2027 Buddhist Pilgrimage

(Feb 2027, with Jack Connelly)

Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Kushinagar – Shravasti
Main Tour: (16 Days) | With Add On: (24 Days)

This trip is a unique opportunity to journey to sacred sites in India that are closely associated with the life of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. The beauty and chaos of India is celebrated and embraced, bringing one vibrantly alive, touching the heart of what it is to be human.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

Varanasi - Sacred city along river Ganga.
Bodhgaya - Where Buddha attained Enlightenment.
Sarnath - Where Buddha gave his first Sermon.
Gridhakuta - Where Buddha set in motion, the second Dharmachakra.
Nalanda - Ruins of Nalanda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vaishali - Where Buddha gave his last sermon.
Kushinagar - Where Buddha passed away.
Dharamshala (Add -On) - Home town of HH the 14th Dalai Lama.
Amritsar (Add On) - Home to Golden Temple.

FEATURES

Small Group (max of 20 people) – ensures a container of safety and care for your journey
Experienced local guides – fluent in English and Hindi
Exciting and safe travel – taking the “hassle” out of being in India so you can relax and soak up the experience
High Quality Amenities – top class accommodation, outstanding food, every effort made to accommodate dietary and personal needs
Unique Cultural Experience – Connections with local people open doors to remarkable experiences and encounters
Support and Understanding of what makes a pilgrimage not just an ordinary journey

TOUR OVERVIEW

From the stillness and mystique of an early morning boat ride along the Ganges in Varanasi, to Bodhgaya where the awakening of the Buddha is a joyous living force, the wisdom of these sacred places becomes an indelible imprint in each pilgrim’s heart and mind. Places of significance on this journey include Lumbini where the Buddha was born, Shravasti where he spent many years in retreat and gave many teachings, and Kushinigar where he passed away. The trip also visits excavated ruins of Nalanda University, once a rich resource of spiritual knowledge and fertile ground of higher learning.

The last week of the trip, will take you to Dharsmahala, home of His Holiness Dalai Lama & Tai Situ Rinpoche. You will also visit Golden Temple at Amritsar, the holiest shrine for the Sikhs all over the world.

ROUTEMAP

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PLACES ON THE MAIN TOUR

VARANASI: Sacred city along river Ganga.

Ghats along Ganga, Morning boat ride.

BODHGAYA – Where Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Mahabodhi Temple, Kalachakra Ground.

SARNATH – Where Buddha gave his first Sermon

Dhamekh Stupa, Deer Park, Museum.

GRIDHAKUTA – Where Buddha set in motion, the second Dharmachakra.

Gridhakuta (Vulture Peak)

NALANDA – Ruins of Nalanda Mahavira (university), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sariputta Stupa, Archaeological Museum.

SHRAVASTI – Where Buddha spent most of his life (24 monsoons).

Jetavana Garden, Shubuti Stupa, Angulimal Stupa.

VAISHALI – Where Buddha gave his last sermon.

Ashoka Pillar, Archaeological Museum, Budha Relic Stupa, Peace Pagoda.

KUSHINAGAR – Where Buddha passed away.

Mahaparinarivana Temple.

PLACES ON THE ADD ON

DHARAMSHALA – Home town of HH the 14th Dalai Lama.

Temple of Dalai Lama, Offices of Tibetan Government in Exile, Masrur Temple.

AMRITSAR – Home to Golden Temple.

Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh.

WHY GO ON PILGRIMAGE?

A pilgrimage is a conscious journey with your own feet, heart and mind, to sacred places that carry the power of all the spiritual seekers who have gone before, with the intention of awakening and deeply nourishing our own human potential, right here in this time on earth.

In the history of humanity, there have been remarkable yet ordinary human beings that have walked before us, questioning deeply, never giving up until they had discovered a deep, incontrovertible truth within themselves. The Buddha was one such being, and the reverberations of that one life are still resounding on our planet today. Journey to Himalayas Buddhist Pilgrimage is deeply inspired by his quest, with the wish that all beings discover the power of their one unique and precious life.

Mother India and the holy sites that we will visit carry a palpable charge. The truth and vibrancy of ancient teachings is totally alive in these places, and simply by being there it becomes part of you. Opening to their living wisdom, these places imprint themselves in your heart and mind, and you will be forever changed. Experiencing this with a travelling community (Sangha) is an immense support for the profound and personal inner journey each pilgrim makes.

