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Buddhist Circuit

11
Days
10
Nights

A Highlight, Buddhist Circuit. The Buddhist circuit is a pilgrimage route in Nepal and India that traces key sites in the life of Lord Buddha, primarily focusing on Lumbini (birthplace), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), and Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana). The circuit often includes Rajgir, Vaishali, Shravasti, and Sankisa in India, Nawabuddha, Bauddha Natha, and Syambhunatha in Nepal, with guided tours. About Lord Buddha: The word “BUDDHA” means “awakened” in Pali (ENLIGHTENED PERSON). The person who was awakened or achieved the KRISHNA CHAITANYA is the BUDDHA. As per Buddhist philosophy, there were 1000/1000 Buddhas in BIUHA and BHADRA KALPA, and classified in 28 groups. Out of all, Seven, as per Theravada, and Five main enlightened Buddhas' incarnations are there. So, Aarya Putra Shakya Muni is the seventh and last incarnation according to Theravada, but Mahayana claims that Gautama is the fourth incarnation, and that the fifth super-conscious Buddha, called Maitreya, has to come to earth. Shakyamuni Buddha: Lord Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama around the 6th–5th century BCE in Lumbini, Nepal, was from the SURYA BANSHI Clan of RAMA, a dynasty called Ikshwaku. An ancient warrior of Saketa came to KapilVastu and settled their federal statehood with the other five Pali-speaking state governors, but the ancestors of the Buddha spoke Magadhi, and Lord Buddha’s Mother spoke Pali as her mother tongue. The warriors of Saket, located near Ayodhya, used to be called SAKIYA (Later spelled Shakya), and IKWAKSHU was the scaped warrior from Saket, and the king Suddodhana (The father of Siddartha Gautama) was from the same family. The mother of Lord Buddha was Maya Devi from the Palpali clan in Devdaha, who gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama (Little Buddha), holding a branch of the Ashok tree, while she was going to Devadaha. That place is called Lumbini and it’s now in Nepal. Though MATA MAYADEVI has given the Birth to Little Buddha around 567 BCE and his step mother GAUTAMI has taken care of entire his childhood in Palace of Kapilvastu. Lord Buddha, earlier name Siddartha Gautam borne as a prince who renounced his luxurious life to seek the end of human suffering. After achieving enlightenment (Nirvana) at the age of 35, he spent 45 years teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, establishing Buddhism. Early Life and Royal Background • Birth: Born to King Suddhodana and Queen Maya of the Shakya clan in Lumbini, which is now in Nepal. • Childhood: The childhood and early years were spent in the palace of Kapilvastu, on caring and guidance of his stepmother, Gautami. • Prophecy: At his birth, a sage, who writes the CHINA (An astrological life predictions noted as per birth time zone.) predicted he would become either a great emperor or a renowned holy man. • Sheltered Life: To keep him away from becoming a holy man, his father kept him inside the palace, shielding him from sickness, old age, death, and the outer world filled with sorrows. • Family: He married Yashodhara and had a son named Rahul. Once he visited his family after being enlightened, Yasodhara didn’t ask him to be with his family. The Four Sights and Renunciation Despite his luxurious life, Siddhartha was curious about the outside world. On visits outside the palace, he saw "four sights" that changed his life: 1. An old man: Revealing the reality of aging. 2. A sick man: Revealing the reality of sickness. 3. A funeral procession: Revealing the reality of death. 4. A wandering monk/ascetic: Showing the path to seeking peace. • The Renunciation: At age 29, troubled by the suffering he witnessed, he left his palace, wife, and child to become a wandering ascetic in search of the truth. • Enlightenment and Buddhahood • Searching: He studied under various teachers and practiced extreme asceticism for six years, nearly starving to death. • The Middle Way: Realizing that extreme austerity was not the answer, he embraced the "Middle Way"—a path of moderation between indulgence and deprivation. • Enlightenment: He sat under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, and vowed not to rise until he found the truth. At age 35, he achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha, or "The Awakened One". Teachings and Final Days • First Sermon: The Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath, setting in motion the "Dhamma" (wheel of life teaching). • Core Teachings: He taught the four noble truths and the Eight Paths, focusing on overcoming desire to end suffering. • Legacy: He traveled throughout India teaching for 49 years. • Parinirvana: The Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, India, leaving behind a community of followers known as the Sangha. Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha ('the awakened one'), was a wandering ascetic and religious teacher. Buddhism is more than a religion, it’s ‘Dhamma’, an acceding Path, or a moral educational philosophy for daily human life, as I understand. The most important Places in the Buddhist circuit. Lumbini: Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace, located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal and near the southern border, is one of the world's most important spiritual sites and attractions for Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. Lumbini, today one can visit over twenty-five Buddhist monasteries built by different nations, such as Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Shrilanka, China, Japan, Vietnam, and more. The Buddhist study centers, meditation centers, and the birthplace are also within the sacred Mayadevi Gardens. Mayadevi Temple is the most sacred site in the Lumbini Garden, where archaeologists have identified the exact spot where Lord Buddha was born. The inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar nearby also refer to the spot as his birthplace. It is said that the newborn Prince Siddhartha (who later became the Buddha) took his first seven steps and delivered his message of peace to humanity here. The birth took place in the beautiful Ashok grove, which is now the focal point of the Lumbini Garden. Mayadevi, the Queen of Shakya King Suddhodhana of Kapilvastu, while passing through the Lumbini Garden, on the day of Baishakha Purnima (full moon day of May in 623 BC) to her parents' place Devagram. On the way, she took a bath in the Sacred Pond called Pushkarini. Soon after she finished her ritual bath in the pond, she gave birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the little Buddha. For the higher studies of Buddhist philosophy, “Lumbini Buddhist University” is literally an educational institution at the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The 1998 Buddhist summit held in Lumbini unanimously passed a resolution to open an University for Higher Studies of Buddhism, which was implemented in 2004. That university was opened on June 17th in this year. Bodha Gaya: Bodh Gaya is a village in the northeast Indian state of Bihar, is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, where Lord Buddha was enlightened beneath a sacred Bodhi Tree. The places to visit out there are MAHABODHI TEMPLE, where the temple premises have built a spout to mark the site where Lord Buddha was enlightened. On a direct descendant of the holy tree sites, within the premises nowadays, there are the Great Buddha Statue, the Thai Temple, the Japanese Temple, and various monasteries and sacred sites, including a lotus pond in Bodha Gaya. Sarnath: Sarnath, about 8 miles northeast of Varanasi, now in Uttar Pradesh, India near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers. As the LALITA VISTARA SUTRA states, Lord Buddha chose a "Deer Park by the Hill of the Fallen Sages, outside of Varanasi" for his first teaching after his attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. The first chosen ascetics (students) - (Pancavaggiya) for his first sermon entitled Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, by Lord Buddha were KADINYA, ASSAJI, BHAIDDYA, VAPPA and MAHANAMA in Sarnath. Later, Kaudinya became the first comprehend the teaching and attain enlightenment making him the very first disciple. Dhamekh Stupa, Wat Thai Temple, Peace Buddhist Temple, Deer park and Museum are the main attractions out Kushinagar: Kushinagar is a town located approximately 250 Kms east of Varanasi and approximately 197 kms. South east of Lumbini in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha went for Mahaparinirvana after the 81st year of his birth on the same date that is Baisakha Purnima. So Kushinagar is one of the main Buddhist pilgrimage site. Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar Temple, Golden Temple, Matha Kuar Shrine, Nauka Vihar, Myanmar Stupa & Temple (Burma Temple), Buddha Temple, and Buddhist Museum are the main attractions of Kushinagar. Tour to major Buddhist pilgrimage sites of Kathmandu valley, including the Buddhist circuits beyond the valley. (Major sites, which are meaningful to Buddha’s life.)

