Day 1 – Arrival in Varanasi, Sarnath and evening Aarti on Ganges
On arrival in Varanasi, a warm welcome for you will greet you at the airport or railway station. Transfer to your hotel, where you will check in
After lunch, you will depart from Varanasi to go to Sarnath, one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the world, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon to five monks as they were sitting underneath a tree at Deer Park. We will tour the various sites of significance, including: Dhamek Stupa (one of the world’s largest stupas), Chaukhandi Stupa (where Kyran was said to have received enlightenment), Mulagandha Kuti Vihara (the first monastery built in India), and the Archaeological Museum, as well as having time to walk through Deer Park (Rishipattana).
In the evening, we can either return you to Varanasi for the Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat (the highest Ghat on the Ganges) or you can choose to attend a peaceful ceremony at a Buddhist temple in Sarnath. Overnight will be at your hotel in Varanasi.
Day 02: Sunrise Boat Trip – Varanasi to Bodhgaya (300 km/6 hours)
Start your day out early with the beautiful sights of “Subah-e-Banaras.” Take a relaxing boat ride on the Ganges River as you watch the sun rise. Experience daily life and rituals of the people along the ghats.
Once breakfast is completed, you will drive to Bodhgaya, where the Buddha obtained enlightenment. Bodhgaya is located by the Niranjana River and is considered to be one of the holiest sites for Buddhists.
After arriving, you will visit the main area attractions, including the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree, and Sujata Village. You will check-in at a hotel for the night in Bodhgaya.
Day 03: Bodhgaya – Kushinagar (400 km/7 hours)
After breakfast, you will travel from Bodhgaya to Kushinagar, which is where the Buddha achieved Mahaparinirvana.
Once you arrive in Kushinagar, you will check-in at your hotel and then visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which holds the reclining Buddha inside. You will also visit the Rambhar Stupa (Mukutbandhan Chaitya), which is where the Buddha was cremated.
Dinner and an overnight stay will occur in Kushinagar.
Day 04 – Kushinagar & Lumbini (180 km / 4 hrs)
After a hearty breakfast, head towards the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Lumbini. Keep in mind the need for proper entry & visa documentation!
Once you arrive in Lumbini, check into your hotel, and later visit the Maya Devi Temple marking the exact location of Buddha’s Birth. Additionally, you will discover the complex of Lumbini, the many different Monasteries and the beautiful gardens.
Dinner & overnight stay in Lumbini.
Day 05 – Departure from Lumbini*
After breakfast, you will be taken to Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairahawa) for your onward journey.
You will be back home with beautiful memories of your pilgrimage and spiritual journey through this amazing part of the world.
