Day 01: Arrival to Delhi – Free Time to Explore and Relax
As soon as you arrive at the airport in Delhi, a representative from our agency will meet you, help with your luggage, and take you to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have time to relax and get settled. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi City Tour – Old Delhi and New Delhi
After breakfast, your day will be spent exploring all the famous sites in Delhi. You’ll first visit Raj Ghat – the memorial for Mahatma Gandhi – followed by a visit to the Jama Masjid and then the Red Fort.
You will travel through India Gate, to the Parliament House, and past the President’s House.
You will then continue your day with visits to some of the more well-known sites of New Delhi: The Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and the beautiful Lotus Temple.
In the evening, you can choose to attend the Light & Sound Show at the Akshardham Temple (optional).
Dinner and overnight in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi to Varanasi – Ganga Aarti
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight from Delhi to Varanasi. Once there, you will check into your hotel.
In the evening, you will witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. You’ll get to feel the spirituality of the ghats and enjoy the rich cultural heritage present there.
Dinner and overnight in Varanasi.
Day 04: Varanasi – Sunrise Boat Ride and Visit to Sarnath
Rise early and take a boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise for a calming start to your day as you see the well-known ghats of Varanasi and its morning puja (Hindu worship) rituals that characterize the spiritual essence of this location.
After breakfast, travel to Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment. Here, you will visit Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Buddhist temples, and the Archaeological Museum.
In the evening, you may choose to attend evening prayer ceremonies at a Buddhist temple prior to spending the night in Varanasi.
Day 05: Varanasi to Bodh Gaya – The Place of Buddha’s Enlightenment
After breakfast, drive to Bodh Gaya and check into your hotel when you arrive.
Later in the evening, visit Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree, where Buddha attained Enlightenment. Spend the night at your hotel in Bodh Gaya.
Day 06: Bodh Gaya – Explore the Spiritual Side of Bodh Gaya and Meditate
After breakfast, you will explore all of Bodhgaya’s spiritual sights, including Niranjana River and Dungeshwari Cave Temples, where Buddha underwent austerities in search of Enlightenment.
You will also explore Sujata Village, and afterwards you will have the opportunity to meditate at multiple different international monasteries in Bodh Gaya.
Dinner and your last night at your hotel in Bodh Gaya.
Day 07: Bodhgaya to Patna via Rajgir & Nalanda
Breakfast, and departing for Patna by driving towards Patna with en-route visits.
En-route visits to Rajgir (the ancient capital of the Magadha Empire) to visit the “World Peace Stupa” and Gridhakuta Hill, and then continuing to visit Nalanda University ruins and Xuan Zang Memorial Hall.
Driving to Patna, checking into the hotel, and overnight stay.
Day 08: Patna to Kolkata
Breakfast, and then visiting Kumrahar, Golghar, Patna Museum and Khuda Baksh Library before transferring to the airport for the flight from Patna to Kolkata. Check into the hotel; overnight stay.
Day 09: Day Tour of Kolkata
Breakfast and tour of Kolkata (cultural capital of India) to visit places such as Victoria Memorial, Belur Math, Science City and Chinatown.
Evening market walks; overnight stay in Kolkata.
Day 10: Kolkata to Darjeeling
Fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra, then drive to Darjeeling, and check into the hotel and relax for the evening.
Day 11: Day Tour of Darjeeling
Breakfast and tour of Darjeeling (Tiger Hill, Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park).
Evening local market visits; overnight stay in Darjeeling.
Day 12: From Darjeeling to Pelling
From Darjeeling, you will make your way to Pelling where you will check into your hotel. After checking in, you will visit Pemayangtse Monastery, and Khecheopalri Lake among other places.
Overnight stay in Pelling.
Day 13: From Pelling to Gangtok
From Pelling, you will continue your journey to Gangtok where you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to enjoy the peaceful environment of Gangtok.
Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Day 14: Gangtok Sightseeing
After breakfast, you will visit Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, The Institute of Tibetology and Orchids Sanctuary in Gangtok.
Overnight Stay in Gangtok.
Day 15: From Gangtok to Kalimpong
From Gangtok, you will travel to Kalimpong and visit Deolo Hill, Durpin Monastery and Pine View Nursery.
Overnight Stay in Kalimpong.
Day 16: From Kalimpong to Bagdogra to Delhi
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bagdogra Airport for your flight to Delhi. Once you arrive in Delhi, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax.
Overnight Stay in Delhi.
Day 17: Departing from Delhi
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey home. You will return with lifelong memories of your spiritual and scenic journey throughout India.
