We have one more day to enjoy the ancient and so special Varanasi. Today we will visit an important Hindu temple, then the small museum and the temple of the former university of Benares. It will be a good opportunity to get to know an India with very little contact with foreigners, as is the environment on this university campus. After our first visits, we will see India, its history, customs and traditions as we take a walk through the ghats on the banks of the Ganges. End of the day at leisure to explore a little more of the well-known Varanasi.

Art or Padmaa

Our last day to discover more about the city of Varanasi and its temples, also the famous university of Benares and its temple dedicated to the yogi god Shiva. We will walk along the Ganges River observing the life of the pilgrims who arrive, the sadhus who meditate there, the women who wash their clothes there and others their prayers to the dead.

Today we fly back to our well-known Delhi. Last free afternoon to get ready for the trip back to Brazil, walk, visit a place we really like or want to know, buy a souvenir of India or even, if there is in the city's cultural agenda, some presentation of classical Indian music or dance.

6th Day 17-Mar-2023 Fri VARANASI DELHI

Arrival

Briefing

Walk

Agrasen Ki Baoli

Akshardham

Gandhi Smriti

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Crafts Museum

Free day

Dilli Hat

Lodi Garden

Humayun's Mausoleum

National museum

Old Delhi.

paharganj

Qutb Minar,

Raj Ghat

Kartavya Path (Rajpath)

Red Fort

Free afternoon

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Lotus Temple

Hare Krishna Temple

Car trip

Flight

arrivals

Arrival at night with reception by Guilherme

Upon your arrival, you will already be assisted by our local representatives who, together with Guilherme, will be waiting with a sign with your name (or written Chörten) at the airport. We will talk about the arrival in our briefing (more here), such as that we follow the arrival of each Chörten Traveller. Even if the first flight arrived on time for the connection or on time for the second flight. Transfer to the hotel with assistance, located in a central region, with interesting possibilities for tours and cultural activities. Time to rest so that we can explore the region tomorrow.

Personalized with tour

Upon your arrival, you will already be assisted by our local representatives who will be waiting with a sign with your name (or written Chörten) at the airport. We accompany the arrival of each Chörten Traveller, keeping in contact by phone with the team of our representatives at the airport, from before your plane lands until the moment we speak. So that you can be 100% calm that we are following up and making sure that your arrival is being taken care of. Transfer to the hotel with assistance, located in a central region, with interesting possibilities for tours and cultural activities. On our first day we will be arriving, adjusting to the time zone and trying, despite the fatigue of the flight hours, to sleep at the right time, not during the day as in the time zone we are used to. For these reasons, the suggestion for the first tours is that they are quite light, as well as because we are not processing the information very well yet.

Our suggested tours for this afternoon are: Kartavya Path (Rajpath) with India Gate, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Lakshminarayan temple. If you're in the mood for more stuff, we have some extra possibilities in mind. Please let us know and we'll talk.

Specialist with tour

Upon your arrival, you will already be assisted by our local representatives who will be waiting with a sign with your name at the airport. We accompany the arrival of each Chörten Traveller, keeping in touch by phone with our representatives at the airport from before their arrival. Including making sure that they have already contacted the hotel, notifying them of your arrival, so that your room is available as soon as possible, according to the hotel's possibilities for the day. Once you meet our representative at the airport, we will contact you by phone or Whatsapp to find out if we can be of assistance in any way. The Brazilian travel specialist will already be at the hotel awaiting your arrival. Transfer to the hotel with our own vehicle, with assistance, located in a central region, with interesting possibilities for cultural tours. For those arriving on a flight in the morning, possibility of a short walk around the hotel in the afternoon.

Customized evening arrival

Welcome to India!

Upon your arrival, you will be assisted by our local representatives who will be waiting for you with a sign with your name (or written Chörten) at the airport. We accompany the arrival of each Chörten Traveller, maintaining contact by telephone with our representative team at the airport, from before your plane lands until the moment we speak. So you can be 100% reassured that we are following up and making sure your arrival is taken care of. Transfer to the hotel with assistance, located in a central region, with interesting possibilities for tours and cultural activities. On our first day we will be arriving, adjusting to the time zone and looking for, despite the tiredness of the hours of flight, it will be of great help to take advantage of the next days that we can sleep at the right time. We will arrange the start time of the day in the morning according to your mood that night. We hope you get a good rest that night.

For those arriving on a flight in the morning, possibility of a short walk around the hotel in the afternoon.

Specialist start first day of the program

Now yes, with the arrival of the whole group, we will meet for breakfast and then we will sit down to quickly review the important travel tips in India. Traffic, food, hygiene, cultural, logistics and safety issues are some of the subjects we will have talked about before the trip and the specialist, now on site, will remind you and clarify any doubts so you can make the most of the trip. These are precious minutes that will help a lot every day for the next few days in this country with a vast history, millenary cultures, a knowledge and worldview that we still don't understand well from our backgrounds and Western points of view.

Hiking Suggestion

Talk to your guide, our suggestion is that our first experience in India is a light walk, to the first place we will visit this first afternoon, close to our hotel.

Another special visit for our day, is the last house where Gandhi lived, known as Birla House. We will learn a little about this important part of the history of this nation, as well as about the life and the final moment of this great leader, an example of the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) and the culture of peace until today all over the world. Today, in the format of an interactive museum, with a collection of photographs and objects by Gandhi, called Gandhi Smriti. We probably wouldn't recommend looking at the entire museum with all the time in the world to allow time to experience the museum, Gandhi's history up close, like other important places in Delhi. A walk around the museum, looking longer at one or another part of Gandhi's life, usually works very well. Suggestion: go to the back of the house where Gandhi was assassinated on the way to the place where he said his daily prayers. Go back into Gandhi's room by visiting this floor. When going up the stairs, there are volunteers, sometimes students, available to present the museum. Experience: They can be really cool while presenting them can take a lot of time. Ask if they can come up with the 3 or 4 most important parts and then go on your own.

Then, a visit to the Sikh temple, religion of the century. XVI and Punjab region in India, is certainly a good option. In the beautiful Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, we will hear your chants, we will observe how you say your prayers inside the temple and around a sacred tank. We will also be able to visit the kitchen where volunteers offer meals to thousands of people daily, regardless of social class and religion.

We can also take a walk through one of the parks where locals go for their walks, very beautiful, the Lodi Garden.

A walk around one of the parks where locals go for their walks, very beautiful, with mausoleums of the various sultans of Delhi, the Lodi Garden, is a great option that combines history, nature and the opportunity to observe the daily lives of local residents .

Second of the six main Mugal emperors, Humayun (1508-1556), his mausoleum was built in Delhi, the first with architecture associated with a garden and the use of red sandstone stone on this scale in India. Thus, the predecessor and of a beauty close to the Taj Mahal, some people consider this monument even more beautiful.

A very interesting visit in Delhi is the National Museum. It is possible to spend many hours or days to appreciate each hall and exhibitions about the history, arts and peoples of India. A good way to take advantage of this opportunity is to visit a main hall and the relics of the Buddha. The backpack needs to be kept in an object locker before entering the museum building (small women's bags or straps are usually allowed in) and so, just before going up the entrance stairs, be sure to take a look to your left at one of the not the first charter of human rights, carved in stone, in accordance with the laws of the great Indian emperor of the 3500th century. III BC, Ashoka. Right after entering, one of the first halls is the one about Mohenjodaro and Harappa, the cradle of this Indian culture, between 1500 and XNUMX BC. C.. Right at the entrance to this hall there is a comparative interest in the times of the ancient civilizations of mankind. Then we have objects from that time, the main ones being: the seal with what must have been Shiva (possibly in the form of Pashupati), and the sculpture of the head of the priest and the dancing girl. From there, we walked (take your time, please), without stopping too much in order to use a shorter time of our day at the museum, through the other halls, until we arrived at a relic of Buddha. It is common to find practitioners of the method of this Nepalese/Indian master (Sakya), sitting in meditation around his relics. This can surely be a beneficial mental mark that we can offer ourselves for a few minutes, in that training and familiarization with the natural state of our minds, more at peace and better able to benefit a greater number of people and sentient beings (simply: beings with consciousness) in general. If you want to take a quick look at the halls of Indian tribes and the instruments on the top floor, with a lot of focus and careful time, run ;-)! Joke. But take care of your time and use of your day in this amazing city.

We will begin our tours with what is actually one of several Delhis, which have existed at different times and empires in a succession of neighboring cities. The last and eighth Delhi is where we stayed, built by the British, called New Delhi. The seventh was built by Shah Jahan, one of the great Mughai emperors, the same one who built the Taj Mahal, then known as Shajahanabad. Today we call it Old Delhi or Old Delhi. We will visit the great mosque of the Emperor, the Jama Masjid. In it, for those who want, there is the possibility of a walk up the minaret! From where we have a view of the city and the Red Fort from above. Talk to your guide. He doesn't need to go up. Just be very careful on the platform above, please.

