Bodhgaya · Rajgir · Nalanda · Varanasi · Sarnath · Kushinagar · Lumbini · Shravasti · Lucknow
12 Days / 11 Nights
From $395/person (25 pax) · $425/person (20 pax) · $470/person (15 pax) · $520/person (10 pax)
Bodhgaya (2N) · Varanasi/Sarnath (1N) · Kushinagar (1N) · Lumbini Nepal (2N) · Shravasti (1N) → Lucknow Departure
Mahabodhi Temple Bodhgaya (2002) · Nalanda University (2016) · Lumbini Nepal (1997)
Private AC coach (Toyota Innova / Tempo Traveller / Volvo for 20+ pax)
4-Star throughout | Double occupancy | Vegetarian dining available at all properties
Daily Breakfast + Dinner | Pure vegetarian / Buddhist-vegan on request
Licensed heritage guide (English / Thai / Hindi) — full 8 days
October – March (peak: December–February for Bodhgaya Monlam Festival)
There are journeys that take you to new places. And then there are journeys that take you home — not to a place on a map, but to something deep within yourself that had been waiting, quietly, for exactly this. The 8-Day Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour through India and Nepal is one of the rarest and most meaningful journeys a human being can make. It traces the actual footsteps of the Lord Buddha — from his birthplace in Lumbini to the tree beneath which he awakened, from the deer park where he first taught to the sal grove where he finally rested. This is not tourism. This is a return to the source of the Dharma.
The tour begins in Bodhgaya, Bihar — the most sacred place in all of Buddhism. Here, beneath the Sacred Bodhi Tree that is a living descendant of the very tree under which Prince Siddhartha sat 2,600 years ago, you will understand why Buddhists from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Japan, Korea, and Tibet travel thousands of kilometres to reach this one spot on earth. The Mahabodhi Temple — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — rises above the Diamond Throne in golden, spired magnificence. Sitting here, watching the monks chant, watching the butter lamps flicker in the evening air, you will feel something shift in you that no words can adequately describe.
From Bodhgaya, a full-day excursion takes you to Rajgir, where the Buddha taught from Vulture Peak (Griddhakuta) — the holy mountain sacred to Mahayana Buddhists worldwide as the site of the Prajnaparamita teachings. Nearby, the extraordinary ruins of Nalanda University — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — tell the story of 7 centuries of Buddhist scholarship, a flame extinguished but never forgotten.
The journey continues to Varanasi and its jewel: Sarnath, the Deer Park of Isipatana, where the Buddha turned the Wheel of the Dharma for the first time, teaching the Four Noble Truths to his five first disciples. The Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Lion Capital in the museum, the evening Ganga Aarti — these are experiences that stay with a person for life.
After a deeply moving visit to Kushinagar — where the great Reclining Buddha marks the site of the Parinirvana — the tour crosses into Nepal to reach Lumbini: the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Two full days in this serene garden allow time to explore the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashokan Pillar, and the extraordinary international monastic zone — 40+ temples built by Buddhist nations from across the world. The journey concludes at Shravasti, where the Buddha spent 25 monsoon retreats in the Jetavana Monastery — the most intimate and perhaps most quietly moving site of the entire circuit.
Prime Value Tours has been guiding Buddhist pilgrims on this sacred circuit for over 25 years. Every hotel is chosen for its proximity to the sites, its vegetarian kitchen, and its experience with international Buddhist groups. Every guide is licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and deeply familiar with Buddhist scripture and history. This is not a tour package. It is a pilgrimage — and we would be honoured to walk it with you.
Day
Bodhgaya is the axis of the Buddhist world — the one place on earth where the transformation of a prince into the Fully Enlightened One occurred. The moment you step beneath the branches of the Sacred Bodhi Tree, you are standing in the most sacred spot in all of Buddhism. The Mahabodhi Temple, rising 55 metres above the diamond throne, has drawn pilgrims from across Asia for 2,500 years. This is not a visit. This is a homecoming.
* ARRIVAL TIP: Gaya airport receives flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and direct charter flights from Bangkok and Colombo during peak season (Oct–Mar). Book airport transfer with Prime Value Tours in advance.
