Path to a Hidden Buddhist Monastery
This is a day hiking tour on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley rim (7-8 hours approx) offered on a "join-in" basis. No special physical preparation is required as this trip can be enjoyed by anyone who leads a fairly active life. Tour departure guaranteed with minimum one participant. The maximum group size is limited to six.
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| The sleeping Vishnu |
Highlights
- Experience a ride on local transport
- Visit the site of sleeping Vishnu
- Hike through the last remaining woodlands near Kathmandu
- On a clear day see snow capped Himalaya
- Take in breathe-taking views of the Kathmandu valley and the surrounding hills and discover the path to the hidden monastery
Tour style: Hiking, Local Life & Culture, Heritage & History
Inclusion: English speaking guide, Entry fees to Shivapuri National Park, Local transport.
Exclusion: Items of a personal nature, Beverages
Tour price: 1- 2 person (USD 40.00 each) 3- 6 person (USD 30.00 each)
Meeting Venue and Time: In front of Garden of Dreams, Thamel at 7am
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| Nangi Gompa- the Buddhist Nunnery |
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| Tibetan Nuns at Nangi Gompa |
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| Guests doing their bit of walking |
Tour Itinerary
Walk to the nearest bus-stand (approximately 15 mins). Jump on local transport and hobnob with the locals to Buddanilkantha (30 mins approx) on our journey to the site of the sleeping Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation). Observe the magnificently carved stone idol of sleeping Vishnu from the outer periphery of the pond (non-Hindus are not allowed inside), on which seems to float the sleeping Vishnu - get your cameras out and lend your ears to an interesting story about the sleeping Vishnu.
Start the hike through the surrounding farmlands into Kathmandu’s nearest forest reserve - Shivapuri National Park (15 mins approx). After registering at the park entry gate, take a pleasant walk through the woods, to a hidden Buddhist Nunnery - Nangi Gompa (2.5 hrs approx). Set on a pedestal atop the hill offering wide angle view of the Kathmandu valley. Avid bird-watchers will have a field day!
Descend down the hill and continue to hike through the woodlands emerging out of the forest reserve at Sundarijal. Enjoy the sights of waterfalls and follow the pipeline to the end point of the hike at the bazaar (1 hr approx). Again, jump on local transport for the journey back to Kathmandu (1 hr approx)