Then we'll walk through the alleys of its old bazaar. There is a very old shop, passed from father to son for a long time, selling essences (sandalwood, etc.) and incense called Gulab Singh Johri Mal, which in itself is a walk. You can buy an oil in a box along with one of the very typical bottles of this Muslim region of Delhi. Following the walk through the alleys of the bazaars, most guides like to do a bicycle rickshaw. We highly recommend that you do the walking tour, to have more contact and to be able to see the bazaar better. Possibility to visit a small Jain temple, very old, with beautiful paintings. There is more than one Jain temple in the region, this one is in the village called Naughara Gali, in the Kinari bazaar. We then continue until we reach the Red Fort, where the important Lahori Gate is. It was there that important talks about the history of India took place, such as the independence of this country, today the largest democracy in the world, in which millenary values ​​and customs coexist at the same time with extremely modern knowledge and technologies.

We will save our visit to one of the Red Forts for the one in Agra, with more history, prettier and better preserved.

We will visit the Red Fort, built in red sandstone and white marble in the 200th century. XVII, also by Emperor Shah Jahan. Used by the Mughal Empire for approx. XNUMX years, we will understand how they lived, with their gardens, rooms, public and private audience halls. We will see that it was also used by the English army.

On the way back to our hotel area, we will pay tribute to the memorial where Gandhi was cremated, Raj Ghat. We will see what was his last word, a sign of great accomplishment on his spiritual path. Those who like photographs, look for images made by Cartier-Bresson, one of the great photographers that ever existed, who was in Delhi that day.

Close to our hotel is the esplanade built by the English in the XNUMXth century. XX, called Kartavya Path (Rajpath). In it is the India Gate, landmark of the city, built in honor of the fighters in the great war, where we can go down to take some pictures. On the other side of Kartavya Path is the home of the current President of India.

Close to our hotel is the esplanade built by the English in the XNUMXth century. XX, called Kartavya Path (Rajpath). In it is the India Gate, landmark of the city, built in honor of the fighters in the great war. We usually end up passing by it more than once during our days in Delhi. Depending on the rules on the day, what has sometimes been possible is to arrange with the guide and driver to get off near the India Gate to take a photo, the driver takes a turn, then stops by again to pick us up in a few minutes or parks there close. Another possibility is, in our passages through the Kartavya Path, our driver will pass slowly so that we can take pictures of the car. See how you prefer, okay? Across the Kartavya Path is the home of the current President of India.

In this same region, we will also visit a temple belonging to the famous ISKCON organization, known as Hare Krishna. Devotees of this eighth avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, this is an opportunity to observe how this tradition practices its method, with a lot of music, here in India.

Also nearby in the area of ​​our hotel is the Hindu temple Lakshminarayan, also known as Birla (important Indian family) Mandir (temple in Hindi). We will see many Hindu temples during the trip, from the smallest on the sidewalks and in front of the houses, to the larger ones, as in this case. They are opportunities for us to learn and reflect a little about the knowledge, wisdom and method of learning that has been practiced for millennia throughout the Asian subcontinent: from the Hindus River Valley (from Mt. Kailash in Tibet to Pakistan), extending across the Gangetic Plain ( from Rishikesh to Kolkata) via the entire Himalaya to South India. Take the opportunity and ask your guide about your doubts and curiosities about Hinduism, as well as the temple goers, including the priests here. We heard different responses, under different approaches and levels of understanding of this knowledge, from the most beginners to the most accomplished, from the most popular to the most academic.

Further south of the city, we will visit the beautiful Lotus Temple. Built in the format of its name, it belongs to the religion called Bahá'í, founded in the XNUMXth century. XIX, in ancient Persia, when visiting it we will all be invited to be silent for a moment. An interesting opportunity and experience in the midst of this great bustling city. After visiting the temple, which is sometimes open, further along the way out (before turning right to the street gate), there are stairs that lead to an exhibition about the history and work on this religion. Interesting to take a look and get in touch with brief expositions about his thoughts.

We think that we should visit another place where we will have the opportunity to know a little more about Indian handicrafts, the Crafts Museum. In it there is a small museum with a slightly greater focus on the arts of the various regions of the country, there is an open-air presentation on the arts of the villages of some Indian regions and a small shop where some artists sell their products.

See if it's time for a meal, as it will depend a lot on whether there was breakfast (extra on that first day) at the hotel or not (usually not but sometimes we get an open breakfast). So it's possible that at that moment a good meal goes very well, how can it be better after all the visits and walks, okay? Suggestion for a first meal in India: a very good typical Indian food in an old Delhi restaurant that we will recommend.

It will probably be time for a good meal when we are back in the region with the best infrastructure in the city, close to our hotel. Suggestions: a typical South Indian food in a simple place very popular with Indians or a place with North Indian food, the same food as yesterday, in a more sophisticated restaurant. We'll talk.

It will probably be time for lunch. See on the day if you would like to eat in one of the restaurants that we indicated in the previous days, a western food (sometimes we like to vary a little) or even something simpler, like a quiche, in a cafe that we can recommend as well.

Something a little different that we're going to do today, will be to know the mess of the Main Bazar (main street of the market) of Paharganj. Region (messy) where the small hotels of backpacker travellers are, stores where many foreigners buy products to sell in their countries. In addition to or in the midst of this mess, next to the Paharganj Main Bazar metro station (Ramakrishna Mission metro station) (because on the other side of this long street we have the New Delhi train station), we have the Ashram of Swami Vivekananda and his teacher , Ramakrishna. Swami Vivekananda was a great teacher and exponent of Hindu studies in India and the West in the XNUMXth century. past. Ramakrishna was a great teacher, known for his crazy wisdom, which helps us so much to break some paradigms. Tip: schedule your time with the guide, see the sunset time in Delhi on that day (here), and when you arrive in Paharganj, check the ashram for the exact time for the Aarti, end of day ceremony. Then 'walk around' Paharganj and come back in time for Aarti. Sit there (in the back near the door maybe) for a while and then see if it's time to get back to the mess, eat somewhere with better structure or time to head back to the hotel.

We will visit south Delhi and visit Qutb Minar (silent consonants in Sanskrit and Hindi can sound like they are combined with the vowel 'a': Qutab Minar) to see an important monument to the city's history. This very beautiful minaret is one of the many records of the Sultans that existed among the various Delhis.

Akshardham is a relatively new temple with very beautiful architecture. In addition to its beauty, it is interesting to see how the ancient temples that we visited in India are built in the same way as the new ones. There is not much difference between old and new. Their lineages, knowledge and relationship with the daily lives of Indians have continued continuously for millennia. There's an opportunity to look at the history of spirituality in this region of the world in a curious way, in the temple complex, which we're going to talk about.

A quick and beautiful visit is the well of the century. XIV, Agrasen Ki Baoli.

We will check the city's cultural agenda for the days in Delhi, as a possibility of a special activity, where great artists from the country perform.

We will check the city's cultural agenda for the days in Delhi, as a possibility of a special activity, where great artists from the country perform.

Flight:

7th Day 18-Mar.-2023 Sat DELHI RISHIKESH

Train ride

Flight

Ram Jhula

Aarti Ceremony

Vasistha Guha

Lakshman Jhula

Kunjapuri temple

Swami Dayananda Ashram

Free time

Train

Flight

Free time

End of free day

We will start the day early for the flight back to Delhi and then to Dehradun, the closest airport to Rishikesh. If the first flight leaves on time, we have a fast connection in Delhi. If you're late and don't have time to make a quick connection in Delhi, we have an alternative flight already issued (courtesy of Chörten) in the late afternoon so that we can go to Dehradun with peace of mind.

Transfer of approx. 40 min between airport and Rishikesh then walk through the Ram Jhula region. Jhulas are the suspension bridges, in this case over the Ganges, which on the other side, on its bank, we will participate in the Aarti puja conducted by students of the Parmarth Niketan ashram during sunset.

Flight:

Early in the morning we take our train for approx. 5:40 am to Haridwar, nearest station to Rishikesh. Riding the train in India is an experience that cannot be missed and an excellent opportunity to chat with Indian families, observe the villages and fields on the way. Our local representatives will assist us with our arrival and then we will continue for approx. XNUMXmin to our hotel. After check-in and lunch we can take a walk through the Ram Jhula region. Jhulas are the suspension bridges, in this case over the Ganges, which on the other side, on its bank, we will participate in the Aarti puja conducted by students of the Parmarth Niketan ashram during sunset.

After our breakfast, just beyond Rishikesh, we will visit the cave of a Vedic sage, one of the great seven Rishis of India, named Vashistha. It is always a very special experience to be able to pay tribute to the great yogis, to sit in the same place where he lived and meditated during the winters. We can also walk along the beach next door, on the bank of the Ganges. These are very suitable and pleasant places for meditation practices and reading texts.

We return to the region of jhulas (suspension bridges) for our lunch and walk through the alleys of the region, visiting its small temples, cafes and bookstores.

An extra activity option for that day is a special rafting tour along the (in this very clean) waters of the Ganges after visiting Vashistha Guha.

Today we will climb the Himalayas with our vehicle for approx. 40min to a temple on top of a mountain, at 1676m altitude. The Kunjapuri temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is one of the 13 places of power (Shakti Peethas) in this region. If the weather is clear, we will have a beautiful view with the snowy mountains in the background. Remember that the snow line here in the Himalayas is at an altitude of 5500m.

Back in Rishikesh, we will visit another important center of Vedanta study, the ashram of Swami Dayananda. Whoever gets excited, it is possible to walk back to Ram Jhula along the bank of the Ganges, as well as participating at the end of the day in one of the pujas in the ashram temple, overlooking the Ganges.

