LUMBINI, the birthplace of the Lord Buddha

Lumbini the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

Siddhartha Gautam the lord Buddha was born in 623 B.C. in famous gardens of Lumbini which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage Centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the lord buddha form a central feature.

Brief synthesis

The Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC in the sacred area of Lumbini located in the Tarai plains of southern Nepal, testified by the inscription on the pillar erected by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. Lumbini is one of the holiest places of one of the world's great religions, and its remains contain important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage Centre’s from as early as the 3rd century BC.

 The complex of structures within the archaeological conservation area includes the Shakya Tank; the remains within the Maya Devi Temple consisting of brick structures in a cross-wall system dating from the 3rd century BC to the present century and the sandstone Ashoka pillar with its Pali inscription in Brahmi script. Additionally, there are the excavated remains of Buddhist viharas (monasteries) of the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD and the remains of Buddhist stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage Centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.

 Criterion (iii): As the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, testified by the inscription on the Asoka pillar, the sacred area in Lumbini is one of the most holy and significant places for one of the world’s great religions.

Criterion (vi): The archaeological remains of the Buddhist viharas (monasteries) and stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD, provide important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage Centre’s from a very early period.

Integrity

The integrity of Lumbini has been achieved by means of preserving the archaeological remains within the property boundary that give the property its Outstanding Universal Value. The significant attributes and elements of the property have been preserved. The buffer zone gives the property a further layer of protection. Further excavations of potential archaeological sites and appropriate protection of the archaeological remains are a high priority for the integrity of the property. The property boundary however does not include the entire archaeological site and various parts are found in the buffer zone. The entire property including the buffer zone is owned by the Government of Nepal and is being managed by the Lumbini Development Trust and therefore there is little threat of development or neglect. However, the effects of industrial development in the region have been identified as a threat to the integrity of the property.

 Authenticity

The authenticity of the archaeological remains within the boundaries has been confirmed through a series of excavations since the discovery of the Asoka pillar in 1896. The remains of viharas, stupas and numerous layers of brick structures from the 3rd century BC to the present century at the site of the Maya Devi Temple are proof of Lumbini having been a Centre of pilgrimage from early times. The archaeological remains require active conservation and monitoring to ensure that the impact of natural degradation, influence of humidity and the impact of the visitors are kept under control. The property continues to express its Outstanding Universal Value through its archaeological remains. The delicate balance must be maintained between conserving the archaeological vestiges of the property while providing for the pilgrims.

 Protection and management requirements

The property site is protected by the Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1956. The site management is carried out by the Lumbini Development Trust, an autonomous and non-profit making organization. The entire property is owned by the Government of Nepal. The property falls within the Centre of the Master Plan area, the planning of which was initiated together with the United Nations and carried out by Prof. Kenzo Tange between 1972 and 1978.

 

The long-term challenges for the protection and management of the property are to control the impact of visitors, and natural impacts including humidity and the industrial development in the region. A Management Plan is in the process of being developed to ensure the long-term safeguarding of the archaeological vestiges of the property while allowing for the property to continue being visited by pilgrims and tourists from around the world.

 

To trek in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience the way of life of true mountain people, who were not much in touch with the rest of Nepal for hundreds of years, and even until recent times had an officially recognized king.

In many ways, a trek into Upper Mustang is similar to trekking in Tibet, as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau. The district of Mustang was, until 1950, a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal. The last king, the Raja of Mustang, still has his home in the ancient capital known as Lo Manthang.

Upper Mustang was opened to non-Nepali trekkers only some fifteen years ago and even today, access is still highly restricted. To enter Upper Mustang, that is to travel further north from Kagbeni, trekkers need special trekking permit and must be accompanied by a government appointed officer.

Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the regions in the country suitable for trekking even during monsoons. During this time, the upper Kali Gandaki valley is still quite dry with only occasional rainfall.

The Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point reached being only 3,800 meters, but the conditions at times can be arduous. Mustang is cold in winter and is always windy and dusty through the year. Winter treks are best avoided due to harsh weather.

There are few accommodation facilities available above Kagbeni, so groups must be fully self-sufficient, especially in fuel. While porters are available in Jomsom it is preferable to use mules to carry the loads up to Mustang. These pack animals are available locally and are more economical, and certainly more environmentally friendly than porters.

