Temal Buddhist Master Trail
This unique trek takes you to the culturally rich and scenic Temal region, just a short distance from Kathmandu. Starting from Dhulikhel Bazaar and passing through Namo Buddha, the trail leads through lush forests, rivers, and traditional Tamang villages, offering breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas.
Temal is an off-the-beaten-path destination, ideal for cultural exploration and home-stays with local families, as lodges are unavailable beyond Dhulikhel Hill. Trekkers experience authentic Tamang hospitality, sharing meals and accommodations with villagers at a much lower cost than lodges.
The Tamang community, mainly Buddhist, practices a unique blend of Bon Buddhism and Shamanism. Visitors may encounter village Lamas, Bon priests, and Shamans (Jhankri). The region is famous for Bodhi Chitta Mala trees, whose seeds are used to make Buddhist prayer beads.
Temal is also a spiritual site in Buddhist mythology, known as “Termahal,” where Guru Padmasambhav is said to have defeated a demon named Yaksha Nagpo, making it a sacred pilgrimage spot.
Best trekked between November and February, this journey offers both natural beauty and deep cultural immersion.
Detail Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 03: Kathmandu to Dhulikhel (1500m) to Namobuddha (1750m)
Day 04: Namobuddha to Narayanthan (1577m)
Day 05: Narayanthan to Thulo Parsel (1138m)
Day 06: Rest day at Thulo Parsel (1138m) Sightseeing
Day 07: Thulo Parsel to Bhaktapur (1401m) by Bus 4-5 hours
Day 09: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern while traveling with Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. The trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is necessary due to unfavorable circumstances. Unfavorable weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, or an unexpected natural disaster can force changes to the itinerary. However, every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary. The lead guide will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give 24-hour emergency response to any accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Detail Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, renowned for its historical monuments, sacred Hindu temples, and serene Buddhist monasteries. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our company’s representatives will be there to greet you. They will hold a display board with your name and “Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition” clearly written on it. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, with dinner on your own to explore the city’s diverse culinary delights.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 4.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Dhulikhel (1500m) to Namobuddha (1750m)
Today’s journey begins with a one-hour drive (35 km) from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel. From there, we start our trek through Dhulikhel Bazaar, climbing up forested staircases to Deurali. At Deurali, we enjoy a tea break with beautiful views of surrounding villages. The trail then descends to Kavre Bhanjyang, known for crafting traditional Khukuris (Nepalese knives). After a short uphill climb along the Bardibas road, we take a rough motor road through terraced fields and villages to reach Namo Buddha.
Mythology of Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha is a sacred Buddhist site tied to a story of ultimate compassion. Long ago, a young prince named Great Being encountered a starving tigress unable to feed her cubs. Moved by compassion, he offered his own body to save them. The tigress devoured him, and he was later reborn in the celestial realm.
His grieving parents and brothers gathered his remains and built a stupa in his memory. The site became known as Namo Buddha and remains a revered place of pilgrimage, symbolizing selfless generosity and compassion.
Day 04: Namobuddha – Narayanthan (1577m) 6-7 hours
The trail leads through scenic villages to Dapcha, then past Mathura Pati and down to Bhakundebesi. After crossing a paved road, we ascend gently on a rough road to Khardarpati, an artistic 300-year-old rest house once used by travelers. From there, the path descends and flattens to Kanpur, followed by a gradual climb to Narayansthan, passing through Yanbel Danda (Tomsom Kunda), where falling rocks from grazing animals may occur.
Narayansthan is named after its famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Narayan. Over 5,000 devotees gather here on Janai Purnima in August, trekking for 8–10 hours to offer prayers. On this full moon day, shamans (Jhankris) perform group dances as part of the celebrations.
The village also hosts Lokeshwori Dhyan Gompa, a Buddhist monastery where prayers and rituals take place during Buddhist festivals like Sonam Lhochhar and Gyalpo Lhochhar. During Dashain, Lamas meditate for days, praying for the souls of sacrificed animals, highlighting the area’s spiritual harmony.
Day 05: Narayanthan to Thulo Parsel (1138m) 2-3 hours
From Narayansthan, we descend to Thulo Parsel, a large Tamang village. The trail offers stunning views of the blue Sun Koshi River winding between green hills, with snow-capped peaks in the distance. Along the way, we pass stupas, mani walls, and Bodhi Chitta tree gardens. The route includes a mix of foot trails and rough motor roads, leading us into the heart of Tamang culture.
Day 06: Rest day at Thulo Parsel (1138m) Sightseeing
Today, we visit the local Gompa, schools, and health post in Thulo Parsel. It’s a chance to interact with the locals, observe their culture, and understand their daily life. Guests enjoy a warm Home Stay experience with Himalayan Vacation Treks staff, who serve traditional Tamang meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 07: Thulo Parsel to Bhaktapur (1401m) by Bus 4-5 hours
Today, we drive 61 km to Bhaktapur by local bus or private vehicle. Due to the rough, winding road, the journey takes about 4–5 hours. Upon arrival, we explore the historic city of Bhaktapur and stay overnight at a hotel.
Day 08: Bhaktapur- Kathmandu/Shopping, Rest (1337m)
After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing. In the evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner hosted by the company.
Day 09: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye, but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 12
Max Altitude: 1900m
Best Season: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (mid September to November)
Difficulty Level: High
December ,January and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So hiking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in Himalayas. Though it gets colder in night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail.Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikings and cultural tour.It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Temal homestay,Temal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour for this places. Chitawan National park Bardiya National Park are also the places to have live experience of culture and rituals.
March , April and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze is felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of cloud can be seen in the sky during this season.So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal .So many tourist from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalyan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period.Peak climbing period can be enlength upto June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programmes during this period.This period offer plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.Except rhododendrons , many kind of natural flora and fauna makes Nepal very beautiful during this season
June ,July and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slight difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang , Upper Dolpa , Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September , October and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our trek. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes.This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is the popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain , Tihar and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for civil workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favourable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal.Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period.So many tourist come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m are the best destination for climbing in this season.Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of nature of Nepal in this season.
Equipment & Packing List
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