Destination
Nepal
Activities
Tours
Group size
Min 1+
Max. elevation
3210 m / 10531 ft
Difficulty
Easy
Best season
February to , April and Sep - Nov are the best months but can be visited through out the year. December January will be chill, May - August hotter and July August will be rainy
Starts and ends
Nepal / India/Nepal
Transportation
All ground transportation from and vice versa
Accommodation
Accommodation in 3*/4* hotels
Meals
Daily meals (breakfast)
Trip route
Kathmandu (Charumati Bihar, Buddha Nath stupa, Swayambhunath stupa, and Namobuddha), Lumbini, Nepal, Bodh Gaya, Patna, Bihar, Sarnath, Vanarashi and Kushinagar, Near Gorakhpur, India)

Highlights

  • Scenic Highway drive.
  • Through the mountainous sub-tropical to the riverine forested zone of the lowland Terai and across the border.
  • watching opportunities of rare species of birds, including the migrating Siberian cranes. 
  • An exploration opportunity of the sites which directly linked to the lord Buddha.
  • Experiences of mountainous valley to the low land Terai life style and cultural ethnics 
  • Multiple experiencing opportunities.
  • Benefits of well studied, licensed holding guide scouted tour.
  • Photography opportunities in precious spouts.
  • Well comfort transportations.
  • Experience an Indian and Nepalese blended hospitality with their traditional etiquette.
  • Well designed itinerary considering the best available comforts in qualitative services.
  • Fully organized tour.

Overview

About Buddhist Circuit.

The Buddhist circuit is a pilgrimage route in Nepal and India that traces key sites in the life of Lord Buddha, primarily focusing on Lumbini (birthplace), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), and Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana). The circuit often includes Rajgir, Vaishali, Shravasti, and Sankisa in India, Nawabuddha, Bauddha Natha, and Syambhunatha in Nepal, with guided tours.

About Lord Buddha:

The word “BUDDHA” means “awakened” in Pali (ENLIGHTENED PERSON). The person who was awakened or achieved the KRISHNA CHAITANYA is the BUDDHA. As per Buddhist philosophy, there were 1000/1000 Buddhas in BIUHA and BHADRA KALPA, and classified in 28 groups. Out of all, Seven, as per Theravada, and Five main enlightened Buddhas' incarnations are there. So, Aarya Putra Shakya Muni is the seventh and last incarnation according to Theravada, but Mahayana claims that Gautama is the fourth incarnation, and that the fifth super-conscious Buddha, called Maitreya, has to come to earth.

Shakyamuni Buddha:

Lord Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama around the 6th–5th century BCE in Lumbini, Nepal, was from the SURYA BANSHI Clan of RAMA, a dynasty called Ikshwaku. An ancient warrior of Saketa came to KapilVastu and settled their federal statehood with the other five Pali-speaking state governors, but the ancestors of the Buddha spoke Magadhi, and Lord Buddha’s Mother spoke Pali as her mother tongue.

The warriors of Saket, located near Ayodhya, used to be called SAKIYA (Later spelled Shakya), and IKWAKSHU was the scaped warrior from Saket, and the king Suddodhana (The father of Siddartha Gautama) was from the same family. The mother of Lord Buddha was Maya Devi from the Palpali clan in Devdaha, who gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama (Little Buddha), holding a branch of the Ashok tree, while she was going to Devadaha. That place is called Lumbini and it’s now in Nepal. Though MATA MAYADEVI has given the Birth to Little Buddha around 567 BCE and his step mother GAUTAMI has taken care of entire his childhood in Palace of Kapilvastu.

Lord Buddha, earlier name Siddartha Gautam borne as a prince who renounced his luxurious life to seek the end of human suffering.

 After achieving enlightenment (Nirvana) at the age of 35, he spent 45 years teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, establishing Buddhism.

Early Life and Royal Background

·         Birth: Born to King Suddhodana and Queen Maya of the Shakya clan in Lumbini, which is now in Nepal.

·         Childhood: The childhood and early years were spent in the palace of Kapilvastu, on caring and guidance of his stepmother, Gautami.

·         Prophecy: At his birth, a sage, who writes the CHINA (An astrological life predictions noted as per birth time zone.) predicted he would become either a great emperor or a renowned holy man.

·         Sheltered Life: To keep him away from becoming a holy man, his father kept him inside the palace, shielding him from sickness, old age, death, and the outer world filled with sorrows.

·         Family: He married Yashodhara and had a son named Rahul. Once he visited his family after being enlightened, Yasodhara didn’t ask him to be with his family.

 

The Four Sights and Renunciation
Despite his luxurious life, Siddhartha was curious about the outside world. On visits outside the palace, he saw "four sights" that changed his life:

1.      An old man: Revealing the reality of aging.

2.      A sick man: Revealing the reality of sickness.

3.      A funeral procession: Revealing the reality of death.

4.      A wandering monk/ascetic: Showing the path to seeking peace.

·         The Renunciation: At age 29, troubled by the suffering he witnessed, he left his palace, wife, and child to become a wandering ascetic in search of the truth.