Day
Rajgir’s Vulture Peak (Griddhakuta) stands as one of Mahayana Buddhism’s holiest mountains — here the Lord Buddha expounded the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, and the Lotus Sutra. Millions of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Tibetan Buddhists make this journey as their most sacred pilgrimage. Nalanda, just 15 km away, was for 700 years the living heart of Buddhist scholarship — a city of 10,000 monks and scholars from China to Java, reduced to ruins in 1193 CE but never erased from the memory of the Buddhist world.
* PRACTICAL TIP: The Rajgir ropeway operates 8 AM – 5 PM. Arrive before 10 AM to avoid queues. Bring a light shawl for the hilltop — it can be breezy even in winter.
Day
Sarnath — the ancient Deer Park of Isipatana — is where the Buddha, having attained Enlightenment in Bodhgaya, delivered his very first teaching: the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. This event, the First Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma, marks the birth of the Buddhist Sangha. The Dhamek Stupa rises above this hallowed ground — a silent witness to the most consequential discourse in human spiritual history. Then, as night falls over the ancient city of Varanasi, the Ganga Aarti — a river of fire and devotion on the banks of the Ganges — offers a profoundly moving end to one of the tour’s most significant days.
* GANGA AARTI TIP: The evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat begins at 6:00 PM (winter) or 7:00 PM (summer). Arrive 30 minutes early for a good viewing position. Boat rides offer the finest view.
Day
Kushinagar — ancient Kushinara of the Malla Republic — is where the Tathagata breathed his last, lying peacefully between two Sal trees in the grove of Upavattana, aged eighty. His last words were: ‘All conditioned things are impermanent. Work out your salvation with diligence.’ The great Reclining Buddha in the Mahaparinirvana Temple — 6 metres of gilded serenity — embodies the Buddha’s final, peaceful rest. Thai pilgrims, Sri Lankan monks, Tibetan nuns — many weep here. That is entirely appropriate.
* SPIRITUAL TIP: Sunset at the Ramabhar Stupa (cremation site) is an extraordinary experience. Bring flowers and incense. Allow at least 45 minutes in silence at this most sacred site.
Day
Lumbini is the Alpha of Buddhism — the starting point of the entire sacred story. It was here, in these gardens, in 563 BCE, that Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama beneath a sal tree. The child who would become the Buddha took seven steps, a lotus bloomed under each foot, and he declared: ‘I am born for Enlightenment, for the good of the world.’ To stand at the Maya Devi Temple — the precise spot marked by that ancient marker stone — is to stand at the very genesis of one of humanity’s greatest spiritual traditions.
* NEPAL VISA TIP: Indian nationals need no visa for Nepal. Most other nationalities get Nepal visa-on-arrival at the border (USD 30 for 15 days). Carry passport photos and USD cash.
Day
Lumbini’s Monastic Zone is one of the most remarkable places on earth — more than 40 monasteries built by Buddhist nations from Thailand to Germany, each expressing their tradition’s unique architectural language on the same sacred ground. Walking from the Thai temple to the Tibetan shrine to the Chinese monastery is to witness the living, breathing global unity of the Dharma. The afternoon meditation session in the Sacred Garden — beneath the ancient trees, beside the Sacred Pond, within sight of the Maya Devi Temple — is among the most profound experiences available on any Buddhist pilgrimage.
* CULTURAL TIP: Visit the Thai Temple (Wat Thai Lumbini) and request to meet the resident monks. Our guide can arrange a brief blessing ceremony for Thai Buddhist groups.
Day
Shravasti is the most overlooked of all the major Buddhist sites — yet for Theravada Buddhists it holds a place of extraordinary intimacy. This is where the Buddha spent 25 rainy season retreats (more than anywhere else in his life), where he taught the majority of his recorded discourses, and where he performed the magnificent Twin Miracle (Yamaka Patihariya) to defeat rival teachers. The Jetavana Monastery — where you can still see the ruins of the Buddha’s own Gandhakuti — radiates a peace that stops time. Many pilgrims find Shravasti the most unexpectedly moving site of the entire circuit.
