Day 01: Arrival Varanasi – Sarnath

Distance: Varanasi to Sarnath approx. 12 km
Travel Time: 30 – 40 minutes

Arrival at Varanasi Airport/Railway Station and transfer to hotel. Later visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Key sites include Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and peaceful monastery surroundings.
Overnight Stay: Varanasi

Day 02: Sarnath – Bodh Gaya

Distance: Approx. 250 km
Travel Time: 6 – 7 hours

Morning revisit of Sarnath for meditation or prayer. Later drive to Bodh Gaya, one of the most sacred Buddhist destinations. Evening free for rest and spiritual reflection.
Overnight Stay: Bodh Gaya

Day 03: Bodh Gaya Sightseeing

Distance: Local sightseeing
Travel Time: Flexible

Visit Mahabodhi Temple, the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Explore Great Buddha Statue, monasteries built by Buddhist countries, and meditation areas creating a serene spiritual atmosphere.
Overnight Stay: Bodh Gaya

Day 04: Bodh Gaya – Rajgir

Distance: Approx. 70 km
Travel Time: 2 – 2.5 hours

Drive to Rajgir, a significant place where Buddha delivered important sermons. Visit Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak) and Venuvana Monastery, known for meditation and deep spiritual importance.
Overnight Stay: Rajgir

Day 05: Rajgir – Nalanda – Vaishali – Kushinagar

Distance: Approx. 300 km
Travel Time: 7 – 8 hours

Drive to Kushinagar en route visiting Nalanda, the ancient Buddhist university and center of learning, followed by Vaishali, where Lord Buddha gave his last sermon and the Second Buddhist Council was held. Continue onward to Kushinagar.
Overnight Stay: Kushinagar

Day 06: Kushinagar – Shravasti

Distance: Approx. 200 km
Travel Time: 5 – 6 hours

Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple, where Lord Buddha attained final nirvana, and Ramabhar Stupa, the cremation site. Later drive to Shravasti, one of Buddha’s most favored monastic locations.
Overnight Stay: Shravasti

Day 07: Shravasti – Lumbini

Distance: Approx. 170 km
Travel Time: 5 – 6 hours (including border formalities)

Visit Jetavana Monastery, where Buddha spent many rainy seasons and delivered important teachings. Later drive to Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Overnight Stay: Lumbini

Day 08: Lumbini Sightseeing

Distance: Local sightseeing
Travel Time: Flexible

Visit Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact birthplace of Lord Buddha. Explore the Sacred Garden, Ashoka Pillar, and international monasteries built by Buddhist nations, offering peaceful spiritual surroundings.
Overnight Stay: Lumbini

Day 09: Lumbini – Varanasi

Distance: Approx. 280 km
Travel Time: 7 – 8 hours

Drive back to Varanasi through scenic countryside. On arrival, check in to hotel and rest. Evening free for leisure or optional spiritual activities.
Overnight Stay: Varanasi

Day 10: Departure Varanasi

Distance: As per departure point
Travel Time: As per schedule

After breakfast, transfer to Varanasi Airport/Railway Station for onward journey with sacred memories of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.

DOs (Guidelines for Guests)

·       Dress modestly while visiting temples and monasteries (covered shoulders and knees).

·       Remove footwear before entering prayer halls, stupas, and sacred areas.

·       Maintain silence and decorum at holy sites, especially during prayers and meditation.

·       Seek permission before photography, particularly inside monasteries or of monks.

·       Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels as per Buddhist tradition.

·       Respect local customs and rituals followed at each pilgrimage site.

·       Carry valid travel documents (passport, visa) for India–Nepal border crossing.

·       Stay hydrated and follow guide instructions during long road journeys.

·       Show patience and flexibility, as pilgrimage routes may involve traffic or local processions.

DON’Ts (Important Restrictions)

·       Do not touch idols, relics, or prayer objects unless permitted.

·       Do not wear revealing or inappropriate clothing at religious places.

·       Do not point feet toward Buddha statues or monks while sitting.

·       Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or eat non-vegetarian food inside temple premises.

·       Do not disturb monks or worshippers during meditation or chanting.

·       Do not litter at sacred or historical sites.

·       Do not argue with local authorities or temple staff.

·       Do not click selfies or videos in restricted or sensitive areas.

·       Do not disrespect religious sentiments through loud behavior or gestures.