Nepal India Buddhist tour (Buddhist circuit tour)

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Embark on a profound Nepal India Buddhist pilgrimage tour with Himalayan Mentor. Explore sacred sites in India & Nepal, unveiling the spiritual heritage of Buddha.,Nepal & India Buddhist tour,Multi-Country Tour,Nepal India Buddhist tour!,Published: 2023-07-24,Last Updated: 2023-07-24,https://www.himalayanmentor.com/nepal-india-buddhist-circuit-tour.html, Excellent Tour Company for Nepal & Bhutan by December 1, 2020A true highlight of my trip around the world. A first-rate company that is very well organized for a Western traveler. Nepal & India Buddhist tour 1895 USD In stock Jan 06, 2040 Multi-Country Tour
  • Duration: 13 Days
  • Difficulty: Easy Trip
  • Tour Type: Guided Buddhist Sites Tour
  • Max altitude: 1750m.
  • Transportation: Land & Air
  • Best Time: Whole Year

Experience the spiritual odyssey of a lifetime with our Nepal India Buddhist tour, meticulously crafted for those who seek to follow in the footsteps of Buddha. This profound pilgrimage, also known as the Buddhist circuit tour, will take you on a transformative adventure through revered sites of ancient Buddhist history.

In Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha "Lumbini", you'll be captivated by the serene ambiance of the Boudhanath stupa and the majestic Swayambhunath stupa, the largest stupas of Buddha in the Kathmandu valley. These iconic landmarks beckon pilgrims from all corners of the world, offering a chance to soak in the spiritual essence of Buddhism. Journeying deeper into Nepal, you'll reach Lumbini, the hallowed ground where Lord Buddha's divine journey began. Spending a few nights in Lumbini, you'll have the privilege to explore its monasteries and historical sites, connecting with the profound legacy of the enlightened one.

Crossing borders to India, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and parinirvana, the tour will lead you to a plethora of sacred destinations. Sravasti, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Nalanda, Rajgir, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and finally concluding at the sacred city of Varanasi. Each site holds a unique significance in the life of Buddha, offering moments of reflection and spiritual awakening. Bodhgaya, the site of enlightenment, and Rajgir, where Gautam Buddha meditated for months, will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Kushinagar, the place of Lord Buddha's final sermon, and Sarnath, where he first taught the Dharma, will leave you awestruck by their historical and spiritual significance.

This transformative tour is a gateway to immerse yourself in the vibrant Buddhist culture of Nepal and India. Traverse ancient pathways, visit sacred monuments, and discover the wisdom that continues to inspire millions across the globe. Join us on this sacred journey of self-discovery, where the past and present converge in a timeless quest for enlightenment.

Please find some importance notes about India-Nepal Buddhist circuit tour and covered places;

Lumbini (The birthplace): Located in southern Nepal, Lumbini is the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to him. Lumbini is situated near the Shakya capital of Kapilavastu, and is considered a significant pilgrimage center. The sacred garden at Lumbini houses several important sites, including the Mayadevi temple, the Pashkarni pond, and the Ashoka pillar.

Bodhgaya (Enlightenment): Bodhgaya in Bihar is the location where Prince Siddhartha achieved Enlightenment (nirvana) under the Bodhi tree after meditating for 49 days. He transitioned from being a bodhisattva (mentor) to becoming Lord Buddha, the Enlightened One.

Sarnath (First sermon): Sarnath, located around 10 km from the ancient holy city of Varanasi, is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Here, he established his first disciples (Sangha) to promote his new doctrine. The magnificent Dhamekha Stupa at Sarnath, originally built by King Ashoka, and the famous lion capital pillar are well-known landmarks of the region.

Kushinagar (Parinirvana): In 543 BC, Lord Buddha passed away due to illness in Kushinagar. His remains were preserved in eight commemorative Chortens, which were then distributed by King Ashoka to over 84,000 stupas across his kingdom and beyond as a mark of respect and reverence.

As the tour covers most highlighted places where lord Buddha spend his lifespan, we can name this trip “Complete India Nepal Buddhist tour”.

