Buddhist Pilgrimage Nepal and India - 10 Days

Buddhist Pilgrimage Nepal and India – 10 Days

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Trip Highlights
This is very comprehensive tour to the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal and India where Buddha was born and places where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, preached and taught his gospel to free human being from suffering in their mortal life. All the places of importance in the life of Buddha are included in the program.
Overview
After your arrival in Kathmandu we take you places in Kathmandu valley that are related to Gautam Buddha and his teaching. There are many temples and stupas dedicated to Buddha in Patan. You will visit Swambhunath and Boudhnath. And then travel to Lumbini, birth place of Gautam Buddha. After paying homage and prayer to Lord Gautam Buddha at the sanctum we visit the restored garden and surrounding areas that has many ancient monuments, monasteries and stupas and the archeological site at Kapilvastu where Gautam Buddha spent his early years of childhood. Archaeologist has discovered that the foundation of the palace scattered in the area has 13 successive layers of human habitation dating back to 8th century BC. On the 5th day we cross Nepal border and enter into India. Drive to Gorakhpur and arrive at Kushinagar. En-route we visit Vaishali. Kushinagar is the last resting place of Lord Buddha located near the Hiranyavati River. He was cremated at the Ramabhar stupa. Kushinagar used to be a celebrated center during the Malla kingdom. It has many stupas and viharas date back to 230 BC-AD 413 built during its peak prosperity time.

The Mauryan emperor Ashoka who later converted to Buddhist teaching built a magnificent statue of Buddha carved on a single piece of red sandstone. The famous Chinese scholars Fa Hien, Huen Tsang, and I-tsing visited Kushinagar in their journey. Vaishali is the last place where Buddha preached his last sermon. In the last leg of the tour we travel to Bodhgaya. Sidhartha Gautam attained his knowledge of Nirvana - eternal peace at Bodhgaya. Vaishali is a very special place to Buddhists as the Lord delivered his last sermon and announced his impending "Nirwana". We stay at Bodhgaya for two nights to visit Rajgir, Nalanda, Sapta pari cave and Venevamas. During your stay at Bodhgaya you will come across many Buddhist sites. We visit Rajgir where Buddha spent 12 years. Buddha held his first council at Nalanda after he attained Nirvana. Nalanda founded in the 5th century was known as center of intellectualism at that time. At the end of the tour we fly to Delhi; stay overnight and fly home next day.
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu. In Kathmandu (BB)
Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Free day.

Day 2 In Kathmandu (BB)

After breakfast visit Boudanath. It is located about 8 km northeast of Kathmandu city. It has a different layout and construction built in the shape of a mandala (a Buddhist representation of the heavens). It is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century by King Mandeva. This is the center for pilgrims from Tibet who often make the long journey entirely on foot to pay homage to Buddha. The stupa is the biggest in the country. is one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage. The stupa represents the Mind of the Buddha. Most of the monasteries in the vicinity of Boudanath offer meditation and retreats to visitors. To get an insight into Buddhist monastic life it is worth visiting some of the monasteries in Boudha.

Swayambhunath stupa is another important pilgrimage site for Buddhist. Legend has it that Goddess Manjushri found a shrine here after draining the lake; Kathmandu valley was once a lake before it was drained. The stupe is located on a hill just 2 km from the town center in the west. You can get a good view over the surrounding city and countryside. The big white stupa is tremendous. It is believed to be 2000 years old. It is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Both stupas are listed in the UNESCO Heritage Monument.

In the afternoon visit Patan City situated across Bagmati river. Sightseeing places like Durbar Square, Hiranya Varna Mahavira, Mahaboudha are very close to the old palace which is believed to have been built in 299AD. There are many beautifully carved windows, doors and balconies for which it is famous. Mahaboudha is made of Terracotta bricks and pagoda style structure of Mahavira dedicated to Lord Buddha built in 13th century.

Day 3 Fly to Bhairawa. Transfer to Lumbini. In Lumbini (BB)

After breakfast transfer to the airport. Fly to Bhairawa. This airport is located very close to the Indian border in the southern plain. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. The drive is about 20 km. Lumbini the birth place of Gautam Buddha is situated in the foothill of the Churiya mountain range about 300 km southwest of Kathmandu. Lumbini the birth place of Lord Buddha is the first and foremost pilgrimage site for all Buddhists.

Day 4 In Lumbini (BB). Explore Niglihawa

Niglihawa is situated about 32 kilometers northwest of Lumbini. It is a significant archaeological site. A large tank known as Niglisagar is located in the area. Close to the tank lie the remains of the broken parts of the Ashoka Pillar. The pieces of pillar have been protected by the Lumbini Development Trust.

