Arrival in Delhi.

New Delhi - Meet the driver upon arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel.

Enjoy leisure time or explore the market independently.

Delhi To Patna (Vaishali) by flight. (Duration 3 Hrs)

Patna - After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Patna. Upon arrival at Patna Airport, receive assistance and proceed to Vaishali for hotel check-in.

Vaishali - Vaishali is where Gautama Buddha delivered his final sermon before achieving Mahaparinirvana (final liberation). A century after Buddha’s passing, the Second Buddhist Council was held here. One of the eight original portions of Buddha’s ashes (relics) was enshrined in a stupa in Vaishali. Buddha established the first nuns’ order here and visited Vaishali multiple times during his life. Vaishali is home to one of the best-preserved Ashokan pillars, topped with a single lion.

For Buddhist followers, visiting Vaishali is a journey into the heart of their spiritual heritage.

Vaishali - Overnight stay at a Vaishali hotel.

Vaishali To Rajgir (125 KM/3 Hrs) En route visit Nalanda.

Nalanda - After an early breakfast, depart from Vaishali and head towards Rajgir. En route, visit the ancient Nalanda University, a renowned center of Buddhist learning and scholarship.

Nalanda holds great importance in Buddhism as it was the world’s largest ancient center of learning. Established in the 5th century, it became a hub for Buddhist studies, philosophy, logic, medicine, mathematics, and more. Thousands of monks and students came here from distant lands like Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Famous Chinese pilgrims like Xuanzang and Yijing also studied here.

Nalanda is not only a symbol of knowledge and wisdom but also a global center for the growth and spread of Buddhism.

Rajgir - Arrive in Rajgir, just 15 km from Nalanda.

Rajgir holds great importance in Buddhism. Lord Buddha spent a significant part of his life here. On the Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak), he delivered many sermons and turned the Wheel of Dharma.

After Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana (passing), the First Buddhist Council was held in Rajgir, where his teachings were compiled into the Tripitaka, the core scriptures of Buddhism.

Today, Griddhakuta Hill remains a sacred pilgrimage site where devotees practice meditation and seek inspiration. In short, Rajgir was the center of Buddha’s teachings, meditation, and Sangha formation.

Rajgir - Overnight stay at a Rajgir hotel.

Rajgir To Bodhgaya (70 KM/2 Hrs) Enroute see the Mahakala & Dungeshwari Caves.

Dungeshwari Cave Temples - After breakfast, proceed to Bodhgaya via the sacred Dungeshwari Caves, located about 12 km northeast of Bodhgaya town. Also known as the Mahakala Caves, this is where Lord Buddha spent nearly six years in severe penance and meditation before attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. It was here that he realized this extreme path was a crucial turning point that led him to Bodhgaya, where he achieved enlightenment.

The caves hold immense spiritual significance, with Buddhist shrines and statues marking the spots where he practiced austerities. Locally known as Sujata Sthan, the site also recalls the story of Sujata, a village woman who offered food to the emaciated Siddhartha, helping him regain strength to continue his path to enlightenment.

Bodh Gaya - Arrive in Bodhgaya and check-in at the hotel.

Bodh Gaya holds profound and central importance for followers of Buddhism around the world because it is the site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. It is considered the most important of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites, which also include Lumbini (the birthplace of the Buddha), Sarnath (where he gave his first sermon), and Kushinagar (where he attained Parinirvana or final passing away).

Rest of the time free for leisure or explore the market independently.

Sightseeing in Bodhgaya.

Mahabodhi Temple - Attractions Around Mahabodhi Temple:

Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) – The stone platform located directly beneath the Bodhi Tree, marking the exact spot where Buddha meditated and attained Nirvana.

Cankamana (Meditation Path) – The sacred path where Buddha is believed to have walked while meditating. Devotees call it the path of meditation.

Animesh Lochan Chaitya – It is said that Buddha gazed at the Bodhi Tree without blinking for seven continuous days at this spot.

Ratnaghara – The chamber where Buddha spent time in deep meditation and experienced profound spiritual realization.

Mahabodhi Stupa and Railings – The ancient stone railings and small stupas within the temple complex reflect the historical and artistic heritage of early Buddhism.

Monasteries & Temples – Surrounding the Mahabodhi Temple are monasteries and temples built in Thai, Japanese, Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Burmese styles, each reflecting the devotion and architectural traditions of different Buddhist nations.

Bodh Gaya - Sujata Stupa – This is where the village woman Sujata offered milk-rice to Buddha. The event inspired him to follow the Middle Path, leading to his enlightenment.

Rest of the time free for leisure or explore the market independently.

Overnight stay at a Bodhgaya hotel.

Bodhgaya To Varanasi (260 KM/5 Hrs)

Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Depart Bodhgaya for Varanasi after breakfast.

Visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This impressive structure, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, has earned the nickname “The Golden Temple” for its striking spire — plated in some 800 kilograms of pure gold. The distinctive design of this temple has gone on to inspire the architecture of hundreds of other temples across India.

Manikarnika Ghat - Then head to Manikarnika Ghat, and witness the perpetual cremations that occur on this ghat. Hindus believe that Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most auspicious places for the departed to reach moksha (emancipation from the cycle of spiritual rebirth). The funeral pyre at this ghat burns 24 hours, and around 100 cremations take place every day.

Visit Sarnath from Varanasi (10 KM/20 mins).

Sarnath - Sarnath holds great importance for Buddhist followers as it is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya.