Nepal and India Buddhist circuit tour highlights

  • Kathmandu valley, visit old heritage Buddhist sites around Kathmandu valley and enjoy Himalayan panorama from Namobuddha
  • Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world
  • Sravasti city ruins located on the banks of Rapti river, Angulimala'sstupa, Anathapindika'sstupa, and the Jetavana monastery
  • Kushinagar, the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, which is built on the place of Buddha's Great Nirvana
  • Visit Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya
  • Visit Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Buddha gave his first sermon
Nepal & India Buddhist tour,Embark on a profound Nepal India Buddhist pilgrimage tour with Himalayan Mentor. Explore sacred sites in India & Nepal, unveiling the spiritual heritage of Buddha.,https://www.himalayanmentor.com/assets/images/multi-country/nepal-india-buddhist-circuit-tour.webp,Last Updated: 2023-07-24,en-US, Himalayan Mentorhttps://www.himalayanmentor.com/assets/images/multi-country/nepal-india-buddhist-circuit-tour-small.webp

Trip Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal

Up on arrival at Kathmandu airport meet our tour official representative, complete the custom and immigration formalities and drive to hotel and evening free time on you own.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: None Place: Kathmandu Maximum Altitude: 1400m.

Day 02: Buddhist sites tour around Kathmandu

Full day guided sightseeing around Buddhist shrines in Kathmandu - Pharping Monastery, Visit Patan Durbar Square area (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), Boudhanath Stupa & Swyambhunath Stupa which will take you to visit Kathmandu’s most popular Buddhist attractions.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Kathmandu Maximum Altitude: 1400m.

Day 03: Kathmandu - Namo Buddha - Kathmandu

Early monring drive to Namobuddha (42km). Namo Buddha is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal after Lumbini. Tourist are also attracted to the artistic monasteries and the idol of "Sacrifice to the Tigress" located around the hilltop famous for viewing sunrise and sunset. On a clear weathery day one can enjoy magnificent Himalayan view from Namobuddha. Then drive back to Kathmandu and visit Kopan Monastery at Kopan.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Kathmandu Maximum Altitude: 1750m.

Day 04: Fly from Kathmandu to Lumbini

After breakfast drive to domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport and fly to Bhairahawa (30 mins.) and drive to Lumbini (Birth place of Lord Buddha) 16km. Late afternoon walking tour around various monasteries inside Lumbini heritage site.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Lumbini Maximum Altitude: 150m.

Day 05: Lumbini buddhist tour

Full day guided sightseeing around- visit the most popular Peace Pagoda, Lumbini Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Tara Foundation, World China Temple, Thai Monastery, Burmese (Myanmar) Temple, Nepal Buddha Temple and Dharmaswami Buddhist monastery. The tour will be on foot and rikshaw.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Lumbini Maximum Altitude: 150m.

Day 06: Drive from Lumbini to Shravasti (250 km) (India)

After breakfast drive to Shravasti. Shravasti is one of the eight holy places of Buddhist pilgrimage. You can see huge ruins of ancient stupas and Buddhist sites called Sahet Mehet. You will be visiting Angulimar's cave and Sujata House.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Shravasti Maximum Altitude: 200m.

Day 07: Drive from Shravasti to Khusinagar. (300 km).

After breakfast drive to Kushinagar following the town Basti & Gorakhpur. In the afternoon you will visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa. Ramabhar Stupa is the place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon and said, "All Things must Pass. Decay is inheritance in all things’". Kushinagar was an important center under Mauryan King Ashoka, a great Buddhist follower. Ramabhare Stupa is the most important landmark of Kushinagar, the Stupa is said to have been built on the same spot where Lord Buddha was cremated in 543 BC. Mahaparinirvana Temple is another attraction in Kushinagar with a huge statue of Lord Buddha in reclining position. Mathakuar shrine is the place where Lord Buddha had given his last sermon.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Kushinagar Maximum Altitude: 80m.

Day 08: Drive from Khusinagar to Patna via Vaishali (350 Km).

After breakfast drive to Patna and on the way make a visit of Vaishali. Vaishali derives its name from King Vishal and was the capital city of Lichchavi. One of the eight portions of Buddha’s relics is reverentially encased at the Vaishali Stupa, which was received after the Mahaparinirvana. Bhikshu Sangha was organized here by Buddha and was later handed over to his maternal aunt Maha Prajavati Gautami for further caretaking. After visiting Vaishali, drive to Patna.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Patna Maximum Altitude: 53m.

