Buddhist Spiritual Journeys
Overview
A pilgrimage to the sacred sites of the Buddha is more than a journey—it is a living act of spiritual awakening. As revered in the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, seekers are urged to visit Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar to honour each pivotal stage of the Buddha’s life and cultivate insight and merit.
Scholars describe Buddhist pilgrimage as a meditation in motion—a powerful dialog between the pilgrim’s inner landscape and the sacred sites bearing living relics and eternal inspiration . Walking in the Buddha’s footsteps fosters deep connection with his teachings and purifies karmic imprints through devout reflection, ritual, and community engagement.
Our 8-day pilgrimage through India and Nepal guides you through these standing testaments of history, offering moments of meditation beneath the Bodhi Tree, reverent ceremonies, and immersion in ancient monasteries. Beyond the travel itinerary, it is an opportunity to embody mindfulness, renew purpose, and align with a dharma-centred life.
Day 1: Arrival in India
- Fly from Ho Chi Minh City (or Hanoi) to Kolkata
- Connect to domestic flight to Gaya
- Meet local guide and transfer to hotel in Bodh Gaya
- Evening at leisure or light walking tour
- Overnight in Bodh Gaya
Day 2: Bodh Gaya – Place of Enlightenment
- Visit Mahabodhi Temple and meditate under the Bodhi Tree
- Visit Sujata Stupa and Niranjana River
- Explore international monasteries (Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, etc.)
- Time for reflection or evening chanting session
- Overnight in Bodh Gaya
Day 3: Rajgir – Nalanda – Vaishali
- Travel to Rajgir, visit Vulture’s Peak and Peace Pagoda
- See ruins of Nalanda University, one of the oldest Buddhist learning centres
- Continue to Vaishali, visit Ashoka Pillar, Relic Stupa, and more
- Overnight in Vaishali
Day 4: Vaishali – Kushinagar
- Depart for Kushinagar, place of Buddha’s final passing
- Visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa
- Quiet time for prayer and offering
- Overnight in Kushinagar
Day 5: Kushinagar – Lumbini (Nepal)
- Cross the India–Nepal border
- Arrive at Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha
- Visit Maya Devi Temple, Sacred Garden, Ashoka Pillar, and holy pond
- Tour international monasteries within Lumbini complex
- Overnight in Lumbini
Day 6: Lumbini – Sravasti
- Return to India and travel to Sravasti
- Visit Jetavana Monastery, Ananda Bodhi Tree, and nearby ruins
- Reflect on Buddha’s many teachings shared here
- Overnight in Sravasti
Day 7: Sravasti – Varanasi
- Drive to Varanasi, one of India’s oldest cities
- In the evening, enjoy the spiritual Ganga Aarti ceremony at the riverbank
- Overnight in Varanasi
Day 8: Sarnath – Return Home
- Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon
- Explore Dhamek Stupa, Deer Park, and Buddhist museum
- Transfer to airport for flight home
- End of pilgrimage
What’s Included
- Return flights (international)
- 4–5 star hotels with daily breakfast
- All meals (vegetarian) as per the itinerary
- AC coach transport throughout the tour
- Visa Fee for India and Nepal
- Entry fees to all temples and historical sites
- Daily bottled water
- English/Vietnamese-speaking guide
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs (cap, water, leather passport holder
What’s Not Included
- Tips for guides and drivers (approx. $65 USD)
- Optional expenses or services not listed
- Visa for non-Vietnamese passports
- Single room supplement: ₹5,100 INR
- Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, calls, minibar, etc.)
- Entry fees for optional experiences outside the itinerary
- Force majeure-related expenses
Route Map Summary
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Kolkata
- Gaya
- Bodh Gaya
- Rajgir
- Nalanda
- Vaishali
- Kushinagar
- Lumbini (Nepal)
- Sravasti
- Varanasi
- Sarnath
- Return
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Indian and Nepalese visas are included for Vietnamese passport holders. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
Yes. You will stay in carefully selected 4–5 star hotels with modern amenities and daily housekeeping.
Yes. The itinerary is designed to be senior-friendly with a relaxed pace, regular rest stops, and assistance as needed.
Yes. All meals are hygienically prepared vegetarian dishes suited for international travellers.
Yes. Travel insurance with accident and medical coverage is included for travellers under 85 years old.
Yes. You may choose either city as your departure point. Please confirm during registration.
Bring light, respectful clothing, walking shoes, personal medicine, sunscreen, a hat, and a small travel bag.
This is a group tour, but we do offer private or customised itineraries upon request.
Yes. We welcome group bookings and can provide custom packages with preferential rates. For details, please contact us at info@ddjourney.com
You can email us at pilgrimage@ddjourney.com for advice, full details, or to reserve your place on this unforgettable journey.
Duration
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Tour Code: DDBuddha
- Start: Ho Chi Minh City ✈ Gaya
- End: Varanasi ✈ Return
- Cost: ₹98,000 INR / $1,175 USD / ₫28,000,000 VND
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