Kathmandu-Lumbini – Saravasti – Kushinagar – Patna – Bodhgaya – Varanasi – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi (14 Nights / 15 Days) Tour Code: NEPAL/PTT/TR/019

Within the mountain Kingdom of Nepal, Buddhism and Hindusm have always flourished and evoked together side by side for hundred of years. The evolution of such important religious and dynasties have made much contribution towards the beautiful monuments and temples within the valley capital of Nepal- Kathmandu where we get to explore in depth the culture and history of an ancient city.

Pokhara,This important industrial and tourist town provides fantastic views of the Annapurna mountains to the north and is the obvious place to organize your Annapurna trek; find travel companions and guides and buy equipment. Once the trek is finished spend a few days resting here as the list of hotels and restaurants is endless. At 780 meters above sea level, April through September can be very hot but one can always cool off in the beautiful Phewa Taal (Phewa Lake) or spend time in one of nearby Sarangkot's hotels (at 1500 m.a.s.l). Most tourist activity takes place around the lake, at Damside (Pardi), the southern-most tip of the lake or at Lakeside (Baidam), further north. These are actually suburbs of Pokhara as the town center itself lies three or four kilometers further northeast. The shops in the main shopping area of Mahendrapul are well stocked and you'll find just about anything you may need here. Unless you are planning some more obscure travel activity, outside of Kathmandu this is the place you'll probably spend most time

Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha where the apostle of peace, compassion, non-violence and universal brotherhood was born in 624 B.C. It is the most sacred place of Buddhism and lies in the Terai about 250 km south west of Kathmandu , the capital city of Nepal .

Lumbini remained neglected for centuries. Further exploration and excavation of the surroundings area revealed the existence of a brick and sandstone sculpture within the temple itself, which depict the scenes of Buddha? birth.

Very recently, several Buddhist countries have built several beautiful shrines in Lumbini. An international committee has also been set up for the development of this sacred historical place.

The visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, the realm of the Shakya is not only for spiritual enlightenment but also for solace and satisfaction that one normally gets in a calm and peaceful place like it

Bodhgaya in India is the holiest place for the Buddhists. Apart from being a significant archaeological site, it is also a vital Buddhist centre. Bodhagaya is located t a distance of 110 Kms South of Patna . The place in ancient imes was called URUVELLA, and famous for being a place of PEACE, REALISATON AND ENLIGHTMENT. The popularity of the place aries due to the ennlightment of Lord Buddha here more than 2500 years ago. Devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the world visit Bodhgaya, to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to simply absorb the aura of solemn grandeur that surrounds the place.

Kushinagar is situated in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, 51 km off Gorakhpur. The place, which is famous for the Mahaparinirvana (death) of Lord Buddha, has been included in the famous Buddhist trail encompassing Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal

SRAVASTI or SAVATH was the capital of the mighty Kosala kingdom during Buddha's time. It is situated in the Uttar Pradesh and ten miles distance from Balrampur. It was at Sravasti that the Buddha displayed his great miracle sitting on a thousand Pettaled lotus in front of an audience consisting of the king of Kosala...

Varanasi - Benares - Kashi is considered to be the holiest of all pilgrimage sites in India . It is considered home to Shiva - Visweswara.  Benares is also known as Kashi because it is believed that Supreme brilliance shines there, and lights the way to salvation (Kas - to shine). Varanasi is located between two rivers Varuna and Assi, and hence the name Varanasi.

Day 2 Kathmandu

Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple- the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to lord Shiva, built in 1696. Boudha Nath Temple- the worlds largest stupa; a sight of great reneration to the Buddhist., Swayambhunath temple - the oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below. and lunch break in Kathmandu durbar square. – the temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace . Finally, visit Kasthamandup – a temple built from a single tree from which the Kathmandu derives its name.And then transfer to Hotel

Day 03 Wake up, take breakfast, then drive to Bhairahawa (7-8 hour 262 km west of Kathmandu and 21km ahead of Lumbini) , transfer to booked hotel at Bhairahawa. Rest of the day is free

Day 04 In the early morning, drive to Lumbini,the birth place of Lord Buddha, image of Maya Devi, Lord Buddha,old monastery,ponds and pillars are interesting to see. Very recently, several Buddhist countries have built several beautiful shrines in Lumbini. An international committee has also been set up for the development of this sacred historical place. The visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, the realm of the Shakya is not only for spiritual enlightenment but also for solace and satisfaction that one normally gets in a calm and peaceful place like it

Day 05 A short drive to Sunauli border, Arrival Sunauli: Pick up from Sanauli Border and transfer to Balrampur enroute sightseeing of Saravasti - The city believed to be founded by the mythological king Sravast, has age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. Buddha is said to have performed some miracles here.

This holy place also has the famous Anand Bodhi tree, an offspring of the one, said to have been planted by Buddha's main disciple Anand. Overnight

Day 06 Balrampur / Kushinagar (216 kms. / 5 hrs.): Morning drive to Kushinagar. Arrive Kushinagar and check – in at hotel. Later visit the Rambhar Stupa, which marks Buddha's cremation ground. Also visit the Mahaparinirvana temple, which houses the recumbent figure of Lord Buddha

Day 07 Kushinagar / Patna (253 kms. / 6 hrs.): Morning drive to Patna , Arrive Patna and check – in at hotel. Afternoon city tour visiting Har Mandir Sahib, also known as Patna Sahib, consecrates the place where the 10th Guru of the Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh was born in 1776; Golghar – is a large dome-like structure from where one can have a fine view of the Ganga and the surroundings of the city; Patna Museum – has a rich collection of Mauryan and Buddhist sculptures, terracotta and other interesting items

Day 08 Patna / Bodhgaya (109 kms. / 4.5 hrs): Morning drive to Bodhgaya. Arrive Bodhgaya and check – in at hotel. Bodhgaya – most sacred place for Buddhists as it has a Peepul tree under which Gautama the Buddha attained enlightenment some 2500 years back

Day 09 In Bodhgaya: Morning sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya visiting Mahabodhi Temple – depicting the various phases of Buddha's journey towards enlightenment, showing different aspects of his life; Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum – houses a small collection of Buddhist sculpture from the 1st century B.C, to the 11th century A.D; Jagannath Temple close by has a four armed statue of Shiva in black stone

Day 10 Bodhgaya / Varanasi (242 kms./06 hrs.): Morning transfer to Varanasi , Arrive Varanasi and transfer to hotel visiting Sarnath enroute, an important Buddhist pilgrimage point

Day 11 Varanasi / Agra (Overnight Train): Enjoy a boat ride on river Ganges . There are about hundred ghats in the city Also visit The Vishwanath Temple, built by the Birlas, was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The Bharat Mata Temple houses, instead of gods and goddesses, a huge relief map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent. The Tulsi Manas Temple , built in 1964, is dedicated to Lord Rama. Evening transfer to Railway station to connect your train to the city of Taj – Agra . Overnight Train

Day 13 Agra / Jaipur (250 kms. 05 hrs): Morning drive to Jaipur enroute visiting the deserted town of Fatehpur Sikri . Arrive Jaipur and check – in at hotel. Jaipur has been like that since 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had it built

Day 14 In Jaipur: Morning excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, is perhaps the most beautiful example of Rajasthani forts. You can have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur including, City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum with its large collection of woodwork, Another monument near the City Palace , Jantar Mantar, is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen

Day 15 Jaipur / Delhi (250 kms. 4.5 hrs): Morning drive to Delhi , Arrive Delhi and transfer to the airport to connect your flight Assistance on departure