Day 09: Drive from Patna to Bodhgaya via Nalanda & Rajgir (165 km).

After breakfast drive to Bodhgaya. On the way you will be visiting Rajgir and Nalanda. Visit Saptaparni Cave, hot springs, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa at Rajgir and ruins of Nalanda University, Museum, temples and stupas at Nalanda. Then continue drive to Bodhgaya.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Bodhgaya Maximum Altitude: 113m.

Day 10: Bodhgaya sightseeing

You will visit Mahabodhi Temple which is one of the most popular temple in Bodhgaya. It is where Buddha attained enlightenment on a full moon under the Bodhi Tree. Mahabodhi Temple was built after 250 years of the enlightenment of Buddha by emperor Ashoka when he visited Bodhgaya. You will find many temples/monasteries constructed by the people from the different countries. You may attend the religious activities for rest of the day

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Bodhgaya Maximum Altitude: 113m.

Day 11: Drive from Bodhgaya to Varanasi via Sarnath (260km)

After breakfast drive to Varanasi via Sarnath. Sarnath is famous as the site where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, or where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is also the place where the original Sangha was formed. On Buddha Purnima, (the birthday of Lord Buddha), relics of the Buddha are taken out in procession. The beginning of the celebrated Mantra, 'Buddham Saranam Gachhami', owes its origin to Sarnath. The three Jewels - "I go for refuge to the Buddha, I go for refuge to the Wheel of Law, I go for refuge to the Sangha" - first laid here, have remained unchanged ever since. Hence rightly, every Buddhist pilgrim endeavors to be blessed with a visit to Sarnath in his lifetime. After visiting Sarnath, drive to Varanasi for overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Varanasi Maximum Altitude: 81m.

Day 12: Free day in Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to 5000 years. It is famous for its spiritual and cultural history and Hindu people believe that death and cremation in Varanasi leads to salvation. You will see many temples, river banks, small lanes, food, culture and the ancient look of the entire atmosphere.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast Place: Varanasi Maximum Altitude: 81m.

Day 13: Final Departure

You can fly from Varanasi to Kathmandu or Delhi or your onward destination. Trip ends!

Accommodation: None Meals: Breakfast Place: - Maximum Altitude: -

Narayan Kadel - Kesh
Plan Your Trip with an Expert
Narayan Kadel (Mr. Kesh)

Above itinerary for Nepal & India Buddhist tour might not be suitable for everyone. So please feel free to send us your requirements to info@himalayanmentor.com or call us at +977 9841 875661 (Direct Call/Whatsapp/Signal) to customize as you wish.

Inclusion in the Package

Included

In Nepal

  • Admission fees to sightseeing spots & activities specified
  • Tour guide-excellent English-speaking guide
  • Hotel accommodation wtih breakfast (Twin sharing or double basis)
  • Domestic flight fare & airport tax
  • Transportation by private vehicle, Car, van or mini bus as per group size

In India

  • Hotel accommodation wtih breakfast (Twin sharing or double basis)
  • Point to point basis land transfer by private vehicle
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary with local English speaking tourist guide
  • All entrance fees and permits as per tour program

Excluded

  • International flight tickets and airport tax
  • Nepal and India Visa fee
  • Meals- Lunch & Dinner
  • Costs extra-in case of flight cancellation, bad weather forecast, road blockage and extra days stay except package 
  • Travel Insurance and expenses of personal nature
  • Tips & gratuity for guide, driver and staffs
  • Escort tour guide in Indian side

Availability

This trip is a private guided one and can be arranged on your requested date. The group size for this trip is one to above.

Useful Information

Which is the best time for India Nepal Buddhist tour?

This tour can be done for a whole year. During the summer months (May to July) the temperature goes up to 40 degree Celsius in some part of India and Lumbini (Nepal).

Why Do I need to book this India Nepal Buddhist tour?

The tour design to cover all places that Buddha visited his lifespan and you will be able to follow the Lord Buddha footsteps.  If you are interested to visit those places and know about the Buddhism this tour help you a lot and this is the trip for you. Besides that, we are flexible to customize the trip itinerary and provide easy trip booking options.

Do I need India and Nepal visa for this tour?

Yes, you need a tourist visa to travel both countries. Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival and India visa you need to obtain in advance. We will provide more information about the visas once you enquire about the tour.