Suggestion: walk from Lakshman Jhula to Ram Jhula along a small road on the other side of the Ganges. Where then we can, for example, have lunch and then take a tuctuc to get to know one more important Vedanta study center, the ashram of Swami Dayananda. If you get excited, you can walk once more from the ashram back to Ram Jhula along a path just above the bank of the Ganges, or stay a little longer in the ashram to participate in one of the pujas at the temple at the end of the day.

Early in the morning we took our train from Haridwar back to Delhi. We will check in at our hotel and now, already familiar with the region, we can enjoy an afternoon at leisure to return to some of the places we visited and we would like to spend more time, getting to know a new place, as each traveller prefers. It is common in Delhi to have excellent classical music and dance performances. Let's check the cultural agenda of the days we are in the city and then we can organize ourselves to go together in one of these cultural centers.

Early in the morning we continue for approx. 40min to the airport in the neighboring city, Dehradun, in time for our safe flight to Delhi and then connection to Kathmandu. End of the day at leisure around the large stupa (Tibetan: chörten) of Boudhnath, in the Tibetan quarter where we stayed. Watching Tibetans doing their koras (circumulations), reciting their mantras, offering lamps and, of course, getting some exercise and catching up with friends is a good choice and experience for the end of the day. There are good restaurants to try Nepalese, Tibetan food or to kill the nostalgia for a good pizza!

8th Day 19-Mar.-2023 Sun RISHIKESH RISHIKESH

Train ride

Flight

Ram Jhula

Aarti Ceremony

Vasistha Guha

Lakshman Jhula

Kunjapuri temple

Swami Dayananda Ashram

Free time

Train

Flight

Free time

End of free day

We will start the day early for the flight back to Delhi and then to Dehradun, the closest airport to Rishikesh. If the first flight leaves on time, we have a fast connection in Delhi. If you're late and don't have time to make a quick connection in Delhi, we have an alternative flight already issued (courtesy of Chörten) in the late afternoon so that we can go to Dehradun with peace of mind.

Transfer of approx. 40 min between airport and Rishikesh then walk through the Ram Jhula region. Jhulas are the suspension bridges, in this case over the Ganges, which on the other side, on its bank, we will participate in the Aarti puja conducted by students of the Parmarth Niketan ashram during sunset.

Flight:

Early in the morning we take our train for approx. 5:40 am to Haridwar, nearest station to Rishikesh. Riding the train in India is an experience that cannot be missed and an excellent opportunity to chat with Indian families, observe the villages and fields on the way. Our local representatives will assist us with our arrival and then we will continue for approx. XNUMXmin to our hotel. After check-in and lunch we can take a walk through the Ram Jhula region. Jhulas are the suspension bridges, in this case over the Ganges, which on the other side, on its bank, we will participate in the Aarti puja conducted by students of the Parmarth Niketan ashram during sunset.

After our breakfast, just beyond Rishikesh, we will visit the cave of a Vedic sage, one of the great seven Rishis of India, named Vashistha. It is always a very special experience to be able to pay tribute to the great yogis, to sit in the same place where he lived and meditated during the winters. We can also walk along the beach next door, on the bank of the Ganges. These are very suitable and pleasant places for meditation practices and reading texts.

We return to the region of jhulas (suspension bridges) for our lunch and walk through the alleys of the region, visiting its small temples, cafes and bookstores.

An extra activity option for that day is a special rafting tour along the (in this very clean) waters of the Ganges after visiting Vashistha Guha.

Today we will climb the Himalayas with our vehicle for approx. 40min to a temple on top of a mountain, at 1676m altitude. The Kunjapuri temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is one of the 13 places of power (Shakti Peethas) in this region. If the weather is clear, we will have a beautiful view with the snowy mountains in the background. Remember that the snow line here in the Himalayas is at an altitude of 5500m.

Back in Rishikesh, we will visit another important center of Vedanta study, the ashram of Swami Dayananda. Whoever gets excited, it is possible to walk back to Ram Jhula along the bank of the Ganges, as well as participating at the end of the day in one of the pujas in the ashram temple, overlooking the Ganges.

Suggestion: walk from Lakshman Jhula to Ram Jhula along a small road on the other side of the Ganges. Where then we can, for example, have lunch and then take a tuctuc to get to know one more important Vedanta study center, the ashram of Swami Dayananda. If you get excited, you can walk once more from the ashram back to Ram Jhula along a path just above the bank of the Ganges, or stay a little longer in the ashram to participate in one of the pujas at the temple at the end of the day.

Early in the morning we took our train from Haridwar back to Delhi. We will check in at our hotel and now, already familiar with the region, we can enjoy an afternoon at leisure to return to some of the places we visited and we would like to spend more time, getting to know a new place, as each traveller prefers. It is common in Delhi to have excellent classical music and dance performances. Let's check the cultural agenda of the days we are in the city and then we can organize ourselves to go together in one of these cultural centers.

Early in the morning we continue for approx. 40min to the airport in the neighboring city, Dehradun, in time for our safe flight to Delhi and then connection to Kathmandu. End of the day at leisure around the large stupa (Tibetan: chörten) of Boudhnath, in the Tibetan quarter where we stayed. Watching Tibetans doing their koras (circumulations), reciting their mantras, offering lamps and, of course, getting some exercise and catching up with friends is a good choice and experience for the end of the day. There are good restaurants to try Nepalese, Tibetan food or to kill the nostalgia for a good pizza!

9th Day 20-Mar.-2023 Mon RISHIKESH RISHIKESH

Train ride

Flight

Ram Jhula

Aarti Ceremony

Vasistha Guha

Lakshman Jhula

Kunjapuri temple

Swami Dayananda Ashram

Free time

Train

Flight

Free time

End of free day

We will start the day early for the flight back to Delhi and then to Dehradun, the closest airport to Rishikesh. If the first flight leaves on time, we have a fast connection in Delhi. If you're late and don't have time to make a quick connection in Delhi, we have an alternative flight already issued (courtesy of Chörten) in the late afternoon so that we can go to Dehradun with peace of mind.

Transfer of approx. 40 min between airport and Rishikesh then walk through the Ram Jhula region. Jhulas are the suspension bridges, in this case over the Ganges, which on the other side, on its bank, we will participate in the Aarti puja conducted by students of the Parmarth Niketan ashram during sunset.

Flight:

Early in the morning we take our train for approx. 5:40 am to Haridwar, nearest station to Rishikesh. Riding the train in India is an experience that cannot be missed and an excellent opportunity to chat with Indian families, observe the villages and fields on the way. Our local representatives will assist us with our arrival and then we will continue for approx. XNUMXmin to our hotel. After check-in and lunch we can take a walk through the Ram Jhula region. Jhulas are the suspension bridges, in this case over the Ganges, which on the other side, on its bank, we will participate in the Aarti puja conducted by students of the Parmarth Niketan ashram during sunset.

After our breakfast, just beyond Rishikesh, we will visit the cave of a Vedic sage, one of the great seven Rishis of India, named Vashistha. It is always a very special experience to be able to pay tribute to the great yogis, to sit in the same place where he lived and meditated during the winters. We can also walk along the beach next door, on the bank of the Ganges. These are very suitable and pleasant places for meditation practices and reading texts.

We return to the region of jhulas (suspension bridges) for our lunch and walk through the alleys of the region, visiting its small temples, cafes and bookstores.

An extra activity option for that day is a special rafting tour along the (in this very clean) waters of the Ganges after visiting Vashistha Guha.

Today we will climb the Himalayas with our vehicle for approx. 40min to a temple on top of a mountain, at 1676m altitude. The Kunjapuri temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is one of the 13 places of power (Shakti Peethas) in this region. If the weather is clear, we will have a beautiful view with the snowy mountains in the background. Remember that the snow line here in the Himalayas is at an altitude of 5500m.

Back in Rishikesh, we will visit another important center of Vedanta study, the ashram of Swami Dayananda. Whoever gets excited, it is possible to walk back to Ram Jhula along the bank of the Ganges, as well as participating at the end of the day in one of the pujas in the ashram temple, overlooking the Ganges.

Suggestion: walk from Lakshman Jhula to Ram Jhula along a small road on the other side of the Ganges. Where then we can, for example, have lunch and then take a tuctuc to get to know one more important Vedanta study center, the ashram of Swami Dayananda. If you get excited, you can walk once more from the ashram back to Ram Jhula along a path just above the bank of the Ganges, or stay a little longer in the ashram to participate in one of the pujas at the temple at the end of the day.

Early in the morning we took our train from Haridwar back to Delhi. We will check in at our hotel and now, already familiar with the region, we can enjoy an afternoon at leisure to return to some of the places we visited and we would like to spend more time, getting to know a new place, as each traveller prefers. It is common in Delhi to have excellent classical music and dance performances. Let's check the cultural agenda of the days we are in the city and then we can organize ourselves to go together in one of these cultural centers.

Early in the morning we continue for approx. 40min to the airport in the neighboring city, Dehradun, in time for our safe flight to Delhi and then connection to Kathmandu. End of the day at leisure around the large stupa (Tibetan: chörten) of Boudhnath, in the Tibetan quarter where we stayed. Watching Tibetans doing their koras (circumulations), reciting their mantras, offering lamps and, of course, getting some exercise and catching up with friends is a good choice and experience for the end of the day. There are good restaurants to try Nepalese, Tibetan food or to kill the nostalgia for a good pizza!