·         Enlightenment and Buddhahood

·         Searching: He studied under various teachers and practiced extreme asceticism for six years, nearly starving to death.

·         The Middle Way: Realizing that extreme austerity was not the answer, he embraced the "Middle Way"—a path of moderation between indulgence and deprivation.

·         Enlightenment: He sat under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, and vowed not to rise until he found the truth. At age 35, he achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha, or "The Awakened One".

 

Teachings and Final Days

·         First Sermon: The Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath, setting in motion the "Dhamma" (wheel of life teaching).

·         Core Teachings: He taught the four noble truths and the Eight Paths, focusing on overcoming desire to end suffering.

·         Legacy: He traveled throughout India teaching for 49 years.

·         Parinirvana: The Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, India, leaving behind a community of followers known as the Sangha.

Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha ('the awakened one'), was a wandering ascetic and religious teacher. Buddhism is more than a religion, it’s ‘Dhamma’, an acceding Path, or a moral educational philosophy for daily human life, as I understand.   

The most important Places in the Buddhist circuit.

Lumbini:

Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace, located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal and near the southern border, is one of the world's most important spiritual sites and attractions for Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. Lumbini, today one can visit over twenty-five Buddhist monasteries built by different nations, such as Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Shrilanka, China, Japan, Vietnam, and more. The Buddhist study centers, meditation centers, and the birthplace are also within the sacred Mayadevi Gardens.

Mayadevi Temple is the most sacred site in the Lumbini Garden, where archaeologists have identified the exact spot where Lord Buddha was born. The inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar nearby also refer to the spot as his birthplace. It is said that the newborn Prince Siddhartha (who later became the Buddha) took his first seven steps and delivered his message of peace to humanity here.  

The birth took place in the beautiful Ashok grove, which is now the focal point of the Lumbini Garden. Mayadevi, the Queen of Shakya King Suddhodhana of Kapilvastu, while passing through the Lumbini Garden, on the day of  Baishakha Purnima (full moon day of May in 623 BC) to her parents' place Devagram. On the way, she took a bath in the Sacred Pond called Pushkarini. Soon after she finished her ritual bath in the pond, she gave birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the little Buddha.

 

For the higher studies of Buddhist philosophy, “Lumbini Buddhist University” is literally an educational institution at the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The 1998 Buddhist summit held in Lumbini unanimously passed a resolution to open an University for Higher Studies of Buddhism, which was implemented in 2004. That university was opened on June 17th in this year.

 

Bodha Gaya:

Bodh Gaya is a village in the northeast Indian state of Bihar, is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, where Lord Buddha was enlightened beneath a sacred Bodhi Tree. The places to visit out there are MAHABODHI TEMPLE, where the temple premises have built a spout to mark the site where Lord Buddha was enlightened. On a direct descendant of the holy tree sites, within the premises nowadays, there are the Great Buddha Statue, the Thai Temple, the Japanese Temple, and various monasteries and sacred sites, including a lotus pond in Bodha Gaya.

 

Sarnath:

Sarnath, about 8 miles northeast of Varanasi, now in Uttar Pradesh, India near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers. As the LALITA VISTARA SUTRA states, Lord  Buddha chose a "Deer Park by the Hill of the Fallen Sages, outside of Varanasi" for his first teaching after his attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. The first chosen ascetics (students) - (Pancavaggiya) for his first sermon entitled Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, by Lord Buddha were KADINYA, ASSAJI, BHAIDDYA, VAPPA and MAHANAMA in Sarnath. Later, Kaudinya became the first comprehend the teaching and attain enlightenment making him the very first disciple. Dhamekh Stupa, Wat Thai Temple, Peace Buddhist Temple, Deer park and Museum are the main attractions out

 

Kushinagar:

Kushinagar is a town, located approximately 250 Kms east of Vanarashi and approximately 197 kms. South east of Lumbini in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha went for Mahaparinirvana after the 81st year of his birth on the same date that is Baisakha Purnima. So Kushinagar is one of the main Buddhist pilgrimage site. Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar Temple, Golden Temple, Matha Kuar Shrine, Nauka Vihar, Myanmar Stupa & Temple (Burma Temple), Buddha Temple, and Buddhist Museum are the main attractions of Kushinagar.

