Buddhist Tour with Nepal - 11 Nights / 12 Days

Bodhgaya - Varanasi - Sravasti - Kushinagar - Lumbini - Pokhara - Kathmandu

Buddhist Tour with Nepal is a two week tryst with the land of the Buddha, famous worldwide for the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage. Covering all the four sacred sites of Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar and Lumbini, the tour also brings the visitor closer to the Buddhist heritage in Kathmandu. Surely, this tour is an eye opener for every visitor.

Day 01 . Gaya

Upon arrival at Gaya Airport, meet Incredible India tour representative for assisted transfer to the hotel. In the evening, begin the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site including a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple complex, built by Ashoka the Great in 3rd Century BC and the sacred Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, begin a full day excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda. (approx. 02 hrs drive) This was 6th century capital of Magadha Empire and hosted Buddha many times. Visit Gridhrakuta, Sapataparni caves, Ajatsatru fort and Venuvana vihara during Rajgir tour.  Next in the day’s schedule is Nalanda, the world’s oldest university founded in the 5th century BC. Return to Bodhgaya for overnight stay.

After breakfast, discover the Buddhist essence of Bodhgaya, the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centre. It was here that Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha under the sacred “Bodhi” tree. After some relax, visit Mahabodhi Temple complex built by Ashoka the Great in 3rd Century BC. Also, one can also visit the sacred Bodhi tree during the city tour. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Early morning after breakfast, check out Bodhgaya for Varanasi. On arrival here, check into hotel. In the afternoon, begin an excursion to Sarnath (13 km away from Varanasi). This is another principle centre that owes the origins to Buddhism. Here around 530 B.C, Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after gaining enlightenment to his first five followers and even turned the wheel of law, thereby establishing Buddhism. Return to Varanasi for overnight stay.

Early morning, begin the enchanting boat ride on the Ganges in the company of rising sun. It is the time when the Ganges Ghats are bustling with not only pilgrims but also with the living traditions and rituals. Adherence to these rituals only gives the city a timeless character.
While on the boat, one can also witness the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindu rituals, depicting the ultimate reality of life.
Post boat ride, visit the Banaras Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia. Within the university premises, visit Bharat Kala Museum. Next in the series is the visit to Bharat Mata Temple and Durga Temple. Rest of the day is free at leisure or tourists can begin a shopping tour in the city. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 06 . Varanasi - Sravasti

Check out Varanasi after breakfast and proceed for Sravasti. On arrival, check into hotel. Begin Sravasti tour with a visit to Sahet-Mahet. This was the ancient capital of Kosala Kingdom and has the honour of hosting Buddha maximum times during his 24 rainy shelters. A tour through Sravasti takes a visitor through the famous Anand Bodhi tree, stupas, ruined monasteries and several temples. Overnight in Sravasti.

Day 07 . Sravasti - Kushinagar

After breakfast, proceed for Kushinagar. On arrival here, check into hotel for overnight stay. Kushinagar is one of the four pillars of Buddhism, chosen by Buddha for his Mahaparinirvana, or final exit from this earth. This incident itself illustrates the glory of Kushinagar in the life of the lord. There is a Mahaparinirvan Temple in the city and Ramabhar Stupa, built on the cremation ground of Lord Buddha that form the must visit sites of Kushinagar. Return to hotel. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out Kushinagar and proceed for Lumbini. This is the place where Buddha was born to Queen Mayadevi and houses some of the most revered Buddhist monasteries. Also, an inscribed Ashokan next to the Maya-Devi Temple illustrate the reason why Lumbini is a sacred site. Also see the sacred Pushkarni pond in the city. Overnight in Lumbini.

After breakfast, transfer to Bhairahwa Airport to board the connecting flight for Pokhara. Transfer from Pokhara Airport to Hotel.
Pokhara is the enchanting valley famed for its adventurous Annapurna Trek and lakes. Located 827 meters above from the sea level, Pokhara’s celestial surroundings also feature seven lakes. Lunch on the way. On arrival, check into hotel for overnight stay.

The second largest and popular city in Nepal, Pokhara is known for its adventure tourism circuit. The site also provides the breathtaking views of the Annapurna Mountains to the north and is understandably the place to organize the Annapurna trek. But if you are a nature lover, there are plenty of things to do other than trekking. One can unwind at the beautiful Phewa Lake or indulge in the shopping at Mahendrapul. Return to the hotel for overnight in Pokhara.

Day 11 . Pokhara-Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Pokhara Airport to board the connecting flight for Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, transfer from Kathmandu Airport to hotel for overnight. After lunch, begin the sightseeing of Kathmandu with a visit to the prominent Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath Temple.

Also visit Bouddha Nath and Swayambhunath Stupa, revealing the Buddhist essence of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Also visit Durbar Square in the city. Dinner at Local Restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu

After breakfast, check out Kathmandu for assisted transfer to International Airport for onward flight.