8-Day Buddhist Circuit Tour of Bodh Gaya, Lumbini and Sarnath
About This Tour
Embark on a spiritual journey on this 7 Nights / 8 Days Buddhist Circuit Tour, covering the sacred sites of Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. Explore...
Duration: 8 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Premium · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Gaya, Delhi, Kapilwastu, Lucknow, Varanasi, Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Rajgir, Nalanda · Languages: English
Know before you go: Optional Bodh Gaya meditation session is available.
About Gaya
Gaya
Revered and sacred Gaya is home to wonders like the Bodh Gaya and Vishnupad Temple. Get the help of a local local guide to learn the legends and stories that coalesce around this town of Bihar.
What's Included
- Accommodation in deluxe/comfort hotels with daily breakfast and dinner
- Private AC vehicle for the entire tour and sightseeing
- Experienced tour guide for visits to major Buddhist sites
- Pickup and drop-off from the airport/railway station
- Boat ride in Varanasi and Ganga Aarti experience
- All taxes included
Not Included
- Airfare/train fare
- Nepal Visa fee (for foreign nationals)
- Meals (lunch and snacks)
- Any personal expenses (shopping, tips, extra activities)
- Anything not included in the inclusions
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Arrival in Bodh Gaya and Sacred Temple Visits
Arrival at Gaya International Airport / Railway Station. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Visit Mahabodhi Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha attained enlightenment), the Bodhi Tree (the sacred tree under which Buddha meditated), the Great Buddha Statue, and several international monasteries. Evening meditation session (optional). Overnight stay in Bodh Gaya.
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2Day 02
Excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda
After breakfast, enjoy a day excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda. Visit Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak), Rajgir (where Buddha delivered many sermons), Nalanda University (an ancient Buddhist learning center), the Japanese Peace Pagoda, and Venuvana Monastery. Return to Bodh Gaya for an overnight stay.
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3Day 03
Drive to Varanasi and Visit Sarnath
Morning drive to Varanasi (approx. 5-6 hrs). Check-in at the hotel. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, including: Dhamek Stupa and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. Sarnath Museum (ancient Buddhist artifacts). Chaukhandi Stupa. Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
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4Day 04
Ganges Boat Ride and Journey to Kushinagar
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges River. Breakfast and drive to Kushinagar (approx. 6-7 hrs). Check-in at the hotel. Visits: Mahaparinirvana Temple (Buddha's final resting place). Rambhar Stupa (Buddha's cremation site). Wat Thai Temple and Meditation Park. Overnight stay in Kushinagar.
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5Day 05
Travel to Lumbini in Nepal
Breakfast and drive to Lumbini (Nepal) (approx. 4 hrs). Border crossing at Sonauli (Nepal Visa on Arrival available for foreign nationals). Check-in at the hotel. Visits: Maya Devi Temple (birthplace of Lord Buddha). Ashokan Pillar (erected by Emperor Ashoka). Sacred Lumbini Garden and Pushkarini Pond. World Peace Pagoda and monasteries from different countries. Overnight stay in Lumbini.
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6Day 06
Kapilvastu Visit and Drive to Sravasti
Morning visit to Kapilvastu (Buddha's childhood home). Drive to Sravasti (approx. 6 hrs). Check-in at the hotel. Visit Jetavana Monastery (Buddha's longest stay). Anathapindika Stupa and Angulimala Stupa. Overnight stay in Sravasti.
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7Day 07
Travel via Lucknow to Delhi
Morning drive to Lucknow (approx. 4-5 hrs). Catch a flight/train to Delhi. Check-in at the hotel in Delhi. Optional visit: National Museum (Buddhist Section). ISKCON Temple or Lotus Temple for a spiritual experience. Overnight stay in Delhi.
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8Day 08
Departure from Delhi
Breakfast and drop-off at the airport/railway station for your onward journey.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India · Tour start: Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