10th Day 21-Mar.-2023 Tue RISHIKESH RISHIKESH

Train ride

Flight

Ram Jhula

Aarti Ceremony

Vasistha Guha

Lakshman Jhula

Kunjapuri temple

Swami Dayananda Ashram

Free time

Train

Flight

Free time

End of free day

We will start the day early for the flight back to Delhi and then to Dehradun, the closest airport to Rishikesh. If the first flight leaves on time, we have a fast connection in Delhi. If you're late and don't have time to make a quick connection in Delhi, we have an alternative flight already issued (courtesy of Chörten) in the late afternoon so that we can go to Dehradun with peace of mind.

Transfer of approx. 40 min between airport and Rishikesh then walk through the Ram Jhula region. Jhulas are the suspension bridges, in this case over the Ganges, which on the other side, on its bank, we will participate in the Aarti puja conducted by students of the Parmarth Niketan ashram during sunset.

Flight:

Early in the morning we take our train for approx. 5:40 am to Haridwar, nearest station to Rishikesh. Riding the train in India is an experience that cannot be missed and an excellent opportunity to chat with Indian families, observe the villages and fields on the way. Our local representatives will assist us with our arrival and then we will continue for approx. XNUMXmin to our hotel. After check-in and lunch we can take a walk through the Ram Jhula region. Jhulas are the suspension bridges, in this case over the Ganges, which on the other side, on its bank, we will participate in the Aarti puja conducted by students of the Parmarth Niketan ashram during sunset.

After our breakfast, just beyond Rishikesh, we will visit the cave of a Vedic sage, one of the great seven Rishis of India, named Vashistha. It is always a very special experience to be able to pay tribute to the great yogis, to sit in the same place where he lived and meditated during the winters. We can also walk along the beach next door, on the bank of the Ganges. These are very suitable and pleasant places for meditation practices and reading texts.

We return to the region of jhulas (suspension bridges) for our lunch and walk through the alleys of the region, visiting its small temples, cafes and bookstores.

An extra activity option for that day is a special rafting tour along the (in this very clean) waters of the Ganges after visiting Vashistha Guha.

Today we will climb the Himalayas with our vehicle for approx. 40min to a temple on top of a mountain, at 1676m altitude. The Kunjapuri temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is one of the 13 places of power (Shakti Peethas) in this region. If the weather is clear, we will have a beautiful view with the snowy mountains in the background. Remember that the snow line here in the Himalayas is at an altitude of 5500m.

Back in Rishikesh, we will visit another important center of Vedanta study, the ashram of Swami Dayananda. Whoever gets excited, it is possible to walk back to Ram Jhula along the bank of the Ganges, as well as participating at the end of the day in one of the pujas in the ashram temple, overlooking the Ganges.

Suggestion: walk from Lakshman Jhula to Ram Jhula along a small road on the other side of the Ganges. Where then we can, for example, have lunch and then take a tuctuc to get to know one more important Vedanta study center, the ashram of Swami Dayananda. If you get excited, you can walk once more from the ashram back to Ram Jhula along a path just above the bank of the Ganges, or stay a little longer in the ashram to participate in one of the pujas at the temple at the end of the day.

Early in the morning we took our train from Haridwar back to Delhi. We will check in at our hotel and now, already familiar with the region, we can enjoy an afternoon at leisure to return to some of the places we visited and we would like to spend more time, getting to know a new place, as each traveller prefers. It is common in Delhi to have excellent classical music and dance performances. Let's check the cultural agenda of the days we are in the city and then we can organize ourselves to go together in one of these cultural centers.

Early in the morning we continue for approx. 40min to the airport in the neighboring city, Dehradun, in time for our safe flight to Delhi and then connection to Kathmandu. End of the day at leisure around the large stupa (Tibetan: chörten) of Boudhnath, in the Tibetan quarter where we stayed. Watching Tibetans doing their koras (circumulations), reciting their mantras, offering lamps and, of course, getting some exercise and catching up with friends is a good choice and experience for the end of the day. There are good restaurants to try Nepalese, Tibetan food or to kill the nostalgia for a good pizza!

11th Day 22-Mar.-2023 Wed RISHIKESH KATHMANDU

Flight

Boudhnath

Arrival

Transfer

Free afternoon in Boudhnath

Welcome to Nepal! From the airport runway, weather permitting, it is already possible to see the mountains around the valley. With your visa and suitcase in hand, you will be met by our local representative who will be waiting for you with a Chörten sign.

You will have already left Brazil with Guilherme's telephone number, who will thus accompany your trip to Nepal, will already make contact during the transfer and will meet you at our hotel. For those arriving in the morning, a peaceful afternoon to start adjusting to the time zone of Nepal.

Arrival of the main program with specialist

Welcome to Nepal! From the airport runway, weather permitting, it is already possible to see the mountains around the valley. With your visa and suitcase in hand, a procedure facilitated by Guilherme who will be accompanying the group since the main program, we will be greeted by our local representative and driver who will be waiting for us with a Chörten license plate.

Around the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath in our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, you will find secular nuns, monks and Tibetans, sometimes great masters, doing their koras (circumumbulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoons and early mornings. Take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants in the surroundings of the stupa to observe and assimilate a little of this ancient culture.

Post India and Nagarkot with expert

We will now proceed to the city of Kathmandu itself. After check-in at our hotel, we will visit the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath. Full of monasteries, we will find nuns, monks and lay Tibetans, sometimes great masters, making their koras (circumbularies), turning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoon and early morning. We will visit some of its monasteries, and it is always possible to take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants around the stupa to observe and assimilate a little of this very special ancient culture.

Nalanda post

Around the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath in our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, you will find secular nuns, monks and Tibetans, sometimes great masters, doing their koras (circumumbulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoons and early mornings. Take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants to observe and assimilate these people who, more directly or indirectly, keep alive until today, all over the world, the legacy of the University of Nalanda that we visited a few days ago.

Briefing

Swayambunath

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Thamel

Boudhnath

After a well deserved rest from the trip to Nepal, breakfast and then we will do our briefing. We will talk about important practical travel tips in Nepal and Bhutan such as: transit, money, health, customs, etc.

We will start our visits with a short walk in the region of the second largest stupa in the valley, Swayambunath (translation: self-emerged). Legend has it that the hill where the stupa is located appeared at the place where the bodhisattva Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, picked up a lotus flower after emptying the lake in what is now the Kathmandu Valley. We will have a view of the whole city, we will do our koras around the stupa and we will know its small monasteries.

Before Bhutan

From Swayambu we will proceed to Kathmandu's Durbar Square (Palace Square) where a small living goddess, Kumari, lives. The durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley were built by heirs kings of the Malla dynasty, century. XII to XVIII, which, in this case for our luck, competed in architectural beauty. There are countless temples of the various Hindu gods around the palace. We will then walk to the travellers' neighborhood in Kathmandu, Thamel, with countless good restaurants, mountaineering shops, Nepalese crafts, bookstores, for a good meal and, if anyone needs to, buy some clothes for the days in Bhutan.

No Bhutan with more travel

From Swayambu we will continue to Kathmandu's Durbar Square (Palace Square) where a small living goddess, Kumari, lives. The durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley were built by heir kings of the Malla dynasty, XNUMXth century. XII to XVIII, which, in this case, luckily for us, competed in architectural beauty. There are numerous temples of the various Hindu gods around the palace. We will then walk to the travellers' quarter in Kathmandu, Thamel, with countless good restaurants, mountaineering shops, Nepalese crafts, bookstores, for a good meal and, if anyone needs to, buy some clothes, for example, for the next trip.

no more trips

From Swayambu we will continue to Kathmandu's Durbar Square (Palace Square) where a small living goddess, Kumari, lives. The durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley were built by heir kings of the Malla dynasty, XNUMXth century. XII to XVIII, which, in this case, luckily for us, competed in architectural beauty. There are numerous temples of the various Hindu gods around the palace. We will then walk to the travellers' quarter in Kathmandu, Thamel, with countless good restaurants, mountaineering shops, Nepalese crafts, bookstores, for a good meal and, if anyone needs, buy some clothes, for example, for trekking or future trips.

After our lunch, we will return to Boudhnath to accompany a puja (practice) in one of the monasteries, do koras with the Tibetans and possibly a meditation practice. It is possible on this day, if anyone wishes, to visit one more of the palace squares in the valley, the Durbar Square of Kathmandu.

After our lunch, we will return, now accompanied by the guide, to the stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath, full of flags, famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs and many monasteries that we can visit.

Bhaktapur

Walk

Patan

Durbar Square Patan Museum Patan Golden Temple Free time

Pashupatinath

Pharphing

Thamel

We will take a walk through the temple complex of Pashupatinath, which surrounds the Bagmati River, sacred to the Hindus. In addition to the main temple, dedicated to Shiva's quieter manifestation, Pashupati, there are dozens of small temples also dedicated to Hinduism's god of destruction and rebuilding. It is also the place where any Nepalese who can will be cremated to ensure a good passage or liberation (moksha).