The things to know.

·         Best Time to Visit: October to March (cooler weather).

·         Tour packages cover all above mentions with accommodations, along with surface transfers and a guide.

·         Border Crossing: When crossing from Nepal (Sunauli) to India and vice versa, ensure you have your passport and necessary visa.

·         Dress Code: Modest clothing is required, particularly in temples. Rest as per your comfortable. But one must remove the shoes and sandals before entering sacred sites and monuments. Outer cases in the                                      premises are allowed the cotton or non-leather footwear.

 

Better to know,

 

In the male form:                 Lokeshwara

                                              Avatilokeshwara       

                                              Padmapani

The group heads of Buddhism in the form of gods:

                                                DIPANKARA BUDDHA.

Female form:                         Tara

                                                Harit Tara

                                                Neer Tara

                                                Ugra Tara

 

The main Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

·         Swayambhunath, including bodhisattva Maha Manjushree temple.

·         Charumati Vihar

·         Bauddhanath

·         Nawa Buddha, Kavre

·         Avaetilokeshwar (Mokshanatha)

·         Pharping Monastery, Kathmandu

·         Golden Temple, Lalitpur

·         Mahabauddha Temple, Lalitpur

·         Halesi Mahadev, Khotang

·         Tyangboche monastery, Solukhumbu

·         

Buddhist circuit.

                             Lumbini, Nepal

                             Bodhagaya, India

                             Sarnath, India

                             Kushinagar, India.

Holy Mount Kailash Parikrama (Kora), Tibet,

There are several other Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal and its surrounding neighboring nations.

 The Buddhist fairs and festivals in Nepal.

 ·         Baishak Purnima is celebrated all over the Nation.

            Marking the birthday of lord buddha, the Enlightened Day, as well as the Mahaparinirvan day of lord Buddha.

·         Mahadan, offering the things to Dipankara Buddha.

·         Lhosar day. To mark the New Year.

·         Mani Rimdu, A colourful Sherpa festival, Beautiful masked (featuring mask) dance.

 

Trip Itinerary

Day 01:
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your designated hotel. The program briefings and tips about the tour will follow the hotel check-in. 
Then, after the time is free on your own.

 

Day 02: 
Have breakfast at your station and proceed on a tour to CHARUMATI VIHAR, BAUDDHA NATHA, SWAYAMBHU NATHA in Kathmandu, GOLDEN TEMPLE, and MAHABAUDDHA in Lalitpur. Then you will be transferred to some 35 kms east of Kathmandu for your overnight stay.
 

Day 03: 
Visit Namobuddha, where Lord Buddha fed his flesh to the hungry tigress, and also believed that Lord SHIVA had visited to pray to him. You may visit the Buddhism study center and monastery out there, and you will be travelling to Lumbini, approximately 295 Kms from Namo Buddha. The scenic mountain road and lowland highway drives take 7- 8 Hrs. By evening, you will be in Lumbini.
 

Day 04:
Visit Lumbini Garden, Monasteries built by various nations, Meditation centres, and Study centres, Mayadevi temples, and Puskarni Pond for the whole day and stay overnight in Lumbini.
 

Day 05: 
After breakfast, proceed to Bodh Gaya, Vaisali, Patna, Rajgir (Nalanda) to Bodh Gaya. A 470 Kms. The journey takes approximately 10 hrs including a few stops en route. Bodha Gaya, where Lord Buddha attend to be enlightened. Reach Bodh Gaya by evening. The time will be at your disposal.
 

Day 06:
Visit to the Mahabodhi Temple and holy Bodhi Tree.
Visit the Great Buddha Statue, Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, and various monasteries.
Meditation sessions at the Mahabodhi Temple.
Stay overnight in Bodh Gaya.

 

Day 07:

Take a drive to Sarnath near Varanasi, located approximately 260 kms away from Bodh Gaya. The drive takes around 6 hours.
Explore more temples in Sarnath, including Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Wat Thai, Sarnath Museum, Sarnath Deer Park, and Sarnath Buddhist Temple
Evening Ganga Aarti at Varanasi Ghats. Overnight in Varanasi.

