On the Footsteps of Buddha with Northeast Wonders

On arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, board a flight from New Delhi to Bagdogra. Upon arrival at NJP/IXB, our driver will greet you and transfer you to Kalimpong. Once you arrive in Kalimpong, check in at your hotel. After freshening up, head out for a sightseeing tour of Kalimpong. Begin with a visit to Durpin Hill, where you can explore the renowned Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery, which belongs to the same Buddhist sect as the current Dalai Lama. Next, visit popular tourist spots like Jelapla View Point, Pine View Point, Chitra Bhanu, Kalim Temple, and Dr. Graham's Homes Complex. You’ll also visit Delo Hill (5,556 ft), the highest point in Kalimpong, offering panoramic views of the entire town, the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga, nearby villages, the Relli Valley on one side, and the Teesta River on the other. Return to your hotel by evening for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Gangtok. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest and relax. Later, head out for a sightseeing tour of Gangtok. Begin with a visit to Hanuman Tok, a temple complex in the upper reaches of Gangtok dedicated to Lord Hanuman and maintained by the Indian Army. Then, visit Ganesh Tok, the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom (closed on Sundays), Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sundays), Do Drul Chorten Monastery, and Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park. In the evening, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Today, embark on an unforgettable excursion to Changu Lake, also known as Tsomgo Lake. This stunning glacial lake, situated at an altitude of 12,400 feet, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine landscapes. The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a picture-perfect scene. During the winter, the lake often freezes, adding to its ethereal beauty. After soaking in the serene atmosphere of Changu Lake, continue to Baba Mandir, a sacred shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a revered Indian Army soldier. Located at an altitude of 13,200 feet, this temple is not only a place of worship but also a site of deep respect and reverence. Locals and soldiers alike believe that Baba's spirit protects the area and blesses those who visit. After the excursion, return to Gangtok for an overnight stay at your hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Pelling. Along the way, take in scenic sights as you travel through picturesque landscapes and charming towns. Pelling, nestled in the West Sikkim district, is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, lush greenery, and serene atmosphere. This hill station offers a tranquil retreat with its monasteries, waterfalls, and splendid viewpoints. Upon arrival in Pelling, check in at your hotel.

After some rest, head out to explore Pelling. Start your sightseeing with a visit to the historic Rabdentse Ruins, the remains of an ancient capital, and then visit the sacred Khecheopalri Lake, celebrated for its tranquil beauty and spiritual significance. Next, explore Pemayangtse Gompa and Sangacholing Monastery, both offering stunning architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Later marvel at the Chenrezig Statue and experience the Sky Walk Pelling, a glass-bottomed platform that provides spectacular valley views. End your day with visits to the picturesque Rimbi Waterfalls and Sangay Falls, each adding to Pelling's natural charm. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, start your day with a visit to Kanchenjunga Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading down from the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga. Then, explore the Singshore Bridge, one of Sikkim's highest suspension bridges, offering thrilling views of the deep gorge and surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, depart for Darjeeling. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day early with a visit to Tiger Hill for a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. On your way back, visit Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop. After breakfast at the hotel, continue your sightseeing tour with stops at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tenzing Rock, the Japanese Temple, and the Peace Pagoda. You’ll also explore the lush tea gardens and enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling ropeway. Spend your evening strolling through Chowrasta Mall, soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere. Overnight stay at hotel in Darjeeling.

In the morning, we will transfer you to Bagdogra Airport for your flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and taken to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kolkata.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, embark on a comprehensive tour of Kolkata, exploring its rich historical and cultural landmarks. Start with a visit to Victoria Memorial, an iconic white marble monument surrounded by lush gardens. Next, head to Howrah Bridge, a bustling symbol of the city’s vibrant life. Visit the Indian Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts, and then pay your respects at Kalighat Temple, an important religious site. Stroll through Marble Palace, a stunning mansion showcasing exquisite architecture and art. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk along Park Street, famous for its lively atmosphere and colonial architecture. Return to your hotel in the evening, and if time permits, experience Kolkata's street food and local markets, ending the day with a relaxing overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kolkata airport to board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, your will warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in Varanasi. Take some time to rest and relax. Later proceed to Sarnath, a site of immense significance for Buddhists. Here, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, laying the foundation for Buddhism. Begin your exploration at the Sarnath Archaeological Site, home to the revered Dhamek Stupa and the legendary Ashoka Pillar. Next, visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern temple adorned with exquisite murals illustrating the life of Buddha. Continue to the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses remarkable artifacts from the region. Then, visit Chaukhandi Stupa, marking the site where Lord Buddha first met his disciples. In the evening, attend the Aarti ceremony on the banks of the River Ganges. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

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 embark on drive to Bodh Gaya, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha achieved enlightenment under the revered Bodhi Tree. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind. After freshening up, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where you’ll explore Muchalinda Lake, the Bodhi Tree, and the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne)—the exact spot where Buddha meditated. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, visit Sujata Kuti, the house of Sujata, who offered Buddha rice pudding—an act that ended his years of asceticism and guided him toward enlightenment. If time permits, proceed to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha meditated before arriving in Bodhgaya. In the afternoon, visit the Great Buddha Statue, an impressive 80-foot-tall depiction of Buddha in a meditative pose. Explore the various monasteries and temples in the area, each built by different Buddhist nations, reflecting their unique architectural styles and cultural traditions. Notable ones include the Thai Monastery, Japanese Temple, and Tibetan Monastery. In the evening, return to the Mahabodhi Temple for meditation. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Rajgir. Upon arrival visit to Vulture's Peak (Griddhakuta Parvat), a sacred site where the Buddha gave many important teachings. Take your time to absorb the spiritual atmosphere and enjoy the panoramic views. Later in the morning, head to Bimbisara's Prison, the historical site where King Bimbisara was imprisoned by his son Ajatashatru. Reflect on its significance and the story behind it.

