Explore Kathmandu’s Buddhist heritage, including Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupas.
Visit Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Experience Kushinagar, the place associated with Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana.
Meditate and pray at Bodh Gaya, home of the sacred Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree.
Discover Rajgir and Nalanda, important centers of ancient Buddhist history and learning.
This Kathmandu, Lumbini and Bodh Gaya Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour is designed for travelers who want to visit some of the most important Buddhist and spiritual sites in Nepal and India in one meaningful journey. The tour combines ancient Buddhist heritage, peaceful monasteries, sacred temples and places closely connected with the life of Gautama Buddha.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, Nepal, where travelers can explore important Buddhist heritage sites including Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath. From Kathmandu, the tour continues to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, before crossing into India to visit Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, and Bodh Gaya, where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment.
This pilgrimage is suitable for individual travelers, couples, families, Buddhist groups, monks, senior pilgrims and religious tour groups. The itinerary can also be customized according to flight schedules, group size, hotel category and pilgrimage requirements.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
After check-in, you can rest and prepare for the pilgrimage journey. If time permits, you can take a short walk around Thamel or visit a nearby Buddhist monastery.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu Buddhist Heritage Tour
After breakfast, begin your Kathmandu Buddhist pilgrimage tour.
Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, situated on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. The stupa is one of Nepal's oldest and most important Buddhist sites.
Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and an important center of Tibetan Buddhism.
You may spend time walking around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and visiting monasteries.
Depending on the group's interest and time, additional Buddhist sites and monasteries can be included.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lumbini
After breakfast, drive from Kathmandu toward Lumbini.
The journey takes you through the beautiful countryside of Nepal, passing rivers, hills, villages and agricultural areas.
Upon arrival in Lumbini, check in to your hotel and relax.
In the evening, you may visit the peaceful surroundings of the Lumbini Sacred Garden.
Overnight: Lumbini
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 4: Lumbini Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
Today is dedicated to exploring the sacred Buddhist sites of Lumbini.
Visit the Maya Devi Temple, the most important pilgrimage site in Lumbini and traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.
Explore the Sacred Garden, Ashoka Pillar, Puskarini Pond and surrounding monasteries.
You can also visit different international monasteries representing Buddhist traditions from countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, China, Japan, Sri Lanka and other Buddhist nations.
The peaceful environment makes Lumbini an ideal place for meditation, prayer and reflection.
Overnight: Lumbini
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 5: Lumbini to Kushinagar
After breakfast, drive toward the Nepal–India border and continue to Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Kushinagar is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destinations because it is traditionally associated with the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha.
Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple and the reclining Buddha statue. You can also visit the Ramabhar Stupa and other important Buddhist sites.
Overnight: Kushinagar
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 6: Kushinagar to Bodh Gaya
After breakfast, drive from Kushinagar to Bodh Gaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.
In the evening, you may visit the Mahabodhi Temple area for prayer and meditation.
Overnight: Bodh Gaya
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 7: Full-Day Bodh Gaya Buddhist Pilgrimage
Today you will explore the sacred Buddhist sites of Bodh Gaya.
Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site traditionally associated with Buddha's enlightenment.
Spend peaceful time near the Bodhi Tree, where Buddhist tradition holds that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment.
You can also visit the Vajrasana, meditation areas and several international Buddhist monasteries.
There will be sufficient time for prayer, meditation and personal spiritual activities.
Overnight: Bodh Gaya
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Bodh Gaya – Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna
After breakfast, drive toward Patna, visiting important Buddhist heritage sites along the way.
Visit Rajgir, an ancient city closely connected with Buddha and early Buddhism. Continue to Nalanda, famous for the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, one of the world's important ancient centers of Buddhist learning.
Continue to Patna and check in at your hotel.
Overnight: Patna
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 9: Patna Sightseeing and Airport Transfer
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time or a short Patna sightseeing tour.
Later, transfer to Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, for your onward flight.
The following can be arranged at additional cost:
The best seasons for this pilgrimage are generally:
This is the most comfortable period for visiting Kathmandu, Lumbini, Kushinagar and Bodh Gaya because temperatures are generally more suitable for sightseeing and pilgrimage.
This period is particularly meaningful for Buddhist pilgrims because of Buddha Jayanti/Vesak, although popular pilgrimage sites can become considerably busier.
The monsoon season can bring rain to Nepal, while parts of northern India can be very hot and humid. The tour is still possible, but travelers should be prepared for changing weather.
This Buddhist pilgrimage tour is ideal for:
The Kathmandu–Lumbini–Kushinagar–Bodh Gaya journey is more than an ordinary sightseeing tour. It connects travelers with places associated with different stages of Buddhist history and tradition.
From the ancient Buddhist heritage of Kathmandu, the journey continues to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, then to Kushinagar, associated with his Mahaparinirvana, and finally to Bodh Gaya, where Buddhist tradition places his enlightenment.
For pilgrims, these sacred destinations provide opportunities not only to see historical monuments but also to pray, meditate, learn and experience the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhism.
We can arrange this pilgrimage as a private tour or Buddhist group tour from Kathmandu. The itinerary can be customized according to your arrival and departure flights, group size, hotel preference, dietary requirements and religious activities.
Route: Kathmandu → Lumbini → Kushinagar → Bodh Gaya → Rajgir → Nalanda → Patna
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Starting Price: From US$1,150 per person based on 2 people
Service: Private Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transportation: Private Tourist Vehicle
The journey focuses on major Buddhist sites associated with Buddha's life, including Lumbini, Kushinagar and Bodh Gaya, along with important Buddhist heritage sites in Kathmandu.
Yes. The itinerary can allow personal time for meditation, prayer and quiet reflection at designated areas around the pilgrimage sites.
Prayer times depend on the temple or monastery. Travelers can participate in available prayer and meditation sessions according to the local schedule.
Yes. Lumbini and Bodh Gaya have monasteries representing different Buddhist traditions and countries. Visits can be included according to your group's interests and available time.
Yes. The itinerary can be modified to give more time to meditation, Dhamma activities and spiritual practice.
Yes. Kathmandu Valley sightseeing, Pokhara, Chitwan or other Nepal destinations can be added before or after the pilgrimage.
| No of person | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 person | $1150 |
| 3-4 people | $950 |
| 5-8 person | $900 |
| 9-15 person | $850 |
| 16+ person | Contact for Group |