 

Day 08:
After an exploration of Sarnath, take approximately 6 hrs. Drive to cover 260 plus Kms to Kusinagar. Reach Kusinagar by evening and stay overnight out there.

 

Day 09:

Kushinagar, the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha 
Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple (reclining Buddha statue) and Ramabhar Stupa. Nauka VIhar, Math Kaur Shrine, Golden temple, Myanmar stupa, and Kusinagar museum, afternoon drive back to the Nepalese border, SUNAULI to Bhairahawa (Nepal). Stay overnight in Bhairahawa.

 

Day 10:

Around 7 in the morning, leave Bhairahawa for an eight-hour journey to Kathmandu, the distance is approximately 265 Kms. Reach Kathmandu by late afternoon. Then it's time for your leisure until dinner time. Around 7:30 in the evening, a courtesy dinner shall be offered by the company.

 

Day 11:

Morning time for your preparation for your return journey. 
Airport transfer for airport check-in and boarding. Have a marvelous journey back home.

The things to know.
•    Best Time to Visit: October to March (cooler weather).
•    Tour packages cover all above mentions with accommodations, along with surface transfers and a guide.
•    Border Crossing: When crossing from Nepal (Sunauli) to India and vice versa, ensure you have your passport and necessary visa.
•    Dress Code: Modest clothing is required, particularly in temples. Rest as per your comfortable. But one must remove the shoes and sandals before entering sacred sites and monuments. Outer cases in the premises are allowed the cotton or non-leather footwear.

Other forms of Lord Buddha

In the male form:          Lokeshwara
Avatilokeshwara     
Padmapani
The group heads of Buddhism in the form of gods: 
DIPANKARA BUDDHA.
Female form:        Tara
                             Harit Tara
                             Neer Tara
                             Ugra Tara

The main Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
•    Swayambhunath, including the Manjushree temple)
•    Charumati Vihar
•    Bauddhanath
•    Nawa Buddha, Kavre
•    Avaetilokeshwar (Mokshanatha)
•    Pharping Monastery, Kathmandu
•    Golden Temple, Lalitpur
•    Mahabauddha Temple, Lalitpur
•    Halesi Mahadev, Khotang
•    Tyangboche monastery, Solukhumbu
•    Buddhist circuit.
Lumbini, Nepal
Bodhagaya, India
Sarnath, India
Kushinagar, India.
•    Holy Mount Kailash Parikrama (Kora), Tibet, 
There are several other Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal and its surrounding neighboring nations.

The Buddhist fairs and festivals in Nepal.

•    Baishak Purnima is celebrated all over the Nation. 
      Marking the birthday of lord buddha, the Awakening Day, as well as the Mahaparinirvan day of lord Buddha.
•    Mahadan, offering the things to Dipankara Buddha.
•    Lhosar day. To mark the New Year.
•    Mani Rimdu, A colourful Sherpa festival, Beautiful masked (featuring mask) dance.

Enjoy your Pilgrimage tours to Buddhist holy sites. 

You may customize as per your desire.

Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop off in Kathmandu
  • All ground transportation from and to by Private transport.
  • Accommodation in 3*/4* hotels
  • Daily meals (breakfast)
  • Experienced, wide-knowledgeable licence holder guide 
  • Necessary permits (Except Visa)
  • Applicable entrance fees to monuments
  • Drinking water

Doesn't Include

  • Air fares
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone, beverages, and tips)
  • Extra meals (Lunch and Dinner) than mentioned in the itinerary. 
  • In cases of borne emergency medical costs or evacuation costs
  • Activities if taken other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
Why Book with Us?
  • Excellent customer service. Our travel experts are ready to help you 24/7.
  • Best price guaranteed.
  • No credit card or booking fees.
  • 100% financial protection.
  • Environmentally-friendly tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

General & Essential Info

The Bhutan tour package by Nepal Holidays Planner includes airport pickup and drop from Paro, private transportation throughout Bhutan, comfortable hotel or guesthouse accommodation, all standard meals, experienced birding or cultural guides, and required Bhutan visa and permits. Entry fees to designated birding and cultural sites are also covered. However, international flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, and optional activities are not included. This ensures a well-organized, hassle-free journey focused on birding, nature exploration, and cultural experiences across Bhutan’s beautiful valleys and mountain landscapes.

