Nepal & India Buddhist Tour Package

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Meal: B/D

Altitude: 1400m

Distance: around the city

Mode of transport: private car

After your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our driver will pick you up from the entrance of the airport. Kathmandu is one of the ancient cities as listed by UNESCO for its amazing heritage and architectural sites. While strolling across the urban sprawling of the city you will feel the warmth of hospitability from the local residents. After a warm welcome in the hotel, you can spend your evening in the streets of Thamel. It is a commercial place located in the neighborhood of the capital city. At night a grand welcome dinner of Nepalese delicacies will be served for the devotees. At night you will stay in the capital city.

 

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing

Meal: B/D

Altitude: 1400m

Distance: around the city

Mode of transport: private car

Today is the first stretch of your journey. After enjoying Nepalese cuisine for breakfast you will be picked up by the driver for the day tour. You will be visiting the Buddhist pilgrimage sites mostly. Start your day with Boudhanath stupa. Start your tour with the white dome-shaped stupa that stands out as the seat of enigmatic energy. This architectural monument is located in the eastern direction of Kathmandu around 8km. Among the Buddhist devotees, it is one of the imposing religious shrines that stand out as the symbol of peace and tolerance. This stupa is the largest one located in Kathmandu valley. The teachings of Buddhism flourish in the soil of Asia. The pilgrims are quite aware of their prominence in Asia. In the 8th century, Licchavi kings built this famous stupa in the shape of Gyangtse of Tibet. According to the early religious scriptures, it is known that the stupa is located on the trade route between Nepal and Tibet. Earlier the Tibetan merchants took shelter in the calm ambiance of the stupa and prayed to the lord. The main attraction of the stupa is the compassionate all-pervading eyes painted on the walls of the stupa. The eyes are painted in such a way to shower blessings on the devotees.

Next, you will be visiting Swayambhunath Stupa. This famous religious shrine is located in the northwestern part of Kathmandu valley. This temple is commonly known among the foreign explorers as Monkey temple. This Buddhist chaitya is located high on the hillock. This religious site stands as a symbolism of harmony and faith for millions of years. This religious site is located on the western side of Kathmandu around 3km from the city center. According to the old religious scriptures, it is said that more than 2000 years ago the shrine came into existence spontaneously from a primordial lake. The literal meaning of Swayambhu is “self-existent one”. From the ancient scriptures, it is known that King Manadeva built this beautiful Buddhist shrine in the 13th century. According to an old myth, Swayambhunath Stupa came into existence from a lotus that bloomed in the center of the mythical lake located in Kathmandu valley. After visiting the temple shrine, you will be amazed at the largest image of Sakyamuni Buddha sitting on a pedestal in Nepal. You will also find a temple devoted to Devi Saraswati or Manjusri, goddess of learning. Within the complex of the stupa, you will be finding out various small chaityas and shrines of different Hindu and Buddhist deities. The pilgrims are advised to make circumambulation around the stupa for seeking the blessings of the lord.

Next, you will be visiting the historical monument called Durbar Square Area. Located around 5km away from Kathmandu, this historical site will amaze you with its uniqueness. Kathmandu narrates its own beauty of history in its relics. If you are visiting this place then the spiritual aura will take you to a tour of paradise. The calm and composed ambiance of the place will take you to the realm of surrealism. Within the durbar square, you will find out beautiful fantastic metal works, monasteries, temples devoted to different gods and goddesses. The Licchavi kings built this architectural marvel in the 3rd century. For many years, the temple has been renovated multiple times for better conservation. During the Malla period, the same Durbar Square became a site of royal practices and administration. It will be an amazing experience altogether. At night you will stay in Kathmandu.

 

Day 3: Fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu and sightseeing

Meal: B/D

Altitude: 1400m

Distance: 203km(1hr flight)  

Mode of transport: private car

Early in the morning, you will be flying to Pokhara. It is believed to be the tourism capital of the country. Every tourist travels to this beautiful mountainous city to enjoy an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. It is the gateway to all those mountainous trekking. After enjoying your 30 minutes flight across the mountains, you will enter into the beautiful city of Pokhara. The amazing landscape of this city will delight you completely. Firstly you will visit Phewa Lake. One can enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the mountains and its reflection on the crystal clear water of the lake. Later you can go for Davis Fall. The local residents call this Patale Chango. This famous waterfall forms a tunnel underground. The white gushing water of the falls will be amazing to look at. Next, you will be reaching Gupteshwar cave, located beneath the ground. Inside the cave, one can find beautiful natural limestone deposit. At night you will stay in Pokhara.

 

Day 4: Drive to Lumbini from Pokhara

Meal: B/D

Altitude: 150m

Distance: 169km (6hrs)

Mode of transport: private car

After enjoying the sunrise in the mountains you will be driving to Lumbini. This city is famous among the tourists as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. In 623 BC, Lord Buddha was born in the royal family of Kapilavastu. It is one of the UNESCO listed world’s heritage center. While stepping into the soil of such an amazing place you will understand the elegance of the ambiance. Being a follower of Lord Buddha, one always looks forward to excavating the glorious history of religion. In this auspicious land, Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Lord Buddha. Being a religious and archaeological site, you will find out how people belonging to different schools of Buddhism come closer to discuss the religion vividly. Without visiting such an amazing place for exploring Buddhism will be a bad opportunity for the pilgrims. It is believed that religion becomes popular among the mass for its inclusive nature. Lord Buddha shows the path of righteousness and it guides the followers to enlightenment. At night you will be staying in Lumbini.

