
Buddhist Pilgrimage Highlights
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Start in Varanasi and end in Bodhgaya over 6 days – a spiritual journey through India’s Buddhist and Hindu heartlands. You’ll drift along the Ganges at dawn and witness the Ganga Aarti, roam the old city and visit Kashi Vishwanath. Venture to Sarnath’s stupas and museum, then continue to Kushinagar’s Mahaparinirvana Temple and Rambhar Stupa. En route to Patna, pause at Kesariya Stupa and Vaishali. Explore Nalanda’s ancient university ruins and the hills of Rajgir. In Bodhgaya, take in the Mahabodhi Temple and Great Buddha Statue, with time for serene monasteries from Thai to Burmese – before departing from Gaya airport.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
6 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
VaranasiEnds
GayaMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$3,440.00
$1,821.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See

Varanasi

Varanasi Division

Kushinagar

Gorakhpur Division

Kesariya

Vaishali

Patna

Nalanda

Rajgir

Bodhgaya

Bodh Gaya
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Varanasi
Arrive in Varanasi. On arrival at the airport, your guide will meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Standard hotel check in is from 2 pm – early check in is subject to availability. This evening, we take a boat ride on the Ganges at sunset, passing the city’s ancient ghats and everyday riverside rituals. We then witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, observing the synchronised movements of the priests, the chants and the glow of the ceremonial lamps. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 - Varanasi
Before dawn we head out for an early morning boat ride on the Ganges, watching the ghats stir to life as the sun rises. We then return to the hotel to freshen up and have breakfast before setting off on a guided tour of Varanasi. We visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, then walk the old city’s narrow lanes and bustling markets to see traditional workshops and age‑old shrines. We continue to Bharat Mata Temple to view its marble map of India, and drive past Banaras Hindu University – one of Asia’s largest residential universities. In the afternoon we travel to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, to explore the Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum with its important sculptures and artefacts. We finish with a calm walk through Sarnath’s landscaped grounds before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 3 - Varanasi - Kushinagar
After breakfast, we check out and set off on the scenic 250 km drive to Kushinagar – around 5 hours. On arrival we check in and take time to freshen up before beginning our visit at the Mahaparinirvana Temple, where a serene reclining Buddha is associated with his passing into Parinirvana. We then continue to Rambhar Stupa, marking the cremation site, and explore other key landmarks including Mathakaut Temple and the Wat Thai Temple.The evening is at leisure – you can take a gentle stroll or relax at the hotel and reflect on the day. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Kushinagar - Kesariya - Vaishali - Patna
We depart Kushinagar for Patna – 260 kilometres, about five hours by road – with visits en route to two important sites. At Kesariya, we explore the Kesariya Stupa, an ancient Buddhist monument. We then continue to Vaishali to see its ruins and sacred places, linked to the Buddha’s final sermon and the birthplace of Mahavira. Arriving in Patna, the capital of Bihar, we check in to the hotel for the night. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 - Patna - Nalanda - Rajgir - Bodhgaya
We leave Patna for Bodhgaya via Nalanda and Rajgir – a journey of around 180 km/4 hours. At Nalanda, we explore the ancient university ruins, once a renowned centre of learning that drew scholars from across the world to study philosophy, mathematics and astronomy. We continue to Rajgir, set amid low hills and known for its hot springs, where Lord Buddha delivered many of his teachings; here we visit the remnants of the Cyclopean Wall and Jivaka’s Mango Grove. We then drive on to Bodhgaya and check you in to your hotel – the rest of the day is yours to unwind and reflect. Overnight at the hotel in Bodhgaya.
Day 6 - Bodhgaya - Gaya
We begin the day in Bodhgaya with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. We continue to the Great Buddha Statue for a quiet moment of reflection, then explore the Daijokyo Buddhist Temple with its Japanese design and gardens, and the Burmese Vihara Monastery noted for its intricate wood carvings and traditional artwork. We drive past the Thai Monastery – known for its sculptures and vibrant murals – and visit the Vietnamese Temple with its ornate pagoda and calm gardens. Later, we transfer you to Gaya airport for your onward flight.
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Tour Reviews
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Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.

Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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