The Bhutan birding tour organized by Nepal Holidays Planner is considered moderate in difficulty. It does not require technical trekking or high physical fitness, but participants should be comfortable with short walks, uneven forest trails, and long scenic drives. Most birdwatching activities are conducted along roadsides, riverbanks, and forest edges. The itinerary is designed to be flexible, allowing rest breaks and slow-paced exploration. This makes it suitable for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers of varying age groups who want a relaxed yet rewarding Himalayan experience.

Bhutan is one of the richest birding destinations in the Himalayas, and Nepal Holidays Planner’s itinerary is designed to maximize sightings of rare species. Travelers may encounter birds such as the Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Ward’s Trogon, Ibisbill, White-bellied Heron, and various species of flycatchers, tits, and warblers. The diverse habitats—from subtropical forests to alpine regions—support a wide variety of wildlife. While sightings are never guaranteed, the chances are very high due to expert guidance and carefully chosen birding locations.

All transportation during the Bhutan tour is arranged by Nepal Holidays Planner using private, comfortable vehicles with experienced local drivers. The journey includes scenic drives through mountain passes, valleys, and riverside routes connecting major destinations such as Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Trongsa. Vehicles are well-maintained and suitable for Bhutan’s winding Himalayan roads. Frequent stops are made for birding, photography, and sightseeing. This ensures a safe, flexible, and enjoyable travel experience while exploring Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes.

Nepal Holidays Planner offers a professionally organized Bhutan tour with a strong focus on birdwatching, nature, and cultural experiences. The company provides expert planning, experienced guides, comfortable accommodation, and seamless logistics, including permits and transportation. The itinerary is carefully designed to cover the best birding hotspots and scenic destinations in Bhutan. With personalized service and attention to detail, travelers enjoy a hassle-free journey. Choosing Nepal Holidays Planner ensures a safe, well-managed, and unforgettable Himalayan adventure tailored for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Permits, Costs & Booking

Yes, all international travelers except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives require a Bhutan visa. Nepal Holidays Planner manages the entire visa process for you, making it simple and stress-free. The visa is pre-approved before arrival and issued upon landing at Paro International Airport. You will also need route permits for visiting various regions such as Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Our team ensures all paperwork is handled smoothly so you can focus entirely on enjoying your Bhutan birding and cultural tour experience.

Weather & Seasons

The best time for the Bhutan tour is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer the best weather conditions, clear mountain views, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and active breeding birds, while autumn provides stable skies and high visibility for photography and wildlife observation. Nepal Holidays Planner carefully schedules tours during these periods to maximize sightings of rare Himalayan species and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience throughout Bhutan’s diverse landscapes.

Accommodation & Meals

Nepal Holidays Planner provides carefully selected accommodation throughout the Bhutan tour, ranging from comfortable hotels in cities like Thimphu and Punakha to charming guesthouses in valleys like Gangtey and Trongsa. All accommodations are clean, safe, and offer essential modern amenities. In remote areas, stays are more traditional but provide stunning views of monasteries and natural landscapes. The goal is to balance comfort with authentic Bhutanese hospitality, ensuring travelers enjoy both relaxation and cultural immersion after full days of birding and exploration.

During the Bhutan tour, Nepal Holidays Planner provides daily meals that include a mix of traditional Bhutanese cuisine and international dishes. Local food often features rice, vegetables, spicy chilies, soups, and cheese-based dishes like Ema Datshi. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available throughout the journey. Meals are freshly prepared at hotels or arranged as packed lunches during birding excursions. Special dietary requirements can also be accommodated with prior notice, ensuring all travelers enjoy safe, nutritious, and satisfying meals during the entire trip.

Guides, Support & Safety

Yes, Nepal Holidays Planner provides experienced local guides throughout the Bhutan birding tour. These guides are knowledgeable in both bird identification and Bhutanese culture, ensuring a rich and informative experience. They assist in spotting rare species, explaining habitats, and sharing insights about local traditions and monasteries. Their expertise greatly increases the chances of successful bird sightings, especially for elusive Himalayan species. The guides also ensure smooth coordination during travel, making the entire journey safe, educational, and enjoyable.

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