Buddhist Circuit Tour Packages
8 to 10 nights. Best october to march.
Post Your Travel RequirementRegion
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal
Suggested stay
8 to 10 nights
Best time
October to March
Type
Pilgrimage
Buddhist Circuit Tour Packages: how this trip works
The Buddhist circuit follows the Buddha's life through eastern India and southern Nepal: birth at Lumbini, enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the first sermon at Sarnath and the final nirvana at Kushinagar. It is a pilgrimage and a heritage trip in one.
Roads are slow in places, so the plan is shaped by how you travel between sites.
The yatra at a glance
| Stop | Suggested nights | Why it is on the route |
|---|---|---|
| Sarnath and Varanasi | 2 | The first sermon site and a deer park. |
| Bodh Gaya | 2 | The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO site. |
| Rajgir and Nalanda | 1 | Hills where the Buddha taught, and the ruins of an ancient university. |
| Kushinagar | 1 | The nirvana site. |
| Lumbini (Nepal) | 1 to 2 | The birthplace. |
Total: 8 to 10 nights. Adjust the split to your dates and pace.
Distances, access and darshan notes
Varanasi to Bodh Gaya
A long road or rail journey; Gaya has an airport and railway station.
Bodh Gaya to Rajgir
About 80 km.
Kushinagar to Lumbini
Across the border; Sonauli is the usual crossing.
Schedules, rules and fees change. Treat this as a planning guide and confirm current details with your agent.
When to go
October to March is best. Summer is very hot in Bihar. Buddha Purnima in May is a special time to visit.
Who this trip suits
- Buddhist pilgrims and meditation students
- Heritage and history lovers
- Travellers from Southeast Asia and India
What to ask travel agents
- Is Lumbini included and how is the border crossing handled?
- Which hotels in Bodh Gaya?
- Is a guide with Buddhist knowledge included?
What affects the price
- Vehicle days
- Hotel category
- Including Nepal
We do not publish a fixed price. Ask for itemised quotes so you can compare transport, hotels and inclusions separately.
Planning Buddhist Circuit?
Post your travel requirement on QuoteMyTrip and receive multiple tour plans and quotes from travel agents.
- Free for travellers
- Multiple tour plans and quotes
- Compare before you decide
- No obligation to book
Practical tips
- Dress modestly
- Carry ID for Nepal
- Check opening days of museums
- Visit early to avoid heat
Frequently asked questions
How many days?
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Eight to ten nights.
Do I need a visa for Lumbini?
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Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal; carry accepted ID.
Best time?
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October to March.
How do I compare quotes for this trip?
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Post your dates, group and budget on QuoteMyTrip. Travel agents can respond with plans for this route, and you can compare them side by side.
Related pages
Related articles
Planning Buddhist Circuit?
Post your travel requirement on QuoteMyTrip and receive multiple tour plans and quotes from travel agents.
- Free for travellers
- Multiple tour plans and quotes
- Compare before you decide
- No obligation to book