Celebrate Buddha Jyanti while trekking: Religious and Adventure Trek

Nepal is the most beautiful country offering immersive experience in culture and nature. Buddha Jyanti is celebrated during the full moon of late April or May by followers of Buddhism around the world. Nowadays, non-followers of Buddhism also became the part of celebration to remember the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. It is believed that all these three events took place during the full moon day.

Buddha Jyanti also signify the importance of compassion, non- violence, liberation, meditation to bring peace in the world. On this day, people around the commemorate Gautama Buddha’s life and his teaching on kindness, compassion, wisdom and peace.

How Buddha Jyanti is Celebrated in Nepal?

To honor the contribution of founder of Buddhism (Gautama Buddha), Buddha Purnima in Nepal is celebrated in Nepal by:

• Visiting temples and monasteries to pray and light candles
• Offering food, clothes and money to monks and needy people
• Practicing meditation to calm mind and experience inner peace
• Not eating non-vegetables
• Listening to the explanation of Buddha’s teaching by Monk

Best Trekking Destination to celebrate Buddha Jyanti

You can celebrate Buddha Jyanti while trekking also. Beside physical challenge and stunning view of snowcapped peak, trekking is also about experiencing unique culture of Nepal. As Buddha Jyanti also falls in the month of Late April or May, these months are the most favourable for trekking. Best trekking destination to celebrate Buddha Jyanti are:

Everest Region Trek

When you trek to Everest Region, it not only offers you the closest view of Mount Everest including other peaks. But it also offers you to experience culture and tradition with nature simultaneously. Indigenous people of this region are Sherpa people who practice Buddhism. When you continue the trail from Namche Bazaar to reach Tengboche, you explore will Tengboche Monastery. This monastery is considered as the spiritual center of the indigenous people of Khumbu Region. You will get opportunity to know about culture of sherpa people and also became the part of celebration during Buddha Jyanti.

Main Highlights of Everest Region Trek on Buddha Jyanti

• During the continuation of trek, you saw stunning view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam from Khumbu.
• When you reach Tengboche, you got great opportunity to celebrate Buddha Jyanti at Tengboche Monastery.

Langtang Region Trek

Langtang Region is closer to the Kathmandu which is less crowded in comparison to Everest Region and Annapurna Region. Being a moderate in difficulty, Langtang Region Trek is beginner friendly. Beginner who wants to explore nature and experience unique culture during Buddha Jyanti then it is perfect destination for you. Being a beginner, you must have good physical fitness to trek inside Langtang Region. Inside Langtang region trek, you can choose Lantang Valley Trek offering perfect blend of both nature and culture experience.

Indigenous people of Lantang Region are Tamang and Sherpa people who follow Buddhism. When you trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3870 m) from Lantang Village, you can interact with local people to know their culture. Additionally, you get opportunity to explore monastery and became the part of Buddha Jyanti celebration.

Main Highlights of Langtang Region Trek on Buddha Jyanti

• Walk on wide, dirt trail and rocky moraine trail
• Enjoy the stunning view of Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Langtang Ri (6,370m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m) and other peaks
• Distant view of flowing Langtang River to the east while trekking
• Explore Kyanjin Gompa and celebrate Buddha Jyanti here

Annapurna Region Trek

Annapurna Region Trek is also the best trekking destination during Buddha Jyanti. This region has both Hinduism and Buddhism community. During Buddha Jyanti, Gurung people living in Ghandruk, Landruk and villages situated in the Annapurna trails go to monasteries. They participate in the celebration by chanting prayers and offering butter lamp.

Similarly, people of Manang district follow Tibetan Buddhism. They also go to monasteries to celebrate Buddha Jyanti. Likewise, indigenous people of Upper Mustang mostly visit to Muktinath to pray and celebrate Buddha Jyanti. Local people of Pokhara visit the World Peace Pagoda to celebrate Buddha Jyanti.

Main Highlights of Annapurna Region Trek on Buddha Jyanti

• Enjoy the panoramic view of Mount Annapurna along with others snowcapped mountains
• Interact with the local people of Annapurna Region and get insight about their culture and tradition
• Visit temple or monasteries to become the part of Buddha Jyanti celebration

Important trekking tips on Buddha Jyanti

• Choose the right trail offers unique culture and nature experience
• Never wear revealing clothes when to visit to monasteries or temple
• Never talk and laugh in a loud voice inside monasteries which interrupt the peaceful ambience
• Never take photos and record videos inside the prayer hall without taking permission
• Always spin prayer wheels in the clockwise direction
• Always take off your shoes outside the monasteries and temple
• Participate in prayer chanting session by sitting quietly

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Why late April or May is the best month for trekking?

Late April or May is considered as the best month for trekking because the weather is clear. While trekking on these months, you can see clear view of snowcapped mountains offers by the trekking destination chosen by you. Additionally, trail condition is also good to trek.  Beside view of mountains, you can be the part of Buddha Jyanti celebration if you trek in these months.

• Why you should book your trek earlier to become the part of Buddha Jyanti Celebration?

You must book your trek earlier because most of the trekking agency organize trek for limited group of trekkers. To become the part of Buddha Jyanti Celebration, you must book your trek on time.