Delhi to Kathmandu Buddhist pilgrimage tourDelhi to Kathmandu Buddhist pilgrimage tour

Delhi to Kathmandu Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 15 Days

  • Duration15 Days
  • Route Grade Comfort Travel
  • Trip Style Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
  • Starting City Delhi
  • Ending City Kathmandu
Price fromUS$1775US$1875
Group Price
  
2 - 4 paxUS$2175
5 - 7 paxUS$1975
8 - 12 paxUS$1775
13 - 20 paxUS$1725
21 - 30 paxUS$1675
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Delhi to Kathmandu Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 15 Days map

Trip Overview

The Delhi to Kathmandu Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour is a 15 day journey across the two nations most closely tied to the life of Gautama Buddha. The tour begins in Delhi and moves through the Buddhist heartland of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India, covering Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Kesaria, Varanasi, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Kapilavastu, before ending with a Himalayan chapter in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The tour concludes in Kathmandu with visits to Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and the meditation caves of the Pharping Valley.

This pilgrimage follows the four principal sites of Buddhism, the place of birth at Lumbini, the place of enlightenment at Bodhgaya, the place of the first sermon at Sarnath, and the place of Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar. It adds Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, and Kesaria, all places where Buddha lived, taught, or passed through during his final journey. This tour is designed specifically for international travelers coming to walk the Buddhist circuit for the first time.

Trip Detail

Information
Detail

Trip Code

BH309N

Starting Point / End Point

Delhi to Kathmandu

Route

Delhi → Bodhgaya → Rajgir → Nalanda → Kesaria → Varanasi → Sarnath → Kushinagar → Lumbini → Kapilavastu → Kathmandu

Accommodations

4 star hotels or equivalent throughout the itinerary, subject to availability

Max Altitude

Approximately 1,549 m at Pharping in the Kathmandu Valley

Duration

15 Days, 14 Nights

Country

India and Nepal

Trip Grade

Easy. The India sector covers long road distances across flat plains, and the Nepal sector includes gentle walking around temple and monastery grounds

Activities

Temple and stupa visits, monastery tours, a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges at Varanasi, an overland border crossing at Sonauli, and sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley

Season

Best undertaken between October and March, avoiding the summer heat of the Gangetic plains and the monsoon months of July and August

Transportation

Private vehicle throughout India, a domestic flight from Delhi to Gaya, an overland border crossing at Sonauli, and a domestic flight from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu

Meals

Breakfast and dinner included daily throughout the trip

Best For

Buddhist pilgrims, spiritual and cultural travelers, history and heritage travelers, and anyone wanting to walk the full Buddhist circuit across India and Nepal in one organized trip

Itinerary Overview

This 15 day, 14 night pilgrimage begins with a half day in Delhi before flying to Gaya for Bodhgaya, the place of Buddha's enlightenment. From Bodhgaya the route moves through Rajgir and Nalanda, then north to the Kesaria Stupa near Vaishali, before heading to Varanasi and Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon. The journey continues to Kushinagar, the place of Mahaparinirvana, then crosses the Nepal border at Sonauli to reach Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, and nearby Kapilavastu. A short flight from Bhairahawa brings the group to Kathmandu for two full days of sightseeing before departure.

Here is a quick look at how your 15 day pilgrimage unfolds.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Delhi and enjoy a half day Delhi city tour.

  • Day 2: Fly from Delhi to Gaya and continue to Bodhgaya and begin Bodhgaya sightseeing.

  • Day 3: Full day Bodhgaya sightseeing.

  • Day 4: Drive from Bodhgaya to Rajgir and visit Rajgir and Nalanda.

  • Day 5: Full day sightseeing in Rajgir and Nalanda.

  • Day 6: Drive from Rajgir to Kesaria via Vaishali and visit Kesaria Stupa.

  • Day 7: Drive from Kesaria to Varanasi.

  • Day 8: Varanasi sightseeing, including a Ganges boat ride and Sarnath.

  • Day 9: Drive from Varanasi to Kushinagar.

  • Day 10: Kushinagar sightseeing, then drive onward to Lumbini via the Sonauli border.

  • Day 11: Full day sightseeing in Lumbini and Kapilavastu.

  • Day 12: Transfer from Lumbini to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and fly to Kathmandu.

  • Day 13: Kathmandu sightseeing, including Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple.

  • Day 14: Kathmandu sightseeing, including Swayambhunath and the Pharping Valley.

  • Day 15: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport and fly back home.
     

