Pilgrimage
The 4 Sacred Sites Buddhist Tour (Bodhgaya to Lumbini)
Bodhgaya (Bihar) – Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) – Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh) – Lumbini (Nepal, near Kapilavastu)9 Days / 8 NightsUp to 30 guests
About This Tour
The four most sacred sites in Buddhism, corresponding to the four pivotal events in the Buddha's life: his enlightenment at Bodhgaya, his first sermon at Sarnath, his death and final nirvana at Kushinagar, and his birth at Lumbini, just across the Nepal border. This circuit is the essential pilgrimage for Buddhist travellers and history enthusiasts alike, connecting ancient stupas, monasteries, and living monastic communities across two countries.
Tour Highlights
Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree, Bodhgaya, site of the Buddha's enlightenment
International monasteries built by Buddhist nations around Bodhgaya
Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon
Parinirvana Temple, Kushinagar, marking the site of the Buddha's final nirvana
Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha
Ashoka Pillar, Lumbini, one of the oldest surviving inscribed pillars in India
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrive Delhi, fly to Gaya
Arrive Delhi and connect with a flight to Gaya. Drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 15 km / 30 min) and check in. Overnight in Bodhgaya.
2
Day 2: Bodhgaya
Full day at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Visit the international monasteries built by Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, Tibet, and other Buddhist nations around the town. Overnight in Bodhgaya.
3
Day 3: Bodhgaya to Varanasi
Morning drive to Varanasi (approx. 250 km / 5-6 hrs). Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Overnight in Varanasi.
4
Day 4: Varanasi to Sarnath
Morning boat ride on the Ganges, then drive to Sarnath (approx. 13 km / 30 min). Visit the Dhamek Stupa, marking the spot of the Buddha's first sermon, the Ashoka Pillar remains, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum. Overnight in Varanasi.
5
Day 5: Varanasi to Kushinagar
Morning drive to Kushinagar (approx. 260 km / 6 hrs). Overnight in Kushinagar.
6
Day 6: Kushinagar
Full day covering the Parinirvana Temple, housing a reclining statue of the Buddha marking the site of his final nirvana, the Ramabhar Stupa (his cremation site), and the Mathakuar Shrine. Overnight in Kushinagar.
7
Day 7: Kushinagar to Lumbini
Morning drive across the Nepal border to Lumbini (approx. 165 km / 4-5 hrs, including border formalities). Overnight in Lumbini.
8
Day 8: Lumbini
Full day at the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact birthplace of the Buddha, the sacred Puskarini Pond, and the Ashoka Pillar, one of the oldest surviving inscribed pillars in India, erected to commemorate Emperor Ashoka's pilgrimage. Visit the monastic zone with monasteries built by various Buddhist nations. Overnight in Lumbini.
9
Day 9: Departure
Morning drive back across the border to Gorakhpur/Kushinagar for a flight connection, or transfer to Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha Airport) for onward travel.
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
- Duration9 Days / 8 Nights
- Group SizeUp to 30
- Best TimeOctober to March
- DepartureDelhi
Tags
Buddhist CircuitBiharUttar PradeshNepalPilgrimageOctober to March
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