Buddhism is the second major religion in Nepal. Buddhism in Nepal started spreading since the reign of Ashoka through Indian and Tibetan missionaries. The Kiratas were the first people in Nepal who embraced Gautama Buddha’s teachings, followed by the Licchavis and Newar people. Buddha was born in Lumbini in the Shakya Kingdom. Lumbini is considered to lie in present-day Rupandehi District, Lumbini zone of Nepal.
The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal is considered as the prime destination of several historically significant; and sacred Buddhist stupas, Gompas, Chortens, and Monasteries. Buddhist Circuit Trail is a pilgrimage; which tours around the historic Buddhist sites of Nepal; which includes Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Kapan Gompa and Lumbini (The birthplace of Lord Buddha). The tour covers most of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nepal; that holds great importance for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. It has not been possible to assign with certainty the year in which Prince Siddhartha, the birth name of the Buddha, was born; it is usually placed at around 563 BCE.
Exploring Buddhist sites of Nepal offer you to learn more about Buddhism in Nepal. The prime attraction of the Buddhist Circuit Tour is visiting the historically important Lumbini. Lumbini is the home to the founder of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha. Many devotees and tourists from all over the world visit Lumbini to seek peace. So, this tour is not just about visiting beautiful places; but also about cultural exploration of Buddhism. At Lumbini, you will find the Maya Devi Temple within which you get to see the “marker stone”, believed to be the exact place where Buddha first step foot, the sacred Bodh Tree, ancient ponds and monasteries, and the Ashoka pillar built in the 3rd century by Emperor Ashok as a mark of respect on visiting the birth place of Lord Buddha around the site. You can see devotees from various countries chanting and meditating in and around this site.
Travelers get to experience on this tour a unique religious experience and self-relaxation. Visitors claim that the tour has taught them the importance of inner peace, compassion, meditation, and way of life.
So, if you are really seeking for a peaceful tour to some of the beautiful and historic places in Nepal with importance to Buddhism; then the Buddhist Circuit Trail would be best for you. Thus, without spending many days, you can cover many Buddhist sites in Nepal.
