Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour

  • Duration 11
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at kathmandu
  • Meals B/L/D during the Tour
  • Accommodation Hotel or Guest House
  • Max. Altitude 1,400m
  • Activity Tour
  • Group Type private or Group
  • Group Size 02-12
  • Best Season All Time
Highlights
  • Follow the footsteps of Padmasambhava, the revered founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Visit Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, and key spiritual sites in Nepal.
  • Explore Namobuddha, Pharping’s Asura Cave, Bhaktapur, and Maratika for rich cultural and spiritual experiences.
  • Experience sacred caves and monasteries, including Sankhu’s Milarepa Cave, Vajrayogini Temple, and Nagarjung’s Jamacho Gumba.
  • Immerse yourself in the timeless teachings of Buddhism and connect with spiritual heritage.
  • Enjoy a transformative pilgrimage that combines history, culture, and profound spiritual exploration.

Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour Overview

Explore the profound and enduring legacy of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, a highly revered Buddhist master and the revered founding figure of Tibetan Buddhism. Regarded as the embodiment of wisdom and compassion, Padmasambhava made remarkable and indelible contributions to the spiritual landscape of Tibet, most notably through his establishment of the historic Samye Monastery, the very first Buddhist monastery in Tibet.

Padmasambhava’s spiritual odyssey transcended the borders of Tibet, as he embarked on sacred pilgrimages to numerous holy sites in Nepal. In these sacred locales, he not only paid homage but also imparted his profound wisdom, diligently practiced the teachings of the Dharma, and forever left a profound imprint. Embracing the spirit of this transformative journey, Aarohi Holiday presents the extraordinary Padmasambhava Circuit Tour, inviting you to walk in the footsteps of this extraordinary master and immerse yourself in the rich spiritual heritage of Namobuddha, the mystical confines of Pharping’s Asura cave, the historical treasures of Bhaktapur, the divine pilgrimage site of Maratika, the sacred grounds of Sankhu’s Milarepa cave and Vajrayogini, and the tranquil serenity of Nagarjung’s Jamacho Gumba.

Join us as we embark on this sacred sojourn, allowing us to establish a profound connection with the timeless teachings and profound history of Padmasambhava. Through this unparalleled spiritual expedition, we aspire to inspire all to delve into the depths of their own spiritual awakening and discover the infinite potential within.

Route Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour

Your spiritual journey begins in Kathmandu, where our team will welcome you and take you to your hotel. From there, we drive to Namobuddha, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where you can explore the monastery, stupas, and serene surroundings while learning about Padmasambhava’s connection to the area.

The next day, we travel to Pharping to visit Guru Rinpoche Cave and Vajrayogini Temple, immersing in the sacred atmosphere before returning to Kathmandu. On Day 4, we explore the historic city of Bhaktapur, experiencing its temples, courtyards, and traditional Newar culture. Days 5 and 6 take us to Maratika at 1,400 meters, where you can visit sacred caves, meditate, and experience the spiritual essence of the site. On Day 7, we return to Kathmandu and enjoy a day of rest and local exploration.

We continue the pilgrimage to Sankhu, visiting Milarepa Cave and other spiritual sites before returning to Kathmandu on Day 9. On Day 10, we drive to Nagarjung at 2,128 meters to explore Jamacho Gumba and surrounding monasteries. The tour concludes with your departure from Kathmandu on Day 11, leaving you with lasting memories of a transformative spiritual journey through sacred sites, culture, and Himalayan landscapes.

Why Choose Us for Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour

The Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour is a spiritual journey through Nepal’s sacred Buddhist sites, offering cultural insights, meditation experiences, and Himalayan views. Here’s why Aarohi Holiday is your best choice for this tour:

  • Experienced guides knowledgeable about Padmasambhava’s life, Buddhist heritage, and local culture.
  • Carefully planned itineraries to suit your schedule, interests, and comfort level.
  • Comfortable accommodations at hotels and guesthouses near pilgrimage sites.
  • Safety-focused travel with trained guides providing first aid and emergency support.
  • Eco-friendly practices that support local communities and sustainable tourism.
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden costs, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free booking experience.

Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour 2025/26 Group & Private Options Available

The Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour is a spiritual and cultural journey through Nepal, visiting sacred Buddhist sites, monasteries, and Himalayan landscapes. We offer both fixed departure group tours and fully guided private options to suit your travel preferences.

Group tours (2–12 people) allow you to share the experience with fellow travelers, while private tours provide full flexibility to set your own pace and itinerary. Bookings are now open for 2025 departures, with early reservations for 2026 available to secure your preferred dates and plan your unforgettable spiritual journey with confidence.

Alternative Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour

If you’re considering the Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour but want other options, Nepal offers several memorable journeys. The Muktinath Tour By Jeep is a scenic cultural adventure through the Mustang region, visiting sacred temples and enjoying Himalayan panoramas. The Chitwan to Pokhara Blissful Journey combines wildlife safaris in Chitwan with the serene lakeside charm of Pokhara. Each tour offers a unique experience, allowing you to choose the journey that fits your interests and travel pace.