We will visit two places today, with an opportunity for a walk for those who get excited! The first site is the important Hindu temple called Pashupatinath. Alongside the sacred Bagmati River, in addition to the main temple there are dozens of small temples dedicated to Shiva, Hinduism's god of destruction and rebuilding. It is also the place where any Nepalese who can will be cremated to ensure a good passage or liberation (moksha).

At the end of this morning, we will continue to the friendly Durbar Square of Patan, very famous for its artists and beautiful temples. There we will visit a small, very well done and very didactic museum of Hindu and Buddhist art. Nearby, we will visit the small and beautiful Golden Temple, used until today by Buddhist Nepalese from the same ethnic group as Sakyamuni Buddha himself.. Patan has a good option for our lunch, it is an excellent place to buy Buddhist statues (as in Boudha too), of excellent quality, as well as to walk through these medieval streets and their temples.

Late afternoon free at bookstores, cafes, Buddhist art, craft, mountain clothing and equipment stores, stupa, temples or monasteries in the well-known Patan, Thamel or Boudhnath, as each traveller prefers.

We will visit the third Durbar Square in the valley, the beautiful Bhaktapur (bhakt: devotion/devotees and pur: Hindu city). A listed city, with a limited flow of vehicles, walking through its alleys, palace, temples, as well as the potters' square, is like getting to know a little of the daily life of a medieval era in Nepal. Bhaktapur is the location where, for example, the film Little Buddha was filmed.

On the way back to Kathmandu, we will visit the third of the main ancient cities in the valley, Bhaktapur (bhakt: devotion and pur: Hindu city). Bhaktapur is a listed city with limited vehicle flow. Walking through its alleys is like getting to know a little bit of everyday life from a medieval time in Nepal. Back in our Tibetan neighborhood, we will prepare for our very nice flight to Bhutan tomorrow.

Today we head to a village in the mountains surrounding the valley, Nagarkot. In this quieter region, with more nature, we can take a walk through one of the villages of one of the many ethnic groups in Nepal, to experience a little of this rhythm of life where children take care of animals, men and women weave, adults take care of houses and plantations, some houses still built with traditional materials and format, with the animals on the first floor and the house above. Weather permitting, we will have views of the highest and snowiest mountains in the Himalayas, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Kopan Monasteries Dudjom Sakya Ka-Nying Shechen

Boudhnath Stupa and Monasteries: Kopan Dudjom Rinpoche Sakya KaNying Shedrub Shechen

Today we will visit some of the main monasteries of the Kathmandu Valley, having good opportunities to learn a little about the projects of their great masters. First we will try to visit Kopan. 'We will try' because it has been common to have retreats and on those days they are not open to visitors. Still, it is always possible to try the following way: calling or going to the Kopan (15 to 20 min by car from Boudhnath), if they are on retreat, demonstrating that they understand the importance of silence for the retreatants and, thus, asking if they can visit the stupas in silence (whenever we are close to the refugees). It is the monastery of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, where a few hundred monks of all ages live. It is an important center of study for Sherpas, often from the Everest region, and foreigners from around the world.

Then we will visit the monasteries of Dudjom Rinpoche, called Dudjom Gompa, the Sakya monastery of Trinchen Rinpoche in the kora of the great stupa of Boudhnath, Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, Chökling Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche, called Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, and Matthieu Ricard , Rabjam Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, called Shechen.

Next to our hotel, we will start by visiting the monastery of Dudjom Rinpoche, called Dudjom Gompa. Dudjom Rinpoche was a great master, master of many masters. There are many very special books with his teachings and his lineage. His (shrunken) body is in the stupa in his monastery. It's worth sitting there for a while.

We will continue to the monastery of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, called Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling. One of the oldest if not the oldest in Boudha, built by Tulky Urgyen Rinpoche and his eldest sons at the request of SS the XVI Karmapa. Known as the white monastery, it has a college for both monks (10 years) and westerners (www.ryi.org) with bachelor's, master's and shorter courses. The Rangjung Yeshe Institute library is worth visiting. We will also visit the monastery of Matthieu Ricard, Rabjam Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, called Shechen. See if Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's room is open. Another very special place to sit for a while.

The Sakya monastery of Trinchen Rinpoche in the kora of the great stupa of Boudhnath has a beautiful statue of Maitreya. Having seen the main monasteries of Kathmandu, you can return to them to participate in the pujas (monks' ceremonies) in which we can sit for as long as we like, use their libraries and bookshops. More here

Pharphing

Today we will go to a village in a quieter region approx. 40 min south of Kathmandu Valley, Pharphing. We will visit two important caves of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Here, this great master and father of Buddhism in Tibet performed the third level of vidyadhara called the great seal. As the Buddha himself explained, visiting places where great masters lived and meditatedIt is an important way of accumulating merit.. We will be able to hang Tibetan pennants on a hill above Asura with a very beautiful view of the valley and surrounding mountains. We will have time to walk around the village as an (invitation) for a Buddha Sakyamuni meditation practice that we will have with us, which was authorized by the Rinpoche of this monastery and, who is interested, we can do it daily in auspicious places like Pharphing, like in our hotel when is more convenient. On the rock next to one of the caves we will visit, we will see a mark that Guru Rinpoche made with his hand.

At the end of our day we will return to the Thamel region for another good meal.

After a well deserved rest from the trip to Nepal, breakfast and then we will do our briefing. We will talk about important practical tips for traveling in Nepal and Tibet such as: traffic, money, health, customs, etc. We will then head to a village in a quieter region south of the Kathmandu Valley, Pharphing. We will visit two important caves of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Here, this great master and father of Buddhism in Tibet performed the third level of vidyadhara called the great seal. As the Buddha himself explained, visiting places where great masters lived and meditatedIt is an important way of accumulating merit.. We will have a Buddha Sakyamuni meditation practice with us, which has been authorized for us by the Rinpoche of this monastery and (by invitation) we can do it daily in auspicious places like Pharphing, such as in our hotel when it is more convenient. On the rock next to one of the caves we will visit, we will see a mark that Guru Rinpoche made with his hand. We will end our day in the travellers' quarter, Thamel, for a good meal and in case anyone needs to buy a coat or some mountain equipment for the trip..

Budhanilkantha

Walk

Nagi Gompa

Today we will do a very special walk. From our hotel, we will head to the foot of one of the mountains surrounding the valley, called Shivapuri. Before starting our ascent, still with our vehicle, we will visit a Hindu temple that is very different from all the others. It is called Budhanilkantha, where there is a large statue of the god Vishnu lying down.

Time to climb up the mountain for a few minutes to the entrance to the national park, where we'll leave our vehicle and hike to an important women's monastery called Nagi Gompa. A combination of characteristics make this hike a very special opportunity in Kathmandu: the view of the valley is very beautiful, along with the peace of walking on the mountain, the legacy of a great master, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, having lived here for many years and all the environment created by the daily studies and practices of the nuns who live here. The walk will be approx. 1h, a little less or a little more, depending on the road conditions.

Today we will go for a walk outside the mess of the city. From our hotel, we'll head to the foot of one of the mountains surrounding the valley, called Shivapuri. Before starting our ascent, still with our vehicle, we will visit a Hindu temple quite different from all others. It is called Budhanilkantha, where there is a large statue of the god Vishnu lying down.

Time to climb up the mountain for a few minutes to the entrance of the national park, where we will leave our vehicle and make our trek to an important women's monastery, called Nagi Gompa. A combination of features make this hike a very special opportunity in Kathmandu: the view of the valley is very beautiful, along with the peace of walking on the mountain, the legacy of a great master, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, having lived here for many years and all the environment created by the daily studies and practices of the nuns who live here. When we read the books of his youngest son, Mingyur Rinpoche (happiest brain ever studied and who made Western neuroscientists understand the plasticity of our brains), many stories pass here with his father. See with the nuns if you can visit and sit for a while in Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's meditation room (his amazing books in Kathmandu and on Kindle). The walk will be approx. 1h, a little less or a little more, depending on the conditions of the way. We will see how the national park will be in terms of vehicle entry at this time (as it changes a lot) if you prefer that the car is picked up. Or it's worth a walk back to enjoy the air in nature. That's our suggestion. Depending on the pique and experience (in this next option on steep and narrow trails), there is a possibility of a long walk back to Boudha. The walk through the park, at first, seems like a quieter and safer option, thinking about the next days of the trip. We'll talk.

12th Day 23-Mar.-2023 Thu KATHMANDU KATHMANDU

Flight

Boudhnath

Arrival

Transfer

Free afternoon in Boudhnath

Welcome to Nepal! From the airport runway, weather permitting, it is already possible to see the mountains around the valley. With your visa and suitcase in hand, you will be met by our local representative who will be waiting for you with a Chörten sign.

You will have already left Brazil with Guilherme's telephone number, who will thus accompany your trip to Nepal, will already make contact during the transfer and will meet you at our hotel. For those arriving in the morning, a peaceful afternoon to start adjusting to the time zone of Nepal.

Arrival of the main program with specialist

Welcome to Nepal! From the airport runway, weather permitting, it is already possible to see the mountains around the valley. With your visa and suitcase in hand, a procedure facilitated by Guilherme who will be accompanying the group since the main program, we will be greeted by our local representative and driver who will be waiting for us with a Chörten license plate.

