Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu). Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. Attend a welcome briefing and enjoy a short orientation walk around the neighborhood. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Newari dishes and a brief cultural performance.

Tip: Arrivals after 9 PM will have a simplified check-in and orientation the next morning.

Morning visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of Hinduism's most revered Shiva temples (observe cremation ghats from a respectful distance). Continue to the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism—circumambulate the stupa and explore nearby monasteries and shops.

Evening at leisure or optional visit to a Tibetan monastery for a short talk on local Buddhist practices.

Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for panoramic views over the valley and to witness Buddhist shrines and prayer wheels. Afterward, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic royal palace complex, Kumari Ghar (the Living Goddess), and nearby artisan markets.

Important: Respect local customs at religious sites; dress modestly and remove shoes where required.

Drive to Patan (Lalitpur) to tour Patan Durbar Square, the Patan Museum, and local workshops known for exquisite metalwork and woodcarving. After lunch, continue to Bhaktapur to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, and sample local specialties like juju dhau (king curd).

This day highlights the valley's Newar heritage and hands-on artistry.

Scenic morning drive to Palpa (Tansen) (approx. 4–5 hours). Check into your hotel and relax. In the late afternoon, stroll through the historic bazaar, visit traditional houses and enjoy sunset views from Shreenagar Hill overlooking the Kali Gandaki Valley.

Dinner featuring local Palpali cuisine.

Visit Rani Mahal (The Queen's Palace), set on the banks of the Kali Gandaki and often called the 'Taj Mahal of Nepal' for its riverside setting. Meet local artisans, visit small museums, and discover hilltop viewpoints. Evening cultural program with local music and storytelling.

Note: Rani Mahal may be reached via a short local drive and brief walk.

Depart Palpa after breakfast for Lumbini (approx. 5–6 hours by road). Arrive and check into your hotel. Begin your visit with the Lumbini Garden and the Maya Devi Temple (birthplace of Lord Buddha). Relax in the evening within the serene monastic zone.

This marks the pilgrimage portion of the itinerary—quiet reflection time is encouraged.

Full day exploring the Lumbini Monastic Zone: visit international monasteries, the Ashoka Pillar, and revered pilgrimage sites across the garden. Option to attend a brief meditation session at a monastery and meet with resident monks to learn about Buddhist practices and rituals.

Evening at leisure or optional visit to local craft centers.

Depending on your travel arrangements, depart Lumbini back to Kathmandu by road or flight (flight recommended to save time) for international connections. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure.

If you have an evening flight, enjoy a final cultural meal in Kathmandu. For those extending travel, we can arrange optional excursions to Pokhara or Chitwan.