Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025 offers a spiritual journey through the eight most sacred sites of Buddhism, including Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. These are places where Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, taught, and achieved Nirvana. The tour also covers Rajgir, Vaishali, Shravasti, and Nalanda, along with Sankissa and Kaushambi-historical sites once under King Udayana. This tour is ideal for those seeking deeper connection, peace, and insight into the life and teachings of the Buddha. 

Highlights of Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025

• Private tours covering key Buddhist pilgrimage sites across India and Nepal

• Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour start at just INR 35,600 per person*

• Guided visit to the Sarnath Museum in Varanasi (open 9 AM-5 PM, closed Fridays)

• Attend prayer meetings at Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya

• Explore Sujata Village and Sujata Stupa, where Sujata offered food to Buddha

• Visit multiple international monasteries in Bodhgaya

• Enjoy a scenic ropeway ride and walk on the Glass Bridge in Rajgir

• Discover the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh

• Join prayer sessions at Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal

• Explore Jetavan Monastery, the site of many miracles performed by the Buddha

Short Information about the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025

We offer a 07 Nights / 08 Days Buddhist Tour 2025, also known as Buddha Dharma Yatra. Customized itineraries are available based on your interests—whether you wish to join special prayer sessions or enjoy an extended stay in Bodhgaya.

Our India-Nepal Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025 is fully tailor-made, designed to suit your spiritual and travel preferences. The tour takes you through the most revered pilgrimage sites associated with the life of Lord Buddha. Travelers will experience key destinations across India and Nepal, rich in Buddhist heritage and peaceful ambiance.

For detailed plans and options, please refer to the itinerary below.

Connectivity for Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025

In the past, completing the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour was challenging due to limited infrastructure. However, in recent years, the Government of India has significantly improved connectivity across the Buddhist Circuit, including the development of better roads and modern airports.

Today, pilgrims can conveniently access key sites via three major international airports:

• Varanasi International Airport

• Gaya International Airport

• Kushinagar International Airport

These airports now handle direct international flights, especially from Asian countries, making travel to the Buddhist pilgrimage sites smoother and more accessible than ever before. With ongoing infrastructure upgrades, the journey through this spiritual trail is now faster, safer, and more comfortable for travelers from around the world.

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025  Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival at Varanasi – Start of the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025

Your Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025 begins with your arrival at Varanasi Airport, where our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your hotel check-in. Formerly known as Banaras, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and holds deep spiritual significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism. After freshening up, enjoy a guided city tour starting with a visit to BHU (Banaras Hindu University) and its Art Gallery, showcasing local culture and heritage.

In the evening, experience the spiritual vibrance of the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the sacred Ghats of the River Ganges—a truly mesmerizing event and a highlight for every visitor.

Varanasi is a significant stop on the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025, offering insights into the city’s profound connection to Lord Buddha’s journey.

Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 2: Varanasi – Bodhgaya (Approx. 260 km / 6-7 hours)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey to Bodhgaya, one of the most sacred destinations in the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025. This is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree, making it the spiritual heart of Buddhism.

Enjoy the scenic drive through rural landscapes and small towns, with brief stops as needed. On arrival in Bodhgaya, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax after the journey.

In the evening, you may take a leisurely walk around the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this spiritual town, visited by pilgrims from around the world.

Bodhgaya is not just a destination, but a deeply moving experience in the journey of self-discovery and faith.

Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Day 3: Bodhgaya Sightseeing-Exploring the Spiritual Heart of Buddhism

After breakfast, begin a full day of sightseeing in Bodhgaya, the most revered site on the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025. This is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, making it a deeply sacred place for all followers.

Your Buddhist Pilgrimage tour 2025 will include:

• Mahabodhi Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the exact spot where Buddha meditated under the Bodhi Tree.

• Sacred Bodhi Tree – The direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

• Animesh Lochan Chaitya – Where Buddha spent a week in deep meditation, gazing at the Bodhi Tree.

• Sujata Stupa and Sujata Village – Honoring Sujata, who offered food to Buddha before his enlightenment.

• Visits to various international monasteries, including:

  • Thai Monastery

  • Tibetan Monastery

  • Japanese Nippon Temple

  • Bhutanese Monastery

  • Vietnamese and Chinese Monasteries
    Each monastery offers a glimpse into Buddhist traditions and architectural styles from around the world.

Enjoy some free time in the evening for meditation, photography, or interaction with fellow pilgrims.

Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Day 4: Bodhgaya-Rajgir- Nalanda-Patna (Approx. 200 km / 5-6 hours)

After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to Rajgir, a significant site on the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025. Rajgir was one of Lord Buddha’s favorite retreats and the site of many of his sermons.

At Rajgir, you will visit:

• Vulture’s Peak (Griddhakuta Hill) – Where Buddha delivered many important teachings.

• Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) – Reach via ropeway ride, offering panoramic views and a serene environment.

• Venuvan (Bamboo Grove) – The monastery gifted by King Bimbisara to Lord Buddha.

Next, drive to Nalanda, an ancient center of learning and one of the world’s oldest universities. Visit the Nalanda University ruins and Nalanda Museum to witness the legacy of Buddhist education and philosophy.

Later, continue your journey to Patna, the capital of Bihar. On arrival, check in to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Patna.

Day 5: Patna -Vaishali-Kushinagar (Approx. 225 km / 6 hours’ drive)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Kushinagar, an important site on the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025, where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final enlightenment).

En route, stop at Vaishali, a historically significant site in Buddhist tradition:

• Visit the Ashokan Pillar topped with a lion, marking Buddha’s last sermon.