Day to Day Itinerary
Expand all

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our office representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, you will be briefed about your programs, followed by dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Namobuddha, a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site located 45 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu at an elevation of 1,750 meters. Namobuddha offers a tranquil escape with fresh, pollution-free air and is renowned for its serene atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at Namobuddha and, in the afternoon, visit the Speech Tara and the Symbol Stupa at Boudhanath on your way back to the hotel. Have dinner and rest for the night at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • 3 star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 1.5 Hours
  • 41.5 kilometer

After breakfast, drive to Pharping (22 km – 1 hour). Visit Guru Rinpoche Cave, Pharping Vajravarahi Temple, and Yangleshö. Enjoy lunch in Pharping, then continue exploring and paying respects. Return to Kathmandu in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 1 Hour
  • 22 Kilometer

After breakfast, drive to Bhaktapur, known for its medieval architecture and culture. Explore Bhaktapur’s attractions, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, 55-Window Palace, and Pottery Square. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bhaktapur. Return to your hotel in Kathmandu, with free time for shopping Dharma items in Thamel. Have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 1 hours
  • 14 kilometer

Maratika is a revered pilgrimage destination cherished by both Buddhists and Hindus. Nestled within the Khotang district of Nepal, approximately 232 kilometers from Kathmandu, lies the sacred Maratika Cave. This site is where Guru Rinpoche and Princess Mandarava encountered Amitayus, the Lord of Infinite Life, during their retreat. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Upon arrival at Maratika, immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of this sacred site. Have dinner and stay overnight at a hotel in Maratika.

  • Comfortable Guest House
  • Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • 7 Hours
  • 235 Kilometer

After breakfast, engage in waking meditation at the meditation center. Enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the area. Return to the hotel for dinner and stay overnight at a hotel in Maratika.

  • Comfortable Guest House
  • Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast, then proceed to check out from the hotel. The coach will pick up the group and transport them back to Kathmandu. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, enjoy dinner and check into the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
  • 7 hours
  • 235 kilometer

Enjoy an extra day of leisure and exploration in Kathmandu. Have breakfast and take advantage of the free day to relax or explore the city, including sightseeing at Kathmandu Durbar Square and Narayanhiti Palace. Have dinner and stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Sankhu (17 km – 30 minutes drive). Sankhu is a small village in the east of the Kathmandu Valley, a sacred site of Buddhism associated with Vajrayogini and an important Hindu shrine. Visit Milarepa Cave and enjoy lunch. Continue sightseeing and practice. In the afternoon, return to Kathmandu with visits to the Mahabouddha Temple, also known as the Temple of the Thousand Buddhas, believed to have been originally built in 1585. Have dinner and stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • 3 star Hotel
  • Breakfast and Lunch
  • 1 hr
  • 16 kilometer

After breakfast, drive to Nagarjung Jamacho Gumba (10 km – 30 minutes drive). Jamacho Gumba lies on the western side of Kathmandu. The name Nagarjun is derived from the meditator Nagarjuna. The area is known for peace and tranquility, with attractions including the Buddha Stupa, ancient caves, and Jamacho viewpoint (2,128 m), offering views of Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang. The Summer Royal Palace of the former Royal family is also a notable site. Enjoy lunch and return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • Breakfast and Lunch
  • 1 hour
  • 14 kilometer

Your wonderful Buddhist adventure in Nepal comes to an end today. A representative from Aarohi Holiday Pvt Ltd will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes

  • Pick up and drop off from and to the International airport.
  • 8-night hotel stay in Kathmandu.
  • 2-night hotel stay in Maratika.
  • All transportation by land.
  • Food including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing points.
  • Sightseeing tour car A/C with driver.
  • Farewell dinner at a Nepalese cultural restaurant after the tour in Kathmandu.
  • All taxes and company service charges.

Cost Excludes

  • Nepal visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport-size photographs).
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Maratika.
  • Monument sites entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
  • Excess baggage charges.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or earlier return from the mountain (for any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet/Wi-Fi, laundry, bar bills – tea/coffee, hot chocolate, juice, beer, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower, etc.).
  • Tips for drivers (tipping is expected but not compulsory).
Departure Dates

Useful Info

Accommodation during Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour

  • In Kathmandu we provide comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels with breakfast on a twin-sharing basis.(Private room accommodation can be arrange at an extra cost)
  • During the Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour, comfortable guesthouse accommodations are provided on a twin-sharing basis.

Meals and Drinking water Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour

During the Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour, most meals are served in Kathmandu at hotels and restaurants, offering a mix of Nepali and international options. For the three days spent outside the valley at pilgrimage sites, meals will be provided at local guesthouses or lodges. The menu typically includes traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), along with noodles, soups, bread, pasta, pancakes, and eggs. All meals are freshly prepared to keep you energized throughout the journey.

