Main Tour: (16 Days) | With Add On: (23 Days)
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Overview -
Why Pilgrimage? -
Itinerary -
Dates & Cost -
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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 optional 7-day add-on to your trip (before the main tour) will take you to two of northern India’s most significant spiritual sites. You’ll first travel to Dharamshala, a major center for Tibetan Buddhism and the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tai Situ Rinpoche. Following that, you will visit Amritsar’s Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib), the holiest shrine in the world for Sikhs.
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)
- Varanasi
- Bodhgaya
- Vaishali
- Kushinagar
- Shravasti
- (16 DAYS)
- With ADD-ON: Dharamshala & AMritsar
- (23 Days)
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.
- Add On (before the main tour): Dharamshala & Amritsar
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 1-5: DharamshalaDalai 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 1: Dharamshala
DEL-DHM flight: 1.5 hr.
Day 2-5: Dharamshala
Dalai Lama Temple, Norbulinka, LTWA
Day 6-7: 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 6: Amritsar
Dharmshala to Amritsar by road. 200 km, 4-5 hr.
Visit Golden Temple in the evening.
Day 7: Delhi
ATQ – DEL flight: 1.5 hr.
PLEASE NOTE: Day 7 of the Add-On will be same as the day 0 of the Main Tour.
- MAIN TOUR: Buddhist Pilgrimage
DAY 7: DELHI
Late Evening/Night Pick Up at International Airport New Delhi (DEL)
Please make sure you reach Delhi by the evening/night of Day 7.
DAY 8-11: 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 8: Sarnath
Morning flight from Delhi to Varanasi (1h 30m), followed by transit to Sarnath (30-60 min).
Day 9 & 10: Sarnath
Dhamek Stupa, Archaeological Museum
Day 11: Sarnath / Varanasi
Ghats, Boat ride on river Ganga.
DAY 12-15: BODHGAYAMahbodhi 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 12: Bodhgaya
Varanasi to Bodhgaya by road – 260 km, 5-6 hour drive.
Day 13: Bodhgaya
Visit Mahabodhi Temple & other local temples.
Day 14: Bodhgaya
Day trip to Rajgir & Nalanda. 160 km by road, 3-5 hour drive.
Day 15: Bodhgaya
Local Temples, Rest!
DAY 16-18: KUSHINAGARVaishali, 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 16: Patna
Kushinagar to Patna by road, 120 km, 3 hour drive.
Day 17: Kushinagar
Patna to Kushinagar via Vaishali, 240 km, 5-6 hour by road.
Day 18: Kushinagar
Rambhar Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Temple.
DAY 19-20: SHRAVASTIJetavana Garden, Shubuti Stupa, Angulimal Stupa
Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons here, delivering many discourses and performing the “Twin Miracle.” The Jetavana Monastery is the most significant attraction here.
Day 19: Shravasti
Kuhsinagar to Shravasti by road, 250 km, 5-6 hour drive.
Day 20: Shravasti
Jetavana Garden, Shubuti stupa, Angulimal stupa.
DAY 21-23: DELHI
Day 21: Delhi
Shravasti to Lucknow by road, 170 km, 3-4 hours. LKO to DEL flight: 1.5 hours.
Day 22: Delhi
Local Sightseeing at Delhi.
Day 23: Delhi
Tour ends today
Au Revoir!!
Safe Travels & Thank You for giving “Journey to Himalayas” an opportunity to take you on this tour.
Thank You! Merci! Dhanyavaad! Danke schön!
Main Tour: 16 Days (Oct/Nov)
With Add On: 23 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 23 (With Add-On).
Prices for this incredible journey will be available by September 2025. Stay tuned!
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.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Booking for this trip will is closed for now.
Be the first one to hear about it by signing up for the “Journey to Himalayas” Newsletter
BOOKING & PAYMENT
To register/book (confirm your spot) for this trip, you are required to
1. Register Online (Book Now)
2. Make a payment of the booking deposit or full amount of the trip package.
After you register on the website, you will get the banking info in the email.
Payment Options:
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- BANK DEPOSIT
You can deposit directly into the “Journey to Himalayas” bank account in Canada (CIBC). You can go to the bank personally or send the money by email transfer or wire transfer. We also accept money through TransferWise. Your order will get confirmed only after we have received money in our bank account.
- BANK DEPOSIT
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- PAY PAL (JTH Website)
You can use your credit or debit card to directly make the payment. There will be 3.5% upcharge (which is the processing fee that PayPal charges for using their payment gateway).
- PAY PAL (JTH Website)
ONLINE REGISTRATION: If you are paying by “Bank Deposit”, you will not be required to make any payment through this website. We still encourage/suggest our clients to go through the steps in the “Book Now” section to register themselves online. This helps us to keep your information updated. We will need this information to make hotel and travel bookings in India. Through your account profile, you will also be able to check the status of your payment. Thank You!
TWIN SHARE: Two people sharing the same room. Separate beds
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: Each person has an individual room