* SPIRITUAL TIP: The Jetavana Complex is best visited at dawn and at dusk. The ancient fig trees (descendants of the Ananda Bodhi Tree) create a forest of living history. Sit quietly. Listen.
Day
As your 8-day Buddhist pilgrimage draws to its close, you carry with you something far more valuable than photographs or souvenirs. You have sat beneath the Sacred Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya where Enlightenment occurred. You have stood at the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath where the Dharma was first proclaimed. You have placed flowers at the feet of the great Reclining Buddha in Kushinagar. You have walked the sacred gardens of Lumbini where the Buddha was born. And you have breathed the ancient air of Shravasti where he lived and taught for a quarter of a century. These are places that change a person. Quietly, permanently.
* DEPARTURE TIP: Lucknow Airport (LKO) offers flights to Delhi (1 hr), Mumbai, Kolkata, and direct charter flights to Bangkok during peak Buddhist pilgrimage season. Allow 2.5 hours before your flight.
All properties selected for (1) proximity to Buddhist sites, (2) vegetarian dining capability, (3) experience with international Buddhist pilgrim groups, and (4) consistent 4-star guest ratings. All on double-occupancy basis (twin or double bed rooms available).
| City | Nights | Hotel Name & Category | Why Ideal for Pilgrims | Guest Rating | Room Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodhgaya | 2 Nights | Ramada by Wyndham, Bodhgaya ★★★★ | International brand hotel minutes from the Mahabodhi Temple. All-day dining with vegetarian menu, well-appointed rooms, reliable Wi-Fi and group booking facilities. Ideal for international Buddhist pilgrim groups. | 4.5 / 5 | ₹7,000–11,000 |
| Varanasi | 1 Night | Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Varanasi ★★★★ | Centrally located between Sarnath and the Ganges ghats. Comfortable, well-maintained rooms, all-day vegetarian dining, efficient group check-in/check-out. Ganga Aarti arrangements available through hotel concierge. | 4.4 / 5 | ₹6,500–10,000 |
| Kushinagar | 1 Night | Royal Residency Hotel, Kushinagar ★★★★ | One of the finest hotels in Kushinagar, close to the Mahaparinirvana Temple. Spacious rooms, dedicated vegetarian restaurant, peaceful garden, experienced in handling international Buddhist pilgrim groups. | 4.4 / 5 | ₹5,000–8,000 |
| Lumbini | 2 Nights | Hotel Landmark, Lumbini ★★★★ | Well-positioned 4-star property within the Lumbini development zone. Comfortable rooms, Nepali and Continental vegetarian cuisine, conference facilities for group briefings, warm and attentive hospitality. | 4.3 / 5 | NPR 8,500–13,000 |
| Shravasti | 1 Night | Hotel Tulip Inn, Shravasti ★★★★ | Modern 4-star hotel catering specifically to Buddhist pilgrims visiting Jetavana Monastery. Clean, well-furnished rooms, vegetarian restaurant, tranquil surroundings, and proximity to the main pilgrimage sites. | 4.2 / 5 | ₹4,500–7,000 |
* Rates are per room per night, approximate for 2025-26 season. Peak season (Nov 15 – Feb 15) may be 15–25% higher. Subject to availability at booking. All hotels offer early check-in / late check-out subject to availability.
All prices in US Dollars (USD). Land cost only — international airfare not included. Based on double-occupancy rooms and shared private AC vehicle. India GST applicable as per Government of India rates.
