Overview

Buddhism is one of the religions deeply embedded in Nepalese culture and custom. Swayambhu Purana mentions previous Buddhas like Vipassi visited and meditated in Nepal. According to the Asoka pillar found on various sites, Kakusandha and Konagama Buddhas were also born in Kapilavastu in Southern Nepal, hometown of historical Sakyamuni Gotama Buddha.

It is generally believed that The Buddha and his follower monks visited Nepal on several occasions during his life time. 300 years after his passing away , Emperor Asoka of India visited Nepal and built pillars in various sacred Buddhist sites like Lumbini (the Buddha's birth place), and Kapilavastu (the Buddha's hometown). He also built four stupas on four corners of perimeters of Patan which are still well preserved to commemorate his visit to Kathmandu valley in 250 BC (Holy Places of Buddhism in Nepal & India by Majupurias).

One of the Emperor's daughters Charumati Bhikshuni visited Nepal and propagated the Buddha’s teaching. She also built the Charumati monastery where she spent the rest of her life. Buddhism flourished in Nepal during this period. 

Buddhism in India began with the life of Siddhartha Gautama (ca. 563-483 B.C.), a prince from the small Shakya Kingdom located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. Brought up in luxury, the prince abandoned his home and wandered forth as a religious beggar, searching for the meaning of existence.
The stories of his search presuppose the Jain tradition, as Gautama was for a time a practitioner of intense austerity, at one point almost starving himself to death. He decided, however, that self-torture weakened his mind while failing to advance him to enlightenment and therefore turned to a milder style of renunciation and concentrated on advanced meditation techniques. 

Eventually, under a tree in the forests of Gaya (in modern Bihar), he resolved to stir no farther until he had solved the mystery of existence.

VARANASI: The city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Gange

Rajgir is located at a distance of 15 km from Nalanda in Bihar. It was the capital of the Magadh Mahajanpada when Patliputra was not established. In the ancient times, Rajgir was called Rajgriha, which means the 'Home of Royalty'. This place is significant because Buddha spent many years in Rajgir and also delivered some important discourses here. Buddha converted Emperor Bimbisar to Buddhism at the Griddhakoota Hill in Rajgir. The teachings of Buddha were written down at Rajgir and it was also the venue for the First Buddhist Council.

s in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Called Benaras by the British, Varanasi is an important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was a flourishing trade center when Buddha came to

Bodhgaya is 13 km from Gaya in Bihar. It is the site where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under a pipal tree after years of search for the truth and knowledge. He attained the supreme enlightenment and became 'The Buddha' or 'the Enlightened One'. Bodhgaya is the most sacred pilgrimage center for Buddhists from all over the world. The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya is listed in the World Heritage Site.

Sarnath, about 10 kilometres away, to preach his first sermon in 500 BC. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
Right from the ancient times, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance and preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Down the ages, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings.

Short Itinerary

Kathamndu-Lumbini – Kushinagar – Patna – Nalanda-Rajgir-Bodhgaya – Varanasi-Delhi/Kathmandu
(5 Nights / 6 Days)
Day 01: Kathmandu-Lumbili flight and drive to Kushinagar –200 Kms – 4 hours drive
Day 02: Kushinagar to Patna – 250 Kms – 5 hrs drive
Day 03: Patna-Nalanda - Rajgir -- Bodhgaya – 200 Kms - 3 hours drive
Day 04: Bodhgaya to Varanasi – 240 Kms – 5 hours drive
Day 05: Varanasi 
Day 06: Varanasi to Kathmandu/Delhi by flight

Itinerary Detail

Kathamndu-Lumbini – Kushinagar – Patna – Nalanda-Rajgir-Bodhgaya – Varanasi-Delhi/Kathmandu
(5 Nights / 6 Days)
Day 01: Lumbini to Kushinagar –200 Kms – 4 hours drive
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for flight to Lumbini and then drive to Kushinagar
Arrive Kushinagar and check-in Hotel. Afternoon proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kushinagar, earlier known as Kushinara. It is believed that Buddha attained 'Mahaparinirvana' (release from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth) here. The statue of the Reclining Buddha at the temple is one of the most sacred sights for the pilgrims and a mound of bricks marks the place where Buddha is said to have been cremated.
Overnight at Hotel in Kushinagar.
Day 02: Kushinagar to Patna – 250 Kms – 5 hrs drive
Morning drive to Patna. En-route visit Vaishali, which is believed to be the first republic of the world. Having an elected body of representatives holds special significance for the Buddhist devotees. At Kolhua, Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon, hinting at his impending departure from the mortal world. Vaishali is famous for Amrapali, the beautiful dancer and courtesan of Vaishali, who offered Buddha a mango orchard and was so impressed by his teachings that she later became a nun (Bhikshu). Later, Emperor Ashoka erected a huge Pillar to commemorate the spot of Buddha’s last sermon. Continue drive to Patna. Arrive Patna and check-in at Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Patna.
Day 03: Patna-Nalanda - Rajgir -- Bodhgaya – 200 Kms - 3 hours drive
Morning drive to Bodhgaya. En-route visit Nalanda, home to one of the oldest known universities of the world. Its ruins show that over 2000 teachers and 10000 students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied here. The Chinese chronicler Huien Tsang spent many years here, both as a student and a teacher. An international centre for Buddhist studies also functions here. Later, visit Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadh Kings. Buddha came here often. Rajgir is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus as the temple complex here is dedicated to the Sun God. Arrive Bodhgaya and check-in at Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Bodhgaya.

Day 04: Bodhgaya to Varanasi – 240 Kms – 5 hours drive
Morning proceed for a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple and Lord Buddha Temple.
Morning drive to Varanasi. En-route visit Sarnath, 10 Kms. east of Varanasi, it is one of Buddhism's major centers in India. After attaining enlightenment, Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon. Also visit the deer park and the museum. Continue drive to Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi and check-in at Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Varanasi.
Day 05: Varanasi
Morning proceed for a boat cruise on the river Ganges to observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats.
Breakfast at hotel and h/day s/seing of City tour ( All Varanasi Temples ) by small vehicle only due to big vehicle no entry in main city from 9am to 9 pm . 
Day 06: Varanasi to Kathmandu or Delhi by flight
Morning breakfast at hotel & Later transfer to Airport to board flight for Kathmandu or Delhi.

Note: Please do write us if you want to customize the program.

Date And Cost

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

Cost Includes

Arrival/Departure transfers
Private transport
English speaking local guide
Accommodation in below hotels on BB basis and on twin share basis
All entrance fee for mentioned places.
One boat ride in Varanasi
All applicable hotel taxes 

Hotel ***  with breakfast as per itinerary

Note: Price is based in 2 person group. Please ask for group rate. 

Cost Excludes

Tips, personal expenses such as bottled drinks, tour escot, any camera fee, laundry, any insurance etc
Any air ticket

Equipment List

Altitude Sickness