Mustang trek requires a minimum of 9 days, starting and ending in Kagbeni. This allows the trek to be completed within the 10-day period that the permit allows. The route generally follows the Kali Gandaki valley but, occasionally climbs high above the valley walls.

The settlements are scattered and there is little sign of cultivation between villages. In Mustang, little grows without irrigation, thus the region resembles a desert albeit mountainous, nuclear settlements in fertile areas.

Lo Manthang, the old capital, is reached in four days and at least one extra day should be spent here to catch the sights and sound of this unique walled settlement. Ponies are available for hire if you so desire. The return trip can either follow the same route while entering or, as an alternative route, the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki may be followed.

History of Nepal

Records mention the Gopalas and Mahishapalas believed to have been the earliest rulers with their capital at Matatirtha, the south-west corner of the Kathmandu Valley. From the 7th or 8th Century B.C. the Kirantis are said to have ruled the valley. Their famous King Yalumber is even mentioned in the epic, ‘Mahabharat’. Around 300 A.D. the Lichhavis arrived from northern India and overthrew the Kirantis. One of the legacies of the Lichhavis is the Changu Narayan Temple near Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture), which dates back to the 5th Century. In the early 7th Century, Amshuvarma, the first Thakuri king took over the throne from his father-in-law who was a Lichhavi. He married off his daughter Bhrikuti to the famous Tibetan King Tsong Tsen Gampo thus establishing good relations with Tibet. The Lichhavis brought art and architecture to the valley but the golden age of creativity arrived in 1200 A.D with the Mallas.

During their 550 year rule, the Mallas built numerous temples and splendid palaces with picturesque squares. It was also during their rule that society and the cities became well organized; religious festivals were introduced and literature, music and art were encouraged. After the death of Yaksha Malla, the valley was divided into three kingdoms: Kathmandu (Kantipur), Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) and Patan (Lalitpur). Around this time, the Nepal as we know it today was divided into about 46 independent principalities. One among these was the kingdom of Gorkha with a Shah ruler. Much of Kathmandu Valley’s history around this time was recorded by Capuchin friars who lived in the valley on their way in and out of Tibet.

An ambitious Gorkha King named Prithvi Narayan Shah embarked on a conquering mission that led to the defeat of all the kingdoms in the valley (including Kirtipur which was an independent state) by 1769. Instead of annexing the newly acquired states to his kingdom of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan decided to move his capital to Kathmandu establishing the Shah dynasty which ruled unified Nepal from 1769 to 2008.

The history of the Gorkha state goes back to 1559 when Dravya Shah established a kingdom in an area chiefly inhabited by Magars. During the 17th and early 18th centuries, Gorkha continued a slow expansion, conquering various states while forging alliances with others. Prithvi Narayan dedicated himself at an early age to the conquest of the Kathmandu Valley. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation.

During the mid-19th Century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal’s first prime minister to wield absolute power relegating the Shah king to mere figureheads. He started a hereditary reign of the Rana Prime Ministers that lasted for 104 years. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s with support from the-then  monarch of Nepal, King Tribhuvan. Soon after the overthrow of the Ranas, King Tribhuvan was reinstated as the Head of the State. In early 1959, Tribhuvan’s son King Mahendra issued a new constitution, and the first democratic elections for a national assembly were held. The Nepali Congress Party was victorious and their leader, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala formed a government and served as prime minister. But by 1960, King Mahendra had changed his mind and dissolved Parliament, dismissing the first democratic government.

After many years of struggle when the political parties were banned, they finally mustered enough courage to start a People’s Movement in 1990. Paving way for democracy, the then-King Birendra accepted constitutional reforms and established a multiparty parliament with King as the Head of State and an executive Prime Minister. In May 1991, Nepal held its first parliamentary elections. In February 1996, the Maoist parties declared People’s War against monarchy and the elected government.

Then on 1st June 2001, a horrific tragedy wiped out the entire royal family including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya with many of their closest relatives. With only King Birendra’s brother, Gyanendra and his family surviving, he was crowned the king. King Gyanendra abided by the elected government for some time and then dismissed the elected Parliament to wield absolute power.In April 2006, another People’s Movement was launched jointly by the democratic parties focusing most energy in Kathmandu which led to a 19-day curfew. Eventually, King Gyanendra relinquished his power and reinstated the Parliament.On November 21, 2006, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) 2006, committing to democracy and peace for the progress of the country and people. A Constituent Assembly election was held on April 10, 2008. On May 28,2008, the newly elected Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic, abolishing the 240 year-old monarchy. Nepal today has a President as Head of State and a Prime Minister heading the Government.

