India, Nepal · Religious & Spiritual

8-Day Buddhist Circuit Tour of Bodh Gaya, Lumbini and Sarnath

8 Days Round trip from Bodh Gaya Easy pace
The Great Buddha Statue
Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple
Sarnath
Parinirvana Stupa

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 02 Explore the Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha attained enlightenment
  • 03 Experience the Great Buddha Statue and monasteries from different Buddhist countries
  • 04 Excursion to Rajgir, where Buddha delivered many sermons
  • 05 Explore Vulture's Peak (Griddhakuta Hill), an important Buddhist site
  • 06 Continue to Nalanda University, one of the world's oldest learning centers

Embark on a spiritual journey on this 7 Nights / 8 Days Buddhist Circuit Tour, covering the sacred sites of Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. Explore the birthplace, enlightenment, first sermon, and Mahaparinirvana sites of Lord Buddha while visiting ancient monasteries, stupas, and temples. With visits to important Buddhist heritage centers such as Rajgir, Nalanda, Kapilvastu, and Sravasti, this tour offers a deep spiritual and cultural experience. It is ideal for pilgrims and history enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in Buddhist heritage and culture.

Visit Mahabodhi Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha attained enlightenment), the Bodhi Tree (the sacred tree under which Buddha meditated), the Great Buddha Statue, and several international monasteries.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Gaya, Delhi, Kapilwastu, Lucknow, Varanasi, Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Rajgir, Nalanda
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Bodh Gaya and Sacred Temple Visits

  • Arrival at Gaya International Airport / Railway Station.
  • Transfer to the hotel and check-in.
  • Visit Mahabodhi Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha attained enlightenment), the Bodhi Tree (the sacred tree under which Buddha meditated), the Great Buddha Statue, and several international monasteries.
  • Evening meditation session (optional).

Overnight stay in Bodh Gaya.

2
Day 02

Excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda

  • After breakfast, enjoy a day excursion to Rajgir and Nalanda.
  • Visit Griddhakuta Hill (Vulture's Peak), Rajgir (where Buddha delivered many sermons), Nalanda University (an ancient Buddhist learning center), the Japanese Peace Pagoda, and Venuvana Monastery.

Return to Bodh Gaya for an overnight stay.

3
Day 03

Drive to Varanasi and Visit Sarnath

  • Morning drive to Varanasi (approx. 5-6 hrs).
  • Check-in at the hotel.
  • Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, including:
  • Dhamek Stupa and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
  • Sarnath Museum (ancient Buddhist artifacts).
  • Chaukhandi Stupa.
  • Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Overnight stay in Varanasi.

4
Day 04

Ganges Boat Ride and Journey to Kushinagar

  • Early morning boat ride on the Ganges River.
  • Breakfast and drive to Kushinagar (approx. 6-7 hrs).
  • Check-in at the hotel.

Visits:

  • Mahaparinirvana Temple (Buddha's final resting place).
  • Rambhar Stupa (Buddha's cremation site).
  • Wat Thai Temple and Meditation Park.

Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

5
Day 05

Travel to Lumbini in Nepal

  • Breakfast and drive to Lumbini (Nepal) (approx. 4 hrs).
  • Border crossing at Sonauli (Nepal Visa on Arrival available for foreign nationals).
  • Check-in at the hotel.

Visits:

  • Maya Devi Temple (birthplace of Lord Buddha).
  • Ashokan Pillar (erected by Emperor Ashoka).
  • Sacred Lumbini Garden and Pushkarini Pond.
  • World Peace Pagoda and monasteries from different countries.

Overnight stay in Lumbini.

6
Day 06

Kapilvastu Visit and Drive to Sravasti

  • Morning visit to Kapilvastu (Buddha's childhood home).
  • Drive to Sravasti (approx. 6 hrs).
  • Check-in at the hotel.
  • Visit Jetavana Monastery (Buddha's longest stay).
  • Anathapindika Stupa and Angulimala Stupa.

Overnight stay in Sravasti.

7
Day 07

Travel via Lucknow to Delhi

  • Morning drive to Lucknow (approx. 4-5 hrs).
  • Catch a flight/train to Delhi.
  • Check-in at the hotel in Delhi.

Optional visit:

  • National Museum (Buddhist Section).
  • ISKCON Temple or Lotus Temple for a spiritual experience.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

8
Day 08

Departure from Delhi

  • Breakfast and drop-off at the airport/railway station for your onward journey.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Maya Devi Temple, Dhamek Stupa

Where this trip takes you

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Maya Devi Temple, Dhamek Stupa

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Bodh Gaya 10 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation in deluxe/comfort hotels with daily breakfast and dinner
  • Private AC vehicle for the entire tour and sightseeing
  • Experienced tour guide for visits to major Buddhist sites
  • Pickup and drop-off from the airport/railway station
  • Boat ride in Varanasi and Ganga Aarti experience
  • All taxes included

What's Not Included

  • Airfare/train fare
  • Nepal Visa fee (for foreign nationals)
  • Meals (lunch and snacks)
  • Any personal expenses (shopping, tips, extra activities)
  • Anything not included in the inclusions

Know before you go

  • Optional Bodh Gaya meditation session is available.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Tour start
Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Bodh Gaya.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

INR 45,000 /person
Book This Tour

Estimated room rates

Single Room ₹45,000.00 — ₹115,000.00
Double Sharing ₹45,000.00 — ₹68,000.00

When

Travellers

Total