15 Days Buddhist Trail Tour in India & Nepal With Taj Mahal

Set out on a transformative journey through India and Nepal, exploring the rich tapestry of Buddhist heritage and the iconic Taj Mahal. This 15-day Buddhist Trail Tour offers an immersive experience, delving into spiritual traditions and historical wonders. From the sacred sites of Bodhgaya and Lumbini to the captivating city of Varanasi, travelers will witness the enduring influence of Buddhism and its profound impact on the region. With comfortable accommodations, private transportation, and expert guidance, this tour promises an unforgettable pilgrimage that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between spirituality, culture, and the enduring legacy of the Buddha’s teachings.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

4 Day 2: Agra Excursion

5 Day 3: Patna to Rajgir

6 Day 7: Travel to Varanasi

7 Day 11: Lumbini in Nepal

8 Inclusions and Exclusions

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

This 15-day tour offers an immersive exploration of the Buddhist heritage in India and Nepal, including visits to the Taj Mahal and other significant sites.
The tour includes airport transfers, private transportation, 3-star accommodations, daily breakfast, and an experienced driver and guide.
Key destinations on the itinerary include Patna, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, and Lumbini in Nepal.
The tour provides opportunities to learn about Buddhist history, architecture, and spiritual traditions through guided visits and cultural experiences.
The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option available.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 15-day Buddhist Trail Tour offers visitors an in-depth exploration of India and Nepal’s rich Buddhist heritage, culminating with a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal.

Priced from $22,046 per person, the tour covers 15 days and includes airport transfers, private air-conditioned transportation, 3-star hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, and the services of an experienced driver and guide.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

With a focus on key Buddhist sites, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience into the region’s spiritual and cultural traditions.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with the traveler’s arrival in Delhi, where they’re transferred to their hotel.

On the second day, they embark on a day trip to Agra to visit the renowned Taj Mahal, before returning to Delhi.

The following day, the group flies to Patna, where they’ll explore Ashoka Pillar, Bawan Pokhar Temple, and Buddhist stupas. They then travel to Rajgir and Nalanda, home to a historic Buddhist monastery.

The journey continues to Bodhgaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment, and Varanasi, known for its temples and Ganga Aarti.

The tour also includes visits to Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, and Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, the traveler is greeted at the airport and transferred to their hotel to begin the 15-day Buddhist Trail Tour in India and Nepal.

This comprehensive tour explores the rich Buddhist heritage across the region, including the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.

The first day sets the stage for the journey, allowing the traveler to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

With a private air-conditioned vehicle and an experienced driver, the tour provides a comfortable and seamless start to the adventure.

Over the next two weeks, the traveler will explore the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of Buddhist sites across India and Nepal, creating a truly immersive cultural experience.

Day 2: Agra Excursion

On the second day, the tour departs Delhi for Agra, a 250 km journey that takes approximately 5 hours. The primary purpose of this excursion is to visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the most renowned architectural wonders of the world.

Taj Mahal Facts
Built	1632-1643	17th Century
Style	Mughal	Islamic
Material	White Marble	Precious
Reason	Mausoleum	Emperor’s Wife

The tour allows ample time to explore the Taj Mahal and learn about its rich history and cultural significance before returning to Delhi in the evening.

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Day 3: Patna to Rajgir

After exploring the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, the tour journeys onwards to Patna, the capital of Bihar state.

From Patna, the group travels to the historic city of Rajgir, situated approximately 95 kilometers away and taking around 2 hours to reach.

In Rajgir, the group visits the ancient Nalanda University, once a renowned center of Buddhist learning. They’ll explore the impressive ruins and learn about the university’s significant role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia.

The visit to Nalanda provides a deeper understanding of India’s rich Buddhist heritage before the group continues its spiritual journey towards Bodhgaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment.

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Day 7: Travel to Varanasi

From Bodhgaya, the tour group then travels to the holy city of Varanasi, covering a distance of approximately 260 kilometers which takes around 5 hours to reach.

In Varanasi, they’ll visit the renowned Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. They’ll also witness the captivating Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ceremony performed daily on the banks of the River Ganges.

The tour’s highlights in Varanasi include:

Taking in the vibrant and ancient spiritual atmosphere of the city.
Observing the rituals and traditions that have been practiced for centuries.
Experiencing the serene beauty of the Ganges River and its ghats.

Day 11: Lumbini in Nepal

The tour then journeys across the border into Nepal, arriving at the historic city of Lumbini – the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Pilgrims and travelers alike flock to this sacred site, where the Lumbini Garden and Maya Devi Temple stand as testaments to the Buddha’s life. The group will have the opportunity to explore the Lumbini Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits chronicling the history of this revered location. They’ll also witness the Ashokan Pillar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the precise spot where the Buddha was born.

Attraction	Description
Lumbini Garden	Sprawling gardens surrounding the Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple	Site marking the birthplace of the Buddha
Lumbini Museum	Museum chronicling the history of Lumbini
Ashokan Pillar	UNESCO World Heritage Site marking Buddha’s birthplace

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes an array of essential services, such as airport transfers, private air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing, an experienced driver, and daily breakfast.

However, it excludes certain expenses like lunch, dinner, drinks, entrance fees, and Nepal visa charges. Personal expenses are also not covered.

The tour’s inclusions ensure a hassle-free and comfortable experience, while the exclusions allow travelers to budget and plan their expenses accordingly.

Some key inclusions and exclusions are:

Included: Airport pick-up and drop-off, private AC vehicle, toll tax, parking, driver allowance, fuel.
Excluded: Lunch, dinner, drinks, entrance charges, personal expenses, flight tickets.
Excluded: Nepal visa charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

This tour does not specify a maximum group size. It is a private group experience, allowing the tour to be customized to the needs of the travelers. The group size can be adjusted to provide a personalized and comfortable journey.

Are the Hotels Located Near the Main Attractions?

The hotels on this tour are typically located near the main attractions, allowing travelers convenient access to the key sites. This helps minimize travel time and maximize the time available for exploring the Buddhist landmarks and Taj Mahal.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites. The tour operator is typically open to modifying the itinerary based on the traveler’s interests and requirements, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Are Any Meals or Activities Included on the Free Days?

On the free days, select meals and activities may be included, but the tour details do not specify which. Travelers should inquire with the tour operator about any inclusions on unstructured days to fully understand the itinerary.

Is Travel Insurance Included in the Tour Package?

No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. Customers are responsible for securing their own travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, or other unforeseen events during the tour.