Buddhist and Hindu Nepal: Kathmandu, Patan and Lumbini

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

• Boudhanath Stupa evening kora · 2 h. Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.
• Garden of Dreams · 1.5 h. A restored neoclassical garden next to Thamel; a quiet spot for coffee after a sightseeing morning.

Local tip: Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu

Kathmandu

• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) · 1.5 h. About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.
• Pashupatinath Temple & evening aarti · 2.5 h. Only Hindus may enter the main temple; others watch from the east bank of the Bagmati. Open-air cremations take place on the ghats, so photograph discreetly if at all. The aarti starts around 6pm (earlier in winter). Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000–1,500.
• Narayanhiti Palace Museum · 1.5 h. The former royal palace, including the site of the 2001 massacre. Phones and cameras go in lockers at the gate; check opening days locally.

Local tip: About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum & Golden Temple

Kathmandu

• Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum & Golden Temple · 5 h. Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000 for the square; check at the counter whether Patan Museum is included. The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) has a small separate fee — shoes and leather items off inside.

Local tip: Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000 for the square; check at the counter whether Patan Museum is included. The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) has a small separate fee — shoes and leather items off inside.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Kathmandu → Lumbini

Lumbini · Kathmandu to Lumbini, Flight to Bhairahawa ~35 min + 30 min drive (road ~8–9h)

• Maya Devi Temple & Sacred Garden · 2 h. The marker stone of the Buddha's birthplace, the Ashoka Pillar and the Puskarini pond. Shoes off and silence inside; go at opening to avoid heat and groups.
• Eternal Peace Flame and central canal walk · 1 h
• Lumbini Museum · 1 h

Local tip: The marker stone of the Buddha's birthplace, the Ashoka Pillar and the Puskarini pond. Shoes off and silence inside; go at opening to avoid heat and groups.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Lumbini

Lumbini

• Monastic Zone by bicycle · 4 h. Monasteries built by China, Thailand, Myanmar, Germany, Korea and others line the canal; hire a bicycle or e-rickshaw. Many close for a break around midday.
• World Peace Pagoda Lumbini · 1 h

Local tip: Monasteries built by China, Thailand, Myanmar, Germany, Korea and others line the canal; hire a bicycle or e-rickshaw. Many close for a break around midday.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Depart from Lumbini

Lumbini

• Morning meditation at a monastery · 2 h. Some monasteries and meditation centres welcome visitors to morning sessions; a donation is appropriate. Ask a day ahead.

Local tip: Some monasteries and meditation centres welcome visitors to morning sessions; a donation is appropriate. Ask a day ahead.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps