famous as “Naulakha temple” which means nine hundred thousand in Nepali. It got its name because it cost nine hundred thousand when Queen Brishbhanu Kunwari of Tikamgarh from central India built it in 1911.
Many pilgrims throughout the world visit the place to pay their homage to the Ram and Sita who are believed to be the incarnation of God and Goddess. During a festival of Bibaha Panchami celebrated on the occasion of the wedding ceremony of Ram and Sita the weeding is enacted throughout a week. Many people from India and different places of the country visit the temple on the occasion. According to the Hindu epic it is believed that Ram strings a bow which belonged to God Shiva and during the process he broke it into three pieces of which one fled away in heaven, the another piece entered deep into the earth and the third one fell on the place called Dhanusha Dham. Seeing all this father of Sita King Janak gave his daughters hand to the Brave prince of Ayodhya Ram. You can get a direct flight from Kathmandu to Janakpur
Glimpse of outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345m) airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Full-day Sightseeing Kathmandu Pilgrimage spots.(Pashupatinath Temple, Budhanilkhanta Temple Dakshin kali, Hanuman dhoka)
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Manakamana Visit Cable Car and drive to Pokhara.
Day 04: Full- day Sightseeing Pokhara Pilgrimage spots (Tal Barahi,Bindabashini Goddess temple visit with Gupteswar Mahadev Darshan)
Day 05: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and drive to Muktinath by Car/Jep.
Day 06: Early in Morning Sightseeing Muktinath Temple,and drive back to Jomsom.
Day 07: Fly back Jomsom to Pokhara and drive to Janakpur.
Day 08: Full-day Sightseeing in Janakpur.
Day 09: Drive back Janakpur to Kathmandu.
Day 10: Final Departure.
Note-I: Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Yala Adventure. 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.
Note-II: In some circumstances we could face problem of internal flights to/from Pokhara to Jomsom delayed by few hours or canceled for a day or more because of bad weather. Very rarely, but it could happen even in best trekking season also as you know how climate change is effecting our globe. Thus, we always recommend you to add supplement night/s in Kathmandu after your trek if possible (just for incase). If everything runs smoothly, you can enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting , wildlife activities, shopping, as you wish in those additional day.However, if you want heli rescue in the state of flight cancellation to/from Janakpur to Kathmandu or Jomsom to Pokhara -we can organize it.
Upon arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Yala Adventure at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the hotel. After check in, you can either take rest; hang around in the city as it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Overnight at hotel.
Today an early in the morning after having your breakfast,and Full day guided sightseeing of Hindu pilgrimage sites, visit Kathmandu Pilgrimage spots (Pashupatinath Temple, Budhanilkhanta Temple Dakshin kali, Hanuman dhoka), Dakshinkali Temple is one of the most famous and popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali, “The Black One”. Scowling and emaciated, with protruding tongue and red eyes, decked with a necklace of skulls, Kali is just another form of great goddess Durga. Kali is believed to be extremely powerful and accomplished. Overnight at hotel.
Today an early in the morning after having your breakfast and you will drive Kathmandu to 100km Kurintar and ride by 1.3km/10 minutes Cable car Mankamana Temple. Manakamana temple lies 12 Km south of historic town Gorkha and located on a prominent ridge (1302 mt. above sea level) overlooking the river valleys of Trisuli (south) and Marshyangdi (west). The unique location of the place is dramatized during winter when the ridge appears as an island above the sea of morning mist. People believe Manakamana Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus called the wish fulfilling deity. The reward on reaching the shrine is both spiritual and physical exhilaration. Spectacular views include deep valleys, terraced fields and the Manaslu-Himalchuli and Annapurna ranges. Then continue drive to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
Today an early in the morning, after having your breakfast. Full-day sightseeing Pokhara pilgrimage spots. Pokhara, one of the most popular places in the tourism industry, promises a lot and it would simply freshes your journey every time you visit there. Having the natural potentiality this place also offers you the cultural visit. It is the transitional point for the western Nepal, commerce and trade, most of the trekking routes starts here; commonly, people call it as the place of lakes or Tal; as numerous lakes exist. You make either cultural sightseeing or natural one, both ways good dealing comes forth.
Tal Barahi, almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, and Bindbasini the popular Temple would fill up your cultural journey. Whereas the tremendous, natural heritage makes this place shinier. As it possess the divine vision like that of Mt. Machhapuchre, The Annapurna clearly along with it the popular lakes like Phewa, Begnas, Rupa has just added glitter in the gold. Other remarkable places to be there are; Mahendra cave, Bats cave, David’s fall, the pagoda Symboling the wordl peace, Sarangkot for the stunning view of sunrise as well as the paragliding etc. The market of Pokhara too just gives you fine touch where you can have all your required materials.
Being the very popular area, you need not worry at all for the accommodation as numerous hotels and lodges are available. The lakeside of Pokhara nearby Phewa lake is famous for accommodation and comfort. You have plenty of options to add up adventurous journey especially for trekking, hiking, paragliding, canyoning, kayaking jungle safari etc, for Pokhara is quite near to central place to split in the various adventurous sites.
You can be there by land or air, as daily transport service is available from Kathmandu (The capital city). For the best of the taste you can be there from September to November and early May. Overnight at hotel.
Today and early in the morning after having your breakfast and you will drive airport, you fly from Pokhara to Jomsom about 25minutes then you arrived. You will take a drive jeep Jomsom to Muktinath, have lunch there and for exploring around visit one of the holiest shrines of Muktinath Temple and nunnery gompa. You will also enjoy Trans Himalayan landscape sceneries like Tibet and splendid mountain views. Overnight at hotel.
