EXPLORE NEPAL · TOURS & TREKS

Buddhist Circuit

A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.

Offered by Everest Asia Tours and Travel Pvt.Ltd

Duration10 days
Illustrative Nepal scenery for Buddhist Circuit NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Buddhist Circuit is a revered pilgrimage route that connects key sites associated with the life of Gautama Buddha. It includes Lumbini in Nepal, where Buddha was born; Bodh Gaya in India, where he attained enlightenment; Sarnath in India, where he delivered his first sermon; and Kushinagar in India, where he achieved Nirvana. These sites hold immense historical and spiritual significance, attracting pilgrims and tourists from around the world who seek to trace the footsteps of Buddha and gain deeper insights into his teachings and life journey.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day 1: ARRIVAL DAY — Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Nepal Hiking Adventure will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest before meeting your guide for a briefing about the next day's trip. Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour — After breakfast, your guide will take you to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple," located on a hilltop in Kathmandu Valley. Next, you'll visit Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You may also explore Basantapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. In the evening, you'll return to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Day 3: Morning drive to Pokhara — On the third day of your Buddhist Circuit Tour, you'll leave Kathmandu for Pokhara. After breakfast, our representative will pick you up from your hotel in a private vehicle. The 6-7 hour journey offers scenic views and river crossings. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll be surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges, including Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, and Mount Machhapuchhre. Overnight at a hotel. Day 4: Pokhara sightseeing, Buddhist Site (Male Patan & Hemja Monastery) — On the fourth day, you'll explore Pokhara. After an early breakfast, you'll visit Hemja Monastery and Hemja Tibetan Camp. Next, you'll head to Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) and explore various Buddhist temples, a Monks school, and the Tibetan Market. You may also visit Sarankot for sunrise and sunset views. In the evening, boating on Phewa and Begnas lakes is an option. Overnight at a hotel. Day 5: Drive to Lumbini and over night stay at hotel — On the fifth day of your Buddhist Circuit Tour, you'll drive from Pokhara to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The 6-7 hour journey will take you through the lowland Terai belt, offering changing landscapes and views of small settlements. Upon arrival in Lumbini, you'll transfer to your hotel and rest, preparing for the next day's tour of significant sites. Overnight at the hotel. Day 6: Lumbini sightseeing and drive to Kundan — On the sixth day, you'll explore Lumbini. After breakfast, you'll visit Kapilvastu, where Buddha spent his early years. Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features ancient palaces, lakes, pillars, and statues. You'll also visit Kundan and explore 62 archaeological sites, including Tilaurakot, Gothihawa, and Niglihawa. Additionally, you'll see the World Peace Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and various stupas and monasteries. Overnight at a hotel in Lumbini. Day 7: Visit Ramgamma Monastery and Drive to Chitwan — Today, you'll visit Ramagrama Monastery, which features various Buddha statues, art, and artifacts. After exploring Lumbini, you'll drive to Chitwan, a 6-hour journey through rugged landscapes. Chitwan is a major tourist destination, popular among nature and animal lovers. Upon arrival, you'll stay overnight at a hotel. Day 8: Chitwan full day sightseeing and activity — Today, you'll explore Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including rare species like the red panda, one-horned rhino, and snow leopard, as well as unique plants like Jatamasi and Golden Michelia. You can choose between an elephant safari or a jeep safari to encounter these wild animals. Overnight at a hotel. Day 9: Drive back to Kathmandu — After breakfast in Chitwan, you'll head to Kathmandu, enjoying the scenic beauty and passing by rivers and villages like Mugling. The drive takes about 6-7 hours. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Day 10: Depature Day — Today is the last day of your trip. You will pack your bags and our representatives from Nepal Hiking Adventure will pick you at the Hotel. He/she will drive you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for the final departure.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1ARRIVAL DAY — Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Nepal Hiking Adventure will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest before meeting your guide for a briefing about the next day's trip.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 2Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour — After breakfast, your guide will take you to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple," located on a hilltop in Kathmandu Valley. Next, you'll visit Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You may also explore Basantapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. In the evening, you'll return to your hotel.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 3Morning drive to Pokhara — On the third day of your Buddhist Circuit Tour, you'll leave Kathmandu for Pokhara. After breakfast, our representative will pick you up from your hotel in a private vehicle. The 6-7 hour journey offers scenic views and river crossings. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll be surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges, including Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, and Mount Machhapuchhre.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 4Pokhara sightseeing, Buddhist Site (Male Patan & Hemja Monastery) — On the fourth day, you'll explore Pokhara. After an early breakfast, you'll visit Hemja Monastery and Hemja Tibetan Camp. Next, you'll head to Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) and explore various Buddhist temples, a Monks school, and the Tibetan Market. You may also visit Sarankot for sunrise and sunset views. In the evening, boating on Phewa and Begnas lakes is an option.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 5Drive to Lumbini and over night stay at hotel — On the fifth day of your Buddhist Circuit Tour, you'll drive from Pokhara to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The 6-7 hour journey will take you through the lowland Terai belt, offering changing landscapes and views of small settlements. Upon arrival in Lumbini, you'll transfer to your hotel and rest, preparing for the next day's tour of significant sites.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 6Lumbini sightseeing and drive to Kundan — On the sixth day, you'll explore Lumbini. After breakfast, you'll visit Kapilvastu, where Buddha spent his early years. Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features ancient palaces, lakes, pillars, and statues. You'll also visit Kundan and explore 62 archaeological sites, including Tilaurakot, Gothihawa, and Niglihawa. Additionally, you'll see the World Peace Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and various stupas and monasteries.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 7Visit Ramgamma Monastery and Drive to Chitwan — Today, you'll visit Ramagrama Monastery, which features various Buddha statues, art, and artifacts. After exploring Lumbini, you'll drive to Chitwan, a 6-hour journey through rugged landscapes. Chitwan is a major tourist destination, popular among nature and animal lovers. Upon arrival, you'll stay overnight at a hotel.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 8Chitwan full day sightseeing and activity — Today, you'll explore Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including rare species like the red panda, one-horned rhino, and snow leopard, as well as unique plants like Jatamasi and Golden Michelia. You can choose between an elephant safari or a jeep safari to encounter these wild animals.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 9Drive back to Kathmandu — After breakfast in Chitwan, you'll head to Kathmandu, enjoying the scenic beauty and passing by rivers and villages like Mugling. The drive takes about 6-7 hours. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 10Depature Day — Today is the last day of your trip. You will pack your bags and our representatives from Nepal Hiking Adventure will pick you at the Hotel. He/she will drive you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for the final departure.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