Around the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath in our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, you will find secular nuns, monks and Tibetans, sometimes great masters, doing their koras (circumumbulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoons and early mornings. Take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants in the surroundings of the stupa to observe and assimilate a little of this ancient culture.

Post India and Nagarkot with expert

We will now proceed to the city of Kathmandu itself. After check-in at our hotel, we will visit the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath. Full of monasteries, we will find nuns, monks and lay Tibetans, sometimes great masters, making their koras (circumbularies), turning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoon and early morning. We will visit some of its monasteries, and it is always possible to take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants around the stupa to observe and assimilate a little of this very special ancient culture.

Nalanda post

Around the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath in our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, you will find secular nuns, monks and Tibetans, sometimes great masters, doing their koras (circumumbulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoons and early mornings. Take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants to observe and assimilate these people who, more directly or indirectly, keep alive until today, all over the world, the legacy of the University of Nalanda that we visited a few days ago.

Briefing

Swayambunath

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Thamel

Boudhnath

After a well deserved rest from the trip to Nepal, breakfast and then we will do our briefing. We will talk about important practical travel tips in Nepal and Bhutan such as: transit, money, health, customs, etc.

We will start our visits with a short walk in the region of the second largest stupa in the valley, Swayambunath (translation: self-emerged). Legend has it that the hill where the stupa is located appeared at the place where the bodhisattva Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, picked up a lotus flower after emptying the lake in what is now the Kathmandu Valley. We will have a view of the whole city, we will do our koras around the stupa and we will know its small monasteries.

Before Bhutan

From Swayambu we will proceed to Kathmandu's Durbar Square (Palace Square) where a small living goddess, Kumari, lives. The durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley were built by heirs kings of the Malla dynasty, century. XII to XVIII, which, in this case for our luck, competed in architectural beauty. There are countless temples of the various Hindu gods around the palace. We will then walk to the travellers' neighborhood in Kathmandu, Thamel, with countless good restaurants, mountaineering shops, Nepalese crafts, bookstores, for a good meal and, if anyone needs to, buy some clothes for the days in Bhutan.

No Bhutan with more travel

From Swayambu we will continue to Kathmandu's Durbar Square (Palace Square) where a small living goddess, Kumari, lives. The durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley were built by heir kings of the Malla dynasty, XNUMXth century. XII to XVIII, which, in this case, luckily for us, competed in architectural beauty. There are numerous temples of the various Hindu gods around the palace. We will then walk to the travellers' quarter in Kathmandu, Thamel, with countless good restaurants, mountaineering shops, Nepalese crafts, bookstores, for a good meal and, if anyone needs to, buy some clothes, for example, for the next trip.

no more trips

From Swayambu we will continue to Kathmandu's Durbar Square (Palace Square) where a small living goddess, Kumari, lives. The durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley were built by heir kings of the Malla dynasty, XNUMXth century. XII to XVIII, which, in this case, luckily for us, competed in architectural beauty. There are numerous temples of the various Hindu gods around the palace. We will then walk to the travellers' quarter in Kathmandu, Thamel, with countless good restaurants, mountaineering shops, Nepalese crafts, bookstores, for a good meal and, if anyone needs, buy some clothes, for example, for trekking or future trips.

After our lunch, we will return to Boudhnath to accompany a puja (practice) in one of the monasteries, do koras with the Tibetans and possibly a meditation practice. It is possible on this day, if anyone wishes, to visit one more of the palace squares in the valley, the Durbar Square of Kathmandu.

After our lunch, we will return, now accompanied by the guide, to the stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath, full of flags, famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs and many monasteries that we can visit.

Bhaktapur

Walk

Patan

Durbar Square Patan Museum Patan Golden Temple Free time

Pashupatinath

Pharphing

Thamel

We will take a walk through the temple complex of Pashupatinath, which surrounds the Bagmati River, sacred to the Hindus. In addition to the main temple, dedicated to Shiva's quieter manifestation, Pashupati, there are dozens of small temples also dedicated to Hinduism's god of destruction and rebuilding. It is also the place where any Nepalese who can will be cremated to ensure a good passage or liberation (moksha).

We will visit two places today, with an opportunity for a walk for those who get excited! The first site is the important Hindu temple called Pashupatinath. Alongside the sacred Bagmati River, in addition to the main temple there are dozens of small temples dedicated to Shiva, Hinduism's god of destruction and rebuilding. It is also the place where any Nepalese who can will be cremated to ensure a good passage or liberation (moksha).

At the end of this morning, we will continue to the friendly Durbar Square of Patan, very famous for its artists and beautiful temples. There we will visit a small, very well done and very didactic museum of Hindu and Buddhist art. Nearby, we will visit the small and beautiful Golden Temple, used until today by Buddhist Nepalese from the same ethnic group as Sakyamuni Buddha himself.. Patan has a good option for our lunch, it is an excellent place to buy Buddhist statues (as in Boudha too), of excellent quality, as well as to walk through these medieval streets and their temples.

Late afternoon free at bookstores, cafes, Buddhist art, craft, mountain clothing and equipment stores, stupa, temples or monasteries in the well-known Patan, Thamel or Boudhnath, as each traveller prefers.

We will visit the third Durbar Square in the valley, the beautiful Bhaktapur (bhakt: devotion/devotees and pur: Hindu city). A listed city, with a limited flow of vehicles, walking through its alleys, palace, temples, as well as the potters' square, is like getting to know a little of the daily life of a medieval era in Nepal. Bhaktapur is the location where, for example, the film Little Buddha was filmed.

On the way back to Kathmandu, we will visit the third of the main ancient cities in the valley, Bhaktapur (bhakt: devotion and pur: Hindu city). Bhaktapur is a listed city with limited vehicle flow. Walking through its alleys is like getting to know a little bit of everyday life from a medieval time in Nepal. Back in our Tibetan neighborhood, we will prepare for our very nice flight to Bhutan tomorrow.

Today we head to a village in the mountains surrounding the valley, Nagarkot. In this quieter region, with more nature, we can take a walk through one of the villages of one of the many ethnic groups in Nepal, to experience a little of this rhythm of life where children take care of animals, men and women weave, adults take care of houses and plantations, some houses still built with traditional materials and format, with the animals on the first floor and the house above. Weather permitting, we will have views of the highest and snowiest mountains in the Himalayas, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Kopan Monasteries Dudjom Sakya Ka-Nying Shechen

Boudhnath Stupa and Monasteries: Kopan Dudjom Rinpoche Sakya KaNying Shedrub Shechen

Today we will visit some of the main monasteries of the Kathmandu Valley, having good opportunities to learn a little about the projects of their great masters. First we will try to visit Kopan. 'We will try' because it has been common to have retreats and on those days they are not open to visitors. Still, it is always possible to try the following way: calling or going to the Kopan (15 to 20 min by car from Boudhnath), if they are on retreat, demonstrating that they understand the importance of silence for the retreatants and, thus, asking if they can visit the stupas in silence (whenever we are close to the refugees). It is the monastery of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, where a few hundred monks of all ages live. It is an important center of study for Sherpas, often from the Everest region, and foreigners from around the world.

Then we will visit the monasteries of Dudjom Rinpoche, called Dudjom Gompa, the Sakya monastery of Trinchen Rinpoche in the kora of the great stupa of Boudhnath, Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, Chökling Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche, called Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, and Matthieu Ricard , Rabjam Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, called Shechen.

Next to our hotel, we will start by visiting the monastery of Dudjom Rinpoche, called Dudjom Gompa. Dudjom Rinpoche was a great master, master of many masters. There are many very special books with his teachings and his lineage. His (shrunken) body is in the stupa in his monastery. It's worth sitting there for a while.

We will continue to the monastery of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, called Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling. One of the oldest if not the oldest in Boudha, built by Tulky Urgyen Rinpoche and his eldest sons at the request of SS the XVI Karmapa. Known as the white monastery, it has a college for both monks (10 years) and westerners (www.ryi.org) with bachelor's, master's and shorter courses. The Rangjung Yeshe Institute library is worth visiting. We will also visit the monastery of Matthieu Ricard, Rabjam Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, called Shechen. See if Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's room is open. Another very special place to sit for a while.

The Sakya monastery of Trinchen Rinpoche in the kora of the great stupa of Boudhnath has a beautiful statue of Maitreya. Having seen the main monasteries of Kathmandu, you can return to them to participate in the pujas (monks' ceremonies) in which we can sit for as long as we like, use their libraries and bookshops. More here

Pharphing

Today we will go to a village in a quieter region approx. 40 min south of Kathmandu Valley, Pharphing. We will visit two important caves of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Here, this great master and father of Buddhism in Tibet performed the third level of vidyadhara called the great seal. As the Buddha himself explained, visiting places where great masters lived and meditatedIt is an important way of accumulating merit.. We will be able to hang Tibetan pennants on a hill above Asura with a very beautiful view of the valley and surrounding mountains. We will have time to walk around the village as an (invitation) for a Buddha Sakyamuni meditation practice that we will have with us, which was authorized by the Rinpoche of this monastery and, who is interested, we can do it daily in auspicious places like Pharphing, like in our hotel when is more convenient. On the rock next to one of the caves we will visit, we will see a mark that Guru Rinpoche made with his hand.

