The Buddhist Circuit Tour offered by Asiana Treks and Tours is a spiritual journey through the most significant Buddhist heritage sites spanning Nepal and India. This tour covers sacred places where Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, gave his first sermon, and finally attained Mahaparinirvana (liberation). Starting from Kathmandu, Nepal, and extending to several Indian spiritual hubs, the tour offers a profound insight into the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha.
This spiritual circuit includes Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha, and major Indian sites like Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Patna. Along the way, travelers explore ancient temples, stupas, monasteries, and UNESCO heritage sites, offering a rare opportunity to immerse in Buddhist culture, history, and spirituality. Asiana Treks and Tours ensures that visitors not only witness these sites but also understand their deep religious and cultural significance.
2. Introduction to the Buddhist Circuit Tour
The Buddhist Circuit Tour is designed to take travelers on an immersive spiritual journey, visiting the key sites that represent pivotal moments in Buddha’s life. The route covers:
Kathmandu – rich in Buddhist culture and home to many ancient monasteries.
Lumbini – Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal.
Kushinagar – the site of Buddha’s passing into Mahaparinirvana.
Patna – the historical center near ancient Buddhist universities.
Bodhgaya – where Buddha attained enlightenment.
Varanasi – an important pilgrimage city.
By following this circuit, visitors witness the physical footprints of Buddhist history and gain deeper understanding through guided tours and spiritual experiences. Asiana Treks and Tours specializes in curating meaningful journeys blending culture, history, and spirituality.
3. Highlights of Nepal and India Buddhist Heritage Sites
Lumbini: Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, sacred gardens.
Bodhgaya: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, meditation centers.
Sarnath: Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Buddhist museums.
Kushinagar: Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa.
Kathmandu: Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), ancient monasteries.
These sites are UNESCO World Heritage sites, preserving ancient architecture, art, and traditions. The tour offers cultural immersion with opportunities to attend local Buddhist ceremonies, meet monks, and explore Buddhist teachings in situ.
4. Spiritual and Cultural Significance of the Route
This circuit is more than just a sightseeing journey—it is a pilgrimage tracing Buddha’s footsteps, allowing visitors to experience the evolution of Buddhist philosophy. From birth to enlightenment to final liberation, the route connects the physical and spiritual heritage of Buddhism.
Travelers experience:
The deep tranquility of Lumbini’s sacred groves.
The profound enlightenment energy at Bodhgaya.
The first sermon’s historic ambiance in Sarnath.
The solemnity of Kushinagar’s Mahaparinirvana.
Each location is a living testament to Buddhism’s enduring legacy. The cultural exchanges and rituals enrich the experience, offering insight into how Buddhism shaped local customs and continues to inspire millions.
5. Tour Duration and Key Destinations
The Buddhist Circuit Tour spans 10 days, balancing travel, exploration, and spiritual reflection.
Key destinations include:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – acclimatization and introduction.
Day 2: Spiritual tour of Kathmandu’s Buddhist sites.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lumbini – journey to Buddha’s birthplace.
Day 4: Lumbini to Kushinagar – the place of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana.
Day 5: Kushinagar to Patna – historical and cultural center.
Day 6: Patna to Bodhgaya – site of enlightenment.
Day 7: Bodhgaya to Varanasi – spiritual city on the Ganges.
Day 8: Varanasi exploration – cultural and spiritual immersion.
Day 9: Varanasi to New Delhi – connecting hub for departure.
Day 10: Departure day.
Asiana Treks and Tours ensures comfortable accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and smooth transport throughout the journey.
Trip itineraries are customizable according to your timetable and budget. Simply, Contact Us.
Your trip day starts today when you arrive to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, you will be received by our representative at the airport. He will be carrying a signboard with our company’s name on it. Then you will be transferred to the tour hotel and checked in. A trip briefing will follow later today and the time will be notified to you by the representative who picks you up from the airport. We will come to meet and brief you about the trip at the fixed time. Until then just relax or explore a bit of surrounding.
