The Wonders of Hinduism and Buddhism

Varanasi Arrival

Namaste. Welcome to Varanasi! Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. Varanasi, also known as Benares, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It is raw, sacred, and mystical. According to myth, the city was founded by the Hindu deity Shiva, making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus.

In the evening, observe the devout Hindus performing the Aarti Puja with lighted lamps. The presiding priests stand on a Chauki (wooden stand) near the water. To the chant of Sanskrit mantras, and the clash of cymbals and drums, the river is worshipped with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk, and vermilion. First the blazing camphor lamp and then the many flamed Aarti lamps are raised high and then arched back to the water, the dark river reflecting the golden flames as Ganges accepts the worship. It is the Ganges that gives Varanasi its spiritual resonance. Overnight in Varanasi.

Varanasi - Bodh Gaya

In the morning, enjoy a sunrise boat ride to view the morning prayers and baths. You will alight from the boat at Manikarnika, the burning ghat where the dead are cremated. From Manikarnika, you will walk through narrow lanes into the very heart of the city, towards Varanasi’s most famous pilgrimage site, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple). The lanes on the way are dotted with small shrines, residences, tea-shops, and lodgings for pilgrims.

After a 45-minute walk, you will arrive at the Golden Temple. You will visit both the Kashi Vishwanath as well as the Annapurna Temple. From here, a short walk will bring you out through a larger lane, towards the colorful Phool Mandi (Flower Market).

Return to your hotel for breakfast and then drive to Bodh Gaya. 2500 years ago, Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya under the Peepal Tree. For this reason, it remains one of the most sacred cities for Buddhists. Overnight.

Bodh Gaya - Patna

This morning drive to Patna, the capital of the Indian state of Bihar. The city is also the birthplace of the final Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Nanak and Guru Tegh Bahadur visited Patna and honored the birth house. Visit Golghar, a dome-like structure offering fantastic views of the Ganges, and the Patna museum, housing Mauryan and Buddhist sculptures. Overnight in Patna.

Kushinagar - Balrampur

In the morning, drive to Balrampur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Balrampur is famous for its association with sacred Buddhist and Jain temples. Afternoon at leisure to explore the sacred sites of the city. Overnight in Balrampur.

Lumbini - Kathmandu

After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu (7 hours). Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley, consisting of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, may have been inhabited as early as 900 BC. The city houses various Hindu and Buddhist temples as well as the King's Palace. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Valley

Today, visit the enchanting 16th Century Newari towns of Bungamati and Khokana. These are two settlements in the Kathmandu Valley that have been least affected by modern changes. The village has hundreds of master wood carvers and sculpture producers. The ancient village came into existence as early in the 7th century. Regardless of the rapid changes in lifestyle of the urban population and the globalized way of living, the Bungamati locals have remained untouched by modern waves and are living the life that they know best--simply rural-- from the past several centuries.

In the afternoon, a tour of Patan city, built in 3rd century AD by Emperor Ashoka. Patan boasts of fine arts enclosed within 4 stupas. Meet with a local Himalayan Singing Bowl Master to learn about the ancient healing traditions. Return to Kathmandu and overnight.