KNOW WHAT'S COVERED

What's included in your experience

Included

  • The cost of traveling the Buddhist Circuit typically includes:
  • Accommodation: Onboard the train and in hotels at various stops.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Transportation: Train travel and local transfers.
  • Guided Tours: Visits to key Buddhist sites with knowledgeable guides.
  • Travel Insurance: Coverage for the duration of the tour.

Not included

  • The cost of traveling the Buddhist Circuit typically excludes:
  • Personal Expenses: Shopping, souvenirs, and personal items.
  • Optional Tours: Any additional tours or activities not included in the package.
  • Visa Fees: Costs for obtaining visas for Nepal and India.
  • Medical Expenses: Any medical treatments or medications.
  • Tips and Gratuities: For guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
  • Travel Insurance: If not included in the package, you may need to purchase it separately.
  • Meals and Beverages: Any meals or drinks not specified in the package.
  • These exclusions can vary depending on the tour operator, so it's always a good idea to check the specific details of your package.
PLAN AHEAD

Essential trip information

Accommodation

Accommodations cater to various budgets and preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay during your pilgrimage.

Fitness & eligibility

1

Meeting point

Kathmandu

What to bring

  • Comfortable clothing and footwear
  • Travel documents
  • Health essentials
  • Electronics (camera, phone, chargers)
  • Personal care items
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Guidebook/maps
  • Journal/notebook
  • Snacks
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