Grand Buddhist Heritage Trail (India + Nepal + Bhutan Option)

Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destination Covered: Delhi – Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Kushinagar – Lumbini – Kathmandu – Paro – Thimphu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi – Welcome to India
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi – the vibrant capital of India.

• Meet and greet at the airport, followed by transfer to the hotel.
• Rest and recover from your journey.
• Optional evening stroll at Connaught Place or India Gate for local vibes.

Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi – Flight to Varanasi – Sarnath Visit
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and a spiritual hub.
Upon arrival, drive to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.

Visit:

• Dhamek Stupa
• Chaukhandi Stupa
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum
• Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
• Return to Varanasi in the evening.
• Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 3: Varanasi to Bodhgaya – Land of Enlightenment
After breakfast, drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 5–6 hrs), the most sacred place for Buddhists as it is where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.

• Check-in to your hotel and relax.
• In the evening, visit the illuminated Mahabodhi Temple complex and meditate near the Bodhi Tree.

Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 4: Bodhgaya – Global Buddhist Monasteries Exploration
Spend the day exploring the international Buddhist monasteries, each representing the architectural style and spiritual traditions of their respective countries.

Visit:

• Thai Monastery
• Japanese Temple and Giant Buddha Statue
• Tibetan Monastery
• Bhutanese Monastery
• Vietnamese, Chinese, Burmese, and Korean Monasteries
• Enjoy quiet meditation sessions and cultural interactions with monks.

Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 5: Bodhgaya – Spiritual Immersion & Reflection
Dedicate this day to deeper spiritual practices or optional activities:

• Early morning meditation under the Bodhi Tree.
• Visit Sujata Kuti and Sujata Stupa, where Sujata offered milk rice to Siddhartha.
• Engage in a Dhamma talk or participate in chanting rituals (if available).
• Sunset at the Mahabodhi Temple, with the sound of prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

Overnight in Bodhgaya.

Day 6: Bodhgaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Vaishali – Patna
Start early for a full-day excursion through historic Buddhist sites en route to Patna.

Rajgir – Visit:

• Vulture’s Peak (Griddhakuta) – site of many of Buddha’s teachings
• World Peace Pagoda
• Venuvana (Bamboo Grove)
• Nalanda – Visit the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, a world-renowned center of learning and a major Buddhist monastery.
• Vaishali – Associated with both Buddha and Mahavira; visit Ashokan Pillar, Stupa sites, and Vishwa Shanti Stupa.
• Continue to Patna for the night.

Overnight in Patna.

Day 7: Kushinagar – Sacred Ground of Parinirvana
Begin your day in Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final liberation).

• Visit the Parinirvana Temple, housing the reclining Buddha statue.
• Explore the Rambhar Stupa, the cremation site of Buddha.
• Visit Matha Kuar Shrine and nearby monasteries built by different Buddhist nations.
• Spend time in peaceful reflection amidst this spiritually significant site.

Overnight in Kushinagar.

Day 8: Cross into Nepal – Journey to Lumbini
After breakfast, drive towards the India–Nepal border and cross into Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. (Ensure passport and visa formalities are in place.)

• Visit the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact spot where Buddha was born.
• Explore the sacred garden, Ashokan Pillar, and international monasteries within the Lumbini Development Zone.
• Witness the serene ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 9: Fly to Kathmandu – Himalayan Heritage
Morning transfer to Bhairahawa Airport and fly to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal.

• Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and holiest Buddhist stupas in the world.
• Explore Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), an iconic hilltop stupa with sweeping city views and deep spiritual energy.
• Evening free for local shopping or spiritual meditation.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 10: Fly to Bhutan – Land of the Thunder Dragon
Catch a scenic flight to Paro, Bhutan – nestled in the Himalayas. Complete immigration at the airport and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital.

• En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang iron chain bridge.
• In Thimphu, explore the Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, and local craft markets.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 11: Explore Thimphu & Paro
After breakfast, explore remaining highlights of Thimphu. Then drive to Paro, a valley of monasteries and legends.

• Visit the National Museum at Ta Dzong.
• Stroll around Paro Dzong and enjoy the traditional Bhutanese architecture.
• Prepare for next day's hike to Tiger’s Nest.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 12: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
Embark on a spiritual trek to Bhutan’s most iconic site – Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).

• Nestled on a cliff at 3,120 meters, this sacred site is believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava meditated.
• The moderate trek takes about 4–5 hours round trip and is richly rewarding.
• Return to Paro for rest and cultural dinner.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 13: Fly Back to Kathmandu – Leisure & Local Flavors
Fly back to Kathmandu, enjoy a relaxed day.

• Optional visit to Patan Durbar Square, Thamel Market, or a Nepali cultural show with dinner.
• Ideal for buying Buddhist handicrafts or Thanka paintings.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 14: Fly to Delhi – Return to India
Board your flight from Kathmandu to New Delhi, the final leg of your journey.

Depending on arrival time, enjoy optional sightseeing – visit India Gate, Lotus Temple, or shop at Connaught Place.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 15: Departure from Delhi – Journey Ends
Transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward journey.

Carry home a heart full of peace, stunning mountain memories, and the spiritual blessings of Buddha's path.