Buddhist Circuit India Nepal Tour Package

This curated journey across India and Nepal traces the footsteps of Lord Buddha from birth to enlightenment to Mahaparinirvana. Designed for spiritual seekers, scholars, and cultural travelers, the tour covers the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, serene monasteries, and ancient ruins. Ideal for those seeking deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and heritage, while immersing in local culture and architecture.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Explore the Capital

Local travel within Kathmandu (20–30 km)
Why Kathmandu: The heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, Kathmandu houses sacred stupas and monasteries.
Places to Visit:

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

• Boudhanath Stupa

• Kopan Monastery

• Patan Durbar Square

Overnight Stay: Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu to Lumbini

Distance: 300 km | Travel Time: 7–8 hours
Why Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Places to Visit:

• Maya Devi Temple

• Ashokan Pillar

• Sacred Pond

• World Peace Pagoda

Overnight Stay: Lumbini

Day 3: Lumbini to Kapilavastu to Kushinagar

Lumbini to Kapilavastu: 59 km (~1.5 hours)
Kapilavastu to Kushinagar: 160 km (~4 hours)
Why Kapilavastu & Kushinagar: Buddha spent his childhood in Kapilavastu and attained Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar.
Places to Visit:

• Ruins of the Shakya Kingdom (Kapilavastu)

• Mahaparinirvana Temple (Kushinagar)

• Rambhar Stupa

• International Monasteries

Overnight Stay: Kushinagar

Day 4: Kushinagar to Vaishali to Patna

Kushinagar to Vaishali: 250 km (~6 hours)
Vaishali to Patna: 40 km (~1 hour)
Why Vaishali & Patna: Buddha delivered his last sermon in Vaishali; Patna preserves important Buddhist relics.
Places to Visit:

• Ananda Stupa (Vaishali)

• Ashokan Pillar (Vaishali)

• Nalanda Museum (Patna)

Overnight Stay: Patna

Day 5: Patna to Nalanda to Rajgir

Patna to Nalanda: 90 km (~2 hours)
Nalanda to Rajgir: 15 km (~30 minutes)
Why Nalanda & Rajgir: Nalanda was a major center of Buddhist learning; Rajgir was frequented by Buddha for meditation.
Places to Visit:

• Nalanda University Ruins

• Vulture’s Peak

• Vishwa Shanti Stupa

Overnight Stay: Rajgir

Day 6: Rajgir to Bodh Gaya

Distance: 70 km | Travel Time: ~2 hours
Why Bodh Gaya: Site of Buddha’s enlightenment and one of the holiest Buddhist destinations.
Places to Visit:

• Mahabodhi Temple

• Bodhi Tree

• International Buddhist Monasteries

Optional: Light and Sound Show at Mahabodhi Temple (Entry Fee: ₹200 per person)

Overnight Stay: Bodh Gaya

Day 7: Bodh Gaya to Sarnath

Distance: 280 km | Travel Time: ~6–7 hours
Why Sarnath: Location of Buddha’s first sermon and formation of the Sangha.
Places to Visit:

• Dhamek Stupa

• Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

• Ashoka Pillar

Optional: Evening Buddhist Chanting Ceremony (Free)

Overnight Stay: Sarnath

Day 8: Sarnath to Varanasi – Explore and Leisure

Distance: 10 km | Travel Time: ~30 minutes
Why Varanasi: One of the world’s oldest living cities, spiritually rich with a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Places to Visit:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat for Ganga Aarti

• Banaras Hindu University

• Local Market (Banarasi silk and crafts)

Optional: VIP Seating at Ganga Aarti (Entry Fee: ₹500 per person)

Overnight Stay: Varanasi

Day 9: Varanasi to Sravasti

Distance: 300 km | Travel Time: ~7 hours
Why Sravasti: Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons here and gave many teachings.
Places to Visit:

• Jetavana Monastery

• Anathapindika Stupa

• Angulimala Stupa

Overnight Stay: Sravasti

Day 10: Sravasti to Lucknow – Departure

Distance: 170 km | Travel Time: ~4 hours
Why Lucknow: Convenient departure city with excellent flight and rail connectivity.
Optional Visit (time permitting):

• Bara Imambara

• Local market for souvenirs and local cuisine