Why You Will Love This Trip

  • Visit the Place of Buddha's Enlightenment: Bodh Gaya is the central spiritual destination of the journey. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex marks the place associated with the Buddha's enlightenment and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex includes the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Bodhi Tree. 

  • Stand Beneath the Bodhi Tree: At Bodhgaya, you will visit the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree growing beside it today. This tree grew from the original tree under which Buddha reached enlightenment, and the spot is one of the most sacred places in the Buddhist world. 

  • Explore Ancient Rajgir: Rajgir was an important city in ancient Magadha and is closely linked with the Buddha's life and teachings. The town sits about 15 km from Nalanda, making the two easy to visit together.

  • Discover Nalanda Mahavihara: Nalanda lets you walk through the remains of one of the world's most important ancient centres of Buddhist learning. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds ruins dating from around the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE and spreads across 23 hectares.

  • See the Historic Kesaria Stupa: Kesaria Stupa in East Champaran is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Bihar. Bihar Tourism records its present height at 104 feet, making it one of the tallest stupas in the world.

  • Experience Sarnath: Sarnath holds a special place in Buddhist history as the site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. The Dhamek Stupa is the main landmark here, standing about 43.6 metres high.

  • Visit Kushinagar: Kushinagar is a major pilgrimage site linked to the Buddha's final days and Mahaparinirvana. The Mahaparinirvana Temple and the Rambhar Stupa are the two main places to see.

  • Reach the Birthplace of Buddha: Lumbini is the UNESCO World Heritage birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. The sacred garden holds the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and ancient remains tied to the earliest Buddhist pilgrims.

  • Explore Ancient Kapilavastu: The Tilaurakot archaeological site sits about 27 km west of Lumbini. Archaeologists identify it as the ancient capital of Kapilavastu, the city where Prince Siddhartha spent his early life.

  • Experience Kathmandu's Buddhist Heritage: The Kathmandu Valley holds the great Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, along with the Hindu pilgrimage centre of Pashupatinath. These sites form part of the UNESCO listed Kathmandu Valley cultural heritage.

  • Visit the Sacred Caves of Pharping: Pharping lies about 18 km south of Kathmandu and is an important Buddhist pilgrimage area. It is linked to Padmasambhava and is home to sacred caves and several Buddhist monasteries.

  • Two Countries, One Sacred Journey: This trip carries you across India and Nepal without a break in the journey, from the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to the hills of the Kathmandu Valley. One booking covers the whole route, hotels, transfers, and border crossing included. 
     

Pilgrimage Sites and Activities

This tour is built around the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites of India and Nepal, not general sightseeing. The key stops include:

  • Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya

  • Buddhist sites of Rajgir

  • Nalanda Mahavihara archaeological remains

  • Kesaria Stupa

  • Sarnath and the Dhamek Stupa

  • Mahaparinirvana Temple and Rambhar Stupa, Kushinagar

  • Maya Devi Temple and the sacred garden, Lumbini

  • Tilaurakot, the Kapilavastu archaeological site

  • Boudhanath Stupa

  • Swayambhunath Stupa

  • Pashupatinath Temple area

  • Pharping Valley and its sacred Buddhist caves

Route and Activities Overview

This 15 day pilgrimage moves through nine towns across India and Nepal, staying mostly on the flat Gangetic plains, with the only real change in elevation coming at the end in the Kathmandu Valley and nearby Pharping.

Day
Location
Altitude
Activities
Travel Time

Day 1

Delhi

Approximately 216 m

Arrival and half day Delhi city tour

Airport transfer plus half day sightseeing

Day 2

Bodhgaya

Approximately 113 m

Flight to Gaya, transfer to Bodhgaya, Mahabodhi Temple visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes flight plus 30 minutes drive

Day 3

Bodhgaya

Approximately 113 m

Full day Bodhgaya sightseeing

Local sightseeing

Day 4

Rajgir

Approximately 76 m

Drive to Rajgir via Nalanda University

Approximately 3 hours drive with a stop at Nalanda

Day 5

Rajgir

Approximately 76 m

Full day Rajgir and Nalanda sightseeing

Local sightseeing

Day 6

Kesaria (overnight in Motihari)

