4 Buddhist heritage tours for winter

As winter approaches, Buddhist heritage sites located in the lower valleys of Nepal and India attract pilgrims from across the globe. Engaging in Buddhist heritage tours offers an excellent opportunity to discover the Himalayan foothills. These sites are distributed throughout the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the foothills of Nepal. Pilgrims from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India visit these locations to seek refuge from the winter chill. The sight of Tibetan Buddhists, adorned in traditional attire, marching and praying together adds vibrancy and charm to these sacred places.

Participating in a Buddhist tour transcends mere pilgrimage; it provides profound cultural insights, promotes spiritual well-being, and allows visitors to explore UNESCO-listed monuments and natural wonders. The winter months typically feature warm, sunny days with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making travel through the tropical plains particularly enjoyable. Consequently, the period from November to March is regarded as the peak season for embarking on Buddhist heritage tours.

Here are four recommended Buddhist tours to consider during the winter.

1. Footsteps of Buddha Tour

Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, and subsequently traveled to the present-day Indian states of Bihar and Uttarakhand in pursuit of wisdom. He engaged in ascetic practices at Pragbodhi cave for several years before breaking his fast by accepting rice pudding from a woman from a nearby village. After nourishing his body, he attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya. Following this, he journeyed to the deer park in Sarnath to deliver his inaugural sermon. He continued to travel, sharing his teachings on the cessation of suffering and establishing numerous monasteries in Vaishali, Shravasti, and Kapilavastu, before ultimately reaching Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar.

The Footsteps of Buddha tour encompasses the four principal sites associated with Buddha's life, as well as the ruins of the largest monasteries founded during his era. These key locations include Lumbini, the site of his birth; Bodhgaya, where he attained enlightenment; Sarnath, the location of his first sermon; and Kushinagar, where he achieved Mahaparinirvana. Each of these sites features pillars erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, adorned with inscriptions. The itinerary also includes Gridhrakuta (Vulture Peak), the ruins of Nalanda University, Pragbodhi cave, and the stupas housing Buddha relics in Vaishali, Kapilavastu, and Ramgram.

The Footsteps of Buddha Tour can be tailored to last from one week to ten days. The journey commences in the historic Indian city of Varanasi, which is well-connected by flights from various locations. Travelers will then proceed to Nepal via the Sunauli border, experiencing cultural and heritage sites along the way. In Nepal, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Lumbini and may choose to continue their journey to Pokhara or Kathmandu.

2. Buddhist Tour of Nepal

The Buddhist tour of Nepal emphasizes the immersion in the vibrant living Buddhist heritage while exploring the evolution from early Buddhism to Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.

This journey through Nepal presents a distinctive combination of pilgrimage and the chance to connect with the ancient, enduring Buddhist practices of the Himalayan region.

Nestled within the majestic Himalayas, Nepal has historically been a sacred haven for spiritual endeavors. Despite internal strife and invasions that have impeded the dissemination of Buddhism in its birthplace, located at the border of India and Nepal, this mountainous nation has long served as a sanctuary for Buddhist customs. The Kathmandu Valley and its vicinity are rich with meditation caves, monasteries, and stupas linked to Bodhisattvas, Shiddhas, and the Buddha himself. Prominent meditation locations include the caves associated with Guru Padmasambhava, Milarepa, Naropa, and Tilopa. Significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites beyond Kathmandu include the Maratika cave in Halesi and Namobuddha. Most importantly, Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is located in Nepal, where over 60 archaeological sites have been identified, including the ruins of the Tilaurakot palace and the only unexcavated Buddha relic Stupa at Ramgram.

The Buddhist tour of Nepal spans nine days, encompassing visits to cultural landmarks throughout the Kathmandu Valley, the Maratika cave, and the Buddhist circuit in Lumbini.

3. Guru Padmasambhava pilgrimage tour

In the life of Padmasambhava ( Guru Rinpoche ) India was his training ground, Nepal was his place of retreat, and Tibet was his place of activity.It is believed that in a past life, he was the son of a poultry vendor named Jadzima, who was responsible for the construction of the Boudhanath Stupa. He made a significant aspiration to be reborn as Guru Padmashambhava in the presence of this stupa, which is thought to fulfill all desires. His initial journey to Nepal was for the purpose of practicing at Lhundruk Tsek, which includes the modern pilgrimage sites of Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.

Years later, he returned with Mandarava, the princess of Zahor, and together they attained immortality in the caves of Maratika. Following this, Guru Rinpoche visited the self-manifested stupa of Swayambhunath, where he took the Newar princess Shakyadevi as his partner. They then traveled to the caves of Yangleshö in Pharping, where they achieved realization through the practices of Vajrakilaya and Yangdak Heruka.

He also visited the self-manifested Avalokiteshvara in Patan and Kathmandu, among other sacred locations, bestowing blessings upon future practitioners. The meditation caves and holy sites in Nepal that Guru Rinpoche visited constitute an important pilgrimage, enabling followers to trace the path of Padmasambhava, the esteemed master of Uddiyana. A pilgrimage tour dedicated to Guru Padmashambhava generally lasts for a week.

4. Beyul Tour – the hidden valleys of Padmashambhava

Beyuls, a term originating from the Tibetan language, denote hidden valleys (bé – hidden and yul - valley). These secluded and unspoiled regions are protected by Mahaguru himself. Consequently, beyuls function as repositories that maintain sacred environments, remaining obscured for generations until the right moment arrives, thus ensuring that their blessings continue to thrive.

Guru Rinpoché traversed and identified numerous sites particularly favorable for insight and realization. He engaged in profound practices at these locations, imbuing them with his remarkable achievements. While Mahaguru disclosed many of these sites in his biographies, he also concealed certain places as treasures (termas) for future discovery. Among these are the beyuls, which serve as sanctuaries for Dharma practitioners during times of turmoil.

Helambu and Langtang are two beyuls that are readily accessible from Kathmandu and provide basic lodging. These valleys can be explored within a week in Nepal. Gaining an understanding of the lifestyle of the residents in these beyuls enables travelers to appreciate the practical dimensions of Buddhism, the connection between the people and their mountainous surroundings, the philosophies that shape their lives, their dietary habits, and the reasons for their reputation as some of the most peaceful, content, and amiable individuals globally.