At the end of our day we will return to the Thamel region for another good meal.

After a well deserved rest from the trip to Nepal, breakfast and then we will do our briefing. We will talk about important practical tips for traveling in Nepal and Tibet such as: traffic, money, health, customs, etc. We will then head to a village in a quieter region south of the Kathmandu Valley, Pharphing. We will visit two important caves of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Here, this great master and father of Buddhism in Tibet performed the third level of vidyadhara called the great seal. As the Buddha himself explained, visiting places where great masters lived and meditatedIt is an important way of accumulating merit.. We will have a Buddha Sakyamuni meditation practice with us, which has been authorized for us by the Rinpoche of this monastery and (by invitation) we can do it daily in auspicious places like Pharphing, such as in our hotel when it is more convenient. On the rock next to one of the caves we will visit, we will see a mark that Guru Rinpoche made with his hand. We will end our day in the travellers' quarter, Thamel, for a good meal and in case anyone needs to buy a coat or some mountain equipment for the trip..

Budhanilkantha

Walk

Nagi Gompa

Today we will do a very special walk. From our hotel, we will head to the foot of one of the mountains surrounding the valley, called Shivapuri. Before starting our ascent, still with our vehicle, we will visit a Hindu temple that is very different from all the others. It is called Budhanilkantha, where there is a large statue of the god Vishnu lying down.

Time to climb up the mountain for a few minutes to the entrance to the national park, where we'll leave our vehicle and hike to an important women's monastery called Nagi Gompa. A combination of characteristics make this hike a very special opportunity in Kathmandu: the view of the valley is very beautiful, along with the peace of walking on the mountain, the legacy of a great master, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, having lived here for many years and all the environment created by the daily studies and practices of the nuns who live here. The walk will be approx. 1h, a little less or a little more, depending on the road conditions.

Today we will go for a walk outside the mess of the city. From our hotel, we'll head to the foot of one of the mountains surrounding the valley, called Shivapuri. Before starting our ascent, still with our vehicle, we will visit a Hindu temple quite different from all others. It is called Budhanilkantha, where there is a large statue of the god Vishnu lying down.

Time to climb up the mountain for a few minutes to the entrance of the national park, where we will leave our vehicle and make our trek to an important women's monastery, called Nagi Gompa. A combination of features make this hike a very special opportunity in Kathmandu: the view of the valley is very beautiful, along with the peace of walking on the mountain, the legacy of a great master, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, having lived here for many years and all the environment created by the daily studies and practices of the nuns who live here. When we read the books of his youngest son, Mingyur Rinpoche (happiest brain ever studied and who made Western neuroscientists understand the plasticity of our brains), many stories pass here with his father. See with the nuns if you can visit and sit for a while in Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's meditation room (his amazing books in Kathmandu and on Kindle). The walk will be approx. 1h, a little less or a little more, depending on the conditions of the way. We will see how the national park will be in terms of vehicle entry at this time (as it changes a lot) if you prefer that the car is picked up. Or it's worth a walk back to enjoy the air in nature. That's our suggestion. Depending on the pique and experience (in this next option on steep and narrow trails), there is a possibility of a long walk back to Boudha. The walk through the park, at first, seems like a quieter and safer option, thinking about the next days of the trip. We'll talk.

13th Day 24-Mar.-2023 Fri KATHMANDU KATHMANDU

Flight

Boudhnath

Arrival

Transfer

Free afternoon in Boudhnath

Welcome to Nepal! From the airport runway, weather permitting, it is already possible to see the mountains around the valley. With your visa and suitcase in hand, you will be met by our local representative who will be waiting for you with a Chörten sign.

You will have already left Brazil with Guilherme's telephone number, who will thus accompany your trip to Nepal, will already make contact during the transfer and will meet you at our hotel. For those arriving in the morning, a peaceful afternoon to start adjusting to the time zone of Nepal.

Arrival of the main program with specialist

Welcome to Nepal! From the airport runway, weather permitting, it is already possible to see the mountains around the valley. With your visa and suitcase in hand, a procedure facilitated by Guilherme who will be accompanying the group since the main program, we will be greeted by our local representative and driver who will be waiting for us with a Chörten license plate.

Around the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath in our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, you will find secular nuns, monks and Tibetans, sometimes great masters, doing their koras (circumumbulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoons and early mornings. Take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants in the surroundings of the stupa to observe and assimilate a little of this ancient culture.

Post India and Nagarkot with expert

We will now proceed to the city of Kathmandu itself. After check-in at our hotel, we will visit the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath. Full of monasteries, we will find nuns, monks and lay Tibetans, sometimes great masters, making their koras (circumbularies), turning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoon and early morning. We will visit some of its monasteries, and it is always possible to take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants around the stupa to observe and assimilate a little of this very special ancient culture.

Nalanda post

Around the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath in our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, you will find secular nuns, monks and Tibetans, sometimes great masters, doing their koras (circumumbulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoons and early mornings. Take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants to observe and assimilate these people who, more directly or indirectly, keep alive until today, all over the world, the legacy of the University of Nalanda that we visited a few days ago.

Briefing

Swayambunath

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Thamel

Boudhnath

After a well deserved rest from the trip to Nepal, breakfast and then we will do our briefing. We will talk about important practical travel tips in Nepal and Bhutan such as: transit, money, health, customs, etc.

We will start our visits with a short walk in the region of the second largest stupa in the valley, Swayambunath (translation: self-emerged). Legend has it that the hill where the stupa is located appeared at the place where the bodhisattva Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, picked up a lotus flower after emptying the lake in what is now the Kathmandu Valley. We will have a view of the whole city, we will do our koras around the stupa and we will know its small monasteries.

Before Bhutan

From Swayambu we will proceed to Kathmandu's Durbar Square (Palace Square) where a small living goddess, Kumari, lives. The durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley were built by heirs kings of the Malla dynasty, century. XII to XVIII, which, in this case for our luck, competed in architectural beauty. There are countless temples of the various Hindu gods around the palace. We will then walk to the travellers' neighborhood in Kathmandu, Thamel, with countless good restaurants, mountaineering shops, Nepalese crafts, bookstores, for a good meal and, if anyone needs to, buy some clothes for the days in Bhutan.

No Bhutan with more travel

From Swayambu we will continue to Kathmandu's Durbar Square (Palace Square) where a small living goddess, Kumari, lives. The durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley were built by heir kings of the Malla dynasty, XNUMXth century. XII to XVIII, which, in this case, luckily for us, competed in architectural beauty. There are numerous temples of the various Hindu gods around the palace. We will then walk to the travellers' quarter in Kathmandu, Thamel, with countless good restaurants, mountaineering shops, Nepalese crafts, bookstores, for a good meal and, if anyone needs to, buy some clothes, for example, for the next trip.

no more trips

From Swayambu we will continue to Kathmandu's Durbar Square (Palace Square) where a small living goddess, Kumari, lives. The durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley were built by heir kings of the Malla dynasty, XNUMXth century. XII to XVIII, which, in this case, luckily for us, competed in architectural beauty. There are numerous temples of the various Hindu gods around the palace. We will then walk to the travellers' quarter in Kathmandu, Thamel, with countless good restaurants, mountaineering shops, Nepalese crafts, bookstores, for a good meal and, if anyone needs, buy some clothes, for example, for trekking or future trips.

After our lunch, we will return to Boudhnath to accompany a puja (practice) in one of the monasteries, do koras with the Tibetans and possibly a meditation practice. It is possible on this day, if anyone wishes, to visit one more of the palace squares in the valley, the Durbar Square of Kathmandu.

After our lunch, we will return, now accompanied by the guide, to the stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath, full of flags, famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs and many monasteries that we can visit.

Bhaktapur

Walk

Patan

Durbar Square Patan Museum Patan Golden Temple Free time

Pashupatinath

Pharphing

Thamel

We will take a walk through the temple complex of Pashupatinath, which surrounds the Bagmati River, sacred to the Hindus. In addition to the main temple, dedicated to Shiva's quieter manifestation, Pashupati, there are dozens of small temples also dedicated to Hinduism's god of destruction and rebuilding. It is also the place where any Nepalese who can will be cremated to ensure a good passage or liberation (moksha).

We will visit two places today, with an opportunity for a walk for those who get excited! The first site is the important Hindu temple called Pashupatinath. Alongside the sacred Bagmati River, in addition to the main temple there are dozens of small temples dedicated to Shiva, Hinduism's god of destruction and rebuilding. It is also the place where any Nepalese who can will be cremated to ensure a good passage or liberation (moksha).

At the end of this morning, we will continue to the friendly Durbar Square of Patan, very famous for its artists and beautiful temples. There we will visit a small, very well done and very didactic museum of Hindu and Buddhist art. Nearby, we will visit the small and beautiful Golden Temple, used until today by Buddhist Nepalese from the same ethnic group as Sakyamuni Buddha himself.. Patan has a good option for our lunch, it is an excellent place to buy Buddhist statues (as in Boudha too), of excellent quality, as well as to walk through these medieval streets and their temples.

Late afternoon free at bookstores, cafes, Buddhist art, craft, mountain clothing and equipment stores, stupa, temples or monasteries in the well-known Patan, Thamel or Boudhnath, as each traveller prefers.

