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Discover Nepal's multifaith spiritual trail

Aug 24, 2020

2 MIN READ

Hindu temple, Muktinath Mandir, surrounded by high Himalayan mountains, Annapurna Circuit Trek,

Muktinath Mandir surrounded by high Himalayan mountains © Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock.com

Stroll through the medieval city squares of Kathmandu, Janakpur, and Lumbini, and join Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims on a spiritual stroll around centuries-old stupas and monasteries.

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Learn authentic Vipassana meditation at the Nepal Vipassana Centre in the Shivapuri mountains of the Kathmandu Valley or in Lumbini. You can also opt to learn Buddhism at the Kopan Monastery near Bodhnath Stupa or visit the Mustang Valley where the Tiji festival is celebrated. Participate in the Buddha Jayanti celebrations in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha on this auspicious occasion.

Lumbini - The tranquillity of the sacred garden in Lumbini is a source of inspiration for travellers seeking peace and solace in the teachings of the Buddha. Prayer flags swaying from the trees and devotees sitting in deep meditation beneath the bodhi trees invite travellers on an inward journey. The monasteries and meditation centres across the Lumbini area provide a unique opportunity to experience Buddhist culture and practice from around the world.

Pashupatinath - A spiritual sanctuary within the heart of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath is an amazing convergence of art, spirituality, and culture. The heartbeat of Pashupatinath is the sadhus living and practising the ancient traditions of Shiva worship. The festive fervour during Shivaratri is not to be missed.

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Janakpur - Known as the birthplace of Sita, the queen in Ramayana epic, Janakpur is an attraction for Hindu pilgrims from across the world. The Ram Janaki Bivaha celebrations are noteworthy.

Muktinath - You can witness the confluence of Hinduism and Buddhism at the sacred Himalayan site of Muktinath. It is a gateway to the Himalayas and the famed, timeless valley of Mustang.

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Boudhanath Stupa. Night photo. Nepal. Kathmandu. The festival of fire. Night shot from the air © — The lit-up Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu © MaxxjaNe/Shutterstock.com

Stupas of Kathmandu - The Bodhnath and Swayambhunath stupas in the Kathmandu Valley have a rich cultural heritage. A special draw for visitors is to see how these heritage buildings are being rebuilt after they were damaged by the earthquake in 2015.

The author is a Buddhist scholar engaged in social development in Nepal.

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Experiencing Nepal's yatras or Hindu pilgrimage

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