Approximately 55 m

Drive via Vaishali to Kesaria Stupa

Approximately 5 to 6 hours drive

Day 7

Varanasi

Approximately 80 m

Drive from Motihari to Varanasi

Approximately 7 to 8 hours drive

Day 8

Varanasi and Sarnath

Approximately 80 m

Ganges boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath sightseeing

Sarnath is about 10 km, 20 to 30 minutes from Varanasi

Day 9

Kushinagar

Approximately 77 m

Drive from Varanasi to Kushinagar

Approximately 5 to 6 hours drive

Day 10

Lumbini

Approximately 150 m

Kushinagar sightseeing, Sonauli border crossing, drive to Lumbini

Approximately 4 to 5 hours including border formalities

Day 11

Lumbini and Kapilavastu

Approximately 150 m

Lumbini sightseeing and excursion to Tilaurakot

Tilaurakot is about 27 km, 45 minutes to 1 hour from Lumbini

Day 12

Kathmandu

Approximately 1,324 m

Flight from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu

Approximately 30 minutes flight

Day 13

Kathmandu

Approximately 1,324 m

Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple

Local sightseeing within Kathmandu Valley

Day 14

Kathmandu and Pharping

Approximately 1,549 m at Pharping

Swayambhunath and Pharping Valley caves

Pharping is about 19 km, 45 minutes from Kathmandu

Day 15

Kathmandu

Approximately 1,324 m

Departure

Airport transfer

Accommodation and Meals

You will stay in 4 star hotels throughout the journey in Delhi, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Kesaria, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Kathmandu. Breakfast and dinner are included daily at the hotel, so evenings are free to rest after long travel days without needing to search for a place to eat in unfamiliar towns. Lunch is not included, giving you the flexibility to try local restaurants along the route at midday.

Day
Location
Accommodation
Meals

Day 1

Delhi

4 star hotel in Delhi

Dinner 

Day 2

Bodhgaya

4 star hotel in Bodhgaya

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Bodhgaya

Same hotel as Day 2

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Rajgir

4 star hotel in Rajgir

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Rajgir

Same hotel as Day 4

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Kesaria

4 star hotel in Kesaria

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

Varanasi

4 star hotel in Varanasi

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8

Varanasi

Same hotel as Day 7

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9

Kushinagar

4 star hotel in Kushinagar

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10

Lumbini

4 star hotel in Lumbini

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11

Lumbini

Same hotel as Day 10

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12

Kathmandu

4 star hotel in Kathmandu

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13

Kathmandu

Same hotel as Day 12

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14

Kathmandu

Same hotel as Day 12

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15

Departure

N/A

Breakfast

Cost Includes

Cost and Inclusions

This tour includes accommodation, private transportation, domestic flights, guided sightseeing, and daily breakfast and dinner throughout the trip. Lunch is not part of the package, giving you the freedom to choose local restaurants and regional dishes along the route. The table below outlines everything included in your package, along with the items you will need to arrange separately.

Cost Includes
Cost Excludes

Private airport arrival and departure transfers in Delhi and Kathmandu

International airfare to Delhi and from Kathmandu

Domestic flight from Delhi to Gaya

India entry visa fee

Domestic flight from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu

Nepal entry visa fee

Private air conditioned vehicle for all road travel in India

Lunch throughout the trip

Sonauli border crossing assistance

Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage

Experienced English speaking guide throughout the pilgrimage

Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping, and phone calls

14 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels 

Tips for guides and drivers

Breakfast and dinner daily throughout the trip

Costs arising from flight delays, border closures, or itinerary changes beyond our control

All applicable government taxes and service charges

 
Itinerary

Welcome to India. On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check in and some rest, you will go out for a half day sightseeing tour of Delhi. The exact stops depend on your arrival time and Delhi traffic, but the tour usually covers India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan, and a visit to the Qutub Minar, a 73 meter minaret dating to the 12th century, and Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 1560s.

  • Route: Airport to hotel, half day Delhi city tour

  • Altitude: Approximately 216 m

  • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Delhi

  • Location: Delhi, India

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Highlights: Arrival in Delhi, hotel check in, half day Delhi sightseeing

    After breakfast, transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to Gaya. The flight takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on the schedule. Gaya Airport is close to Bodh Gaya, so you reach your hotel quickly after landing. In the afternoon, visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and spend time near the sacred Bodhi Tree, the spot traditionally linked to Buddha's enlightenment.

