Hinduism is the major religion of the Indian Subcontinent, particularly of Nepal and India. Hinduism includes the wide spectrum of laws and prescriptions of daily morality based on Karma, Dharma and Societal norms. Hindu Circuits Tour takes Hindu Pilgrims to sacred Hindu sites scattered throughout Nepal and India. The Hindu Circuits introduces for the first time the new “Char Naath and Aath Dhaam” tour that includes 2 Naath, 6 Dhaam in Nepal & 2 Naath, 2 Dhaam in India.
Nepal and India are countries with the largest Hindu population in the world. Hindu religion reveres several Gods and Goddesses and their temples are situated throughout many remote areas of Nepal and India. It is the devout desire of Hindus to visit these Holy Naath and Dhaam at least once in their lifetime. The Hindu Circuits offers a complete Hindu Pilgrimage tour and takes pilgrims to these sacred Naath and Dhaam sites in Nepal and India.
Welcome to Varanasi! Meet our representative at the airport/railway station and get transferred into your hotel. In the evening, we will visit the holy river Ganga for the Aarti. Watch the full Aarti onboard a boat and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambience then return to your hotel.
Overnight: Varanasi
Today, we will visit major attractions in Varanasi. Viswanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas located in the holiest existing place of Hindu - Kashi. Situated in the western bank of the Holiest River Ganga in Varanasi India, this temple is regarded as one of the holiest Shiva temples. It is said that a dip in Holy Ganga absolve one from all sins. The Ghats of Ganga complement the concept of divinity. It is also believed that people are cleansed physically, mentally and spiritually at Ganga Ghats. Many pilgrims are seen offering their morning prayer to the rising sun in these Ghats. Some Popular Ghats of Varanasi are Dasawamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Kabir Ghat and Assi Ghat.
Overnight : Varanasi
Early morning departure to Gorakhnath to visit Gorakhnath Dham. The temple is believed to have been built on the same place where Guru Gorakhsanath meditated in Treta Yug. The Gadh Griha where Sage Gorakhsanath is portrayed as Lord Shiva in deep meditation posture is the main attraction of this temple. There is also a boating site called Mansarovar Pond in the eastern part of the temple. After lunch at Gorakhnath, start driving toward Lumbini.
Overnight: Bhairahawa/Lumbini
Varanasi-Gorakhpur: 194 km (Approx 5-6 hrs)
Gorakhpur-Lumbini: 120 km (Approx 2 hrs)
Today, we will visit Lumbini – the birthplace of the Buddha. The main attraction here is Mayadevi Temple which houses the exact place where Prince Siddhartha Gautam, who became the enlightened Buddha, was born. The main attraction here is the marker stone – the exact place where Prince Siddhartha Gautam was born – and a stone statue depicting birth of the Buddha. Other attractions here are Ashoka Pillar, which confirms the place as the birthplace of the Buddha, and Pushkarini Pond.
After early lunch at Lumbini, we start driving toward Pokhara to visit the Annapurna Dham.
Overnight: Pokhara
Lumbini-Pokhara: 165 km (Approx 7 hrs)
Early in the morning, we will take a helicopter shuttle to Muktinath Dham. Muktinath is a sacred place for both Buddhist and Hindus. The temple is located at the foot of Thorang La pass in Mustang district of Nepal. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Hindus revere Muktinath as the God of Salvation. Muktidhara is situated behind the temple that contains 108 water spouts. Hindu devotees take holy bath believing that it will bring them salvation. In front of the temple there are two sacred ponds, a dip in these Kunda is believed to wash away negative karmas. Another attraction for pilgrimage here is the Kali Gandaki River where Shaligrams are found which are considered by Hindu as incarnation of Lord Shiva. People collect Shaligrams from Kaligandaki and worship them. We return to Pokhara after visiting all these holy places. After lunch in Pokhara, we will visit number of temples in the Annapurna Dham. We call it Dham because Mount Annapurna massive carries the name of Mata Durga Bhawani Annapurna. Tourists also call Pokhara a “Kasmir” of Nepal. We have created Annapurna Pokhara as Dham as a new concept as Pokhara city is home to different sacred Hindu temples like:
GUPTESHWOR MAHADEV: Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva lies inside the Gupteshwor Cave in Pokhara. The beautiful staircase leading to the temple is the most unique part of this place. This cave carries a significant value for Hindu Pilgrims.
TAL BARAHI TEMPLE: Tal Barahi Temple is devoted to deity Taal Barahi. This temple is located on a small island in Fewa Lake near the tourist district of Lakeside. Fewa Lake is the second largest lake of Nepal. The only way to reach Taal Barahi Temple is by boat. This temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites of Nepal.