 

Day 5: Lumbini sightseeing and driving to Bodhgaya

Meal: B/D

Distance: 458km (12hrs)

Mode of transport: private car

Today you will be enjoying a spectacular experience in the Lumbini gardens. In this itinerary, this site is believed to be one of the most engaging sites for the pilgrims. It is a lifetime opportunity for the devotees to know about the intricate details of the Lord. The pilgrimage tour becomes successful only one can confront the blend of historical and religious significance. Why is it necessary for a pilgrimage tour? It is the journey of the pilgrims to rediscover the path of faith. In the passage of time, one loses complete faith in spiritual power. To rekindle the bond of God and the devotees, the latter always follow the path of spirituality. The warm discussions among the spiritual thinkers about Buddhism will also guide you to a better path. How the spiritual thinkers come across the world to this beautiful mountainous country to discuss the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Inside the temple complex, you will visit Mayadevi temple. As per the archaeologists, it is the famous temple where the queen gave birth to Lord Buddha. Therefore, the pilgrims visit this place believing it to be the exam location for the birthplace of the Lord. While roaming around the garden, you will find out Ashokan Pillars and the inscriptions written on it. The garden will unravel you the glorious history of Buddhism. There is a sal grove inside the temple complex; the followers believe it to be the wandering place for the lord.

Next, you will be going to Pushkarini, the famous sacred pond located within the complex. As mentioned in the earlier texts, Mayadevi took an auspicious bath on the day of Baishaki Purnima before giving birth to the lord. The pilgrims believe in the holy water of the pond. Apart from different temple structures, you will find out different monasteries as built by the followers in devotion to the Lord. Different schools of Buddhism follow different paths of preaching religion. Everyone believes in preaching the message of peace. While roaming across the complex, you will find out different facets of the religion. The serenity of the ambiance will allow indulging yourself in meditation. Without meditation, one will never understand the versatility of the religion and the Lord. Inside the complex, you will also find out the 14th inscription left by Ripu Malla narrating the birth story of the lord.

Inside the complex, you will also find out the pillars made in 249BC by Emperor Ashoka. Over the pillars, the teachings and the philosophies of Lord Buddha are mentioned vividly. Within the complex, you will find people spending time in meditation. People actually travel to this religious place for Panditarama  Vipassana. The followers practice such kind of yoga and meditation to explore the world of Buddhism. This pilgrimage tour is also about how one introspects to the inner self. Without such introspection, one will never understand the importance of the world. This tour is also about the self-realization journey where one can understand the serendipity of the world.

After a guided tour, you will start your journey for Bodhgaya. It will take around 12 hrs to reach your next destination.  

 

Day 6: Bodhgaya sightseeing

Meal: B/D

Altitude: 113m

Distance: around the city

Mode of transport: private car

Buddhism grew its roots in India around the 6th century BC. In India, it is one of the most popular religions. The religion teaches the equality and compassionate nature to all. The beauty of the city will give warm vibes to you. UNESCO declared it as one of the world’s heritage site. The place engraved a special mention in the minds of the pilgrims for its religious significance. It is the holy city where Lord Buddha received his enlightenment. While roaming around the city you will engage yourself with the rich history of Buddhism.

The major attraction of the city is the temple of Mahabodhi where you will encounter different phases of Lord Buddha at different stages of his life. The pilgrims encounter the versatility of the lord at various stages of life and lord guides the disciples at the right time. This religion gives an overall to the pilgrims about the spiritual aspect of the lord. There is also an archaeological museum located inside the Bodhgaya. While strolling across the museum, you will find out the rich history of the religion. You will find out the endeavors of Buddhism across the world in different ancient scriptures dated back from 1st century BC to 11th century AD. Apart from this museum, you will be visiting the temple of Jagannath. The black stone of god is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In the evening you can explore this old city to know more about the religion. At night you will stay in Bodhgaya.

 

Day 7: Drive to Varanasi from Bodhgaya

Meal: B/D

Altitude: 81m

Distance: 252km (6hrs)  

Mode of transport: private car

The very next day you will be driving towards Varanasi. This place is equally famous among Hindus and Buddhists. It is said that the Hindus wish to visit this holy city of the temple for seeking the path of heaven after death. This ancient city will take you to a holy tour and give you an opportunity to understand the Hindu myth. In the streets of Varanasi, you will find out hermits meditating on the banks of the holy Ganges. This place is famous among the devotees because the preaching of Lord Buddha was studied in Sanskrit. Here Lord Buddha also gave lessons to his first five students about his philosophies. At night you will stay in this old city. Apart from its richness, Lord Buddha also turned his wheels of law (Dharma Chakra) in this city. Lord Buddha wanted to spread the law of truthfulness to his disciples across the nation. The lord served his first sermon on Sarnath located near Varanasi city. Due to its historical significance, this city will always surprise the Buddhist pilgrims.

 

Day 8: Departure

Meal: B/D

Distance: around the city

Mode of transport: private car

Today is the last day of your journey. In this itinerary, you focus on exploring remarkable Buddhist religious sites. Our focus is to give you an overall view on religion and its preacher. In this short itinerary, you will find out the importance of Lord Buddha and his teachings for the way of life. Our driver will drop you at the airport or railway station as per your scheduled timings.

Cost Includes:

•             Accommodation as agreed upon

•             Transfer and sightseeing by deluxe ac vehicle

•             2 Meals per day only in Nepal & India

•             Cost is subject to change as per availability of hotels at the time of booking

 

Cost Excludes:

•             International Airfare

•             Visa fee India & Nepal

•             Airport portage or gratuities

•             Anything not included in the itinerary, any personal expenses

•             Insurance fee & tips

•            Entrance fees, Guide & airfare /train fare if any & extras not mentioned as inclusions