    • Route: Delhi to Gaya by flight, Gaya to Bodhgaya by road

    • Altitude: Approximately 113 m

    • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Bodhgaya

    • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

    • Highlights: Flight to Gaya, Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree

      Spend the full day exploring Bodhgaya's sacred sites. Visit the Animesh Lochan Chaitya, where Buddha is said to have gazed at the Bodhi Tree without blinking for a week, the Ratnagar Chankramana walking path, and Muchalinda Lake. Continue to the Great Buddha Statue, an 80 foot seated Buddha built in 1989, and walk through the monastery quarter, where Thailand, Bhutan, Tibet, Japan, and China have each built monasteries in their own national style. In the afternoon, cross the Niranjana River to Sujata village, associated with Sujata's offering of rice milk to Buddha before his enlightenment, and visit the Dungeshwari Cave Temple, also known as the Mahakala Caves, about 12 km from Bodhgaya, where Buddha practiced years of austerity before reaching the Bodhi Tree.

      • Route: Full day sightseeing within Bodhgaya and Sujata village

      • Altitude: Approximately 113 m

      • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Bodhgaya

      • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

      • Highlights: Great Buddha Statue, international monasteries, Sujata village, Dungeshwari Cave Temple

        After breakfast, drive from Bodh Gaya to Rajgir, a distance of about 77 km. Rajgir is closely tied to Buddha's life and to the ancient kingdom of Magadha. From Rajgir, continue about 15 km to Nalanda, and explore the archaeological remains of Nalanda Mahavihara. This UNESCO site holds ruins from around the 3rd century BCE through the 13th century CE, spread across 23 hectares. Return to Rajgir for the night.

        • Route: Bodh Gaya to Rajgir, then Rajgir to Nalanda and back 

        • Altitude: Approximately 76 m

        • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Rajgir

        • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

        • Highlights: Rajgir Buddhist sites, Nalanda Mahavihara ruins, Nalanda Archaeological Museum

          After breakfast, continue exploring Rajgir and Nalanda at a relaxed pace. In Rajgir, this includes Griddhakuta Hill, known as Vulture's Peak, where Buddha gave several important sermons, the Venuvana bamboo grove gifted to him by King Bimbisara, and the Saptaparni Cave, where the first Buddhist council was held after Buddha's death. Spend more time at Nalanda if needed, taking in how Buddhist monastic life, education, and architecture grew here over many centuries.

          • Route: Rajgir and Nalanda local sightseeing

          • Altitude: Approximately 76 m, with the Vishwa Shanti Stupa near the hilltop

          • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Rajgir

          • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

          • Highlights: Griddhakuta Hill, Venuvana, Saptaparni Cave, Vishwa Shanti Stupa

            After breakfast, drive from Rajgir toward Patna, about 110 km, then continue to Vaishali, about 55 km further. Vaishali was the capital of the Licchavi republic and a place Buddha visited many times, including for his final sermon. Visit the Ashoka Pillar, the Relic Stupa, and the Vaishali Archaeological Museum. Continue about 40 km to Kesaria, home to the Kesaria Stupa, which stands approximately 32 meters high with a base circumference of around 400 feet, making it one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. According to tradition, the site marks the spot where Buddha handed his alms bowl to the people of Vaishali during his final journey to Kushinagar.

            • Route: Rajgir to Patna to Vaishali to Kesaria by road

            • Altitude: Approximately 55 m

            • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in kesaria

            • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

            • Highlights: Ashoka Pillar and Relic Stupa at Vaishali, the Kesaria Stupa

              After breakfast, leave Motihari and drive to Varanasi, one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities and your base for visiting Sarnath. This is a long day on the road, so most of the day is spent driving. After you check in and rest, if time and energy allow, you can head to Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening to see the Ganga Aarti, a nightly ritual of lamps, chanting, and music performed on the riverbank.

              • Route: Kesaria to Varanasi by road

              • Altitude: Approximately 80 m

              • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Varanasi

              • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

              • Highlights: Long scenic drive across the Gangetic plains, evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

                Rise early for a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise, passing the ghats as the city wakes up along the riverbank. After breakfast, drive about 10 km to Sarnath, one of the most important places in Buddhist history because it is traditionally identified as the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, a large cylindrical monument standing about 43.6 metres high and 28 metres wide, and the Chaukhandi Stupa nearby. Return to Varanasi afterward.

                • Route: Ganges boat ride, Varanasi sightseeing, Varanasi to Sarnath and back

                • Altitude: Approximately 80 m

                • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Varanasi

                • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

                • Highlights: Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath, Sarnath Archaeological Museum

                  After breakfast, drive from Varanasi to Kushinagar, a journey of approximately 5 to 6 hours covering around 270 km, generally routed via Gorakhpur. On arrival, visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, home to a 6.1 meter reclining Buddha statue marking the place where Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana. 

