One of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the world for Buddhists is located 40 kilometers from Kathmandu. According to legend, a young prince named Mahasattva—who in some accounts is a reincarnation of the Buddha himself—saw a tigress carrying five pups that she had just given birth to while out on a stroll in the forest with his siblings. The tigress could hardly move due to her extreme hunger. He chopped his flesh out of sympathy and started feeding the tigress and her pups. Afterwards, just his bones and hairs were discovered when other brothers went looking for him. On top of these ruins, a stupa known as Namo Buddha was constructed.
A few of the features of Khopasi-Balthali hike are sprawling terraced rice fields, picturesque Newari villages, a clear-day vista of snowcapped mountains, Buddhist monasteries, and verdant woods. Balthali, one of the greatest day trip destinations outside of the Kathmandu Valley, is a typical community with age-old customs and cultures that haven't been impacted by modernization. We will start our walk from Batase Danda when our chartered bus takes us there. This trip will combine a stroll through a community and through the jungle.
Itinerary
7:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to Namobuddha (42 km).
9:00 AM: Arrive at the monastery, visit the site, and enjoy the Himalayan views from the stupa.
10:00 AM: After an hour, begin your hike to Balthali village, descending from Prying Flag Hill.
12:00 PM: Reach Balthali after a 2-hour walk and enjoy an authentic lunch with a host family.
1:00 PM: Say goodbye to the family and hike to Khopasi (1 hour), where the driver will pick you up.
1:30 PM: Drive to Panauti (10-15 minutes) for sightseeing.
2:30 PM: Explore the narrow streets and key monuments of Panauti.
4:00 PM: Drive back to Kathmandu (32 km).