Buddhist Heritage Journey

Embark on a transformative journey through the Buddhist Circuit across Nepal, India, and Bhutan, retracing the footsteps of Lord Buddha. This 15-day pilgrimage takes you from his birthplace in Lumbini to the sacred sites of enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, first sermon in Sarnath, and Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar. Explore ancient universities like Nalanda, monastic sites of Sravasti, and vibrant spiritual hubs like Varanasi. The journey concludes in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, with its living monasteries, dzongs, and peaceful valleys. A perfect blend of spiritual devotion, cultural exploration, and Himalayan serenity.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration of Kathmandu
Begin your pilgrimage in Kathmandu, a spiritual hub dotted with ancient Buddhist landmarks. Visit the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), the grand Boudhanath Stupa, and the serene Kopan Monastery. Explore Patan Durbar Square, a heritage site with Buddhist influences. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu → Lumbini (Birthplace of Buddha)
Drive to Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, Ashokan Pillar, Sacred Pond, and the World Peace Pagoda. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

Day 3: Lumbini → Kapilavastu → Kushinagar
Explore Kapilavastu, the childhood home of Buddha, with ruins of the Shakya Kingdom. Continue to Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Rambhar Stupa, and international monasteries. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Day 4: Kushinagar → Vaishali → Patna
Journey to Vaishali, where Buddha preached his last sermon. Visit the Ananda Stupa and Ashokan Pillar. Proceed to Patna, home to ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and explore the Nalanda Museum. Overnight in Patna.

Day 5: Patna → Nalanda → Rajgir
Discover the ruins of Nalanda University, once the greatest center of Buddhist learning. Continue to Rajgir, where Buddha meditated at Vulture’s Peak. Visit the Vishwa Shanti Stupa before overnight stay in Rajgir.

Day 6: Rajgir → Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment Site)
Arrive at Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO site), monasteries built by global Buddhist communities, and attend the Light & Sound Show at Mahabodhi Temple. Overnight in Bodh Gaya.

Day 7: Bodh Gaya → Sarnath
Drive to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and Ashokan Pillar. Attend an evening Buddhist chanting ceremony. Overnight stay in Sarnath.

Day 8: Sarnath → Varanasi (Explore & Leisure)
Head to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities. Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, visit Banaras Hindu University, and shop for Banarasi silk. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 9: Varanasi → Sravasti
Travel to Sravasti, where Buddha spent 24 monastic rainy seasons. Visit Jetavana Monastery, Anathapindika Stupa, and Angulimala Stupa. Overnight stay in Sravasti.

Day 10: Sravasti → Lucknow
Drive to Lucknow. Explore the Bara Imambara, and shop in the city’s traditional markets. Overnight in Lucknow.

Day 11: Flight Lucknow → Paro (Bhutan)
Fly to Paro, Bhutan’s serene valley town. Visit the Paro Dzong and National Museum of Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.

Day 12: Paro → Thimphu
Drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. Explore the Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden statue, and the Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan’s spiritual & political hub. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 13: Thimphu → Punakha
Travel to Punakha, home to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, and visit the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility). Overnight in Punakha.

Day 14: Punakha → Bumthang
Continue to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated, and Jakar Dzong. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 15: Bumthang → Paro (Departure)
Drive back to Paro for departure. Bid farewell to the serene valleys and monasteries of Bhutan as your spiritual journey concludes.