Trekking in Nepal

Annapurna Region

Annapurna Region is the most popular trekking route for the trekker’s one of the top ten trekking trails of the world. It offers excellent view of the three peaks over (8,000m.) walking through the rhododendron forest and the deepest Kaligandaki gorge in the world add spice to this trip. Other specialties are cultural life of different ethnic groups.The diverse terrain and variety of cultures of the region north of Pokhara make each day’s walk a different experience and make the area the most popular destination in the country.

Annapurna region has got four favorite treks, each with minimum of about one week and maximum of three week treks, to Kali-Gandaki basin include Manang region, Annapurna range, Jomsom and the Annapurna Sanctuary. Alpine meadows, moraines, glaciers and breathtaking views of the Annapurna range abound. The three hundred kilometer Annapurna Circuit combines the first two areas by crossing high altitude pass, Manang Thorang-La (5360 meters) and takes up to three weeks to complete.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a high glacial basin lying north of Pokhara. This magnificent amphitheater is called a “sanctuary” because of its natural serenity, beauty and the divine presence of the Hindu goddesses Annapurna and Gangapurna. This isolated cirque of peaks can only be approached by one route, a deep gorge that carves into the fortress of mountains between Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli.Comfort and dramatic views are the hallmarks of this trek, which is probably the most popular trek in Nepal. Ideal for novice walkers of all ages this one-week trek will give you the inspiration to return and taste more. You will slowly climb a long ridgeline that offers beautiful views of the valleys below.  Passing through ever-higher villages you will be amazed by the countless multicolored terraces flowing down the hillsides. Finally you will reach the famous Ghorepani Poon Hill and appreciate the majestic panorama of the Annapurnas.

                                        

Package Overview	Feature	Accomodations
TRIP FACTS Annapurna Base Camp Trek  Grade:    Moderate Trip Duration: 14 days Max. Altitude: 4230m Season: Sep - May Trekking: Teahouse Accommodation: 3 night in Kathmandu, 2 nights in Pokhara & 8 nights in trekking lodge Transportation: Tourist bus or private vehicle or Flight Group Size: Min 2 pax	COST INCLUDES: # Arrival & Departure as per itinerary # Twin Sharing accommodation in 2 Star& 4 Star in Kathmandu & Pokhara with Breakfast # Kathmandu Pokhara  kathmandu in Tourist Bus/Flight # Pokhara Phedi and nayapool Pokhara  # All necessary Permit during sightseeing and trekking # Escorted with English speaking guide during sightseeing and trekking # one Porter between two each two person during trek. # Accomodation & 3 meals during tea house trek  # food, accommodation ,salary & insurance of guide and Porters COST EXCLUDES  # International Airfare # Nepal Visa fee (US$ 40 per person for 30 days) # Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges. # Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara. # Travel Insurance  # Medical evacuation in case of emergency. # Personal spending money. #Personal gears & clothing (available on hire) # Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance # Items of personal nature i.e. Soft/hard drinks, Tips etc. # Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual	IMPORTANT NOTE:  Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions and the health of trekkers can all contribute to changes. The guides and their Sherpa assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.  Accommodation on the trek & Food You will be accommodated in lodges during tea house trek & tent in camping trek . Typical food available for lunch and dinner is Nepali rice & lentils, pasta, potato dishes, soups or pizzas. Delicious pancakes, porridge, toast and eggs are the main breakfast fare, while tea, coffee and hot chocolate are always available. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at the variety of food at the lodges. Physical Fitness  There are a lot of steep ascents and descents on the trek and a good level of fitness is required. Some days you may be required to walk up to six hours. Please note that the estimated walking time each day will vary according to the overall fitness of the group and weather conditions. Footwear & Clothing: Bring well broken-in walking shoes, suitable for snow; thick socks, light socks, camp shoes; down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and pants; sweater or fleece jacket; underwear; warm and cotton or polypropylene pants or jeans; shirts and T-shirts; shorts; long underwear; wool hat; sun hat; gloves; bathing suit; comfortable track/gym suit.