Staying hydrated is important during the tour. Bottled water and soft drinks are available in cities and along the route, but carrying a reusable water bottle is recommended. Water purification tablets or drops can also be provided to ensure safe drinking water while visiting remote sites.

Entry Fees for Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour

For this tour, you’ll need to cover the entry fees at the main pilgrimage sites. These are not included in the package and must be paid separately at each location.

  • Namobuddha: NPR 500 per person
  • Pharping (Guru Rinpoche Cave and Vajrayogini Temple): NPR 300 per person
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square: NPR 1,000 per person
  • Halasi Mahadev (Matrika): NPR 200 per person
  • Nagarjung Jamacho Gumba: NPR 200 per person

Best Time for Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour

The Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour can be undertaken throughout the year. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and comfortable conditions for visiting monasteries and pilgrimage sites. Winter (December to February) brings cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations, while summer (June to August) features lush greenery and occasional rain. No matter the season, the spiritual and cultural experiences of the tour can be enjoyed year-round.

Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour Difficulties

The Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour is not physically demanding, as most travel is by vehicle with only short walks at pilgrimage sites. However, travelers should be prepared for long hours on mountain roads, which can be bumpy and tiring at times, especially in remote areas where road conditions may be uneven.

Some sites are located at higher elevations, which may cause mild altitude-related discomfort for certain visitors. It is important to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and move at a comfortable pace. Weather changes can affect road conditions, particularly during the monsoon season. While suitable for most age groups, the tour requires patience, flexibility, and readiness to handle long drives and changing mountain weather.

Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour Itinerary

The Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour begins with your arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. On the following day, we drive to Namobuddha, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where you can explore the monastery, stupas, and tranquil surroundings while learning about Padmasambhava’s spiritual connection to the area.

On Day 3, we visit Pharping to see Guru Rinpoche Cave and Vajrayogini Temple, experiencing the sacred atmosphere before returning to Kathmandu. Day 4 is dedicated to exploring the historic city of Bhaktapur, its temples, courtyards, and traditional Newar culture. Days 5 and 6 take us to Maratika at 1,400 meters, where you can visit sacred caves, meditate, and absorb the spiritual energy of the site. On Day 7, we return to Kathmandu for rest and local exploration.

The pilgrimage continues to Sankhu on Day 9, visiting Milarepa Cave and other sacred sites before returning to Kathmandu. On Day 10, we drive to Nagarjung at 2,128 meters to explore Jamacho Gumba and nearby monasteries. The tour concludes with your departure from Kathmandu on Day 11, leaving you with lasting memories of a transformative journey through sacred sites, Buddhist heritage, and the serene Himalayan landscapes.

Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour Cost

The cost of the Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour depends on season and service level. Our 11-day Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour is priced at USD 1,050 per person, covering all essential services from Kathmandu to the departure day.

This price is based on a minimum of two person. For groups, we offer a 5% to 10% discount, and the group leader travels for free.

Important Notes for Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour

  • Travel from Kathmandu to Namobuddha takes about 2 to 3 hours by road.
  • Travel from Kathmandu to Pharping (Guru Rinpoche Cave and Vajrayogini Temple) takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Travel from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Durbar Square takes about 1 hour.
  • Travel from Kathmandu to Halasi Mahadev (Matrika) takes about 5 to 6 hours.
  • Travel from Kathmandu to Nagarjung Jamacho Gumba takes about 2 to 3 hours.
  • Comfortable guesthouse accommodations are provided on a twin-sharing basis, with meals included at hotels, guesthouses, or local restaurants.
  • Limited ATMs are available along the route, so carry enough cash for entry fees, souvenirs, and other expenses.
  • Short walks at pilgrimage sites are required, so a small daypack for personal items is recommended.
  • Drones require hard-to-get permits, so it’s best not to bring.

Arrival Instruction

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representatives are stationed to welcome you to the country. We request you to carefully look for your name being held by our representatives following the events upon landing. The representatives are responsible to escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will see men offering you to carry luggage and take you to your destination as you exit the airport. We request you pay no attention to these people and follow the designated representatives and follow their instructions. You will also need to keep an eye on your luggage and belongings to avoid any complications.

Nepal Visa Entry Procedure

For entry into Nepal, there are visa requirements everyone (except Indian nationals) must complete before being allowed to pass through immigration. This is for air travel as well as overland transportation. Most visitors may obtain a visa to enter Nepal, however, there are exceptions. Three options are available for entry

  • 15-day single entry: US $30
  • 30-day single entry: US $50
  • 90-day multiple entries: US $125

Please have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry, and have cash ready, preferably in US dollars, though there are other currencies Nepal Immigration accepts. If you are entering via overland, you must have US cash and 3 passport photos. For arrival by air, the kiosks at the airport take your picture for you.For the most up to date list of exceptions for visa on arrival or to obtain the most current visa information, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration website.

You May Also LikeSimilar Itineraries
Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour
Padmasambhava Pilgrim Tour
Difficulty: Easy 11 Days
Max. Height: 1,400m

US $1050