                  • Route: Varanasi to Kushinagar by road

                  • Altitude: Approximately 77 m

                  • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Kushinagar

                  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

                  • Highlights: Long drive through eastern Uttar Pradesh, Mahaparinirvana Temple and its reclining Buddha statue

                    After breakfast, complete your Kushinagar sightseeing with a visit to the Ramabhar Stupa, believed to mark the site of Buddha's cremation, the Mathakuar Shrine, and the Wat Thai Temple. Afterward, drive toward the Sonauli border, the main crossing point between India and Nepal, and complete immigration formalities on both sides. Continue to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, located in Nepal's Rupandehi district. The full distance from Kushinagar to Lumbini is approximately 180 km, taking around 4 to 5 hours including the border crossing.

                    • Route: Kushinagar sightseeing, Kushinagar to Sonauli border to Lumbini by road

                    • Altitude: Approximately 150 m

                    • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Lumbini

                    • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

                    • Highlights: Ramabhar Stupa, overland border crossing at Sonauli, arrival in Lumbini

                      Spend the morning exploring the Lumbini Sacred Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact spot of Buddha's birth in 623 BCE according to tradition, the Ashoka Pillar erected around 249 BCE by Emperor Ashoka, and the sacred Puskarni pond. Walk through the monastic zone, where countries including Myanmar, Thailand, China, and Korea have built monasteries reflecting their own traditions of Buddhist architecture. In the afternoon, drive about 27 km to Tilaurakot, believed to be the site of ancient Kapilavastu, the city where Prince Siddhartha spent the first 29 years of his life before renouncing his royal life. Visit the excavated palace remains and the nearby Kapilavastu Museum.

                      • Route: Lumbini sightseeing, excursion to Tilaurakot and back

                      • Altitude: Approximately 150 m

                      • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Lumbini

                      • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

                      • Highlights: Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, international monastic zone, Tilaurakot archaeological site

                        After breakfast, transfer about 22 km to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. From there, take your flight to Kathmandu, which takes about 30 minutes. After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day resting or exploring nearby, depending on your arrival time.

                        • Route: Bhairahawa to Kathmandu by flight

                        • Altitude: Approximately 1,324 m

                        • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Kathmandu

                        • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

                        • Highlights: Airport transfer, domestic flight, arrival in Kathmandu

                          After breakfast, begin your Kathmandu Valley pilgrimage. Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Nepal and part of the UNESCO recognized Kathmandu Valley heritage. Continue to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Shiva shrines in the world, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, and explore the surrounding temple complex and meditation caves used by sadhus and ascetics.

                          • Route: Kathmandu sightseeing, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath

                          • Altitude: Approximately 1,324 m

                          • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Kathmandu

                          • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

                          • Highlights: Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath area

                            After breakfast, visit Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, an ancient hilltop stupa overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, believed to be over 1,500 years old. In the afternoon, drive about 19 km to the Pharping Valley, an important center for Tibetan Buddhist practice. Visit the Asura Cave, associated with Guru Rinpoche's meditation practice, and the nearby monasteries that make Pharping a living center of Vajrayana Buddhism today.

                            • Route: Kathmandu sightseeing, excursion to Pharping Valley

                            • Altitude: Approximately 1,549 m at Pharping

                            • Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Kathmandu

                            • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

                            • Highlights: Swayambhunath Stupa, Asura Cave and the monasteries of Pharping

                              After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your international flight. Your 15 day Delhi to Kathmandu Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour comes to an end with your departure from Nepal.

                              • Route: Hotel in Kathmandu to Tribhuvan International Airport

                              • Altitude: Approximately 1,324 m

                              • Meals: Breakfast 

                              • Highlights: Airport transfer and departure from Nepal

                                Trip Information

                                Know Before You Book

                                • India Visa Requirements: Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter India. The e-Tourist Visa can be applied for online through the official government portal at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in , administered by India's Ministry of Home Affairs. Applications can be submitted between 15 and 60 days before arrival, with a minimum of 4 days' notice required. For this 15 day pilgrimage, the 30-day e-Visa is sufficient, priced at USD 10 in the April to June low season or USD 25 from July to March, though exact fees vary by nationality, so travelers should confirm their rate on the official portal. Only this government site should be used, several unauthorized third-party sites charge extra fees for the same process.

                                • Nepal Visa Requirements: Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival, either at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at land border points such as Belahiya on the Nepal side of the Sonauli crossing, which is the entry point used on this itinerary. Travelers can also apply in advance online through the Department of Immigration's portal at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np. A 15-day multiple-entry visa costs USD 30, which covers this itinerary's roughly 3 to 4 days in Nepal, though a 30-day visa at USD 50 gives a buffer against any schedule changes. Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Nepal and can cross with just a valid passport or an approved photo ID. 