In the afternoon, visit Venu Vana (Bamboo Grove), a peaceful monastery gifted to Buddha by King Bimbisara. Stroll through the serene bamboo grove and feel the peaceful ambiance. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Cyclopean Wall, an ancient, massive limestone structure believed to be built by the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE. Admire the large, irregularly shaped stones without mortar. Next, head to the Rajgir Glass Bridge, a modern architectural marvel offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Conclude your day with a visit to Ghora Katora Lake, a tranquil spot perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature's beauty. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Rajgir.

Early morning, around 7:00 AM, depart for Vaishali. Along the way, enjoy a fascinating detour to explore the Ruins of Ancient Nalanda University, one of the world’s oldest and most renowned centers of learning. Discover its magnificent architecture and delve into its pivotal role in Buddhist studies.

Continue your journey to Vaishali and, upon arrival, visit the iconic Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to commemorate Buddha's last sermon. Next, marvel at the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda, built in collaboration with the Japanese government to promote global peace and harmony. Proceed to Buddha Stupas I and II, which house the sacred ashes of Lord Buddha, making them significant pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.

Stop by the Abhishek Pushkarini, an ancient tank believed to have been used for coronation rituals by the Licchavi rulers, adding to Vaishali's rich cultural tapestry. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the Vaishali Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient coins, artifacts, and figures. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Vaishali.

After breakfast, leave for Kushinagar. Upon arrival, first visit the Parinirvana Stupa, also known as the Mahaparinirvana Temple, believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana. Later, visit the Matha Kaur Shrine, considered to be the site where Buddha delivered his last sermon before attaining Nirvana. After that, visit the Ramabhar Buddhist Stupa, a significant site believed to mark the place where Lord Buddha was cremated. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kushinagar.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for the Indo-Nepal Border for the immigration process, which may take 3 to 4 hours or more depending on the number of visitors. After completing your immigration formalities, proceed to the hotel in Lumbini. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Mayadevi Temple, the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. Inside the temple, visit the Birthplace of Buddha. Later, visit the sacred pond, Puskarini, where Queen Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth to Gautam Buddha. Finally, visit the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to Lumbini in 249 BC.

Later, visit the World Peace Pagoda, a symbol of universal peace and harmony, offering serene surroundings for reflection and meditation. After that, hop on a rickshaw to visit several other temples and monasteries, including the Japanese Temple, the Korean Temple, the Chinese Temple, the Myanmar Golden Temple, the Vietnamese Temple, and more.

After sightseeing in Lumbini, proceed to Kapilvastu, 50 kilometers from Lumbini, inside Nepal. Upon arrival at Kapilvastu, first visit the Gotihawa Stupa and Pillar. Emperor Ashoka visited this site in 249 BC, erected a stone pillar, and built a large stupa dedicated to Krakuchhanda Buddha to mark his birthplace. Later, visit Tilaurakot, the ancient Shakya capital where Siddhartha Gautama spent his early years before becoming the Buddha. Here the Eastern Gate is significant as it marks the departure of the Buddha from Kapilvastu, beginning his journey to enlightenment, renouncing his family and royal lineage at the age of 21. Also, visit the Western Gate, built to control the flow of people in and out of the city and to defend against floods and enemies. After that, visit the Kapilvastu Museum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

Early in the morning, get a packed breakfast and leave for the Sonauli Border for the immigration process to re-enter India from Nepal. The process may take 3 to 4 hours, depending on the number of visitors at the immigration department. After completing the immigration process, proceed to Shravasti.

On the way, visit Kapilvastu, located near the Sonauli Border in Uttar Pradesh, India. The site holds immense historical significance as it is where the Shakya clan preserved the eighth part of Gautama Buddha's remains after his nirvana. This sacred site offers a serene ambiance and a glimpse into early Buddhist history. Exploring Kapilvastu allows travellers to connect with the profound sense of history and spirituality that envelops this revered place. Later continue to Shravasti for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, 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. Afterwards, continue your drive to Lucknow. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the Bada Imambara Complex in Lucknow, a marvel of Mughal architecture and a treasure trove of historical and cultural experiences. This grand complex, commissioned by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, boasts an impressive central hall, Bhool Bhulaiya (the labyrinth), and the stunning Asfi Mosque. As you wander through its intricately designed corridors and grand courtyards, you'll be transported to an era of opulence and architectural brilliance. The labyrinth, with its maze of interconnected passages, is a highlight that promises a fascinating adventure. The complex also offers panoramic views of the city from its rooftop, making it a perfect spot for capturing beautiful memories.

Later in the afternoon, our guide will escort you to Lucknow railway station to board a train to New Delhi. Upon arrival, our local representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Humayun's Tomb, an architectural gem built in 1562, followed by a stop at the vibrant Tibetan Market in North Delhi for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Drive through Lutyens' Delhi, passing landmarks like the Presidential House and India Gate, pausing for photos. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Qutab Minar, an iconic minaret and historical marvel, before transferring to IGI Airport for your onward journey.