Is the Grand Cross-Border Buddhist Heritage Route available as a fixed-price package?

This is the most comprehensive of the Buddhist circuits, spanning India and Nepal; pricing depends on season.

Do I need a visa to cross into Nepal for Lumbini?

Visa requirements depend on nationality; most travellers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Nepal border, but this should be confirmed in advance.

Pilgrimage

Complete Buddhist Circuit Tour: Bihar, Nepal, UP & Varanasi Extension

Bodh Gaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Vaishali – Kushinagar (Bihar & UP) – Lumbini (Nepal) – Shravasti – Varanasi (Kashi Extension) – Delhi Transit14 Days / 13 NightsUp to 30 guests

About This Tour

The most complete Buddhist pilgrimage available, combining every major site associated with the Buddha's life across India and Nepal — from his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and his university-town legacy at Nalanda, to his birth at Lumbini and death at Kushinagar — with a Kashi (Varanasi) extension for the site of his first sermon at Sarnath. This grand circuit is designed for serious pilgrims, scholars, and Buddhist heritage travellers wanting to walk the Buddha's full journey across two countries.

Tour Highlights

Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya

Griddhakuta Hill and Venuvana Monastery, Rajgir

Nalanda University ruins

Ashoka Pillar and Relic Stupa, Vaishali

Parinirvana Temple, Kushinagar

Maya Devi Temple and Ashoka Pillar, Lumbini, Nepal

Jetavana Monastery, Shravasti

Dhamek Stupa and Ganges Aarti, Varanasi/Sarnath

Delhi transit with optional Buddhist sites (Red Fort area museums, National Museum's Buddhist relics gallery)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure, or an optional visit to the National Museum's Buddhist relics gallery. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi to Bodh Gaya

Morning flight to Gaya, then drive to Bodh Gaya (approx. 15 km / 30 min). Overnight in Bodh Gaya.

Day 3: Bodh Gaya

Full day at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around the Bodhi Tree, and the international monasteries built by various Buddhist nations. Overnight in Bodh Gaya.

Day 4: Bodh Gaya to Rajgir via Nalanda

Morning drive to Nalanda (approx. 100 km / 2.5 hrs), visiting the ruins of the ancient university and its archaeological museum. Continue to Rajgir. Overnight in Rajgir.

Day 5: Rajgir

Morning visit to Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak) via ropeway, and Venuvana (Bamboo Grove) Monastery. Overnight in Rajgir.

Day 6: Rajgir to Vaishali to Kushinagar

Morning drive to Vaishali (approx. 150 km / 4 hrs) to see the Ashoka Pillar and Relic Stupa. Continue toward Kushinagar (approx. 280 km / 7 hrs, often broken overnight). Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 7: Kushinagar

Full day covering the Parinirvana Temple, the Ramabhar Stupa, and the Mathakuar Shrine. Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 8: Kushinagar to Lumbini, Nepal

Morning drive across the Nepal border to Lumbini (approx. 165 km / 4-5 hrs, including border formalities). Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 9: Lumbini

Full day at the Maya Devi Temple, marking the Buddha's birthplace, the sacred Puskarini Pond, the Ashoka Pillar, and the monastic zone with monasteries built by various Buddhist nations. Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 10: Lumbini to Shravasti

Morning drive back across the border to Shravasti (approx. 200 km / 5-6 hrs). Overnight in Shravasti.

Day 11: Shravasti

Full day at the Jetavana Monastery, site of the Buddha's "Twin Miracle," the Anandabodhi Tree, and the ruins of Angulimala's stupa. Overnight in Shravasti.

Day 12: Shravasti to Varanasi

Morning drive to Varanasi (approx. 200 km / 5 hrs). Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 13: Varanasi/Sarnath (Kashi Extension)

Morning boat ride on the Ganges, then visit Sarnath, home to the Dhamek Stupa marking the site of the Buddha's first sermon, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 14: Varanasi to Delhi, Departure

Morning flight/train to Delhi for onward/international flight connection.

What's Included

Included

Hotel accommodation for the entire duration of the tour
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
All travel — flights, airport/railway station pick-up and drop, cross-border transfers, and inter-city/local transport throughout
Sightseeing and site entry as per itinerary
Professional local guide at all major sites
Dedicated tour escort for the entire journey
Private driver for the full duration of the trip

Excluded

Personal purchases
Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Details

Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Group Size
Up to 30
Best Time
October to March
Departure
Delhi

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