Today and early in the morning after having your breakfast and you will continue tour itinerary sightseeing, Muktinath Temple. The beautiful Saligramam, or as it’s popularly known Muktinath, is a sacred pilgrimage site regarded highly in both the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. From here, at a height of 3,710 meters, the world seems to open up in all its glory with stunning views of the magnificent Himalayan Mountains. There are many legends that tell how the holy shrine of Muktinath rose up on its own accord amongst seven others, which include Srirangam, Tirupati, Sri Mushnam, Thottadri, Naimisaranyam, Pushkaram and Badrinath. The holy shrine is also considered to be part of the 108 vaishnava shrines found here.
Most people wishing to travel to Muktinath will start their journey at Kathmandu from where they will take a quick flight or catch an excruciatingly long bus ride to Pokhara. Pokhara is the starting point for the trek up to Muktinath and the climb up the mountain is incredibly beautiful and worthwhile. At the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass, you will find the Muktinath temple complete with beautiful craftsmanship and mystical aura. The holy temple features 108 different waterspouts which is probably why the Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, Tibetan for ‘Hundred Waters’. The different elements of earth, fire and water are artistically combined at this sacred place of worship to create a special atmosphere where one truly feels that they can find salvation. Hence the Hindus call the temple ‘Mukti Kshetra’ which means ‘place of salvation’. Then you drive back to Kagbeni.
Kagbeni (2840m) is situated in the valley of the Kali Gandaki. Kagbeni is just 2 hours trek from Muktinath to Jomsom. It looks like a medieval town with closelt packed mud house, dark tunnels, alleys, ochre-cloured gompa. The houses of Kagbeni are meant to be around 2700 years old. There are very few people in Kagbeni who still wears typical Tibetan dress. The kids of this area learned to beg but specially for sweet. Kagbeni immense strategic importance. It is located as it is at the confluence of two rivers valley. The distinctive gompa is known as Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Gompa (The Monastery of the Place to Stop and Develop Concentration on the Teaching of the Lord Buddha). It was founded in the 13th century. Kagbeni has excellent facilities because it is also the starting point for the strictly controlled Upper Mustang trek to Lo Manthang. It is important place for both of religons,there is Shakypa monastry which one is important for shakypa people.Hindu people take a bath at river and they do their ritual things which make easier to their parents soul. Continue drive back to Jomsom. Overnight at Jomsom.
Today an early in the morning after having your breakfast and you drive to Jomsom airport. It takes about 25minutes flight from Jomsom to Pokha. Few minutes rest and tea, or coffee. Continue your itinerary as per as tour drive Pokhara to Janakpur. It takes abouts 377km/5hrs arrived Janakpur.Overnight at hotel.
Today an early in the morning after having your breakfast, you will continue tour program,Janakpur, also known as Janakpurdham, close to the Indian border, is one of the historical and religious cities of Nepal. It is located 135 km southeast of Kathmandu. The name of this zone is related to the historic king Janak and his capital Janakpur. The pleasant town of Janakpur is the birthplace of Sita; daughter of King JanakaJanakpur is charged with a devotional mood and is an interesting holy city to visit. It is the home of the unique Mithila culture in Nepal so it is a worthwhile place to visit. Janakpur offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about Mithila culture, and people from in and around this peaceful region of Nepal. Hindu pilgrims from India and Nepal visit this region to pay their respect to the Goddess, while many foreigners make a side-trip to the region to learn about the unique Janakpur life. Two annual festivals in Janakpur attract hundreds of devotees to bath in the city’s 24 man-made sagars(sacred ponds).
The most important celebration is Ram Nawami, Ram’s birth day, in April. December marks the festival of Biha Panchami, re-enacting Ram and Sita’s marriage in a procession of elephants, horses and chariots accompanied by musicians beating on their drums. The town has narrows winding streets and dozens of sacred kunds, and is an interesting place to wander around. The Maithili language is spoken here. It has its own script and is spoken by around two million people. Mithila culture is rich with its own language known as Maithili, and with its own traditions, customs, arts and music. Many Mithila arts and paintings have historical and religious meanings, such arts are produced by many villagers specifically women’s draw paintings having colorful and thought provoking objects such as animals, Gods and Goddess which are painted on the walls of homes using simple colors such as clays and mud.
Some of the women earn money for their paintings as part of a rural development program at the Janakpur Women’s Development Centre.The people of this area are very amazing with wearing their cultural dresses and spend their life happily. In the evening people are found traveling to the Janaki temple, one of the famous temples of Nepal. JanakiMandir, Ram SitaBibahaMandir, and the Ram Mandir are the famous and noticeable places of Janakpur. In addition to its religious and historic significance, Janakpur is a modern developing city with thriving cigarette-factories. The plains around Janakpur have also earned a reputation for aquaculture and supply much of the freshwater fish for the Kathmandu valley. Overnight at hotel.
Today an early in the morning after having your breakfast and you will drive to airport. it takes about 25minutes fly from Janakpur to Kathmandu. Spend the day leisurely or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. You will prepare Final departure flight or next adventure, informations of our office. In the evening, celebration dinner together. Overnight at hotel.
Today your all programmed are ending in Nepal, It saying a goodbye, after having your breakfast and you will transfered to International Airport. 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Yala Adventure will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
