Arrival in Delhi.

New Delhi - Upon arrival in Delhi, meet the driver and transfer to the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the oldest and busiest market in New Delhi. Chandni Chowk, meaning Moonlight Square, was established by a Mughal Emperor in the 17th century. Originally divided by canals to reflect moonlight, this area is now closed. It remains one of India’s largest wholesale markets.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Delhi.

Delhi to Bodh Gaya Airport by Flight. (3 Hrs)

Bodh Gaya - The Buddhist Trail tour begins today. Upon arrival at Gaya airport, a representative from Holy City Travels will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Check in and relax to recover from your journey. Bodh Gaya, located in northeastern India, is the site of Buddha’s enlightenment and the most significant of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, known as Uruvela during Buddha’s time. The Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree are the two major sacred sites in Bodh Gaya, surrounded by various temples and monasteries from different Buddhist traditions (Japanese, Tibetan, Bhutanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and others). Each year, millions of Buddhist pilgrims, primarily from Asian countries, visit Bodh Gaya to gain inspiration, overcome negative karma, and earn merit by visiting the holy site where Buddha attained enlightenment.

Mahabodhi Temple - In the evening, visit the world heritage site of Mahabodhi Temple and drive to Neranchara River, Sujata Village.

Bodh Gaya - The rest of the time is free for leisure or to visit the local market.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Bodh Gaya.

Sightseeing in Bodh Gaya.

Bodh Gaya - After an early morning breakfast, visit the Mahabodhi Buddha Temple and stroll around the deer park. Later, explore the monastery ruins area, Dhamekh Stupa, Archaeological Museum, and more. “Bodh Gaya is where Gautama Buddha achieved supreme enlightenment. It is a place that should be visited by those devoted, as it brings awareness and understanding of impermanence.” Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha, spent six years practicing austerities on the banks of the Niranjana River with five ascetic followers. Realizing that austerities could not lead to enlightenment, he abandoned them. His five companions, disillusioned by his perceived failure, left for Sarnath. Later, visit Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Chinese Monastery, Big Buddha Statue, and Royal Thai Temple, among others.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Bodh Gaya.

Bodh Gaya to Rajgir and Nalanda (80 Kms) 2 Stops

Griddhakuta Peak - After an early morning breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Rajgir and Nalanda. Rajgir was the capital of the Magadh Empire until Ajatshatru moved it to Pataliputra (Patna) in the 5th century BC. Rajgir is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, as Buddha spent 12 years here, and the first Buddhist council after Buddha’s Nirvana was held here. Visit Ajatshatru’s fort, Venuvana, Swarna Bhandar, and the Cyclopean wall. Visit the Peace Pagoda via chair lift. Rajgir sightseeing includes Gridhkuth Mountain, Venuvan, Hot Spring, Jivaka Amravan, and Bimbisar Jail.

Nalanda University Ruins - Proceed to Nalanda University. Founded in the 5th century BC, Nalanda was one of the world’s great universities. Visit the remains of the brick-built Great Stupa and the local archaeological museum. After lunch, drive to Rajgir and check in at the hotel upon arrival.

Rajgir - The rest of the time is free for leisure or to visit the local market independently.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Rajgir to Kushinagar via Vaishali (300 KM/6 Hrs).

Ashok Pillar - After breakfast, drive to Kushinagar, stopping en route to visit Vaishali. Vaishali, or Vesali, was a city in present-day Bihar, India, and is now an archaeological site. It is part of the Tirhut Division and was the capital city of the Vajjian Confederacy (Vrijji mahajanapada), considered one of the earliest examples of a republic around the 6th century BCE. Gautama Buddha delivered his last sermon here before his death in c. 483 BCE, and in 383 BCE, the Second Buddhist council was convened here by King Kalasoka, making it significant in both Jain and Buddhist religions. It features one of the best-preserved Ashoka Pillars, topped by a single Asiatic lion.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kushinagar.

Kushinagar to Lumbini (170 KM/3 Hrs).

Lumbini - Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini while his mother was en route to her parental home from Kapilavastu. Buddha was born in Lumbini on a full moon day in the month of Vaisakh in 623 BC. He was born under a Sal tree when Mayadevi was traveling to her maternal town for delivery. Upon arrival, proceed for a sightseeing tour of the charming city of Lumbini and its temples dedicated to Lord Buddha. After sightseeing, check into the hotel for an overnight stay in Lumbini.

Lumbini to Varanasi (280 KM/6 Hrs)

Varanasi - After an early morning breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in to a hotel in Varanasi.

Ganga Aarti - In the evening, witness the Arti Ritual performed by local priests at the banks of the Ganga, a spectacular experience. In the evening, stroll through the narrow lanes and market of Godowlia, where you can shop for souvenirs. Later, explore the local market and narrow lanes of Banaras city, glimpsing one of the world’s oldest living cities. Interact with local people, ask questions, and sample local delicacies. Few tourists venture through the bazaars in the Northern Gullis of the old city, where hidden alleys lead directly through the sacred zone of Banaras to the oldest Ghats of the city. Wander through the streets of the Bengalis, visit hidden shrines, and observe life along the riverside to the historic bathing site called Dashashwamedh, the ten-horse sacrifice Ghat.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Varanasi.

Varanasi Sightseeing

Sarnath - Visit Sarnath, located 18 kilometers northeast of Varanasi near the Ganges and Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna.

Dhamek Stupa - Then visit the Dhamek Stupa, situated 12 kilometers away in the village of Sarnath. Here, find the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stone and brick structure that’s 43.6 meters tall and 28 meters in diameter. The stupa was built over 1,500 years ago to replace a structure dating back to 249 BCE.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This impressive structure, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, is nicknamed “The Golden Temple” for its striking spire, plated in approximately 800 kilograms of pure gold. The distinctive design of this temple has inspired the architecture of hundreds of other temples across India.

Manikarnika Ghat - Then head to Manikarnika Ghat to witness the perpetual cremations that occur there. Hindus believe that Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most auspicious places for the departed to achieve moksha (emancipation from the cycle of spiritual rebirth). The funeral pyre at this ghat burns 24 hours a day, with around 100 cremations taking place daily.

Varanasi - The rest of the time is free for leisure or to visit the local market independently.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Varanasi.

Departure to Onward Destination from Varanasi.

Dasaswamedh Ghat - Dasaswamedh Ghat: Early morning, enjoy a boat ride on the Ganga River during sunrise in Varanasi, where you can experience the local way of life. Before the boat ride, you may also take a holy dip in the Ganga, symbolizing the faith, spirituality, and divinity of this sacred Hindu river.

Varanasi - After breakfast, catch your flight to your home destination, carrying wonderful memories of the Buddhist trail tour package.

• Entry Tickets included (If Option Selected)
• Professional Local Guide (If Option Selected)
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Varanasi City Guide Service included
• 3 Star Hotel Accommodations with Breakfast (If Option Selected)
• Nepal border fees included
• Toll Tax, Parking, Fuel and driver allowance included

• Delhi to Gaya Air Ticket ₹4,019 per person ($49 Per Person)
• Lunch/Dinner/Drinks
• Any type of entrance charge is not included.
• This Tour is Self Guided Tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.