Key Reasons for Sarnath’s Importance:

1. Formation of Sangha: The first five disciples were ordained here, establishing the monastic community.

2. Dhamek Stupa: A massive stupa marking the spot of the first sermon.

3. Ashokan Pillar: Emperor Ashoka erected a pillar here with inscriptions promoting Dharma.

4. International Temples: Temples built by Buddhist communities from Thailand, Japan, Tibet, and others.

5. Sarnath Museum: India’s oldest site museum, housing exquisite Buddhist sculptures, including the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is now the national emblem of India. The museum also displays relics, inscriptions, and artifacts from the Mauryan and Gupta periods.

For Buddhist followers, Sarnath represents the beginning of Buddha’s teaching journey and offers a deep connection to their spiritual roots.

Ganga Aarti - Then return to Varanasi, and watch the famous Ganga Aarti. Consider waking up early and taking a sunrise cruise along the river — negotiate with one of the countless boatmen hanging out along the ghats.

Varanasi - Overnight stay at a Varanasi hotel.

Varanasi To Kushinagar (240 KM/5 Hrs).

Kushinagar To Shravasti (240 KM/5 Hrs).

Shravasti - Depart Kushinagar after breakfast for Shravasti.

Shravasti is an ancient city and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. It was here that Lord Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons, delivering many of his most profound teachings and miracles to his disciples. The sacred Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha resided, is the highlight, featuring age-old stupas, meditation sites, and ancient ruins that evoke deep spiritual significance. Other notable sites include Anathapindika’s Stupa, Angulimala’s Stupa, and temples built by Buddhist communities from across the world. Shravasti beautifully blends serenity with history, making it a must-visit for pilgrims and history lovers alike.

Shravasti - Rest of the time free for leisure. Overnight stay at a Shravasti hotel.

Shravasti To Lumbini in Nepal (215 KM/5 Hrs)

Lumbini - Cross the border into Nepal for Lumbini. Lumbinī is the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, Queen Mahamayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama around 563 BCE. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage center, where the archaeological remains associated with Lord Buddha’s birth form a central feature.

Lumbini - Rest of the time free for leisure or explore the market independently.

Overnight stay at a Lumbini hotel.

A day tour of Kapilavastu from Lumbini (50 KM/1 Hr).

Kapilvastu - After breakfast, visit Kapilavastu (Nepal). Kapilavastu (“Place of Kapila”) is the name of the city where Siddhartha Gautama grew up and lived for the first 29 years of his life before leaving to pursue the spiritual path which led to his enlightenment. The Ashoka Pillar situated at Kapilavastu marks the latter references about the place.

Lumbini - Return to Lumbini. Evening time is free for leisure or shopping independently.

Lumbini - Gorakhpur - Delhi

New Delhi - After breakfast, leave Lumbini for Gorakhpur Airport (140 KM/3 Hrs) to catch the flight to Delhi.

New Delhi - Pick up from Delhi Airport and transfer to the hotel.

Rest of the time free for leisure or shopping in Delhi markets independently.

Overnight stay at a Delhi hotel.

Pick up from Delhi Airport and Delhi Sightseeing.

Red Fort - Visit Red Fort - Shah Jahan constructed Red Fort in 1638. It was the main residence of the Mughal Dynasty and is located in the city center. It is made from red sandstone, and that is where it gets its name from. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Qutub Minar - See Qutub Minar, which is a five-story tapering tower with a height of 73 meters. The spiral staircase in this minaret has 379 steps. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visited by many every day.

Raj Ghat - Stop by Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi; Raj Ghat is situated in Delhi. It is a black marble open to the sky and a flame that eternally burns at one end. It is a great place to learn more about the history of the country.

Chandni Chowk - Take a traditional rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the oldest and busiest market in New Delhi. Chandni Chowk’s literal translation - Moonlight Square, was built by a Mughal Emperor in the 17th century. It was divided by canals to reflect moonlight, but now that particular area is closed. It is one of the biggest wholesale markets in India.

New Delhi - Overnight stay at a Delhi hotel.

Delhi Sightseeing with the end of this tour.

Friday Mosque (Jama Masjid) - See one of the largest mosques in the country, Jama Masjid. It is made up of red sandstone and marble. It was constructed by Shah Jahan and is visited by hundreds of people every day. The courtyard of the mosque can accommodate about 25,000 people and was built for about one million Indian Rupees.

Lotus Temple - Explore the Lotus Temple, famous for its flower-like dome shape; Lotus Temple is a house of worship and is open to all. Winning numerous awards for its architecture, this place is a prominent attraction in Delhi.

Humayun’s Tomb - Then head to Humayun’s tomb, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum, in 1558, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son, Sayyid Muhammad, Persian architects chosen by her.

Connaught Place - Visit Connaught Place, a frenetic business and financial hub, centered on a ring of colonnaded Georgian-style buildings with global chain stores, vintage cinemas, bars, and Indian restaurants. Stalls at Janpath Market sell saris, embroidered bags, and trinkets.

New Delhi - In the evening, guests will be dropped off at Delhi Airport or any desired location in Delhi, marking the end of this tour.

• Private transportation
• Guide service included
• 3-star accommodation in each place
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Toll tax, parking, fuel, and driver allowance included

• Any type of flight ticket is not included.
• Any type of entrance charge is not included.
• Lunch/Dinner/Drinks
• Nepal border fees is not included.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.