Sacred Buddhist Circuit Tour India Nepal

Walk in the footsteps of the Enlightened One on this once-in-a-lifetime Buddhist Circuit pilgrimage that spans across Nepal and India. Begin at Kathmandu, with its sacred stupas and monasteries, then proceed to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Continue to Kapilavastu and Kushinagar, where the Buddha spent his youth and later attained Mahaparinirvana. Explore the historic sites of Vaishali, Nalanda, and Rajgir, where profound teachings shaped Buddhist philosophy. At Bodh Gaya, meditate under the sacred Bodhi Tree, the site of Enlightenment. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and witness the vibrant spirituality of Varanasi on the Ganga Ghats. The journey concludes in Sravasti and Lucknow, offering a complete sacred circle of the Buddha’s life. This is not just travel — it’s a journey of inner discovery, peace, and timeless wisdom.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – The Himalayan Gateway
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After a brief rest, begin exploring the valley’s rich Buddhist heritage. Visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched atop a hill offering panoramic views of the city. Later, proceed to the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world, where pilgrims walk around chanting mantras. Visit Kopan Monastery, a peaceful retreat for learning Buddhist philosophy. Conclude your day at Patan Durbar Square, showcasing centuries-old Buddhist artistry and temple architecture. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu → Lumbini (Birthplace of Buddha)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha. On arrival, visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact spot of his birth. Explore the Ashokan Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to honor this holy site. Walk around the Sacred Pond where Queen Maya is believed to have bathed before giving birth. Later, enjoy the serenity of the World Peace Pagoda, built by Japanese Buddhists as a symbol of global harmony. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

Day 3: Lumbini → Kapilavastu → Kushinagar
After breakfast, travel to Kapilavastu, once the capital of the Shakya kingdom and childhood home of Prince Siddhartha. Explore the ruins of palaces, monasteries, and stupas that reveal the early life of the Buddha before his renunciation. Continue your journey to Kushinagar, an immensely sacred site where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Here, visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, housing a striking reclining Buddha statue, symbolizing his last moments. End the day at Rambhar Stupa, believed to be the site of Buddha’s cremation, a deeply spiritual place for reflection. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Day 4: Kushinagar → Vaishali → Patna
Today, proceed to Vaishali, where Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon. Visit the Ananda Stupa and Ashokan Pillar, both marking this historic event. Vaishali is also significant as the place where the first Buddhist nun was ordained. After exploring, continue to Patna, the modern capital of Bihar with strong Buddhist connections. Here, visit the Patna Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Buddhist relics, artifacts, and scriptures. In the evening, stroll through local markets or relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Patna.

Day 5: Patna → Nalanda → Rajgir
After breakfast, drive towards Nalanda, the ancient university and one of the greatest centers of Buddhist learning in the world. Walk through the remains of classrooms, monasteries, and libraries that once drew scholars from across Asia. Later, proceed to Rajgir, a city closely associated with Buddha’s teachings. Visit Vulture’s Peak (Griddhakuta), where Buddha delivered many important sermons to his disciples. Also explore the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, a gleaming white monument symbolizing universal peace. Overnight stay in Rajgir.

Day 6: Rajgir → Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment)
Begin the day with a journey to Bodh Gaya, the most sacred site in Buddhism. On arrival, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking the very spot where Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Walk around the temple complex, home to meditation gardens, monasteries built by Buddhist nations, and sacred shrines. Spend time in quiet reflection beneath the Bodhi Tree. In the evening, you may attend the optional Light & Sound Show at the Mahabodhi Temple, which narrates the story of Buddha’s enlightenment. Overnight in Bodh Gaya.

Day 7: Bodh Gaya → Sarnath (First Sermon)
After breakfast, drive to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stone structure marking the spot of the sermon. Explore the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar with beautiful frescoes depicting Buddha’s life, and admire the Ashokan Pillar with inscriptions that testify to the spread of Buddhism. In the evening, participate in a chanting ceremony at a monastery for a deeply spiritual experience. Overnight stay in Sarnath.

Day 8: Sarnath → Varanasi (Spiritual Exploration)
In the morning, transfer to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world and a confluence of spirituality and tradition. Visit Banaras Hindu University to see its collection of Buddhist and Hindu artifacts. Stroll through the local silk markets to witness artisans weaving the famous Banarasi silk sarees. As evening falls, head to the ghats of the Ganges River for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a grand ritual of lights and chants. VIP seating can be arranged for an exclusive experience. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 9: Varanasi → Sravasti
Today, drive to Sravasti, an important site where Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons in meditation and teaching. Visit Jetavana Monastery, a peaceful grove donated by Buddha’s great disciple Anathapindika, where many of his sermons were delivered. Explore the Anathapindika Stupa and Angulimala Stupa, both significant for their historical and spiritual associations. The story of Angulimala’s transformation here symbolizes compassion and redemption. Overnight stay in Sravasti.

Day 10: Sravasti → Lucknow (Departure)
After breakfast, proceed to Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Before departure, explore the architectural marvel of Bara Imambara, an iconic monument built in the 18th century. Stroll through Lucknow’s bustling bazaars, known for handicrafts, kebabs, and chikan embroidery. Later, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, carrying with you not just memories but also the peace and wisdom of this sacred circuit.