We will visit the third Durbar Square in the valley, the beautiful Bhaktapur (bhakt: devotion/devotees and pur: Hindu city). A listed city, with a limited flow of vehicles, walking through its alleys, palace, temples, as well as the potters' square, is like getting to know a little of the daily life of a medieval era in Nepal. Bhaktapur is the location where, for example, the film Little Buddha was filmed.

On the way back to Kathmandu, we will visit the third of the main ancient cities in the valley, Bhaktapur (bhakt: devotion and pur: Hindu city). Bhaktapur is a listed city with limited vehicle flow. Walking through its alleys is like getting to know a little bit of everyday life from a medieval time in Nepal. Back in our Tibetan neighborhood, we will prepare for our very nice flight to Bhutan tomorrow.

Today we head to a village in the mountains surrounding the valley, Nagarkot. In this quieter region, with more nature, we can take a walk through one of the villages of one of the many ethnic groups in Nepal, to experience a little of this rhythm of life where children take care of animals, men and women weave, adults take care of houses and plantations, some houses still built with traditional materials and format, with the animals on the first floor and the house above. Weather permitting, we will have views of the highest and snowiest mountains in the Himalayas, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Kopan Monasteries Dudjom Sakya Ka-Nying Shechen

Boudhnath Stupa and Monasteries: Kopan Dudjom Rinpoche Sakya KaNying Shedrub Shechen

Today we will visit some of the main monasteries of the Kathmandu Valley, having good opportunities to learn a little about the projects of their great masters. First we will try to visit Kopan. 'We will try' because it has been common to have retreats and on those days they are not open to visitors. Still, it is always possible to try the following way: calling or going to the Kopan (15 to 20 min by car from Boudhnath), if they are on retreat, demonstrating that they understand the importance of silence for the retreatants and, thus, asking if they can visit the stupas in silence (whenever we are close to the refugees). It is the monastery of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, where a few hundred monks of all ages live. It is an important center of study for Sherpas, often from the Everest region, and foreigners from around the world.

Then we will visit the monasteries of Dudjom Rinpoche, called Dudjom Gompa, the Sakya monastery of Trinchen Rinpoche in the kora of the great stupa of Boudhnath, Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, Chökling Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche, called Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, and Matthieu Ricard , Rabjam Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, called Shechen.

Next to our hotel, we will start by visiting the monastery of Dudjom Rinpoche, called Dudjom Gompa. Dudjom Rinpoche was a great master, master of many masters. There are many very special books with his teachings and his lineage. His (shrunken) body is in the stupa in his monastery. It's worth sitting there for a while.

We will continue to the monastery of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, called Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling. One of the oldest if not the oldest in Boudha, built by Tulky Urgyen Rinpoche and his eldest sons at the request of SS the XVI Karmapa. Known as the white monastery, it has a college for both monks (10 years) and westerners (www.ryi.org) with bachelor's, master's and shorter courses. The Rangjung Yeshe Institute library is worth visiting. We will also visit the monastery of Matthieu Ricard, Rabjam Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, called Shechen. See if Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's room is open. Another very special place to sit for a while.

The Sakya monastery of Trinchen Rinpoche in the kora of the great stupa of Boudhnath has a beautiful statue of Maitreya. Having seen the main monasteries of Kathmandu, you can return to them to participate in the pujas (monks' ceremonies) in which we can sit for as long as we like, use their libraries and bookshops. More here

Pharphing

Today we will go to a village in a quieter region approx. 40 min south of Kathmandu Valley, Pharphing. We will visit two important caves of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Here, this great master and father of Buddhism in Tibet performed the third level of vidyadhara called the great seal. As the Buddha himself explained, visiting places where great masters lived and meditatedIt is an important way of accumulating merit.. We will be able to hang Tibetan pennants on a hill above Asura with a very beautiful view of the valley and surrounding mountains. We will have time to walk around the village as an (invitation) for a Buddha Sakyamuni meditation practice that we will have with us, which was authorized by the Rinpoche of this monastery and, who is interested, we can do it daily in auspicious places like Pharphing, like in our hotel when is more convenient. On the rock next to one of the caves we will visit, we will see a mark that Guru Rinpoche made with his hand.

At the end of our day we will return to the Thamel region for another good meal.

After a well deserved rest from the trip to Nepal, breakfast and then we will do our briefing. We will talk about important practical tips for traveling in Nepal and Tibet such as: traffic, money, health, customs, etc. We will then head to a village in a quieter region south of the Kathmandu Valley, Pharphing. We will visit two important caves of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Here, this great master and father of Buddhism in Tibet performed the third level of vidyadhara called the great seal. As the Buddha himself explained, visiting places where great masters lived and meditatedIt is an important way of accumulating merit.. We will have a Buddha Sakyamuni meditation practice with us, which has been authorized for us by the Rinpoche of this monastery and (by invitation) we can do it daily in auspicious places like Pharphing, such as in our hotel when it is more convenient. On the rock next to one of the caves we will visit, we will see a mark that Guru Rinpoche made with his hand. We will end our day in the travellers' quarter, Thamel, for a good meal and in case anyone needs to buy a coat or some mountain equipment for the trip..

Budhanilkantha

Walk

Nagi Gompa

Today we will do a very special walk. From our hotel, we will head to the foot of one of the mountains surrounding the valley, called Shivapuri. Before starting our ascent, still with our vehicle, we will visit a Hindu temple that is very different from all the others. It is called Budhanilkantha, where there is a large statue of the god Vishnu lying down.

Time to climb up the mountain for a few minutes to the entrance to the national park, where we'll leave our vehicle and hike to an important women's monastery called Nagi Gompa. A combination of characteristics make this hike a very special opportunity in Kathmandu: the view of the valley is very beautiful, along with the peace of walking on the mountain, the legacy of a great master, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, having lived here for many years and all the environment created by the daily studies and practices of the nuns who live here. The walk will be approx. 1h, a little less or a little more, depending on the road conditions.

Today we will go for a walk outside the mess of the city. From our hotel, we'll head to the foot of one of the mountains surrounding the valley, called Shivapuri. Before starting our ascent, still with our vehicle, we will visit a Hindu temple quite different from all others. It is called Budhanilkantha, where there is a large statue of the god Vishnu lying down.

Time to climb up the mountain for a few minutes to the entrance of the national park, where we will leave our vehicle and make our trek to an important women's monastery, called Nagi Gompa. A combination of features make this hike a very special opportunity in Kathmandu: the view of the valley is very beautiful, along with the peace of walking on the mountain, the legacy of a great master, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, having lived here for many years and all the environment created by the daily studies and practices of the nuns who live here. When we read the books of his youngest son, Mingyur Rinpoche (happiest brain ever studied and who made Western neuroscientists understand the plasticity of our brains), many stories pass here with his father. See with the nuns if you can visit and sit for a while in Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's meditation room (his amazing books in Kathmandu and on Kindle). The walk will be approx. 1h, a little less or a little more, depending on the conditions of the way. We will see how the national park will be in terms of vehicle entry at this time (as it changes a lot) if you prefer that the car is picked up. Or it's worth a walk back to enjoy the air in nature. That's our suggestion. Depending on the pique and experience (in this next option on steep and narrow trails), there is a possibility of a long walk back to Boudha. The walk through the park, at first, seems like a quieter and safer option, thinking about the next days of the trip. We'll talk.

14th Day 25-Mar.-2023 Sat KATHMANDU KATHMANDU

Flight

Boudhnath

Arrival

Transfer

Free afternoon in Boudhnath

Welcome to Nepal! From the airport runway, weather permitting, it is already possible to see the mountains around the valley. With your visa and suitcase in hand, you will be met by our local representative who will be waiting for you with a Chörten sign.

You will have already left Brazil with Guilherme's telephone number, who will thus accompany your trip to Nepal, will already make contact during the transfer and will meet you at our hotel. For those arriving in the morning, a peaceful afternoon to start adjusting to the time zone of Nepal.

Arrival of the main program with specialist

Welcome to Nepal! From the airport runway, weather permitting, it is already possible to see the mountains around the valley. With your visa and suitcase in hand, a procedure facilitated by Guilherme who will be accompanying the group since the main program, we will be greeted by our local representative and driver who will be waiting for us with a Chörten license plate.

Around the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath in our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, you will find secular nuns, monks and Tibetans, sometimes great masters, doing their koras (circumumbulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoons and early mornings. Take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants in the surroundings of the stupa to observe and assimilate a little of this ancient culture.

Post India and Nagarkot with expert

We will now proceed to the city of Kathmandu itself. After check-in at our hotel, we will visit the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath. Full of monasteries, we will find nuns, monks and lay Tibetans, sometimes great masters, making their koras (circumbularies), turning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoon and early morning. We will visit some of its monasteries, and it is always possible to take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants around the stupa to observe and assimilate a little of this very special ancient culture.

Nalanda post

Around the big stupa (tib: chörten)from Boudhanath in our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, you will find secular nuns, monks and Tibetans, sometimes great masters, doing their koras (circumumbulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps mainly in the late afternoons and early mornings. Take advantage of one of the cafes or restaurants to observe and assimilate these people who, more directly or indirectly, keep alive until today, all over the world, the legacy of the University of Nalanda that we visited a few days ago.

Briefing

Swayambunath

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Thamel

Boudhnath