We take you for a day tour of cultural heritage monuments in Kathmandu valley after breakfast. The tour will give you a mixed insight of history, culture, art, architecture and spirituality of Kathmandu valley. The sites include; Swoyambhunath aka Monkey Temple: The oldest of all sites in Kathmandu valley, Swoyambhunath is an important Buddhist spiritual site having the history over two thousand years old. This site has gained a popular name as monkey temple as this small forested hill is a good habitat for hundreds of monkeys. The visit there will heighten your spiritual and cultural experience. Patan City including Patan Durbar Square: A tour to medieval city of Patan gives you a great insight about ethnic Newari culture, Budhhist spirituality, religious harmony, art and architecture while you stroll around the charismatic alleys taking you to magnificent local community squares known as Bahal and eventually leading you to an incredible medieval palace square. The monuments and skill of the local artisans displayed on those monuments in the square will stun you with their unbelievable harm. Boudhanath Stupa: The largest of its kind in the world, this magnificent stupa is a very important center of faith for the people following Tibetan Buddhism. This place is nice Circular Square with the stunning stupa in the middle of it which spreads a lot of spiritual vibrations around the atmosphere.
Take your breakfast and fly to Bhairahawa and drive to Lumbini. Explore the birth place of Buddha for the whole day. Visit Mayadevi temple, sacred garden, world peace flame, world peace stupa, monasteries of different countries, international Buddhist museum and many other interesting places
Take your breakfast and drive to Nepal India border, go through the custom process and drive to Kushinagar, the place where Buddha achieved Mahaparinirvana. Check into hotel and relax after a long day drive.
Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Rambhar Stupa at Kushinagar after breakfast. Drive to Patna later in the afternoon. Check into a hotel and relax.
You will explore Bodhagaya today. Bodhgaya is the place where Siddhartha Gautama attained the enlightenment to become the Buddha. Drive to Bodhgaya from Patna and go for a sightseeing tour of sacred places there. Visit Mahabodhi temple, the actual spot where Buddha meditated to realize the enlightenment. Visit some other sacred Buddhist temples on the site. Stay overnight at Bodhgaya.
Drive to Varanasi, a holy city, after breakfast. A long day drive today will take you to the spiritual city of Varanasi for the exploration. Stay overnight at a hotel.
Go for a boat ride on the sacred Ganges in the morning and watch people paying their homage on their pilgrimage. Later, drive to Sarnath, the sacred place where Buddha gave his first sermons. Visit holy temples and stupas there. Drive back to Varanasi for overnight stay.
Fly to Delhi after breakfast. You will be received at the airport by our representative and transferred to hotel. You can go for the exploration of some of the sites in Old and New Delhi.
We will transfer you to airport for your final departure flight back home or to next destination.
The Buddhist Circuit Tour by Asiana Treks and Tours is a culturally enriching journey across Nepal and India, tracing the footsteps of Lord Buddha. Starting in Kathmandu and traveling through sacred sites like Lumbini, Kushinagar, Bodhgaya, and Varanasi, this tour offers a deep dive into Buddhist heritage, spirituality, and history. It combines sightseeing with spiritual experiences, making it ideal for those interested in Buddhism and ancient culture.
The tour covers key Buddhist pilgrimage sites including Kathmandu (Nepal), Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha), Kushinagar (place of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana), Patna, Bodhgaya (site of Buddha’s enlightenment), and Varanasi, ending in New Delhi. Each location has significant historical and religious importance, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of Buddha’s life and teachings.
The tour spans 10 days, starting with arrival in Kathmandu and concluding with departure from New Delhi. Highlights include spiritual tours in Kathmandu, visits to Lumbini, Kushinagar, Patna, Bodhgaya, and Varanasi, with ample time for exploration and cultural immersion. The itinerary balances travel with sightseeing, ensuring participants experience the essence of each site.
