Barah Kshetra Pilgrimage Tour

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m) and Transfer to hotelUpon your arrival in Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu, our representative from Himkala Adventure greets and transfers you to hotel at Thamel, 5 km west from airport. After check in hotel, if you feel fresh then you could explore Thamel market. There will be a pre-trip discussion and a concise introduction with your guide. Here you have all opportunities to ask questions you would like about our tour program. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 02Sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley After breakfast, we get ready for the day tour in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We begin our tour from Swoyambhunath Stupa, lovingly called it ‘Monkey Temple’, perched in conical shaped hill, 77 m high from the ground floor. The site of Swoyambhu Mahachaitya is the cradle of Bajrayana Buddhism, a traditional unique to Kathmandu Valley. Bajrayana is a tantric variation of the Mahayana (the larger vehicle) Tradition. This place is the spiritual house of all the Buddhas and the Bodhisattvas symbolized by the five Dhyani Buddhas: Aksobya in the East, Ratnasambhava in the South, Amitabha in the West, AmoghaSiddhi in the North and Vairochana in the Center.Shantikar Acharya, the great tantric has built a temple for each of the five elements wind, earth, fire, water and sky. The hemispherical garba is made of brick and stone. Tibetan believers pour lime down the chaitya as a ritual to cure illnesses of family members. The magnificent temple on the western side of the dome is Harati temple, dedicated to mother protrectress known as Shitala for Hindus and Ajima for Newari and Harati for Buddhists, attracts worshippers for the protection of children against diseases. After this we drive 2 and half kilometers to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Durbar Square is actually made up of two sub areas. The outer complex is renowned for numerous interesting temples as Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap, Shiva-Parvati Temple, Jagannath Temple, and Big Bell etc. while the inner complex comprises the old palace area, Hanuman Dhoka and its courtyards as Nasal Chowk, Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Lohan Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Basantapur Durbar and others. Besides the magnificent temples and shrines, other interesting aspects are various festivals, cultural activities and traditions people are following from centuries. The mystical charm of the Durbar Square allures the visitors to spend hours wondering around the area. The site is being renovated after the massive earthquake – 2015. Another place, after 6 km drive is Boudhanath stupa, one of the greatest stupas in the world. This has been partially damaged by the earthquake and now under restoration. The splendid dome of Boudha Stupa is approximately 120 ft in diameter, 1 hector in width and 43.25 m in height. It is known as Jyarung Khashyor. This stupa is religiously, culturally and archeologically very important. It has become the center of a thriving town of monasteries, craftsmanship, and businesses. It is believed that those who reside around this great stupa will never have to suffer from the hunger, famine and unfavorable conditions. The other important sites around Boudha Stupa are Ajima Temple, Guru Lhakhang Monastery, Samteling Monastery, Jhamchen Lhakhang and Palri Tahsi Migyur Dorje Gyaltsen Ling etc. There are more than 28 monasteries around this area. The fourth place we visit is Pashupatinath Temple, Shiva temple, described Him as Lord of the entire living beings and the source of eternal bliss and peace. Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest temples of the world revered and worshipped both by Hindus and Buddhists. We can see the cremation ghat, ritual bathers, priests performing ritual activities, and the sadhus lying smearing ashes in their bodies half naked. Since time immemorial, the Pashupati Area has been a place of prayer and worship for freedom from worldly bondage as well as a place of meditation to realize oneself as part of the Supreme Self. We can see the main Shiva Temple with its golden roof and silver doors, the Basuki Naga Temple, Shivalayas with phallic idols, other temples dedicated to Rama and Vishnu, the temple dedicated to mother goddess Parvati etc. After the sightseeing, we return back to hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 03Drive from Kathmandu to Dharan (349 m), 481 km, 11-12 hrs by bus, (35 min. flight).a O/N at hotel After breakfast, we drive to Dharan, 481 km east from Kathmandu. It takes about 12 hours by bus. If we fly, we land on Biratnagar and drive to Dharan. Overnight at Dharan

Day 04Drive from Dharan to Barah Kshetra (214 m), 1.5 hrs .Return back to hotel at Dharan We drive from Dharan to BarahKshetra, at a distance of 4 miles from Dharan. The holy place for the Hindu pilgrimage lies at the confluence of two rivers- Saptakoshi and Kokaha. The temple is located on the left bank of the Koshi River. The two storey temple houses the image of Barah, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The image dates back from 12th century. There is big fair in October every year. After visiting Barah and around its premises, we return back to hotel at Dharan. Overnight at Dharan

Day 05Drive back to Kathmandu from Dharan by bus/flight. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu by the same highway. Though this is long and tiresome journey but we enjoy different scenic beauty, topography and arrive at Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 06Transfer to the Airport The Barah-Kshetra Pilgrimage Tour ends today with indescribable journey and its scenic beauty stories. We depart you to the airport 3 hours before your flight. If you have time for shopping, we can help you visit the local market and buy some dainty gifts to your families, friends, and relatives. Finally, we escort you to the airport and say bye and wish you have safe and happy journey. Namaste!!!