| Group Size | Price / Person (USD) | Single Supplement | Peak Season Surcharge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Pax | $520 | +$200 | +12–15% | Minimum group — full service maintained |
| 15 Pax | $470 | +$190 | +12–15% | Most popular pilgrim group size |
| 20 Pax | $425 | +$185 | +12% | Excellent value — optimal coach size |
| 25 Pax | $395 | +$180 | +12% | Lowest per-person rate — 1 full coach |
| # | Component | Details | Cost (USD/pax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 nights 4-Star hotels | Dbl occ — all 5 destinations | $245 |
| 2 | Private AC coach (7 days) | Toyota Innova / Tempo Traveller | $55 |
| 3 | Domestic transfers | Airport pickups, border crossings | $30 |
| 4 | Licensed Guide (8 days) | English / Thai — full tour | $45 |
| 5 | Meals (B + D × 7 days) | Vegetarian / Buddhist diet | $56 |
| 6 | Monument entrance fees | All listed sites incl. Nepal | $28 |
| 7 | Nepal border assistance | Visa facilitation + local guide | $16 |
| 8 | Operations & support | 24/7 support, contingency fund | $45 |
| TOTAL (25 PAX) | Land cost — double occ. | $520* |
* Starting rate of $425/person applies to groups of 20 pax (double occupancy). This is a LAND ONLY cost — international flights are NOT included. Nepal visa fee (~$30 USD) payable at border — not included.
| WHAT'S INCLUDED | WHAT'S EXCLUDED |
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October to March is ideal — dry, pleasantly cool, and peak pilgrimage season. December and January are especially rich: the Tibetan Kalachakra and Monlam Prayer Festival often take place in Bodhgaya, drawing tens of thousands of monks from across Asia. Avoid June–September (monsoon season). Buddha Purnima in May is also a profoundly auspicious time.
Absolutely. This itinerary is designed with pilgrims of all ages in mind. Walking distances at each site are gentle (2–4 km/day on paved paths). We use comfortable AC vehicles, 4-star hotels with lifts, and our guides pace visits according to group needs. Monks receive special access to monastery chanting sessions at several sites.
Nepal visa-on-arrival costs are not included (USD 30 for 15 days, payable at the border). Indian nationals do not require a visa for Nepal. All other nationalities need a passport valid for 6+ months and one passport-size photo. Our guide handles all paperwork and queuing at the border on your behalf.
Yes. All included meals (breakfast and dinner) are pure vegetarian throughout the 8 days. Vegan and Jain-vegetarian options are available with 7 days’ advance notice. We work only with hotels and restaurants that understand Buddhist dietary requirements. No beef, no pork, no hidden meat stocks.
This tour visits 2 confirmed UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya (listed 2002) and Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha in Nepal (listed 1997). Nalanda University ruins (listed 2016) are visited on Day 2 as a day excursion from Bodhgaya.
Yes. We build dedicated meditation time into the itinerary — particularly at the Mahabodhi Temple (Bodhgaya), the Jetavana Monastery (Shravasti), and the Sacred Garden at Lumbini. Our guides will arrange a private meditation session at the Bodhi Tree area if the group wishes. Chanting sessions with resident monks can also be arranged at Bodhgaya and Lumbini.
The starting price of $425 per person applies to groups of 20–25 paying passengers sharing private AC transport and double-occupancy rooms. For groups of 10–15 pax, pricing starts at $470–$520. Single-room supplement is approximately $180–$220 extra for the full tour. Contact us for a custom quote.
No — international airfare is not included in the land package. However, Gaya International Airport (GAY) receives seasonal charter and scheduled flights from Bangkok (BKK/DMK), Colombo (CMB), Singapore, and other Buddhist countries during October–March. We can recommend flight routing and assist with arrival/departure coordination.
Our lead guides speak English and Hindi fluently. Dedicated Thai-speaking guides are available for Thai Buddhist groups (one of our signature services). Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Sinhalese guides can be arranged with 30+ days’ advance notice. All guides are licensed by the Government of India Ministry of Tourism.
Yes, entirely. Common customisations include: extending Bodhgaya to 3 nights for a deeper retreat; adding Vaishali (Buddha’s last sermon site) between Kushinagar and Lumbini; extending Varanasi for a sunrise Ganga boat ride; adding Agra and the Taj Mahal as a final extension. Contact us with your dates and group size for a bespoke itinerary.
If reading this itinerary has stirred something in your heart — perhaps the time is simply right. At Prime Value Tours, we have been walking alongside Buddhist pilgrims for over 25 years, from the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya to the serene gardens of Lumbini, from Vulture Peak in Rajgir to the Jetavana Monastery in Shravasti. We would be deeply honoured to plan your pilgrimage.