– words of Chani Grieve (Facilitator, 2018 Buddhist Pilgrimage)

Jack Connelly

Many years ago, Jack travelled to India as a young man with the purpose of exploring this wide world. One day, while sitting on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi a Buddhist monk came by and
from his robe pulled out an orange which he offered to Jack. Over the next few days they met for tea and discussions and a new world of possibilities opened up for him. He spent the next five
years in Asia traveling, studying and practicing meditation with different teachers in retreat centres and monasteries in India, Burma, Sri Lanka and Thailand. There he was fortunate in
meeting many of the great Theravada Masters of the day, including Ajahn Tate, Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Buddhadasa and Mahasi Sayadaw, as well as Advaita Vedanta Masters Sri Nisargadata Maharaj and H.W.L. Poonjaji.

Since that time his study and exploration of Buddha-Dharma and meditation continued both in Canada and back in Asia. His principal teacher became the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche. He was also fortunate in receiving empowerments and teachings from H.H. the 17th Karmapa and H.H. Dilgo Khyentse, as well as direct one on one teachings from Urgyen Tulku Rinpoche.

Join Jack on this Pilgrimage as we follow in the footsteps of the Buddha to these ancient sacred places and discover the vibrancy and presence that are embedded in these sacred lands.

Welcome to India

PLEASE NOTE that this is a tentative itinerary. We do try to follow the original plan as close as possible. But the exact dates might differ depending on the road condition and other factors that can’t be controlled or predicted. The Pick-up and Drop-off date will not change. Please read TOS for details.

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DAY 0: NEW DELHI

Late Evening/Night Pick Up at International Airport New Delhi (DEL)

Please make sure that you reach New Delhi by the night of Day 0.

DAY 1-4: VARANASI
Sarnath, Dhamek Stupa, Ghats, Boat ride on river Ganga.

Sarnath, located near Varanasi, holds immense significance as the place where Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama before enlightenment) delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. This pivotal event, known as “setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion” (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta), also marked the formation of the first Sangha (Buddhist monastic community), laying the foundation of Buddhism.

Day 1: Sarnath

Morning flight from Delhi to Varanasi (1h 30m), followed by transit to Sarnath (30-60 min).

Day 2 & 3: Sarnath

Dhamek Stupa, Archaeological Museum

Day 4: Sarnath / Varanasi

Ghats, Boat ride on river Ganga.

DAY 5-9: BODHGAYA
Mahbodhi Temple, Nalanda, Gridhakuta

Bodhgaya is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, becoming the Buddha. It’s Buddhism’s most sacred pilgrimage site, featuring the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 5: Bodhgaya

Varanasi to Bodhgaya by road – 260 km, 5-6 hour drive.

Day 6 & 7: Bodhgaya

Visit Mahabodhi Temple & other local temples.

Day 8: Bodhgaya

Day trip to Rajgir & Nalanda. 160 km by road, 3-5 hour drive.

Day 9: Bodhgaya

Local Temples, Rest!

DAY 10-12: KUSHINAGAR
Vaishali, Mahaparinirvana Temple

Kushinagar marks the place where Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana) after his passing. It houses the Mahaparinirvana Temple with a reclining Buddha statue and the Ramabhar Stupa, believed to be the cremation site. Here in 483 BC, Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.

Day 10: Patna

Kushinagar to Patna by road, 120 km, 3 hour drive.

Day 11: Kushinagar

Patna to Kushinagar via Vaishali, 240 km, 5-6 hour by road.

Day 12: Kushinagar

Rambhar Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Temple.

DAY 13-14: SHRAVASTI
Jetavana Garden, Shubuti Stupa, Angulimal Stupa

Day 13: Shravasti

Kuhsinagar to Shravasti by road, 250 km, 5-6 hour drive.

Day 14: Shravasti

Jetavana Garden, Shubuti stupa, Angulimal stupa.

DAY 15-16: DELHI
PLEASE NOTE: The facilitator of this tour, Sarju, will follow the group to Chandigarh – Dharamshala on Day 15.

Day 15: Delhi

Shravasti to Lucknow by road, 170 km, 3-4 hours. LKO to DEL flight: 1.5 hours.
*Lunch & Dinner for the people signed up only for the main tour (flying to Delhi) will not be covered for this day in the cost of tour package.