                                • Border Crossing: This itinerary includes the Sonauli border crossing between Uttar Pradesh, India, and Bhairahawa, Nepal. Both Indian exit formalities and Nepal entry formalities must be completed at this crossing.

                                • Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into India, with sufficient blank pages for visa stamps.

                                • Domestic Flights: This itinerary includes two domestic flights, Delhi to Gaya within India and Bhairahawa to Kathmandu within Nepal. Both routes are operated by scheduled domestic carriers, though schedules and operating airlines can change.

                                • Pace of the Trip: The India sector of this pilgrimage covers long road distances across the Gangetic plains, with some driving days exceeding 5 hours. The Nepal sector is more relaxed, with shorter distances between sites.

                                • Currency and Payment: Indian rupees are used throughout the India sector, and Nepali rupees in Nepal. Major currencies such as USD and EUR can usually be exchanged in Delhi, Varanasi, and Kathmandu.
                                   

                                Accommodations, Meals, and Transportation

                                • Accommodation: You will stay in 4 star hotels throughout the trip in Delhi, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Motihari, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Kathmandu.

                                • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner are included daily at the hotel throughout the itinerary. Lunch is not included, allowing flexibility to sample regional food along the route.

                                • Guide Support: An experienced English speaking guide accompanies you throughout the pilgrimage, coordinating sightseeing, border formalities, and daily logistics.

                                • Transportation: A private air conditioned vehicle is used for all road travel within India. The Sonauli border is crossed on foot or by short vehicle transfer, and two domestic flights connect Delhi to Gaya and Bhairahawa to Kathmandu.
                                   

                                Health and Safety

                                • General Health: This is a low altitude pilgrimage for most of its duration, with the exception of the Kathmandu Valley and Pharping, both under 2,000 m. No special altitude precautions are required, though long travel days can be tiring.

                                • Healthcare Facilities: Medical facilities are more limited in smaller towns such as Kesaria, Motihari, and Kushinagar than in larger cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Kathmandu. Carrying basic personal medication is recommended.

                                • Food and Water: Drink bottled or properly treated water throughout the trip, and take care with roadside food, particularly in smaller towns along the route.

                                • Temple Etiquette: Modest dress is expected at all temples, stupas, and monasteries. Footwear must be removed before entering most temple areas, and photography is restricted at some sacred sites.
                                   

                                Packing Checklist

                                • Clothing: Light, breathable clothing for the warm plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with a light jacket for cooler mornings in Kathmandu and Pharping. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended for temple visits.

                                • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes that are easy to remove, since footwear is not permitted inside most temples and stupas.

                                • Personal Items: Sun protection, a reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, a small daypack, and any personal medications.

                                • Travel Documents: Keep your passport, visas, and travel documents easily accessible, particularly for the Sonauli border crossing.
                                   

                                Important Notices

                                • Long Driving Days: Several days on this itinerary involve 5 or more hours of road travel. Travelers should be comfortable with extended time in a vehicle.

                                • Border Timing: The Sonauli border crossing can occasionally involve waiting time depending on traffic and administrative processing. Your guide will manage the formalities on your behalf.

                                • Flight Dependency: Both domestic flights on this itinerary, Delhi to Gaya and Bhairahawa to Kathmandu, are subject to standard airline schedules and can occasionally be affected by weather or operational changes.

                                • Responsible Travel: Please respect local customs at all religious sites, dress modestly, ask permission before photographing monks or pilgrims, and remain quiet and respectful during prayers and rituals.

                                Trip Preparations

                                • What is the Delhi to Kathmandu Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour?

                                  It is a 15 day journey covering the major sites associated with the life of Buddha across India and Nepal, including Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Kesaria, Varanasi, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Kapilavastu, concluding with sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley.

                                • Yes. Most travelers need an Indian visa, which can be applied for online through the e-Visa system, and a Nepal visa, which is available on arrival for most nationalities or can be applied for online in advance.

                                • The trip does not involve trekking or high altitude, but it does involve long driving days across the Indian plains. Travelers should be comfortable with several hours in a vehicle on some days.

                                • The crossing is straightforward with a guide managing the paperwork, though processing times can vary depending on traffic at the border.

                                • The trip uses 4 star hotels throughout, in Delhi, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Motihari, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Kathmandu.

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