Emperor Ashoka visited Niglisagar during his pilgrimage, built a stupa and set up a pillar. Archeologist Dr. A Fuhrer discovered this pillar in 1895. This site is regarded as a very important religious place for Buddhists and research scholars. It is believed that the Kanakmuni Buddha, who came earlier than Shakyamuni Buddha was born, enlightened, and met his father in this place. A Kanakmuni Stupa is situated here. The Ashokan Pillar of the Niglisagar is a testimony that Emperor Ashoka enlarged the stupa that enshrined the relics of the Kanakmuni Buddha. There are also ruins of ancient viharas in Niglihawa. Chinese pilgrims, Fa-Hien and Yuan-Chwang, who visited Niglihawa had described Kanakmuni Stupa and Ashokan Pillar in their travel accounts. Nearby Niglisagar there are remains of ancient stupas, monasteries, and habitations that are yet to be excavated.

Day 6 In Kushinagar (BB)

Kushinagar is the most important site of Buddhist pilgrimage. This is the place of Mahaparinirvana – the final resting place of Buddha. Lord Buddha died at the banks of the River Hiranyavati. Here visit Nirvana Temple where you can see a 6-meter long statue of reclining Buddha dated 5th century BC which was found in 1876. Visit Ramabhar Stupa where his mortal body was cremated. Emperor Ashoka made a magnificent statue of Buddha carved on a single piece of red sandstone. The famous Chinese scholars Fa Hien, Huen Tsang, and I-tsing visited Kushinagar. At Kushinagar, you will find shrines and temples built by many international societies dedicated to Buddhism.

Day 7 Drive to Bodhgaya. In Bodhgaya (BB)

Visit Rajgir and Nalanda. At Rajgir Lord Buddha spent twelve years in meditation. Rajgir Is an equally important place for Jains and Hindus. Visit the Nalanda University and Archaeological museum.

Day 8 In Bodhgaya (BB)

After breakfast drive to Bodhgaya. It is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centers In the World. At Bodh Gaya Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. While at Bodhgaya we visit Bodhi Tree; here at the foot of the Bodhi tree Gautam Buddha, also fondly known as Sakya Muni, attained Mahapari Nirvana and became the enlightened Lord Buddha. The present tree is believed to have the same genetic root of the original tree under which Buddha meditated to attain the truth of life which he was seeking to emancipate human beings from suffering. Maha Bodhi temple and Chakra Mana is known for the ‘jewel walk’ (seriously pondered to share his enlightened knowledge) of Gautam Buddha are some of the best-known places to visit to pay homage to Lord Buddha. You may also visit Ratna Gar; this is another important shrine where Buddha spent weeks in meditation while colorful rays emanated from his body. There are innumerable legends associated with the Lord which you can only realize once you are there physically.

Day 9 Fly to Delhi. In Delhi (BB)
Drive to Patna. Fly to Delhi. Free day

Day 10 Depart Delhi.
Transfer to airport. Fly home.
Note: Special request guide for the tour and flight is included in the cost
Optional tour to Varanashi and Delhi:
It is also possible to make an extension tour to Varanashi from Bodhgaya and an additional night in Delhi to see the famous monuments in Delhi and Agra where the famous Taj Mahal is located. Varanasi is also known as Benares. This Is the holiest city for the pilgrimage of Hindus. The ritual bath in the Ganges river by the devotees are something to be seen to comprehend. By dipping in the holy river it is believed that one’s soul is cleaned. There are many temples and ghats along the river.
COST- Private Trip
2 person US$ 2210 per person
3 to 5 person US$ 1235 per person
6 to 9 person US$ 1160 per person
Single Room Supplement US$65

*Government fees and airfares are subject to change

Cost Includes
- All airport transfers and ground transportation (AC-vehicle).
- Kathmandu sightseeing tour with English speaking tour guide
- In Kathmandu Hotel Fuji or Similar (BB)
- Accommodation on bed and breakfast based on double occupancy using comfortable hotel with attached bath room – hot and cold running water and wall to wall carpet with amenities and facilities
- Sightseeing tour to all the historical places of Buddha on (BB)
Cost Excludes
- Visa fees, Airfares, Sightseeing entrance fees
- Personal accident and health insurance.
- Alcoholic and bottled beverage, laundry, and tips.
- Meals and any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned.
- Monument entrance fees during city tours are not included.
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