Nepal Round Trip

Trip Introduction

Everything you want to know about the magnificent country of Nepal is on this 10 days tour. So if you're in the mood for a real adventure, then come join this trip through Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot, Chitwan, Lumbini, and Pokhara.

A visit to the historical and spiritual sites won't just enlighten you about Nepal, but it will also give you a close look at architectural masterpieces. Get ready to be astounded when you explore the Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Barahi Temple and Mahadev Temple in Pokhara, Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, and many more.

In Chitwan, drop by the picturesque Tharu Village and let the awe-inspiring dance performance expand your knowledge by the ethnic group's culture. The fun moments continue at Chitwan National Park, which showcases the country's diverse wildlife. You will have an opportunity to try out canoeing; elephant back safari, and bird watching, all of which are guaranteed to be memorable. Other locations include Phewa Lake, Chitwan's Elephant Breeding Centre, Lumbini Garden, Seti River Gorge, David's Fall, Swyambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa.

Indeed, nothing is more exciting than 10 days of exploring the finest attractions. Pack your stuff and experience the beauty of Nepal now.

Outline Itinerary:-

Day 01: Arrival
Meet us at the airport, transfer to Hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu
Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Patan Durbar Square.

Day 03: Kathmandu - Nagarkot

Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Afternoon, drive to Nagarkot.

Day 04: Nagarkot - Chitwan (approx. 5/6 hours drive)
Sunrise view over the Himalayas (weather permitted). After breakfast, drive to Chitwan. Afternoon, jungle activities.

Day 05: Chitwan
Full day jungle activities including Elephant Back Safari, Canoeing Ride, Elephant Breeding Centre Visit, Bird Watching, Tharu Village tour etc.

Day 06: Chitwan - Lumbini (approx. 3 hours drive)
Drive to Lumbini, Walk through the sacred Lumbini garden, visit Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar & Monasteries.

Day 07: Lumbini - Pokhara (approx. 6 hours drive)
Drive to Pokhara. Afternoon, Boating at Phewa Lake. Visit Barahi Temple.

Day 08: Pokhara
Early morning drive to Sarangkot, Sunrise view over the Himalayas. Back to hotel. Half day Pokahra city tour. Afternoon, free for personal activities.

Day 09: Pokhara – Kathmandu (approx. 6 hours drive)
Scenic Drive or fly back to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel.

Day 10: Departure
Free till departure, transfer to airport, fly back to Home.

Kathmandu One Day Valley Sightseeing Tour

The day long Kathmandu Valley-City Sightseeing Tour is a complete packaged tour that is embedded with history, nature, and culture within the Kathmandu valley. The tour is all about exploring the most interesting and monumental places in the valley. Kathmandu is a historical place, and a culturally rich capital city of the country.  The valley situated at an altitude of 1,336m above sea level is known for offering views of Himalayan ranges to its north. The city is also well known for architectural masterpieces as old as 2000 years.  After your arrival in the magnificent country, the tour covers following world heritage sites during the sightseeing.

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square:-
It was the ancient palace of Malla rulers back in the history. The premises of the palace have many temples and monuments of archaeological importance like Nine-storied palace, Kastamandap temple, Kumari Ghar, Kal Bhairabh and a museum inside the palace.

2. Swoyambhunath Stupa:-

Famous by the name of monkey temple among tourists, Swoyambhunath—the Buddhist stupa is believed to be emerged by its own some 2000 year back.   It is a beautiful stupa on a hill which provides a magnificent view of Kathmandu valley.  It is the premier shrineof Buddhist pilgrimage

3. Pashupatinath Temple:-

The temple situated at the banks of holy Bagmati River is the hot spot for Hindus where millions of pilgrims come to pay reverence to Lord Shiva every year. The temple is made two-storied pagoda where sculpture and art are worth watching. Along with the main temple, there are numerous temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses in and around the Pashupatinath temple area.

Also, you will visit Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world. The sacred Buddhist shrine is believed to be dated back to 4th century. 

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The tour is designed for travelers who are bounded by time restrictions, and still want to enjoy the majestic heritage sites located in Kathmandu in a full-fledged way. The trip is suited for travel enthusiasts who want to get acquainted with the natural beauties that the magical country has in offering.