India Nepal Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour from Bodhgaya
Buddhist Pilgrimages
Your Journey
Overview & Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our expertly crafted 9-days India Nepal Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour from Bodhgaya, tracing the sacred footsteps of Lord Buddha from enlightenment to Mahaparinirvana. This carefully curated journey covers the most revered Buddhist sites, including Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Sravasti, Sarnath, and Varanasi. Guided by an experienced escort, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient monasteries, meditation caves, and serene temples, while learning the profound stories that shaped Buddhism. With comfortable transfers, quality accommodation, and insightful guidance, this all-Inclusive tour offers spiritual seekers, history lovers, and cultural explorers a once-in-a-lifetime experience into the life and legacy of the Buddha. Experience unforgettable adventures, and the freedom to customize your dream tour. Book now for an incredible holiday!
Key highlights of India Nepal Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour from Bodhgaya:
- Experience the profound serenity of Bodhgaya, the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
- Explore Kushinagar, the revered site where Buddha attained Parinirvana and visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Rambhar Stupa.
- Experience Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, featuring the sacred Maya Devi Temple and the historic Ashoka Pillar.
- Discover Sravasti, where Buddha spent many years teaching and meditate at the sacred Jetavana Monastery and the revered Ananda Bodhi Tree.
- Experience Varanasi, among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating to 11th century B.C.
- Explore Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and visit the historic Dhamekha Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum.
Trace major Buddhist pilgrimage sites linked to Buddha’s life.
Follow a pilgrimage route through Bodhgaya and sacred stops.
Visit Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple pilgrimage site.
Visit Rajgir’s Buddhist sites and historic pilgrimage landmarks.
Day by Day
Itinerary
On arrival at Bodhgaya Airport, our escort guide will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to Niranjana Hotel or similar, Bodhgaya. After check-in, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel. The evening will be at leisure to rest and prepare for the start of your pilgrimage journey.
After breakfast, set out to explore Bodh Gaya, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, and walk through the Seven Weeks of Enlightenment sites. Continue to see the towering 80-ft Buddha Statue and the peaceful Myanmar Monastery. Later, visit Sujata Garh and Sujata Kuti, followed by an excursion to the Dungeshwari Caves, where Buddha meditated before enlightenment. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodh Gaya.
After breakfast, check out and depart for Rajgir, arriving by late morning. Enjoy a scenic ropeway ride to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) and its landscaped gardens. Visit Griddhakuta Peak (Vulture’s Peak), Jivaka’s Mango Garden, and Venuvan (Bamboo Grove Monastery). Continue to see Bimbisara’s Prison, King Ajatashatru’s Fort, and the Brahmakund hot springs. End the day with a walk along the Glass Bridge. Later, check in at your hotel in Rajgir for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, depart for Nalanda to explore the ancient Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest centres of learning. Proceed to Vaishali to see the Ashokan Pillar, Relic Stupa (Ananda Stupa), and Kutagarasala Vihara. Later, check in at your hotel in Vaishali for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar, the site of Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana. Visit the Parinirvana Temple, Mahaparinirvana Stupa, and Ramabhar Stupa, the cremation site of Buddha. In the evening, check in at your Kushinagar hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Start early in the morning around 6:00 AM for the Indo–Nepal border (Sonauli Border). Immigration formalities can take anywhere from 1 hour to 5–6 hours, depending on the rush at the immigration centre. Please note that after 5:00 PM, vehicles are not permitted to enter Nepal, making early departure essential. After clearing immigration, proceed to Lumbini and begin sightseeing with visits to the Maya Devi Temple (birthplace of Buddha), the Sacred Garden, and the Ashoka Pillar. Also visit the Myanmar Monastery and, if time permits, explore other monasteries. Later, check in at your hotel in Lumbini for dinner and overnight stay.
Early in the morning, get a packed breakfast and leave for the Indo-Nepal Border (Sonauli Border) for the immigration process to re-enter India from Nepal. The process may take from 1 hour to 5–6 hours, depending on the number of visitors at the immigration department. After completing the immigration process, proceed to Sravasti, the ancient city where Buddha spent many rainy seasons delivering important sermons. Visit Jetavana Gardens, a historic site where Anathapindika's generosity enabled the creation of a monastery. Here, the Buddha delivered many profound teachings and resided for 24 rainy seasons, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Inside the Jetavana Gardens, visit the sacred Ananda Bodhi Tree, a site of immense importance for Buddhists. Later, visit the Angulimala Stupa and the Anathapindika Stupa. Next, visit Orajhar, where Buddha performed two miracles. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Shravasti.
