Namo Buddha Pilgrimage

Description

Day 01: Nagarkot                                                                                                                                                                                 After an early breakfast in Kathmandu, we ride due east to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is an ancient city, rich in culture and architectures. There are many temples and squares here to explore. Climb approx. 20km to Nagarkot via Changu Narayana, on the valley rim, passing steeply terraced farmland and houses that seem to be clinging to the hillside. From here we head north- to Changu Narayana on narrow broken tarmac road for safety stick always on left. Changu Narayana, a most for those interested in culture -the ancient temple complex here, which includes the oldest Hindu temple in the valley where in the sixth & seventh centuries, Newari stone masons made cravings of Lord Vishnu. The stone tablet standing on the west side of the temple is said to be the earliest known inscription in Kathmandu Valley. It depicts King Mandev’s military conquests in the fifth century. It’s on the way and enjoys commanding views over the valley and its fine statues are the best outside the National Museum. Take approx 4km on dirt track with small villages and pine forest. You can enjoy nice view of Bhaktapur valley on right and left Sankhu valley and join main rd to Nagarkot. When we reach the summit, we will be able to see the Himalayan range and if weather favors then we can see Mount Everest too. We stay in a hotel on the ridge.                                                  Hotel SH (L/D)                                                                                                                                                                          Distance: 38 kilometers                                                                                                                                                                        Altitude: 1965 meters

Day 2: Namo Buddha                                                                                                                                                                After a hearty breakfast start with an approx. 3.5 km steep climb to the view point tower with the beautiful panorama view of the Himalayas Landscape. From here a long downhill on a jeep track through paddy fields and small villages. We visit Nala old Newari town and then to Dhulikhel for lunch. We leave Dhulikhel on a paved and dirt trail climbing and descending two hills before reaching the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha. According to legend it was here that Buddha, in a previous incarnation, offered his flesh to a hungry tigress. A stone statue marks the site; there is an active monastery close by. We follow the picturesque view along rich; you can enjoy fantastic views of the valley and Mountain Views in a clear day. You might also attend evening or morning PUJA’s (prayers) held at the monastery.                                                                                                                                                                                                Resort SH (B/L/D)                                                                                                                                                                    Distance:  Approx. 42 kilometers                                                                                                                                                  Altitude:  1760 meters

Day 3: Kathmandu                                                                                                                                                                    Start with downhill to the ancient city of Panauti, where Lord Buddha lived as a prince prior his offering to the tigress. This special village-truly lost in time-is rarely visited by tourists. Indresara Mahadev Temple is the oldest surviving dated temple in Nepal, believed that it was constructed in 1294. Climbing west, we follow a jeep track along the meandering Roshi River. Beyond the town of Madhuban, we enter into a narrow pristine valley ascending 300m on superb single trail to reach the summit of Kathmandu valley’s eastern rim known as the Lakhuri Bhanjyang (1930m). This is probably the oldest route east out of Kathmandu valley, connecting the ancient cities of the valley with Panauti. Views of the Himalayas are more than compensated. From the saddle, the descent is on switch-backed jeep track. After an hour and a 500m descent, we come upon Sisneri, a quiet valley village. The ethnicity of the people change as we descend from Tamangs, Thakuries and Chhetris to lowland Newari farmers. From here continue our ride to Kathmandu via Patan Durbar Squire.                                                                                                                                    (B/L)                                                                                                                                                                                          Altitude: 1340 meters                                                                                                                                                                      Total distance: 45 kilometers

Cost Includes:                                                                                                                                                                              Mountain Bike with Helmet.                                                                                                                                                           Guide with First Aid Kit and Mechanical Backup.                                                                                                                          Two night’s accommodation with all meals.                                                                                                                                      All Temple and Monastery entry fees.                                                                                                                                                  Mineral water during biking.

Cost Excludes:                                                                                                                                                                              Soft and hard drinks.                                                                                                                                                                            Support Vehicle.                                                                                                                                                                                        Luggage transfer.                                                                                                                                                                                Emergency evacuation fee.                                                                                                                                                              Insurance and other personal interest items.                                                                                                                          Services not mentioned herein.