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Varanasi to Lumbini Spiritual Tour

New7 daysVaranasi✓ Free cancellationPrivate tour
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From €807
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Length

7 days

Itinerary

7 days planned

Group

Private

Guides

English, Italian

Overview

This spiritual journey covers key Buddhist destinations across India and Nepal, beginning in Varanasi, known for its sacred ghats along the Ganges River. The tour continues to Bodhgaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, followed by visits to Rajgir, Nalanda, and Kushinagar, significant sites in Buddhist history.

The journey concludes with a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, before departure from Gorakhpur, offering a spiritually enriching and culturally immersive experience.

Day by day itinerary

  1. 1Arrival in Varanasi⌄

    Upon arrival in Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, situated on the sacred banks of the Ganges River, you will be warmly received and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or explore the surroundings at your own pace. In the evening, proceed to the ghats to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual performed with lamps, chants, and devotional music, offering a truly divine experience. Overnight stay at hotel. Please note: Hotel check-in is available after 2:00 PM.

    Overnight: 3* - Hotel The Elegance / Similar 4* - India Benares / Similar

  2. 2Varanasi City Tour & Sarnath Excursion (Approx. 20 Km)⌄

    Early in the morning, enjoy a serene boat ride on the Ganges River, witnessing the sunrise and the daily rituals along the ghats.

    Later, proceed for a city tour visiting the Bharat Mata Temple, known for its unique marble map of India,

    the Durga Temple, a prominent shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga,

    and the Tulsi Manas Temple, associated with the composition of the Ramcharitmanas.

    Continue to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon,

    and visit the Dhamek Stupa, marking this sacred event

    along with the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses important relics including the Ashokan Lion Capital. In the evening, return to Varanasi and enjoy a walk through the vibrant local streets, experiencing the city’s cultural charm. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: 3* - Hotel The Elegance / Similar 4* - India Benares / Similar

  3. 3Varanasi to Bodhgaya (Approx. 260 Km / 6–7 Hours)⌄

    After breakfast, proceed by road to Bodhgaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Upon arrival, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment,

    along with the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which he meditated.

    Continue to the Great Buddha Statue, symbolizing peace and meditation, and spend time in quiet reflection or meditation within the temple complex. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: 3* - Hotel Anand international / Similar 4* - Hotel Royal Residency / Similar

  4. 4Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Bodhgaya⌄

    After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Rajgir, where you will visit Griddhakuta Hill, also known as Vulture’s Peak,

    an important site where Buddha delivered sermons, followed by the Japanese Peace Pagoda, symbolizing peace, and Venuvan, a serene bamboo grove associated with Buddha.

    Later, continue to Nalanda to explore the Nalanda University Ruins, one of the world’s oldest centers of learning, and the Nalanda Archaeological Museum, which houses significant relics and artifacts. Return to Bodhgaya in the evening. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: 3* - Hotel Anand international / Similar 4* - Hotel Royal Residency / Similar

  5. 5Bodhgaya to Kushinagar (Approx. 300 Km / 7–8 Hours)⌄

    After breakfast, proceed by road to Kushinagar, the sacred site where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Upon arrival, visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses the reclining statue of Buddha depicting his final moments, followed by the Ramabhar Stupa, the cremation site of Lord Buddha. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: 3* - Lilla Galaxy / Similar 4* - Royal Residency / Similar

  6. 6Kushinagar to Lumbini (Approx. 180 Km / 4–5 Hours)⌄

    After breakfast, proceed to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, visit the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact birthplace,

    along with the Sacred Garden, a peaceful spiritual complex, and the historic Ashokan Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka.

    Continue to explore the International Monasteries Zone, showcasing diverse Buddhist architectural styles from around the world. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: 3* - Hotel Redsson Rsort / Similar 4* - Buddha Maya / Similar

  7. 7Lumbini to Gorakhpur Departure (Approx. 140 Km / 3–4 Hours)⌄

    After breakfast, proceed by road to Gorakhpur to board your onward flight, marking the end of your spiritual and culturally enriching journey.

    Meals: Breakfast

What's included

  • ✓All applicable hotel taxes, parking charges, toll taxes, and driver allowances.
  • ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • ✓Assistance at the time of arrival and departure.
  • ✓Daily breakfast at all hotels.
  • ✓Traditional welcome on arrival.
  • ✓Sightseeing of all places as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • ✓Morning boat ride on the Ganges River in Varanasi.
  • ✓Breakfast
  • ✓Professional English-speaking guide services during sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • ✓06 nights hotel accommodation in hotels on twin/double sharing basis as per the itinerary.
  • ✓Monument entrance fees at all sightseeing places.

Not included

  • ✕Any airfare or train tickets.
  • ✕Any additional activity such as meditation sessions, special pooja, or rituals
  • ✕Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, beverages, etc.
  • ✕Camera/video charges at monuments.
  • ✕Travel insurance.
  • ✕Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions

Good to know

Cancellation: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • No Health Restrictions