Spiritual Journey through India & Nepal

Enjoy a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi, exploring the city’s fascinating blend of history and modernity. Begin with the Jama Masjid and a walk through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, where you will sample Delhi’s famous cuisine from a hygienic eatery on a guided food walk (closed on Sundays). Drive past India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Later in the day, visit Humayun’s Tomb and the towering Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, drive to Agra, stopping en route at Sikandra, the grand mausoleum of Emperor Akbar, known for its architectural fusion of Hindu, Islamic, Christian, and Jain styles. Arrive in Agra and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden), a beautiful Mughal garden across the Yamuna River offering splendid sunset views of the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.

Today, visit Agra’s crown jewels,  the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), the epitome of love built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the majestic Agra Fort, a 16th-century red sandstone fortress of the Mughal emperors, and the elegant Itmad-ud-Daulah, often called the “Baby Taj.” Later in the evening, transfer to Tundla Railway Station to board the Poorva Express for Varanasi. Overnight on board the train.

Arrive in Mughal Sarai and transfer to Varanasi. After resting, drive to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum (closed Fridays). In the afternoon, explore Alamgir Mosque, Dasaswamedh Ghat, and the Bharat Mata Temple. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at the riverbanks, a spiritual spectacle of lights, chants, and devotion. Overnight in Varanasi.

Early morning, enjoy a serene boat ride on the Ganges, observing pilgrims performing rituals along the ghats. Stroll through the narrow alleys of Old Varanasi to experience its spiritual essence. Later, drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 8 hrs). Known as the cradle of Buddhism, Bodhgaya is where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath the sacred Bodhi Tree and became the Buddha. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the spot of Buddha’s enlightenment. Explore the Bodhi Tree, believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which Buddha meditated. The temple’s soaring spire, ancient stone railings, and golden Buddha image create a serene atmosphere that attracts pilgrims from across the world. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Bodhgaya’s monasteries or meditating in the peaceful temple complex. Overnight in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, drive to Patna, visiting Rajgir and Nalanda en route. Rajgir, the ancient capital of Magadha, was frequented by Buddha and Mahavira for meditation and preaching. Nalanda, dating back to the 5th century BC, was one of the world’s first residential universities and a great center of Buddhist learning. Explore its ruins, stupas, and the Nalanda Archaeological Museum before continuing to Patna. Overnight in Patna.

Depart for Kushinagar, visiting Vaishali, an ancient city revered by Buddhists as one of the earliest republics and associated with many episodes of Buddha’s life. Continue to Kushinagar, one of Buddhism’s four most sacred sites, where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Overnight in Kushinagar.

 

After breakfast, visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, housing the serene reclining Buddha statue, and the Ramabhar Stupa, marking the cremation site of the Buddha. Then drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Lumbini

This morning, visit the Sacred Garden of Lumbini, which includes the Ashokan Pillar, inscribed to commemorate Emperor Ashoka’s visit in 250 BC, and the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Buddha. Continue to Chitwan (approx. 4 hrs). Upon arrival, enjoy an elephant safari in Chitwan National Park, home to one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, and diverse wildlife. Overnight in Chitwan

Spend a full day exploring Chitwan National Park through jungle activities. Take a peaceful canoe ride along the Rapti River to spot crocodiles and birdlife, and embark on another elephant-back safari to discover deeper parts of the forest. In the evening, enjoy a lively Tharu cultural dance performed by local villagers. Overnight in Chitwan.

After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu (approx. 6 hrs). On arrival, check in and spend the evening exploring the colorful local markets and lively streets of Thamel, the city’s cultural heart. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, known as the Monkey Temple, perched on a hill overlooking the valley. Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its courtyards, temples, and the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Later, explore Patan Durbar Square, famed for its exquisite Newari architecture, palace buildings, and pagoda temples that reflect Nepal’s rich artistic heritage. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today’s sightseeing includes Bhaktapur, a medieval city of art and devotion featuring the five-storied Nyatapol Temple and the Palace of 55 Windows. Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest and holiest Buddhist monuments, surrounded by Tibetan monasteries. Conclude with Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located along the holy Bagmati River. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight back home, taking with you unforgettable memories of India and Nepal’s spiritual heartlands.