Day 16: Delhi

Tour ends today

Au Revoir!!

Day 15-20: Dharamshala
Chandigarh, Dalai Lama temple, Norbulinka

Dharamshala, nestled in the Himalayas, is home to HH Dalai Lama, who has been living here since 1960. It’s a serene town known for its strong Tibetan culture, monasteries, and stunning mountain views. Here you will also have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the local mountain culture of the Gaddis, the shepherds that have been living here for nearly two millennia.

Day 15: Chandigarh

Shravasti to Lucknow by road, 170 km, 3-4 hours. LKO to IXC: 1.5 hr.

Day 16: Dharamshala

Chandigarh to Amb by Train: 170 km, 2.5 hr. Amb to Dharamshala by road: 90 km, 2.5 hr.

Day 17-20: Dharamshala

Dalai Lama Temple, Norbulinka, LTWA

Day 21-24: AMRITSAR & DELHI
Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Delhi.

Amritsar, a vibrant city, is home to the iconic Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest site. It’s also known for its rich history, delicious food, and the poignant Jallianwala Bagh memorial. You will have an option of visiting Golden Temple in the evening as well as in the morning of the following day.

Day 21: Amritsar

Dharmshala to Amritsar by road. 200 km, 4-5 hr.

Visit Golden Temple in the evening.

Day 22: Delhi

ATQ – DEL flight: 1.5 hr.

Day 23: Delhi.

Local Sightseeing.

Day 24: Delhi

Trip Ends Today.
The cost of the trip will cover your stay till the morning of Day 24.

Safe Travels & Thank You for giving “Journey to Himalayas” an opportunity to take you on this tour.

Main Tour: Jan 30, 2027 to Feb 15, 2027 (16 Days)

With Add On: Jan 30, 2027 to Feb 23, 2027 (24 Days)

Pick Up and Drop Off: New Delhi International Airport (DEL)

Please note that the cost of the package covers your stay from afternoon of Day 0 till the morning of Day 16 (Main Tour), or Day 24 (With Add-On).

COST

To register/book (confirm your spot) for this trip, you are requested to make a deposit of the booking amount for trip package.

Select Curency:
CAD
USD

Currency conversion based on live rates. Payment at check-out will be processed in CAD.

Main Tour: Jan 30, 2027 to Feb 15, 2027 (16 Days)	Booking Deposit	Full Amount
Twin Share (per person) (Two people sharing the same room. Separate beds if needed)	$ 1505 USD	$ 4517 USD
Single Occupancy (Each person has an individual room)	$ 1957 USD	$ 5872 USD

With ADD ON of Dharamshala & Amritsar: Jan 30, 2027 to Feb 23, 2027 (24 Days)	Booking Deposit	Full Amount
Twin Share (per person) (Two people sharing the same room. Separate beds if needed)	$ 2138 USD	$ 6414 USD
Single Occupancy (Each person has an individual room)	$ 2771 USD	$ 8312 USD

PLEASE NOTE: This will be a non-refundable deposit.

PRICE INCLUSIVE OF

All Accommodation/Lodging while in India
Cost of all meals, except where otherwise specified (Alcohol Exclusive)
Please check itinerary for details.
All Transportation costs within India (Air Travel, Trains & Cars/Taxi)
Entrance Fee and Guide Services for Museums and Monuments
Permits and other fees incurred while traveling in India
Cost of special events like Cooking Evening or a Culture Show

PRICE EXCLUSIVE OF

International flight to/from India
Visa Fees for India
Any extra days spent in India beyond the dates of the tour
Room Charges at hotels for snacks, drinks and laundry etc.
Any medical or other insurance coverage such as travel insurance
Excess Baggage Fees on flights within India
Tips and Gratuities to the local staff in India
Religious Offerings and Dana
Pay Pal (Transactional) charges, for people not able to deposit the money directly into the bank in Canada.

BOOKING & PAYMENT

To book your spot on this trip, please make the booking deposit, into the bank account of “Journey to Himalayas”. The full balance of your trip is due 90 days before the trip start.

CANCELLATION FEE

More than 15 weeks before the trip: 50% of your booking deposit is forfeited. Between 10 and 15 weeks before the trip: 100% of your booking deposit is forfeited. Within 10 weeks of the trip’s start: 100% of the total trip cost is forfeited (no refund). Please read TOS for details.

Journey to Himalayas

Buddhist Pilgrimage