BINDABASINI TEMPLE: The white-washed Bindabashini Temple is situated north of Pokhara. This temple is dedicated to goddess Durga or Bhagwati. As this temple is located on a small hill, you can enjoy beautiful views of Mount Annapurna and Mount Machhapuchre. There is a park on the sides of the temple so people come here not only for worshiping but also for picnic.
Overnight: Pokhara
Pokhara-Muktinath Heli flight (Approx 20 mins)
Like Mount Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva, Himalaya has always been the abode of Gods. So, Gorakhnath Hermitage is found at the southern flank of world's eighth highest mountain Mount Manaslu (8163m). The hermitage was later developed into a village and took the shape of the country that eventually became the Gorkha Kingdom, producing fierce fighters legendary Gorkhas. Gurkhas, pronounced by British, meaning the legendary soldiers with a reputation of loyalty and bravery took their name from the same Pilgrimage place of Gorkha in Nepal, carrying the cult of Saint Gorakh, known largely as Baba Gorakhnath. It was from Gorkha that the original Gorkhali army set out in the 18th century. The main attraction is the Gorkha Darbar which is located in a hill top looking over the whole Gorkha. Popular Hindu Pilgrimages situated in Gorkha are Holy Gorakhnath cave and Gorakh Kali temple in the western side of Gorkha Palace. Unification of Nepal, bearing name of Kathmandu Valley, began from Gorkha in the 18th century. Then we visit Manakamana Temple, which also goes by the name Manasadevi, after an enthralling cable car on the way to Kathmandu.
MANAKAMANA DHAM (Manasa Devi): We visit Manakamana by Swiss/Austrian Cable Car. The temple is located at about 1300 meters at the top of the hill surrounded by small village. The word Manakamana is originated from two words “mana” meaning heart and “kamana” meaning wish. It is believed that this goddess fulfils pilgrimage wishes. Various Hindu pilgrims around the world visit this temple in a hope of fulfilling their wish and many people say that they are actually fulfilled. We then drive to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Pokhara-Gorkha: 106 km (Approx 3 hrs)
Gorkha to Cable Car Station: 40 km (Approx 1 hr)
Cable Car Ride: Approx 10 mins
Kurintar to Kathmandu: 95 km (Approx 3 hrs)
Visit Pashupatinath in the morning, the oldest Hindu Temple in Kathmandu. Situated on the bank of Bagmati River, this temple is the seat of deity Lord Pashupatinath. It is believed that Pashupatinath is capable of destroying instantly every evil force either with his trident or third eye when it comes to his devotees. It is believed that pilgrimage to the ancient four dhams of India like Dwarika, Kedar, Rameshwor and Jagannath becomes meaningful only after a final darshan of Pashupatinath and by taking a holy dip in Bagmati River and conducting proper Puja. At the other end of Pashupatinath Temple area stands Guheshwari Temple in the Slesmantak Jungle on the left bank of Bagmati River. Consort of Lord Shiva, Goddess Guheshwari, is regarded the source of strength of all living beings. Behind the temple on the banks of Bagmati River is Aryaghat- a Funeral Ghat for Hindus. Hindu Poeople cremate dead body at Pashupati Aryaghat. The body is publicly burnt and the ashes are immersed into Bagmati River. There are Temples of other Hindu deities on Pashupatinath temple premises like Bhairavnath, Vishwanath, and Kirateshwar etc. We also visit Budhanilkantha Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The statue of Lord Vishnu is seen lying in inclined position in a 13-meter long recessed tank as if he is floating, with his legs crossed. The Hindu Pilgrims are allowed to trek down and touch his feet while others are just allowed to see the statue.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Final day of your tour program. Our representative will drive you to the airport for return flight to Varanasi or other destinations of your choice. In the flight, you will have plenty of time to reflect on the amazing spiritual experience that you had over the past eight days.
We take a morning flight to Janakpur – the birthplace of Sita, consort of Lord Ram. Janakpur is also the home of Mithila Culture which was once World’s most advance civilized society under the patronage of King Maha Janak. It is situated in the Tarai Plains in south eastern part of Nepal. Most sacred sites in Janakpur are Janaki Mandir- dedicated to goddess Sita, Bibaha Mandap which is said to be built on the same spot where Ram and Sita were married, Ram Mandir- dedicated to god Ram and Holy Dhanus Sagar Lake. Janakpur is also famously known as a place Ravana couldn’t find the seat in Sita’s Swayambhar Occasion, because he was apparently late reaching the Swayam Bar Ceremony, so the story goes. Rest is the History what Ravana did afterwards in revenge, which we all know.
After lunch, we take return to Kathmandu for the night.
Overnight: Kathmandu
