Kathmandu is not just the capital city of Nepal, it’s so much more and caters differently to different tourists. And for this particular tour package, Kathmandu will serve you as a Buddhist hub, where you’ll breathe spirituality in every corner you go!
From hilltop monasteries and stupas listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites to sacred meditation caves and hidden Buddhist retreats, Kathmandu is filled with spiritual spots that reflect centuries of Buddhist teachings and traditions!
Remember: this tour is not your average Kathmandu sightseeing plan. It’s a guided journey that takes you to the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites within the Kathmandu Valley and its outskirts.
Your journey begins at the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s largest stupas. And on the same day, your next stop shall be Kopan Monastery. From the first day itself, you’ll get to observe monastic life up close.
Next, you’ll hike through the peaceful trails of Namkha Monastery and Jamacho Gumba, followed by another spiritual walk to Nagi Gumba. The highlight of this day has to be the nunnery that reflects the power of female monastic life.
On another day, you’ll visit Kirtipur Monastery and learn inside the Kagyu Institute of Buddhist Studies, then head to Godawari to see the lesser-known yet impressive Dzogchen Monastery.
Your spiritual path then leads toward Namobuddha, another holy Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. After spending the day at the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, you’ll head to Dhulikhel for a sunset and quiet retreat. We equally understand and respect your leisure time too!
The next day brings you to Pharping, where you’ll visit Asura Cave, along with the exploration of Pema Osel Ling Monastery, surrounded by a powerful, peaceful energy.
Finally, the trip ends with a visit to White Gumba (subject to opening schedule), where you’ll explore its open courtyards and peaceful surroundings. You’d be surprised to know that nuns here practice kung fu routines every day
Your 8-day Kathmandu trip concludes at the Swayambhunath Stupa! It’s the best spot to take in the views of the valley while also getting to learn how both Hinduism and Buddhism coexist in this beautiful country of Nepal!
You see, this Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Kathmandu by Altitude Himalaya is more than just a trip. For the followers of Buddhism, we promise that this spiritual journey is going to stay with you for a very long time!
Spin Prayer Wheels at Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is Nepal’s largest stupa, and it’s also one of the most spiritually powerful places for Tibetan Buddhists. That’s why it draws pilgrims from all over the world.
What many don’t know is that Boudhanath houses the relics of Kassapa Buddha. This is one of the reasons people believe the site radiates peace the moment you step in.
One activity you definitely shouldn’t miss is joining the locals in walking clockwise around the giant white stupa. Along the path, you’ll find hundreds of prayer wheels that you can spin as part of your meditation.
While spinning the prayer wheels, don’t forget to chant. Many believe this moving meditation helps cleanse the mind and uplift the soul.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers more than just the outer experience. You should also take time to step into the surrounding monasteries and shrine rooms found within the stupa premises.
There are also rooftop cafes nearby that let you properly observe the devotion from above. And these restaurants even serve as some of the best viewpoints for a panoramic experience!
Meditate in the Peaceful Kopan Monastery
Also known as Kapan Gumba, Kopan Monastery is another respected center for Tibetan Buddhists here in Nepal. You’ll reach it after just a short 30-minute drive from Boudhanath Stupa.
Along with the monastery, the hilltop itself is quite popular among locals, as it offers a stunning view overlooking Budhanilkantha Municipality and the Kathmandu district in the distance.
Founded by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe, Kopan is a place for deep meditation and Buddhist teachings. It’s closed to casual local visitors and requires prior booking to enter. That means the atmosphere here remains more peaceful and deeply focused on spiritual practice. No disturbances are allowed.
While here, you can walk through its gardens and prayer halls. It’s clear that everything feels still and intentional. For pilgrims, this is the perfect place to experience the essence of Buddhism, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you end up spending the entire evening here.
Visit the Quiet Hilltop of Namkha Monastery
Namkha Khyung Dzong Rigzin Choling Monastery, or simply Namkha/Namkhyung Monastery, is in the peaceful hilltop of Budhanilkantha Municipality. And only a few people are aware of this location, making it the best for a Buddhist excursion!
This monastery belongs to the Bon tradition, which is believed to be the oldest spiritual tradition of Tibet. So, anyone who’s Bon is highly suggested to make a stop here on this pilgrimage tour.
Our prior guests who have visited here often speak of how calm the environment feels at Namkha. The monastery is not just surrounded by open views, but even the prayer halls are beautifully decorated. And those traditional paintings that you encounter add to the beauty for sure.
Don’t forget to take a slow walk around the monastery grounds too. Just soak in the silence here in this hidden gem of Kathmandu!
Discover the Serene Jamchen Vijaya Stupa
Jamchen Vijaya Stupa is one of the most peaceful and lesser-visited Buddhist spiritual sites that sits on top of a hill near the Shivapuri National Park. The place is trending even among the local tourists.
The highlight here has to be the mesmerizing view of the valley. You’ll be welcomed by prayer flags as you climb the stairs to the top.
Just sit in silence or take a slow walk around the main stupa. Note that you’re not allowed to enter the garden, though.
Hike to Nagi Gumba
Nagi Gumba is one of the very few nunneries in Nepal dedicated only to female monks. Since this is a rare sight, it's truly a special stop that we have listed on this Buddhist pilgrimage tour.
