Trip Overview
The Buddhist Circuit Tour is one of the best spiritually enriching journeys that includes visiting major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, following in the footsteps of Lord Buddha, also called the “Light of Asia,” the founder of Buddhism, across the Himalayan landscapes that preach peace, harmony, and non-violence across the world. The Buddhist Circuit Tour Itinerary visits monasteries in and around Kathmandu and the birthplace of Buddha.
After exploring the architectural marvel and serene ambience of Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Kopan Monastery, Pharping Monastery, and Namobuddha Monastery in and around the Kathmandu Valley, the famous city of temples in Nepal, the Buddhist Circuit Trip Itinerary takes you to Lumbini, which still has a mark of the exact birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the name of Buddha before he achieved Nirvana.
Most of these places are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and feature interesting meditation caves, stupas, mani walls, prayer wheels, and pilgrimage sites often adorned with vibrant prayer flags; all of these offer you a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, art, and way of life amidst the sky-towering green hills and later on in between the fertile land. A perfect escape for someone seeking an easygoing journey of inner peace in culture.
Bookings are now open for 2026 and 2027. Our Buddhist Circuit Tour cost includes arrangements for private transport for sightseeing, hotel stays during tour days, a professional guide, essential permits, and flights to and from Bharirahawa. Comprehensive without any hidden expenses, reserve your seat for a mindful and comparatively easy tour in Nepal, offering a mix of culture, serenity, and nature in a single trip.
What to expect during the circuit trip of Buddhist Pilgrimages in Nepal?
Unlike during the high-altitude treks and climbs such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Mera Peak Climbing, Island Peak Climbing, and short treks like the Langtang Valley Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Khopra Danda Trek, there is the least physical exhaustion on the Buddhist Circuit Tour Trip of 7 days in Nepal. Instead, it is focused on spiritual well-being.
You may join the yoga, meditation, and prayer sessions at the monasteries that you visit. An insight into the monastic lives of monks who are training both their mind and body for nirvana, away from anger, jealousy, and any other physical pleasures. Leading an inspirational life, you have a chance to interact with them respectfully and gain a deeper knowledge of Buddhist teachings and learnings, the way of living life like Buddha.
The trio of Buddhist sites in Kathmandu - Boudhnath, Swyambhunath, and Kopan Monastery
The Kathmandu Valley is the capital city of Nepal. It naturally makes it the cultural melting pot, as it is the main trade hub of the nation, where people from different parts of the country are visiting and residing for better opportunities. Interestingly, the city has more temples than houses and is hence nicknamed the city of temples of Nepal, among which at least seven of the sites have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From this, the Boudhnath and Swyambhunath are the major Buddhist shrines. While Kopan Monastery may not have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it carries equal cultural and religious significance. Otherwise, Boudhnath is one of the world’s largest spherical stupas, Swyambhunath is considered the oldest one in Kathmandu, and Kopan Monastery once served as the headquarters of Gelugpa Dharma Centers.
Significance of Pharping and Namobuddha Monastery
Both on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley, after visiting the Swyambhunath, Boudhnath, and Kopan during the Buddhist Circuit Trip in Nepal, you will then head to Pharping Monastery and Namobuddha Monastery. Often also called the “Bodhgaya of Nepal,” directly linking to the life of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the leader who brought Buddhism to Tibet, Pharping Monastery hence receives thousands of pilgrims each year.
Likewise, in the Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal, about 40 km southeast of Kathmandu, is the Namobuddha Monastery, one of the major highlights during the Buddhist Circuit Tour. Also called the Takmo Lüjin, the place is renowned for the Legend of the Tigress Sacrifices, when the Buddha was believed to be born as Prince Mahasattva, who offered himself so the tigress would not devour its own cubs, showcasing supreme compassion.
Lumbini - The birthplace of Lord Buddha
In the fertile lowland of Terai, Nepal, is Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later on became the Lord Buddha and attained nirvana. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is the main highlight of the 7 days Buddhist Circuit Tour of Nepal. The sacred garden, featuring Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, Pushkarini (sacred pond), and the Bodhi tree, this place holds preserved physical evidence of the birthplace of Buddha.
Hence, the sacred garden is also the epicenter, even in Lumbini, which further features a monastic zone designed as part of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan that includes the Royal Thai Monastery, the Great Lotus Stupa (Germany), the Chinese Monastery, and the Korean Temple. In addition to these, the World Peace Pagoda, Eternal Flame, and Lumbini Crane Sanctuary are other major landmarks that you will not miss on the Buddhist Circuit Trip.
The Buddhist Circuit Trip Itinerary and Cost for 2026 and 2027
The 7 days for the Buddhist Circuit Tour Itinerary begin with your arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal, and the trip officially begins on the second day. On this day, you will visit three of the major Buddhist shrines, two of them also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Swyambhunath, Boudhnath, and Kapan Monastery. Later in the evening, you also visit Patan, the city of fine arts, and prepare for the next day's trip to Pharping.
On the third day, you will make it to the Pharping Monastery, on the fourth day to the Namobuddha Monastery, and finally to Lumbini, for which you will at first fly to Bhairahawa from Kathmandu and later on drive to Lumbini. Day 6 of the Buddhist Circuit Trip itinerary is dedicated fully to exploration. The day concludes with your visit to major sites like Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and various monasteries.
With a final departure on the 7th day, make the best out of the journey with licensed professionals such as Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. We are providing early bird and group booking discounts on this Buddhist Circuit Trip cost, including for the years 2026 and 2027. While the actual price of the Buddhist Circuit Tour package may vary based on the customization made, do not worry; based on the service provided, it is reasonable.
Bookings are now open for the years 2026 and 2027. We are happy to offer you more personalized Himalayan holiday experiences in Nepal, including restricted areas where Tibetan Buddhism flows like blood in a vein, such as the Tsum Valley Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, and Phoksundo Lake Trek. With more than two decades of experience, we are your trusted travel partners in Nepal, offering journeys to Bhutan and Tibet as well.
