Highlights and Inclusions

Below is a list of key highlights and what is included in our pilgrimage.

Trip Highlights

      • The majestic Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, symbolic of the Buddha’s mind
      • Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as ‘Monkey Temple’)
      • Lumbini – the birthplace of the Buddha, visit the Maya Devi Temple and World Peace Pagoda.
      • Kapilavastu – where the Buddha lived as a prince before leaving his palace.
      • Kushinagar – where the Buddha passed away into Mahaparinirvana, visit the Parinirvana Temple, Parinirvana Stupa and the Ramabhar Stupa (cremation stupa) of the Buddha.
      • Vaishali – where the Buddha did his last rains retreat, cured the local people of a great plague and famine and ordained the first Buddhist nuns. Visit the Ashoka pillar and the Buddha’s relic stupa.
      • Bamboo Grove – where the Buddha spent many rains retreats
      • Vulture’s Peak – where the Buddha taught the Heart Sutra, visit Shariputra’s cave.
      • Nalanda – visit the incredible ancient ruins of the Nalanda Buddhist University, Shariputra’s stupa and the museum housing hundreds of Buddhist artifacts uncovered during the excavations.
      • Bodh Gaya – visit the Mahabodhi Stupa where Buddha attained Full Enlightenment underneath the Bodhi tree, there is ample time for personal practice, meditation and reflection here. Also visit a nearby village to see how the locals live.
      • Mahakala Cave – a small but powerful cave associated with the protector deity in Vajrayana Buddhism, also considered by many where Buddha meditated for six years before attaining enlightenment.
      • Varanasi – an ancient Indian city formerly known as Banaras, we will take an unforgettable boat ride along the burning ghats where the Hindus cremate the deceased and view the exotic Ganga Aarti (light offering) ritual.
      • Sarnath – where Buddha gave his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths, see the Dhamekh Stupa, Archaeological Museum, large Buddha statue and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
      • Aurangabad – visit the magnificent Ajanta and Ellora Caves carved out to form impressive prayer halls and monasteries decorated with beautiful murals and stone carvings of the Buddha (part of the 4-day Ajanta and Ellora Caves Extension).

Included in Your Pilgrimage – Main Buddhist Sites (13 Days)

      • 12 nights – mostly 3-4 star accommodation (except in a couple of developing areas). See more below.
      • 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
      • Boat cruise on River Ganges
      • All entry fees to the holy sites and museums
      • All land travel in Nepal and India
      • Two economy class flights: Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and Varanasi to Delhi
      • Two small bottles of water each day
      • Specialist local guides at some sites
      • Airport arrival transfer in Kathmandu
      • Touring of Kathmandu, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Vaishali, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi and Sarnath.
      • All tips for the drivers, waiting staff and shoe minders
      • Fees for the main guide/teacher and their assistants

Included in Your Pilgrimage – Main Buddhist Sites + 4-day Ajanta and Ellora Caves Extension (17 Days)

      • 16 nights – mostly 3-4 star accommodation (except in a couple of developing areas). See more below.
      • 15 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners
      • Boat cruise on River Ganges
      • All entry fees to the holy sites and museums
      • All land travel in Nepal and India
      • Four economy class flights: Kathmandu to Bhairahawa, Varanasi to Delhi, Delhi to Aurangabad, Aurangabad to Delhi
      • Two small bottles of water each day
      • Specialist local guides at some sites
      • Airport arrival transfer in Kathmandu
      • Touring of Kathmandu, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Vaishali, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
      • All tips for the drivers, waiting staff and shoe minders
      • Fees for the main guide/teacher and their assistants

Not Included in Your Pilgrimage

      • Airfares to Kathmandu and flight home out of Delhi
      • Visa fees for Nepal and India
      • Personal travel insurance
      • Excess baggage charges
      • Taxis or rickshaws taken outside the normal group travel
      • Communication costs (Wi-Fi, phone calls, etc.), laundry and all items of a personal nature
      • Optional day tour in Delhi to see Red Fort and Delhi Gate on Day 13.
      • Any meals, snacks or beverages not included in the group buffet meals, lunch in Delhi (Day 13), lunch at Ellora Caves (Day 14), and 3 dinners in Aurangabad (Days 13-15).

 

Hotel Accommodation

For your comfort we have chosen to stay at some of the best hotels within the Buddhist pilgrimage sector, however, as the Buddhist pilgrimage sites are still being developed, out of necessity we will need to stay at some 2-3 star hotels which is the best on offer in those locations. To get an idea of some of the hotels we are planning to stay at you can view some photos here: Hotel Tibet International, Buddha Maya Garden Hotel, Radisson Hotel Varanasi, Vivanta by Taj, Aurangabad and Radisson Blu Plaza, Delhi.

We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.

 

 

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