Starting from Varanasi

Day 1: Varanasi - Arrival & City Orientation

• Check in at the hotel in Varanasi

• Evening: Witness the famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• Visit local markets and ghats

• Overnight stay in Varanasi

Day 2: Varanasi - Sarnath Day Excursion (30 km, 1 hour)

• Morning visit to Dhamek Stupa - 5th century monument

• Explore Chaukhandi Stupa - ancient Buddhist shrine

• Visit Sarnath Museum - learn about Buddha's First Sermon

• Explore ruins of ancient monasteries

• Return to Varanasi for overnight

Day 3: Varanasi - Kushinagar (230 km, 5 hours)

• Early morning departure from Varanasi

• Journey through scenic countryside

• Arrive in Kushinagar (place of Buddha's Parinirvana/Final Nirvana)

• Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple - marks Buddha's final resting place

• Explore Ramabhar Stupa - where Buddha's body was cremated

• Overnight stay in Kushinagar

Day 4: Kushinagar - Kapilavastu (100 km, 3 hours)

• Travel to Kapilavastu (Buddha's birthplace region)

• Visit Tilaurakot - ancient palace ruins

• Explore Piprahwa Stupa - connected to Buddha's early life

• Visit Buddha's Meditation Cave

• Learn about Buddha's childhood and royal upbringing

• Return to Kushinagar for overnight

Day 5: Kushinagar - Shravasti (150 km, 4 hours)

• Depart for Shravasti (Buddha spent 25 years here)

• Visit Jetavana Monastery - world's first university

• Explore Anand Bihar - ancient Buddhist shrine

• See ancient pilgrimage sites and archaeological remains

• Overnight stay in Shravasti

Day 6: Shravasti - Lumbini, Nepal (150 km, 4 hours)

• Cross into Nepal (approximately 150 km)

• Arrive in Lumbini (Buddha's actual birthplace)

• Visit Lumbini Temple - site of Buddha's birth

• Explore Sacred Garden - peaceful meditation space

• Visit Mayadevi Temple - dedicated to Buddha's mother

• See Ashoka Pillar - ancient monument

• Overnight stay in Lumbini

Day 7: Lumbini - Full Day Exploration

• Visit International Buddhist Monasteries (Tibetan, Japanese, Korean, Thai)

• Explore Lumbini Museum - Buddha's life and teachings

• Meditation and spiritual activities

• Visit Peace Bell and meditation gardens

• Optional: Join Buddhist prayer ceremonies

• Overnight stay in Lumbini

Day 8: Lumbini - Vaishali (200 km, 5 hours)

• Depart Lumbini for Vaishali

• Travel through Nepal-India border region

• Arrive in Vaishali (ancient city of Buddha's time)

• Visit Ashoka Pillar - 3rd century monument

• Explore ancient Vaishali Stupa and archaeological sites

• Learn about ancient Licchavi kingdom

• Overnight stay in Vaishali

Day 9: Vaishali - Nalanda & Rajgir (100 km, 2.5 hours)

• Travel to Nalanda (ancient Buddhist university)

• Explore Nalanda University ruins - UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Visit Nalanda Museum - ancient manuscripts and artifacts

• Travel to Rajgir

• Visit Gridhakuta Peak (Eagle Peak) - Buddha's preaching site

• Explore Vulture Peak and hot springs

• Overnight stay in Rajgir

Day 10: Rajgir - Bodhgaya (60 km, 2 hours)

• Travel to Bodhgaya (Buddha's enlightenment site)

• Visit Mahabodhi Temple - UNESCO World Heritage Site, architectural marvel

• Meditate under the sacred Bodhi Tree (2,500-year-old tree)

• Explore Buddhist temples and prayer halls

• Visit meditation centers and monasteries

• Overnight stay in Bodhgaya

Day 11: Bodhgaya Exploration

• Full day at Bodhgaya

• Participate in meditation sessions

• Visit Bodhi Tree at sunrise and sunset

• Explore nearby Buddhist monasteries

• Attend prayer ceremonies

• Optional: Yoga and wellness activities

• Overnight stay in Bodhgaya

Day 12: Bodhgaya - Varanasi Return

• Depart Bodhgaya in morning

• Travel back to Varanasi (400 km, 8-9 hours by road or 2 hours by flight)

• Arrive in Varanasi

• Evening relaxation and reflection

• Tour concludes