Embark on a pilgrimage and experience a rich spiritual tradition past & present of one of the world's great religions. From the lush green hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim, to Nepal, birthplace of the Buddha, from Bodhgaya and Sarnath "cradle of Buddhism", to the splendid art and architecture of north India, this is a special journey for the inner self.
ITINERARY Day 01 - Delhi:
Arrive in Delhi & check into hotel. Day 02 - Darjeeling:
Transfer for flight to Bagdogra. On arrival drive 3 hrs to Darjeeling. Time permitting take a leisurely walk along the town mall in view of the Himalayas. Day 03 - Darjeeling:
Visit Tiger Hill for early morning sunrise views. Later tour a Tibetan re-settlement community, the Botanical gardens and local monasteries including the Yiga-Choling Monastery built in 1850. Day 04 - Sikkim: Drive past lush tea estates and hill comm unities along the Tista river gorge to Gangtok, capital of Sikkim. Visit Enchey monastery built by the former rulers of Sikkim, and tour the Royal Durbar. Spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora & fauna and ancient Buddhist monasteries make this Himalayan enclave special. Day 05 - Sikkim :
Spend full day visiting Rumtek monastery, modeled after the Kargyupa monastery in Toling, Tibet. Later stop briefly at Tashi view point for views of the Himalayas. Day 06 - Kathmandu:
AM Drive across the Indo-Nepal border to Bhadrapur for flight to Kathmandu. Check into hotel on arrival. PM Visit Swayambunath an ancient Buddhist stupa overlooking Kathmandu valley. Day 07 - Kathmandu:
AM Take an early morning excursion to Pharping Gompa, a series of monastery complexes PM Visit Bodhnath Stupa on the outskirts of the city where evening prayer activities around the Stupa make it a memorable experience. Day 08 - Kathmandu:
Drive to the sacred monastery at Namo Baudha, a serene and contemplative place. Stop for lunch at the picturesque Dulikhel mountain resort. PM Take an excursion to Bhaktapur, Nepal's most perfectly preserved city in red brick and carved wood. Day 09 - Kathmandu:
AM Visit Patan and see the exquisite terracotta temple of the "Thousand Buddhas". Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Day 10 - Lumbini:
AM Fly to Bhairawa and check into hotel. PM Visit the Sacred Garden at Lumbini, Birthplace of Lord Buddha. Here amidst the woods are the ruins of the Maya Devi temple, an ancient pond, the Ashoka pillar that commemorates the visit and edict issued by Emperor Ashoka, and numerous viharas where sermons were preached by the disciples of the Buddha. Day 11 - Lumbini:
Visit Tilaurakot, the ancient ruins of the palace of King Suddhodhan, father of the Buddha. Lunch at the Sacred Garden. Day 12 - Sravasti :
From Lumbini proceed to Balrampur. Transfer to hotel. Drive to Sravasti, site of an ancient Buddhist monastery and other important religious sites. Day 13 - Kushinagar:
Drive to Kushinagar, site where Buddha attained "Mahaparinirvana", release from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth. Day 14 - Patna:
After breakfast drive to Patna. On arrival transfer to hotel. Day 15 - Bodhgaya:
Drive to Bodhgaya. Enroute visit Rajgir and the hot springs as well as other sites around the area. Day 16 - Varanasi:
Visit Bodhgaya, holiest of all Buddhist sites where the Buddha attained enlightenment. PM drive to Varanasi and check into hotel. Day 17 - Varanasi / Agra:
Take early morning boat ride to view pilgrims on the banks of the Ganges. PM Visit Sarnath where the Buddha preached his first sermon. Transfer to hotel or railway station for overnight train to Agra. Day 18 - Agra:
On arrival transfer from station to view the magnificent Tajmahal at sunrise. Later tour Agra Fort and its complex maze of courtyards and private chambers. Or Transfer to Varanasi airport for flight to Agra, upon arrival visit the Tajmahal. Check into Hotel. Day 19 - Agra / Delhi:
TAM Spend morning at leisure.
PM Drive or take the train to Delhi.
Transfer to hotel on arrival. Day 20 - Departure:
AM Spend morning sightseeing Old & New Delhi with stops at Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Raj Ghat.
PM Transfer at noon to airport in time for flight home. N.B. A 6 Day extension to Dharamshala is available.
RATES
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
2 Persons
3 or more
Air Fare
First Class
$2741
$2107
$1570 - $1620
Tourist
$2376
$2342
$1570 - $1620
HOTELS
In order to make the travel experience more convenient and confortable, we have selected the following hotels in the various stops.
Cities
Deluxe
First Class
Tourist
Delhi
N/A
N/A
Surya Crowne Plaza Center Point
Darjeeling
N/A
New Elgin
New Elgin
Kathmandu
Yak & Yeti
Shangrila
KTM Guest House
Lumbini
N/A
Nirvana
Nirvana
Sravasti/Balrampur
N/A
Hotel Pathik
Hotel Pathik
Kushinagar
N/A
Hotel Lotus
Hotel Lotus
Patna/Bodhgaya
N/A
Maurya Ashok
Maurya Ashok
Varanasi
N/A
N/A
Clarks
Cost includes Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast. All transfers between airport-hotel-airport. Sightseeing by English speaking guide.
Cost does not include Expenses of a private nature ie, laundry, drinks, telephone calls, meals (unless specified), insurance, airport taxes, excess baggage charges and all manner of gratuities.
If you wish us to make your hotel reservations in Kathmandu prior & post of your trip please find below our recommended list of hotels and their rates: 1. YAK & YETI $478.00, Single supplement $370.00
2. SHANGRI LA $346.00, Single supplement $248.00
3. NIRVANA GARDEN $148.00, Single supplement $67.00
4. KTM GUEST HOUSE $108.00, Single supplement $44.00
The above cost inlcudes 4 nights (2 nights prior and 2 nights after tour/trek) accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast. Room is standard in all hotel expcet at Nirvana Garden where it is in deluxe. Cost also includes arrival & departure airport transfer (escorted by our representive in Kathmandu). Cost does not include lunch and dinner, beverages, laundry, gratuities etc.
OPTIONAL TOURS
Based on minimum of two persons- Costs are per person.
Bhutan
4 nights/5 days
$1360
Darjeeling/Sikkim
4 nights/5 days
$995
Tibet
4 nights/5 days
$895
Mountain Flight
$135
NOTE: Airfares quoted are estimates only and are based on West Coast departures (Los Angeles or San Francisco). A High season surcharge of $200 will be charched for departure during the following months: June-July-August & December 1- January 15 Optional Tours airfares are not included.
