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Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour India And Nepal
The light of Asia, Gautam Buddha who spread buddhism throughout the world has not only caused widespread adoption of buddhism but also the creation of the statues, monasteries monuments and pilgrimage sites. Starting from Varanasi, India the tour facilitates travelers to explore various sites in India and Nepal.
Duration
7 Days
Trip Code
CT-10099
Destination
Nepal
Activity
CoreTreks Special
Start / End Point
Varanasi / Kathmandu
Highlights Of This Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour India And Nepal
- Bodhgaya: Experience the profound spiritual energy of the place where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere of this sacred place.
- Lumbini: Explore the birthplace of Buddha, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact spot where Buddha was born, and witness the ancient ruins and monasteries that surround this revered pilgrimage site.
- Sarnath: Visit the holy city where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, the Mulagandhakuti Vihara, and the Ashoka Pillar, all significant landmarks that hold immense historical and spiritual value.
- Kushinagar: Pay homage to the place where Buddha attained Parinirvana, his final liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Witness the Mahaparinirvana Temple and the iconic reclining Buddha statue, symbolizing the great departure of Buddha from this mortal realm.
- Kathmandu: Delve into the vibrant capital city of Nepal and discover its rich Buddhist heritage. Explore the revered Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a hub of Tibetan Buddhism. Climb the steps to the Swayambhunath Stupa, also called the Monkey Temple, for great city views and a spiritual experience.
- Pharping: Visit the Guru Rinpoche cave in Pharping, an important pilgrimage site associated with the renowned Buddhist master Padmasambhava. Feel the spiritual energy within the cave and reflect on the teachings and blessings of Guru Rinpoche.
- Patan: Explore the ancient town of Patan, known for its well-preserved Buddhist architecture and intricate craftsmanship. Visit Patan Durbar Square, home to numerous temples, palaces, and monastic complexes, showcasing the artistic grandeur of the Newar community.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour India And Nepal Overview
Take a one-week Buddhist pilgrimage tour covering the most important sites in India and Nepal. This journey will take you to Bodhgaya, Lumbini, and other important places along the route from Varanasi to Kathmandu.
This Buddhist tour grants you the opportunity to visit four sacred sites: Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar, along with various Buddhist sites in and around Kathmandu, all thoughtfully curated to fit into a seven-day itinerary.
Start in Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital, and follow the important places in Buddha’s life on a scenic drive to Lumbini in Nepal. Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first discourse after attaining enlightenment, and Bodhgaya, where he achieved enlightenment itself, will each offer a night's stay, allowing ample time to explore the awe-inspiring monastic ruins and temples.
Crossing the border, you will effortlessly obtain a Nepalese visa on arrival, continuing your journey to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. From there, a short flight will transport you to Kathmandu, where you can delve into the rich tapestry of the Himalayan citadel, intricately interwoven with trans-Himalayan trade routes. Kathmandu not only sheltered Buddhism during its trials in the south but also played a pivotal role in disseminating its teachings to Tibet and beyond.
Make sure to visit the Guru Rinpoche cave in Pharping, an esteemed location, as well as the ancient Buddhist town of Patan, brimming with historical significance. Furthermore, explore the majestic Boudhanath Stupa and the sacred Swyambhunath Stupa, each offering a glimpse into the profound spirituality of the region.
Prepare for a spiritual journey, exploring Buddhist pilgrimage sites and learning about the history and faith of these places.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour India And Nepal Itinerary
Arrival In Varanasi | Sarnath Tour
Drive Hours
30 min
Upon your arrival at Varanasi Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After arriving, take a tour of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the archaeological sites, including the magnificent Ashoka Pillar, the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, and the Sarnath Museum. Visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, where Buddha met his first disciples.
Hotel
Ganges River Boat Tour And Bodhgaya Drive
Drive Hours
6 hours
Start your day with a boat tour along the Ganges River, witnessing the vibrant cultural activities and rituals at Varanasi’s numerous ghats. Visit the famous Manikarnika Ghat, where cremations take place. After a boat tour, take a scenic drive to Bodhgaya, which is 244 km and about 6 hours away. Bodhgaya is the site of Buddha’s enlightenment, and you will visit the awe-inspiring Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the sacred Bodhi tree.
Hotel
Drive To Kushinagar
Drive Hours
8 ½ hours
After a serene morning at the Mahabodhi Temple, drive to Kushinagar. Kushinagar is where Buddha gave his final teachings and attained Parinirvana. Explore the Parinirvana Stupa and the Nirvana Temple, which houses a reclining Buddha statue. Visit the Rambhar Stupa, the site of Buddha’s cremation.
Hotel
Drive To Lumbini | Lumbini Tour
Drive Hours
4 ½ hours
Cross the Sunauli border into Nepal and proceed to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Obtaining a Nepal visa is convenient at the border. In Lumbini, visit the monastic zone with its international monasteries, the World Peace Pagoda, and the Sacred Garden, featuring the Ashokan pillar and the Mayadevi Temple, marking Buddha’s exact birthplace.
Hotel
Fly To Kathmandu | Boudhanath And Swayambhunath Visit
Drive Hours
30-40 min
Take a flight from Lumbini to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, surrounded by monasteries. Experience the ambiance of “Little Tibet.” Later, explore Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest monuments in the Kathmandu Valley, with its rich history dating back to the 5th century.
Hotel
Pharping Cave And Patan Visit
Drive Hours
5-6 hours
Visit Yanglesho, the cave where Guru Rinpoche reached enlightenment, an important site for Tibetan Buddhists. Then, visit Patan, the ancient Buddhist city, where you can explore numerous monasteries, including the Golden Temple, Rudrabarna Mahabihara, and the iconographic museum at the palace.
Hotel
Departure
On the last day of your pilgrimage, our team will drive you to the airport for your departure. Reflect on the spiritual journey while walking in Buddha’s footsteps in India and Nepal.
Not satisfied with this itinerary?
CoreTreks offers a customized itinerary option that allows you to personalize your trek according to your preferences and requirements.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour India And Nepal Additional Information
Best Time For The Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
The Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in India and Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year, but certain seasons offer the best conditions for a fulfilling journey. Spring and autumn are considered the best times to take this pilgrimage.
Spring, spanning from March to May, brings sunny days, clear skies, and stable weather in both Nepal and India. The pleasant climate creates an ideal atmosphere for exploration and sightseeing. The beauty of nature comes alive during this time, enhancing the overall experience.
Autumn, from September to November, is another favorable season for the pilgrimage tour. The weather remains stable, with clear blue skies and moderate temperatures. These months offer excellent conditions for immersing oneself in the spiritual journey and enjoying the cultural sites.
Winter, with its sunny and clear days, provides a comfortable environment for daytime sightseeing activities. The pleasant weather allows for a peaceful and enriching exploration of the pilgrimage sites. It is a perfect time to experience the calm and peacefulness of these holy sites.
While it is possible to undertake the tour during the summer or monsoon season, it is worth considering the challenges that come with these months. The summer months can be quite hot, subjecting travelers to intense heat and discomfort. Be aware that humidity and monsoon rains during this period may affect the calmness of the trip. Therefore, summer is not the most advisable time for this pilgrimage.
In short, the ideal time for the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is good, skies are clear, and temperatures are comfortable for a meaningful journey.
Plan your private Trip
If these dates do not suit your plans, please contact us to request alternative dates. We are more than happy to customise the itinerary and schedule to better fit your needs.
There is no additional cost on the private trip. Group discount will be applied on checkout.
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