Retracing the Footsteps of Buddha – 13 Days

Upon arriving at Kathmandu international airport a representative from Female Guide Kathmandu will greet you and assist you towards your accommodation. After a brief rest head out to explore Thamel, a touristic hub of Kathmandu. In the evening join in for a brief orientation regarding the tour.

After breakfast move out to explore the wonders of the valley. Visit various UNESCO World Heritage Sites around. First head towards Swayambhunath Stupa popular known as Monkey Temple. Set on a hill on the western side of the valley the Stupa is dotted with several temples and ancient landmarks. Also, witness panoramic views of the valley and the rows of snowcapped mountain peaks to the north. Next head towards Bouddhanath Stupa. Bouddhanath nestled on the ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The massive stupa is the largest in the country and regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for people following Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa complex was established in the 5th century AD and built upon the relics of Kashyap Buddha. This massive stupa is regarded as a powerful meditation tool Mandala. Then explore the Pashupatinath temple. Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu temple in the country. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and regarded as the head of the deity. The temple complex nestles at the bank of the holy Bagmati River surrounded by several ancient temples and various important landmarks. The Pashupatinath Temple is also known as the protector of the country.

Today you will be heading towards Lumbini. The 205- kilometer drive takes you from the central hills of the country to the southern flatlands taking around 8 – 10 hours. Upon reaching Lumbini rest at your accommodation and later head out to explore the local market and learn about the lifestyle of the people.

Today you will be exploring the wonders of Lumbini. After breakfast head towards the Lumbini Complex an area filled with immense archaeological and religious importance. Here visit the ancient Maya Devi temple, where Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam. Stroll through ruins of ancient monasteries, sacred Bodhi Tree, an ancient bathing pond, and the Ashok Pillar the oldest inscription of Nepal. Also, explore various monasteries build by several countries. After exploring Lumbini head on a short drive towards Tilaurakot in Kapilavastu. Here discover the ruins on the banks of the Banganga River. Also, visit museums around the region and get insight into the culture, practices, and traditions of the people. After exploring around Kapilavastu head back towards your accommodation.

After breakfast head on a short drive towards Kushinagar. Kushinagar is one of the four main pilgrimage sites in Buddha's life. Here Lord Buddha took his last breath. Here visit various stupas and temples including Ramabhar Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Temple, and Mathakuar Temple. Ramabhar Stupa is where the body is Buddha is believed to be cremated. Here witness monks and pilgrims chanting text and practicing rituals. Mahaparinirvana temple houses a 5th centuary statue of reclining Buddha, which was unearthed in 1876. Mathaukar Temple marks the spot where Buddha made his final sermon and now houses a 3- meter-tall blue-stone Buddha statue. Also explore several museums, Tibetan temples, and Japan-Sri Lanka Buddhist meditation centers head towards your accommodation at Kushinagar.

As there is no flight from Kushinagar to Patna you will taking the Express train. A private transportation from Kushinagar to Deoria and you will be traveling by Vaishali Express train. Upon reaching Sonepur, a private transportation will drop you at Patna. Upon reaching Patna head towards your accommodation and rest.

After breakfast head towards Bodhgaya. Around 2- hour drive you will reach Bodhgaya. Upon reaching Bodhgaya head towards your accommodation and relax. Later head out to explore the bustling markets of the region and stroll the streets.

Today you will be unfolding the secrets of Bodhgaya. It is here that Prince Gautam attend enlightenment beneath a Bodhi tree and became Buddha. Explore the ancient ruins and learn about the myth, legends, and history of the region. Also, visit the 50 meters pyramidal spire and 2 meters statue of seated Buddha. Next, explore the towering 80-foot statue of Lord Buddha, archaeological museums, monasteries, and temples constructed by foreign Buddhist communities.

Today you will be exploring the ruins of the ancient Buddhist center in Nalanda. A drive of around 2 hours and you will reach Nalanda. Here visit the Buddhist University of Nalanda, one of the most prestigious centers of learning in Asia. Around 10,000 monks lived here studying theology, astronomy, metaphysics, medicine, and philosophy. The red-brick ruins consist of nine monasteries and four main temples. Explore the region, learn about its rich history, culture, and traditions. Also, unfold various secrets and mysteries. After exploring the region head back towards your accommodation in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast head on a 5-hour drive to Varanasi, the city of temples. Varanasi is a symbol of the Hindu renaissance and preserved the rituals and tradition of Hindu philosophy. Upon reaching Varanasi head towards your accommodation. Later head out to stroll around the ancient and colorful city.

Today you will be exploring another ancient city of Sarnath. The drive takes you on a 10 km ride. Sarnath is set in a peaceful park surrounded by monastery ruins. Also, explore a 3rd century BC Ashoka Pillar, and, the ruins of Chaukhandi Stupa which marks the spot where Buddha met his first disciple. Next head towards the deer park and archeological museum. After the tour is completed head back towards Varanasi.

After breakfast head towards the Varanasi airport and catch a flight to Delhi. Upon arriving in Delhi head towards your accommodation and later move out to explore the capital city of India. Stroll the bustling markets and streets of Delhi. You may also explore other touristic sites around the region.

Today a representative from Female Guide Kathmandu will drop you at the Delhi airport. Bid farewell to your guide and the new friends you made throughout the journey.