Namo Buddha-Balthali Trek

Namobuddha is a popular destination for Tibetan pilgrims. As per Jatak Katha (stories narrated by Buddha based on his past lives), Namo Buddha is the place where Lord Buddha in his past life, as a prince, offered blood and flesh from his own body to a starving and nursing tigress and her cubs which were supposed to die because of hunger. He accumulated good Karma (good deeds) through compassion and thus he was born as Buddha in Lumbini. A big stupa, a Buddhist sanctuary, was built to mark the place of Namo Buddha. Breathtaking mountain views are also seen from Namobuddha.

Panauti is an interesting village inhabited by Newar people, native people of the Kathmandu Valley. Indreshwar Mahadev Temple of Panauti is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. It is believed that the temple was built towards the end of 13the ^th century. The temple was severely damaged by the devastating earthquake in 1989. The trip also includes a visit to Bhaktapur, the city of devotees. Bhaktapur is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal. The city is rich in Nepalese culture, history, architecture and monuments.

Trip highlights:

• Great panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Everest
• Picturesque valleys and interesting traditional mountain villages
• Pilgrimage site or cultural visit to Namo Buddha & Panauti
• Several species of butterflies, birds and animals