Buddhist Trail Tour Package 9 Days

Travel Itinerary :

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi – Evening Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Upon arrival in Varanasi, our representative will pick you up from the airport or railway station and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to rest and relax.
In the evening, get ready to experience one of the most spiritual moments of your life – the world-famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Witness the divine rituals, mesmerizing chants, and the glow of countless lamps reflecting on the Ganges River.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Varanasi.

Day 2: Varanasi – Morning Boat Ride & Sarnath Excursion (First Sermon of Buddha)

Early morning, experience the serenity of Subah-e-Banaras with a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise. Watch devotees perform rituals along the ghats and feel the spiritual aura of Varanasi.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, the sacred place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park (Rishipattana). Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Buddha Temples, and the Archaeological Museum.
Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 3: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (300 KM / 6 Hrs) – Mahabodhi Temple & Bodhi Tree

After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites. On arrival, check in to your hotel and have lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the Mahabodhi Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in the 6th century BCE.
Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Bodhgaya.

Day 4: Bodhgaya – Local Sightseeing & Meditation

After breakfast, drive to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples (also known as the Mahakala Caves), where Buddha practiced years of penance before enlightenment. Visit Sujata Village Temple, marking the spot where Sujata offered kheer (milk-rice) to Buddha.
Return to Bodhgaya for a half-day meditation session in one of the serene Buddhist monasteries.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.

Day 5: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna (190 KM / 5 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha Empire and a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. Visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa on Ratnagiri Hill, Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak) – where Buddha delivered many sermons, Venuvanaram, and Bimbisar Prison.
After lunch, continue to Nalanda, home to the world’s first residential university and a center of Buddhist learning. Explore the Nalanda University Archaeological Complex and the Xuanzang Memorial Hall, a pagoda built in honor of the Chinese scholar.
Drive to Patna for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Patna – Vaishali – Kesaria – Kushinagar (430 KM / 8 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Vaishali, where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon. Visit the Ashokan Pillar, Ananda Stupa, Kutagarshala Vihara, Abhishek Pushkarini, and other historic sites.
Continue to Kesaria to explore the Kesaria Stupa, believed to be the tallest and largest ancient Buddhist stupa in the world.
Later, drive to Kushinagar. On arrival, check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Kushinagar – Lumbini (180 KM / 4 Hrs)

After breakfast, visit the sacred sites of Kushinagar, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple (where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana), Rambhar Stupa (his cremation site), and the Japanese Temple.
After lunch, drive to Lumbini in Nepal (ensure you have a double-entry Indian visa and a single-entry Nepal visa).
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Lumbini.

Day 8: Lumbini – Kapilvastu – Shravasti (295 KM / 6.5 Hrs)

After breakfast, explore Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha). Visit the Maya Devi Temple, Eternal Peace Flame, Lumbini Museum, Thai Monastery, and Myanmar Golden Temple.
Later, drive to Kapilvastu, the childhood home of Prince Siddhartha. Visit the Tilaurakot Museum, Kapilvastu Kingdom Complex, and Lumbini Garden.
Continue to Shravasti, check in at your hotel, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.

Day 9: Shravasti – Local Sightseeing – Varanasi (350 KM / 7 Hrs) / Lucknow (180 KM / 4 Hrs)

After breakfast, explore the sacred sites of Shravasti, where Buddha spent many rainy seasons teaching his disciples. Visit Saheth (Jetavanaram), Maheth (Angulimal Caves), Jetavana Vihara, Ananda Bodhi Tree, Angulimala’s Stupa, and Anathapindika Stupa.
Later, drive to Varanasi or Lucknow for your onward journey.
Depart with spiritual peace and cherished memories of your Buddhist Circuit Tour in India & Nepal.

Trip Inclusions :

• Commercial vehicle which Includes all Tax, Toll tax, Parking, Driver night charges,
• Pickup and Drop to/from Railway station/Airport  Hotel as per mention in Hotel tab with selected plan (Twin sharing room)
• One Boat ride for about 45 min which covers all major Ghats of Varanasi ( At time of morning sun rise) Complimentary  Mineral water (one bottle per day per person).

Trip Exclusions :

• Any personal expenditure like tip, Pooja etc.  
• Any other boat ride, Guide charges Any Entrance Ticket
• Any Train/Flight Ticket Service tax as actual

FAQ :

Question: What is the best time to visit the Buddhist Circuit Tour?
Answer: The best time is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple visits and sightseeing.

Question: How many days are needed for the Buddhist Circuit Tour?
Answer: A complete Buddhist Circuit Tour covering India and Nepal ideally takes 9 to 10 days, depending on travel pace and destinations included.

Question: Do I need a visa for Lumbini, Nepal?
Answer: Yes, Indian citizens can travel visa-free, but foreign nationals need a double-entry Indian visa and a single-entry Nepal visa.

Question: What are the must-visit sites in this tour?
Answer: Major highlights include Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, Sarnath, Mahabodhi Temple, Nalanda University ruins, Kushinagar’s Mahaparinirvana Temple, and Lumbini Birthplace of Buddha.

Question: Is this tour suitable for senior citizens or families?
Answer: Absolutely. The itinerary is designed for all age groups, with comfortable transport, quality hotels, and spiritually enriching experiences.