The gumba is located inside the Shivapuri National Park, which requires an entrance ticket to get access. Once you’re here, the peaceful setting of the monastery that sits right above the chaos of the city offers a spiritual environment for all the peace lovers!.
You get to learn the life of the nuns here, which is full of discipline, simplicity, and meditation. Observe their routine and understand how women play a strong role in preserving Buddhist teachings even today!
Another heads-up about visiting the place is that you need to do a short hike through the trails of Shivapuri. And once you reach the monastery, you’d be welcomed with its humble architecture, clean surroundings, and kind-hearted practitioners.
Explore Spiritual Life in Kritipur Monastery
Situated on top of the historic Newari town of Kirtipur, the Kagyu Institute of Buddhist Studies is more than just the monasteries we’ve talked about so far. Originally, it was known as Kirtipur Monastery, and it was born from a small house offered to the 16th Karmapa himself.
We’ve included this monastery on this pilgrimage tour to show how it bridges both study and religious practices. The institute was founded by Venerable Shangpa Rinpoche to help both monks and visitors learn about Buddhist philosophy and meditations.
Once we take you here, you may wander through the prayer halls, meditate in the still courtyard, or simply soak in the view of Kirtipur. It’s that spot that takes this pilgrim tour to the next level!
Dive into Buddhism at Dzogchen Monastery in Godawari
Dzogchen Monastery is located close to the famous Godawari Botanical Garden. The monastery is a peaceful retreat away from the city. It’s deeply rooted in the ancient Dzogchen lineage, which is a core teaching within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Reportedly, this monastery was founded under the guidance of Dzogchen masters like Penor Rinpoche and Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. Here, you can sit in meditation halls to feel the peaceful energy of practitioners.
If time allows and you wish to explore nature further, our team at Altitude Himalaya can help arrange a short visit to the nearby Botanical Garden. But rest assured, our focus remains solely on your Buddhist journey, and that’s only an add-on.
Walk in the Sacred Namobuddha Monastery Grounds
Thrangu Tashi Yangtse, widely recognized as Namobuddha Monastery, is another important Buddhist pilgrimage site near Kathmandu Valley, located in the Kavre district. Yes, while it’s outside Kathmandu, its importance is as strong as that of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.
Located just about 40 km southeast of Kathmandu, this sacred site is the legendary place where Prince Mahasattva (believed to be an earlier incarnation of Buddha) selflessly offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs. This act of supreme selflessness is talked about even today and has made Namobuddha a must-visit on any Buddhist pilgrimage tours.
Not just that. Namobuddha also serves as the perfect viewpoint, offering the views of Langtang, Gaurishankar, and other mountain ranges when the season is right. So, you see, Namobuddha offers both spiritual uplift and natural beauty!
Uncover Ancient Caves and Monasteries in Pharping
From Namobuddha and Dhulikhel, we take you to Pharping in the Dakshinkali Municipality of Kathmandu. Once here, your focal stop is going to be the iconic Asura Cave. It’s not just a normal cave but, in fact, a sacred meditation site where Guru Padmasambhava attained the level of Mahamudra Vidyadhara.
Inside, you’ll find the images of Padmasambhava, Yangdak Heruka, and Vajrakilaya. Not just that. You’ll also take a slow walk around the cave and temple.
Just above Asura Cave sits Pema Osel Ling Monastery, which is known for its beautiful courtyard, peaceful shrine rooms, and panoramic views over the valley.
Seriously, the whole day in Pharping is going to be a quiet exploration, something that Buddhist pilgrims crave, right? You’ll just absorb the sacred vibes and chat with monks and local devotees. A day to remember, indeed.
Enjoy Panarama at White Gumba
Druk Amitabha Mountain lies just north of the famous Swayambhunath Stupa. It’s widely known as White Gumba, locals calling it ‘Seto Gumba’. It’s a serene, lesser-known place that can be beautifully adjusted into this Buddhist pilgrimage tour.
Unlike the others on this trip, White Gumba is built under the Drukpa lineage, honoring Amitabha Buddha. Moreover, there are 800+ nuns here who practice martial arts (mainly kung fu).
Not to forget that sitting atop the hill, this monastery provides a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. So, if you’re into meditation, this place would be the best spot!
One essential thing to note here is that White Gumba isn’t open daily, visiting days depend on the monastery's schedule. For that reason, this spot is included as optional only. So, in case that happens, we’ll give you a full tour of Swayambhunath Stupa on that day with other leisure activities in Kathmandu.
Climb to the Iconic Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa is believed to be one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, from the time when Kathmandu Valley was still a lake. In fact, the strong roots of Buddhism connecting it to Manjushree make it a fascinating spot for everyone willing to explore Nepal.
For many, when we say ‘Swayambhunath Stupa’, most refer to it as the “Monkey Temple”, all thanks to the playful monkeys that roam around. But for Buddhist pilgrims, this hilltop sanctuary is something more than that! It’s a place of deep spiritual energy, where, despite the crowd, peace settles in!
Don’t forget to explore the nearby Harati Ajima Temple, one that’s considered as the protector of Swaymabhunath.
And from the top, you’ll love the panoramic view over Kathmandu. Not to forget that during the winter season, the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges can also be seen clearly from here.