9 Days In the Footsteps of the Buddha

A group of people in traditional attire posing in front of a historical building with domes. 1

A group of people in front of a Buddha statue under a pavilion. 2

By Buddha Trails Tours

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Overview

Follow the Buddha’s journey across India and Nepal on a carefully planned 9-day scheduled group tour. Visit the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Shravasti and Sarnath. Travel comfortably with experienced guides, organised transport, hotel stays, meals, Nepal visa fees and India–Nepal border crossing assistance included. Time is also allowed for prayer, meditation and personal reflection at the sacred sites.

Solo travelers receive a private single room. For multiple travelers booking together, accommodation is arranged in twin/double or triple rooms according to the group size.

Activity location

Mahabodhi Temple
- Bihar 824231
- 824231, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India

Meeting/Redemption Point

Mahabodhi Temple
- Bihar 824231
- 824231, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India

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Dates

Travellers

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What's included, what's not

Entrance fee
Air-conditioned vehicle
4-star category hotels
Nepal visa fees and India–Nepal border crossing assistance
Solo travelers: private room. Multiple travelers: twin/double or triple rooms based on group size.
English speaking local guides
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Indian visa
Any domestic or international flights (no flights are required during the tour itinerary).
Personal expenses

Know before you book

- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Gaya → Transfer to Bodhgaya

1 stop
Meals: snacks
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.

Mahabodhi Temple

Visit the UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple, marking the place where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. Explore the temple complex and spend time at the sacred Bodhi Tree, with an opportunity for prayer, meditation and quiet reflection.

Day 2: Bodhgaya Sightseeing

3 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.

Dungeswari Hills

Visit the Dungeshwari Caves, where Siddhartha Gautama practised severe austerities during his search for enlightenment. Explore the simple caves and shrines while learning how this period helped lead him toward the Middle Way.

Sujata Kuti

Visit Sujata Stupa, dedicated to Sujata, who offered milk-rice to Siddhartha after years of severe fasting. Her offering helped him regain his strength and marked an important turning point toward the Middle Way and enlightenment.

Great Buddha Statue

Visit the Great Buddha Statue, one of Bodhgaya’s most recognisable landmarks. The impressive 80-foot statue depicts the Buddha in meditation and is surrounded by smaller statues of his disciples.

Day 3: Bodhgaya → Rajgir → Nalanda

5 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Rajgir.

Griddhakuta Peak

Visit Gridhakuta Hill, also known as Vulture’s Peak, one of the Buddha’s important teaching and meditation places in Rajgir. Walk up the sacred hill and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding valleys while learning about the teachings delivered here.

Venu Van

30m
Admission ticket included

Visit Venuvan, the Bamboo Grove donated to the Buddha by King Bimbisara. Walk through its peaceful gardens and pond while learning about one of the earliest monasteries connected with the Buddha.

Saptaparni Cave

Visit Saptaparni Cave, traditionally associated with the First Buddhist Council held after the Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana. The quiet cave on Vaibhava Hill is an important site in early Buddhist history.

Nalanda University Ruins

1h
Admission ticket included

Explore the ancient ruins of Nalanda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great centres of learning in ancient Asia. Walk through the remains of monasteries, temples and study areas that once welcomed Buddhist scholars from across Asia.

Bimbisar Jail (Pass by)

Visit the ruins traditionally associated with the imprisonment of King Bimbisara by his son Ajatashatru. From here, the king is said to have looked toward Vulture’s Peak, where the Buddha often stayed and taught.

Day 4: Rajgir → Vaishali → Kushinagar

3 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Kushinagar.

Buddha's Relic Stupa

20m
Admission ticket included

Visit the Buddha Relic Stupa at Vaishali, an important early Buddhist site associated with relics of the Buddha following his Mahaparinirvana. Explore the peaceful archaeological surroundings and learn about Vaishali’s place in Buddhist history.

Ananda Stupa

30m
Admission ticket included

Visit the Ananda Stupa and historic Ashoka Pillar in Vaishali, an important place connected with the Buddha’s final journey. The well-preserved pillar, crowned by a single lion capital, stands beside ancient Buddhist remains associated with his final teachings in Vaishali.

Kesariya Stupa

Visit Kesariya Stupa, an important Buddhist monument associated with the Buddha’s final journey toward Kushinagar. According to tradition, this is where he gave his alms bowl to the Licchavis before continuing his journey.

Day 5: Kushinagar → Lumbini

3 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

Mahaparinirvana Vihar

Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar, marking the place associated with the Buddha’s passing into Mahaparinirvana. Inside is the famous reclining Buddha statue, representing his final moments and liberation.

Ramabhar Stupa

Visit Ramabhar Stupa, traditionally recognised as the cremation site of the Buddha. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, this important pilgrimage place marks the final stage of the Buddha’s earthly journey.

Matha Kuar Shrine (Pass by)

Visit Matha Kuar Shrine, home to an ancient stone statue of the Buddha and associated with the final period of his life in Kushinagar. (Optional)

Day 6: Lumbini Sightseeing

2 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Lumbini.

Maya Devi Temple

1h
Admission ticket included

Visit Maya Devi Temple, marking the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Explore the sacred birthplace area, including the ancient Ashoka Pillar and Pushkarini Sacred Pond, important landmarks associated with the Buddha’s birth.

Tilaurakot

Explore the archaeological remains of Kapilavastu, associated with the ancient Shakya kingdom where Prince Siddhartha spent his early life before leaving the royal palace in search of truth.

Day 7: Lumbini → Shravasti

2 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Shravasti.

Jetavana

1h
Admission ticket included

Explore Jetavana Monastery, one of the Buddha’s most important residences. Walk through the peaceful archaeological grounds where he spent many rainy seasons teaching his disciples.

Angulimala Stupa

30m
Admission ticket included

Visit Angulimala Stupa, associated with the famous story of Angulimala, who changed from a feared bandit into a devoted follower of the Buddha. Also visit the stupa associated with Anathapindika, one of the Buddha’s most devoted lay followers and the benefactor who donated Jetavana Monastery.

Day 8: Shravasti → Varanasi

3 stops
Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.

Chaukhandi Stupa

30m
Admission ticket included

Visit Chaukhandi Stupa, traditionally marking the place where the Buddha met his five former companions after arriving at Sarnath following his enlightenment.

Dhamek Stupa

1h
Admission ticket included

Visit Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath, marking the place where the Buddha delivered his first teaching after enlightenment and set the Wheel of Dharma in motion.

Ganga Boat Ride & Cruise

1h
Admission ticket included

Enjoy an evening boat ride on the Ganges and watch the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony from the river. See the ghats illuminated with lamps as priests perform traditional rituals with fire, incense and chanting.

Day 9: Varanasi - Departure

1 stop
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Not included

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

30m
Admission ticket included

Visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihara at Sarnath, known for its beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and for housing sacred Buddhist relics.

Location

Activity location

Mahabodhi Temple
- Bihar 824231
- 824231, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India

Meeting/Redemption Point

Mahabodhi Temple
- Bihar 824231
- 824231, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India

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