• Explore the Relic Stupa, believed to enshrine Buddha’s relics.

• See the Buddha Stupa I & II and the site of the first Buddhist Council, held shortly after Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana.

• Visit the Ananda Stupa and Ksheer Kund, associated with the visit of Lord Buddha.

After the visit, continue your drive to Kushinagar. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax after the journey.

Overnight stay in Kushinagar.

Day 6: Kushinagar-Lumbini (Approx. 170 km / 5-6 hours, including border formalities)

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing in Kushinagar, a sacred place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final liberation). This site holds immense spiritual importance in the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025. Visit the following key sites:

• Mahaparinirvana Temple – Housing the famous reclining statue of Buddha.

• Ramabhar Stupa – The cremation site of Lord Buddha.

• Matha Kuar Shrine – Believed to be the site where Buddha gave his final sermon.

Later, drive to Lumbini, located across the border in Nepal-the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Complete immigration formalities at the Indo-Nepal border (we will assist you throughout the process).

On arrival in Lumbini, check in to your hotel. In the evening, you may visit nearby monasteries or take a peaceful walk around the Lumbini development zone.

Overnight stay in Lumbini.

Day 7: Lumbini Sightseeing -Sravasti (Approx. 250 km / 7-8 hours, including border crossing)

After an early breakfast, begin your Lumbini sightseeing tour, an essential part of the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and holds immense spiritual and historical value. Visit the following important sites:

• Maya Devi Temple – The exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama.

• Sacred Pushkarni Pond – Where Queen Maya is believed to have bathed before Buddha’s birth.

• Ashokan Pillar – Erected by Emperor Ashoka to mark Buddha’s birthplace.

• Monastic Zone – Explore beautifully built monasteries from countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, and Germany.

After sightseeing, depart for Sravasti, completing immigration formalities at the India-Nepal border with our assistance. Arrive in Sravasti by evening. Check in at your hotel and relax.

Overnight stay in Sravasti.

Day 8: Sravasti Sightseeing-Lucknow Departure (Approx. 180 km / 4-5 hours)

After breakfast, explore the sacred city of Sravasti, a key destination in the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025. Sravasti was one of the Buddha’s favorite places to reside during the rainy seasons and where he performed many miracles to win over non-believers.

Visit the following important sites:

• Jetavan Monastery – Donated by the wealthy disciple Anathapindika, this was one of the most active Buddhist monastic centers.

• Ananda Bodhi Tree – Planted by Buddha’s devoted disciple Ananda; a symbol of faith and spiritual continuity.

• Angulimala Stupa – Commemorates the transformation of the feared bandit Angulimala into a disciple of Buddha.

• Ruins of ancient monasteries and stupas, giving a glimpse into the region’s historical significance.

After sightseeing, drive to Lucknow Airport for your onward journey or flight back home, marking the end of your memorable and spiritually enriching Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025.

Transport Services and Tour Guides for Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025

We offer a wide range of transportation options for the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025, including economy, mid-range, and luxury cars and buses, depending on your group size and comfort preference. Travelers can choose between private tours or group travel. While private tours offer flexibility and personalized experiences, group tours are more cost-effective, especially for those creating their own group.

We work with a panel of experienced and government-approved tour guides who specialize in Buddhist sites across India and Nepal. Their deep knowledge enhances the spiritual and historical understanding of each destination.

While infrastructure is improving rapidly, some areas may still have limited dining. We consider these factors when planning your Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025.

Upon receiving your inquiry, our team will suggest the most suitable vehicle and itinerary tailored to your needs.

The best time to undertake the India Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025 is from September to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for travel.

Visa Information for Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025

All foreign travelers planning to join the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025 are required to have a valid visa for entry into India. For many nationalities, Visa on Arrival (e-Visa) is available. Travelers are advised to check their eligibility and apply online before their journey.

Since the itinerary includes Lumbini in Nepal, please note that some travelers may require a multiple-entry visa for India to re-enter after visiting Nepal. It is important to confirm visa requirements based on your nationality prior to travel.

For entry into Nepal, tourists can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at the India-Nepal border. Please carry:

• Valid passport

• Passport-size photographs

• Visa fee in cash (USD or local currency)

Our driver or tour representative will assist you with the border formalities to ensure a smooth process.

Hotels and Lodging for Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025

Accommodation options during the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025 vary depending on the location. In Varanasi, travelers can choose from a wide range of hotels—economy to luxury, including well-known Indian and international brands.

However, in destinations like Kushinagar and Sravasti, hotel availability is more limited. While there are mid-scale and budget hotels, no international chain hotels currently operate in these towns. During the peak season (October to March), most hotels are fully functional, but some close during the summer months due to low footfall.

Efforts are underway to expand infrastructure, with small hotel chains planning new properties along the Buddhist Circuit to meet growing demand.

Many hotels along the route cater to international pilgrims and offer Thai, Chinese, Korean, and vegetarian meals, especially in Bodhgaya and Lumbini.

We select accommodations based on your budget, comfort level, and dietary needs, ensuring a restful and culturally immersive stay.

How to Book Your Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025

Booking your Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 2025 is simple and hassle-free. Visit our website and fill contact form, our travel experts will do WhatsApp or email to discuss your preferred dates, group size, and itinerary customization. Once your requirements are confirmed, we’ll provide a detailed quote and payment options. Secure your booking with a deposit, and we’ll handle all arrangements, including accommodations, transport, and guided tours. Early booking is recommended, especially for peak seasons from October to March. For personalized packages or special requests, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way.