Namobuddha Day Hike is wisely related to spirituality. Namobuddha Day Hike is all about visiting the monastery named Namobuddha which is located at the hilltop nearby Kathmandu Valley. Visitors feel Namobuddha to be insightful as well as pleasing due to the greenery and wide view of Kathmandu Valley. Namobuddha is also named Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery though it is popularized as Namobuddha by visitors. Namobuddha is regarded to be as valuable as Bouddhanth and Swoyambhunath Temple. Many great individuals and meditation masters have set foot at Namobuddha.
Namobuddha Monastery Complex
Namobuddha has three sections:
- A monastic college focused on the study of Buddhist philosophy,
- A practice assembly focused on meditation,
- An activity contingent focused on various aspects of work at the monastery.
Purpose of Namobuddha Monastery
- To serve the entire world in pacifying all misfortune, such as sickness, famine, fighting, and quarrels.
- To bring people onto the path of peace and nonviolence.
Story of Namobuddha
In the distant past, there lived a king named Great Charioteer (Shingta Chenpo) and the kingdom enjoyed happiness and well being. The king had three sons: Great Sound (Dra Chenpo), Great Deity (Lha Chenpo), and Great Being (Semchen Chenpo). The two elder sons always helped the king in governing the kingdom. The youngest son, Great Being, was endowed with spontaneous kindness and gave generously to others as if to his only child.
One day, the king along with his queen, sons, and ministers left the town for a relaxing time in the country. They arrived at a place of thick forests resonant with birdsong and blossomed flowers in rich variety. They had their encampment and enjoyed meals accompanied by entertainment.
The three princes picked up their bows and arrows and headed for the forest. As they walked along, they noticed a den in the dense woods. They saw inside a tigress sleeping beside her cubs. Great Sound and Great Deity laid arrows on their bows, but Great Being stopped his brothers, saying that killing was completely wrong. When he looked into the cave again, Great Being noticed that the tigress was not able to move, for she had just given birth and she also feared that if she left to hunt for food, another animal might harm her cubs. The great being was moved to tears with compassion that arose from the depths of his heart.
He requested to his brothers, “You two go on ahead. I have something to take care of and will catch up with you soon.” He cut his body to draw blood and allowed the tigress to lick. She ate him.
Later, the prince had been reborn as Great Courage (Nyingtob Chenpo). He encouraged performing virtuous actions. The king and queen made a commitment to pursue a virtuous activity. They created a small casket covered with seven kinds of jewels in which they laid the bones of their son and a stupa was built over the place in which it was buried.
After Great Being offered his body in generosity to the tigress, it was difficult for people to travel. So, they developed the practice of reciting “Namo Buddhaya” which means “I take refuge in the Buddha” to calm their anxiety. Then, the area is called Namobuddha.
At present, two caves are found nearby Namobuddha Monastery. (source: Namobuddha.org)
Panauti
Panauti is a small town consisting of various Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments. Panauti is also considered to be one of the area's most important medieval sites. Panauti is believed to be the palace of king Great Charioteer.
Panauti is filled with ancient culture and tradition lowly unaffected by modernization. Visitors often find colorful stones, petals, and other items that are laid out on the pavement to welcome.
Panauti is situated at the confluence of the two rivers Rosi and Punyamati, which has been regarded as an important religious site since very early times. Panauti was a trading hub along the ancient Salt Trade route between Tibet and India till the 1950s. It has been requested to be on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Nepal Adventure Team ensures to have a safe and pleasing Namobuddha 1 Day Hike. You can also customize the itinerary. You can also choose to spend more time at the monastery for meditation and yoga. Namobuddha has scheduled a meditation session.
Namobuddha Day hike is all about exploring the Newari village, Temples, Gompas, and Himalayan ranges (Langtang Lirung 7227m/ 23,710ft, Gauri Shankar 7134m/ 23,406 ft, Melungtse 7187m/23,579ft, Numbur 5945m/ 19,505 ft and like).
Starting point: Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok District
Ending point: Panauti, Kavrepalanchowk District
Guide for Namobuddha 1 Day Hike
The guide will lead you to Namobuddha 1 Day Hike. The number of guides depends on the number of individuals registered for the Namobuddha 1 Day Hike. Each group of 4-5 pax is assigned with one guide.
The guide with Nepal Government-certified license is only assigned to lead Namobuddha 1 Day Hike. Additionally, the guide is also trained in first aid and eco-tourism. Usually, an English speaking guide is available but on request Chinese and other language speaking guide can be made available. The guide will lead as well as inform you about the locality, culture, rules, importance. Overall, the guide will have the feature of friendliness, leadership, communication expert, and jolly nature.
Transportation at Namobuddha 1 Day Hike
Early morning after you have your breakfast, the guide assigned by the Nepal Adventure team will come to pick you up for the hike. You will have a short drive from your pick up point to Dhulikhel. Similarly, you will be driving back to your station from Panauti. A private vehicle will be used for your transportation which may be a car or van as per the group size.
Food and drinks on Namobuddha 1 Day Hike
Lunch will be provided during Namobuddha 1 Day Hike. Basically, lunch includes typical Nepali food: Dhaal(lentil soup), Bhat (Rice), Tarkari (Vegetable/Chicken curry), and pickle.
A Mineral water bottle is handed to you prior to the hike.
