My Experience of Buddhism Circuit Tour in Nepal

Last Updated: November 26, 2025

Author: Melissa Cruz

Tweet

My name is Melissa, and I'm from Charlotte, North Carolina. I've always felt a quiet pull toward Buddhist teachings, something about the balance, compassion, and stillness that Buddhism speaks of has resonated with me for years. I've read books, listened to talks, and practiced simple meditation at home, but deep down, I knew I wanted something more immersive.

So when I finally decided to take a Buddhism Circuit Tour in Nepal, I hoped, maybe even expected, that this journey would shift something inside me. From the day I booked, the coordinators at FDIP and Mindful guided me with such warmth and clarity that I already felt supported before I even stepped on the plane.

My Arrival in Kathmandu

Narayan, Thank you for your kindness during this trip to Nepal. I will be forever grateful to you for arranging things and meeting me at the airport!

Landing in Kathmandu was surreal. After years of imagining Nepal's spiritual glow, stepping into the real air, the real energy, made everything feel alive. The team welcomed me at the airport with genuine smiles, and by the time I reached my hotel, I felt a sense of safety that mattered a lot, especially traveling alone so far from home. I had a restful first night, letting the distant hum of the city lull me into sleep.

The next morning started with one of Nepal's most sacred places, Pashupatinath, the largest Hindu pilgrimage site in the country. Even though it's Hindu, the spiritual presence crosses boundaries. I watched morning prayers rising in waves of incense and chanting. I also witnessed cremation ceremonies, something deeply humbling and emotional. It wasn't morbid; it was more of an intimate window into how Nepal faces impermanence with acceptance and grace. Surrounded by ancient temples and holy men, I felt strangely grounded, aware of life, death, and everything in between.

Swayambhu

The following day, we visited Swayambhu, often called the Monkey Temple, perched on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. The climb up the stone steps left me breathless, yes, but also filled with anticipation. At the top, prayer flags fluttered against the sky, and the stupa's serene eyes seemed to follow every thought.

There, I had the privilege of meeting Dhammawati, a nun from Dhumgidi Bihar. Speaking with her was one of the most calming experiences I've had. Her presence carried a softness that made me slow down, breathe deeper, and listen more intentionally. She talked about mindfulness not as a practice, but as a way of living moment to moment.

Namo Buddha

Next came Namo Buddha, and by a stroke of perfect timing, my visit fell on a full moon day, when the energy felt amplified. This sacred site, connected to the selfless act of Prince Siddhartha Gautam offering his body to a starving tigress, was overwhelmingly peaceful. The shrine, the prayer wheels, the monks circling in devotion, the gentle bells, it all blended into this quiet but powerful reminder of compassion in action.

I spent hours simply walking around, absorbing the stillness that settled deeper with every breath.

Bouddha

The following day was dedicated to Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world. Walking clockwise around the stupa with countless others felt like joining an ancient current. Monks chanting, incense burning, shops lining the circle, butter lamps glowing, it was a world of its own.

I also took a Thanka painting class, which turned out to be both meditative and unexpectedly challenging. Learning the precision and patience behind these paintings gave me a new appreciation for the devotion embedded in every brushstroke.

Farping & Asura Cave

The next morning, we headed toward Kirtipur, Farping, and the Asura Gufa (Asura Cave). This area is especially meaningful in Vajrayana Buddhism. Inside the cave, known for Guru Rinpoche's meditation retreat, I sat in total silence. The air felt thick with history, with practice, with something I can only describe as presence.

Meditating there, even if just for a short while, was one of the moments where I felt the journey changing me, quietly but unmistakably.

Culture

In the days that followed, I explored the cultural and spiritual heart of Kathmandu Valley. I visited places like the Golden Temple and Gajalaxmi in Patan, wandered through old streets, and stepped into the Kumari House, where the living goddess resides.

Somewhere along this part of the journey, I bought my first singing bowl. The shopkeeper explained the healing vibrations, the symbolism, and even taught me how to play it properly. The sound was deep, warm, and strangely comforting. That bowl has become one of my most treasured souvenirs.

Lumbini

Next, I traveled to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Staying inside monastery premises felt like living inside a different rhythm, slower, gentler, more intentional. I visited the Maya Devi Temple, stood beneath the Bodhi tree, and walked the sacred grounds where Siddhartha Gautam was born.

We explored major monasteries across the Lumbini monastic zone, each representing different Buddhist traditions. I also visited Tilaurakot, the remains of Prince Siddhartha's ancient palace, and Ramgram, home to the only intact relic stupa of the Buddha.

Nihal, Thank you for being with me during this amazing journey. I can never repay your kindness. I will always remember your positive personality, your silly jokes, and your songs! :) Thank you for teaching me and watching over me! Your friend always, Melissa

Evenings were for walks under soft skies, mornings for quiet meditation. Lumbini gave me space, literal and emotional, to reflect on everything this journey was stirring inside me.

Pokhara

The final stretch of my tour was in Pokhara, a city embraced by mountains and lakes. I visited the Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda), which sits on a hillside overlooking the valley. Standing there, with the Annapurna range glowing in the distance, I understood why the place feels like an offering of peace to the world.

I also took a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, the stupa's reflection shimmering on the water. It was the perfect, soul-soothing ending to an already life-changing journey.

About Melissa

Melissa is a caring mother, a storyteller at heart, and a lifelong artist from Charlotte, North Carolina. With a natural gift for cartooning and painting, she brings warmth, humor, and emotion into everything she creates. When she's not sketching characters or adding color to her canvases, Melissa is usually planning her next adventure.

A passionate traveler and curious learner, she loves exploring cultures, spiritual traditions, and places that inspire reflection and creativity. Whether she's wandering through ancient temples, meeting people from different walks of life, or simply observing the world with her artist's eye, Melissa carries an enthusiasm that makes every journey meaningful.

Her life blends motherhood, art, and travel in a way that reflects her biggest strengths empathy, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms.

To share this link:

Copy Link >>