Asiana Treks and Tours offers comfortable accommodations ranging from 3-star hotels to heritage lodges, ensuring a restful stay after days of exploration. Hotels are selected based on location, comfort, and local flavor, providing easy access to major sites along the Buddhist Circuit. Special requests for upgraded accommodations can often be arranged upon advance notice.
Yes, the tour is well-suited for solo travelers interested in spirituality, history, and culture. Asiana Treks and Tours provides group and private options, ensuring safety and companionship. Experienced guides accompany all group tours, facilitating interaction and offering deep insights into the Buddhist heritage, making solo travelers feel comfortable and engaged throughout.
Transportation between destinations is provided by comfortable, air-conditioned coaches or private vehicles, depending on group size and itinerary specifics. For longer routes like Kathmandu to Lumbini or Varanasi to New Delhi, flights may be used. All vehicles are well-maintained, and professional drivers ensure a safe and smooth travel experience throughout the tour.
The package typically includes accommodations, daily breakfast, airport transfers, inter-city transportation, sightseeing fees, entrance tickets, and the services of professional guides. It also covers spiritual tours, cultural experiences, and sometimes meals, depending on the itinerary. Travel insurance, visas, and personal expenses are usually not included and should be arranged separately.
Yes, visitors usually need separate visas for Nepal and India. Nepal offers visa on arrival for many nationalities, while India requires a pre-approved visa or an e-visa depending on your country of origin. Asiana Treks and Tours can assist with visa guidance and paperwork to ensure a smooth entry process for travelers.
The best time to visit is during the cooler and drier months, typically from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, avoiding the heavy monsoon rains and extreme summer heat. The tour company can advise on the best travel dates based on weather and local festivals.
The tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking at historical sites and some transfers between locations. It is suitable for most travelers with average fitness levels. The company ensures flexibility in the itinerary, allowing rest days and shorter excursions to accommodate individual needs, especially for elderly travelers or those with mobility issues.
Yes, Asiana Treks and Tours caters to various dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets. Meals during the tour feature local and international cuisine, with ample choices to ensure travelers’ dietary needs and preferences are met comfortably.
Absolutely! Asiana Treks and Tours offers customized packages to suit your interests, budget, and schedule. Whether you want more time in specific locations, additional cultural experiences, or different accommodation levels, the team will work with you to create a personalized Buddhist Circuit tour tailored to your needs.
Yes, the tour includes expert local guides well-versed in Buddhist history, culture, and religious significance. Guides provide informative commentary, answer questions, and facilitate spiritual and cultural experiences, enriching your understanding of the sites visited.
The tour can be adapted for families, offering educational and culturally immersive experiences suitable for children and adults alike. The pace and activities can be modified to accommodate younger travelers, making it a memorable and enriching journey for the entire family.
Travelers should pack comfortable clothing suitable for warm days and cool evenings, modest attire for temple visits, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal toiletries. Bringing a reusable water bottle and a small daypack for excursions is also recommended.
Yes, the itinerary often includes visits to meditation centers and Buddhist monasteries where travelers can participate in meditation sessions or spiritual rituals. These experiences provide a deeper connection to Buddhist teachings and a peaceful retreat during the journey.
Asiana Treks and Tours prioritizes traveler safety by employing experienced guides, using reliable vehicles, and adhering to health protocols. The company monitors local conditions and provides assistance for medical emergencies. Travelers are also encouraged to have travel insurance for additional peace of mind.
Booking is straightforward—contact Asiana Treks and Tours via their website, email, or phone. The team will provide detailed information, answer questions, and assist with reservations. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
Guides typically speak English fluently and may also speak regional languages such as Nepali, Hindi, or others depending on the group’s needs. If you require a guide speaking a specific language, inform Asiana Treks and Tours in advance.
Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes before entering temples, avoid loud behavior, and seek permission before photographing monks or sacred rituals. Respect for local customs and religious practices is emphasized to ensure a positive and respectful experience throughout the tour.