Buddhist circuit · 9 days · Bodhgaya → Nalanda → Rajgir → Sarnath
The Buddha's own footprint. Ruins, monasteries, and pilgrims from a dozen Asian countries.
The pilgrimage route the Dalai Lama recommends. Long drives; short attention span not welcome.
Day by day
- DAY 01DelhiArrival + Delhi
Land, rest, Old Delhi rickshaw at dusk.
- DAY 02BodhgayaFly Delhi → Gaya + Mahabodhi
The Bodhi tree + Mahabodhi Temple at dusk.
- DAY 03BodhgayaMonastery loop
Thai, Bhutanese, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese — every Buddhist country has a monastery here.
- DAY 04RajgirBodhgaya → Rajgir
Drive (~3 hrs). Vulture Peak sunset — where the Buddha delivered the Heart Sutra.
- DAY 05NalandaNalanda ruins
Excavated 5th-century university, Xuanzang Memorial nearby. Half a day easy.
- DAY 06VaranasiNalanda → Varanasi
Drive (~5 hrs). Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh.
- DAY 07SarnathSarnath — first sermon
Dhamek Stupa, museum with the Lion Capital, plus Chaukhandi Stupa. Half-day plus.
- DAY 08VaranasiSunrise boat + old city
5 am boat, morning cremation-ghat visit (respectfully), lassi at Blue Lassi Shop.
- DAY 09VaranasiFly home
Direct flight Varanasi → home hub.
Pack this
- Modest clothing
- Slip-on shoes (constant temple entry)
- Small torch (evening walks)
- Prayer beads/notebook if pilgrim-inclined
- Cash — Rajgir is card-free