After breakfast, drive to Sarnath, the sacred site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, and Mulagandhakuti Vihara. Continue to Varanasi and check in at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges at Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Start your day with a serene boat ride on the River Ganges, basking in the peaceful morning ambiance. Following the boat ride, choose to visit the revered Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple or take a contemplative walk through the various sacred Ghats of Varanasi, each offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual heart of the city. Later get back to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, our driver and escort guide will transfer to the Varanasi airport or Varanasi railway station (as per your flight or train time) for onward journey, marking the end of your memorable escorted Buddhist pilgrimage tour.
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What is Included in This Tour
Explore what is included and what is not included in this tour.
- 8 nights accommodation in 3 star deluxe hotels on twin or double sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotels (Buffet / Fixed Menu).
- Daily Lunch at good local restaurants.
- An English Speaking Guide will escort you throughout the tour.
- Airport pick-up / drop-off, all sightseeing and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary.
- 1-2 persons - by comfortable sedan car such as Toyota Etios or Suzuki Dzire or similar.
- 3 persons - by comfortable MUV car such as Toyota Innova Crysta or similar.
- 4 or more persons - by comfortable mini-van such as Tempo Traveller / Tourist Bus or similar.
- Monument Entrance fee at Shravasti, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Vaishali, Nalanda, Rajgir, and Sarnath as per the itinerary.
- Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
- Ropeway (Cable Car Ride) to reach Vultures Peak at Rajgir.
- Rickshaw ride in Lumbini.
- Boat ride at river Ganges in Varanasi.
- River Ganga Aarti at the banks of River Ganges.
- 1 mineral water bottle per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Any International or domestic flights are not included.
- It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to India and Nepal.
- Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Dutch, are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
- Any VISA fee (if applicable).
- Any monument entrance fee not specified in inclusions, camera fee.
- Any kind of tips, personal expenses, laundry, or telephone charges.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Where You Stay
Accommodation
The Fern Residency, Bodhgaya
Premium Hotel
Bodhgaya, India
The Rajgir Residency Hotel, Rajgir
Deluxe Hotel
Rajgir, India
The Vaishali Residency
Deluxe Hotel
Vaishali, IndiaImportant Information
Know Before You Go
Important Information
- If rooms are not available at the mentioned hotels, we will provide alternate hotels of a similar category. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
- Entry restriction to Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi: Non-Hindus are generally not permitted to enter the sanctum of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. However, they may explore the temple complex and its surrounding areas, experiencing the spiritual ambiance from outside. Access to the inner sanctum remains traditionally reserved for Hindu devotees.
- For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India and Nepal.
- Transportation is provided according to the itinerary only and is not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis.
- Tipping in India and Nepal is optional but appreciated. A small gratuity is expected in some cases; tip generously for exceptional service. The amount can range from $2, $5, $10 per day, or more, depending on satisfaction and the quality of service received.
- Any costs arising from natural calamities such as road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
- VISA Information: Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India. Likewise, Indian citizens do not require a visa to travel to Nepal. However, all other foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter both India and Nepal. For detailed information, please check:
- For Indian Visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
- For Nepal Visa: https://www.immigration.gov.np/
- Double-Entry Visa: When traveling from India to Nepal and returning to India, you must present your visa at the immigration centers of both countries. Our driver and guide will accompany you to the respective immigration offices and assist with the formalities if needed.
- Please Note: Depart early in the morning at around 6:00 AM to reach the Indo–Nepal border (Sonauli Border) on time. The drive from your hotel to the border takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, and immigration formalities may take anywhere from 1 to 5–6 hours depending on the rush. Tourist vehicles are not permitted to enter Nepal from India after 5:00 PM, so this early departure ensures you have ample time for border crossing and onward travel without rushing.
- Itinerary Modifications: Alkof Holidays reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to factors such as weather conditions, political developments, or hotel availability.
Booking Information
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 60 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 60 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.
Important Information
Cancellation
Cancellation
If you cancel the tour at least 61 days before the scheduled departure date, there will be no cancellation fee. Kindly read complete details at Cancellation Policy.
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Customer Testimonials
Firsthand accounts from guests who explored India with our local team.
Andrea King Jones
Australia
We have no hesitation in recommending Alkof Holidays as a tour operator/guide for an Indian holiday Our itinery was followed to the letter and the staff were always available helpful and very efficient Many thanks to Alkof Manager Sanjeev, our guide Sachin and driver Mr Singh cheers Andrea and Brett
Sarah Keck
Germany
Hello I am Sarah, and I am from Germany. I visited India for 24 days, starting with a conference in New Delhi and then booked like a 2 week round trip with Alkof Holidays.Hello I am Sarah, and I am from Germany. I visited India for 24 days, starting with a conference in New Delhi and then booked like a 2 week round trip with Alkof Holidays. I booked it like 1 day before, and it was really a nice experience, great hospitality. I visited the Golden triangle, Varanasi, Goa beaches, and also Kerala. And everything was arranged perfectly. The drivers were nice, the food was good. Everything was great. I had a really nice stay in India, and I will definitely come back.