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Buddha’s Legacy Across the Himalayas


  • Sarnath Varanasi - Lumle holidays
  • Prayer flags above the sacred Tatkshang Lhakang, Bhutan.
  • Nepal
  • Tibet

Buddha’s Legacy Across the Himalayas

 Nepal

23 days from $19478 pp return flights

Prepare for a spiritual adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Indian subcontinent. Trek to secluded temples, uncover hidden monk villages and marvel at the majestic scenery.

At a Glance

  • Explore India's ancient Buddhist sites
  • Discover Nepal's temples and historic cities
  • Experience Bhutan's serene beauty and majestic Dzongs
  • Uncover the wonders of Lhasa, Tibet's capital
Print this trip

Prepare for a spiritual adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Indian subcontinent. Trek to secluded temples, uncover hidden monk villages and marvel at the majestic scenery. Immerse yourself in diverse cultural rituals, from the solemn funeral rites on the Ganges to witnessing Nepal’s living goddess. Meditate with gurus as the day ends, enjoy the warmth of a masala chai, and unwind with traditional hot-stone baths after exploring ancient temples and sacred stupas. This journey promises both serenity and wonder at every turn.

The short itinerary

Day 1 : DEPARTURE NEW YORK
Day 2 : ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Day 3 : DELHI TO RISHIKESH
Day 4 : RISHIKESH HIGHLIGHTS
Day 5 : RISHIKESH TO KUSHINAGAR
Day 6 : DISCOVERING KUSHINAGAR
Day 7 : KUSHINAGAR TO VARANASI
Day 8 : SACRED TEMPLES OF VARANASI
Day 9 : VARANASI TO GAYA
Day 10 : EXPLORING GAYA
Day 11 : GAYA TO DELHI
Day 12 : DELHI TO KATHMANDU
Day 13 : SPIRITUAL KATHMANDU
Day 14 : KATHMANDU TO LUMBINI
Day 15 : BACK TO KATHMANDU
Day 16 : KATHMANDU TO PARO, BHUTAN – THIMPHU
Day 17 : EXPLORING THIMPHU
Day 18 : THIMPHU TO PARO
Day 19 : HIKE TO THE ICONIC TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY
Day 20 : PARO TO KATHMANDU
Day 21 : KATHMANDU TO LHASA, TIBET
Day 22 : DISCOVERING LHASA
Day 23 : DISCOVERING LHASA
Day 24 : DEPARTURE FROM LHASA

Day 1 : DEPARTURE NEW YORK

Today, you’ll begin your adventure by flying to Delhi, the bustling capital of India.

Day 2 : ARRIVAL IN DELHI

Arrive in Delhi, where a representative from Lumle will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in and some relaxation.

Day 3 : DELHI TO RISHIKESH

Board a short flight to Rishikesh, the spiritual town along the Ganges River. Once you’ve settled in, spend the day at your own pace. You can enjoy a peaceful Aarti ceremony at sunset, savor an aromatic masala chai or Ayurvedic tea at a local dhaba, or visit one of the town’s quaint cafes.

Day 4 : RISHIKESH HIGHLIGHTS

Begin your day early with a sunrise visit to Kunjapuri Devi Temple, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Later, explore the sacred Raghunath Temple, the revered Rishikund pond, and take a stroll across the iconic Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges, soaking in the spiritual energy of the city.

Day 5 : RISHIKESH TO KUSHINAGAR

Fly back to Delhi, followed by a quick connection to Kushinagar. Here, you’ll visit the Parinirvana Temple and Stupa, a significant Buddhist site believed to be where Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (enlightenment). Inside the stupa lies a six-meter golden Buddha in a reclining position, symbolizing the Buddha’s final moments.

Day 6 : DISCOVERING KUSHINAGAR

Today, immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Kushinagar. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, home to an ancient reclining Buddha statue cloaked in saffron by the local monks each evening. Later, explore the fascinating artifacts at the Kushinagar Museum and wander through the serene stupa park.

Day 7 : KUSHINAGAR TO VARANASI

Embark on a six-hour drive to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest and holiest cities. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on the Ganges River, where you can observe spiritual rituals and even spot the endangered Ganges River dolphins. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Day 8 : SACRED TEMPLES OF VARANASI

Explore Varanasi’s most famous temples today: the Annapurna, Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, and Durga Temples. In the afternoon, consult with an Indian Vedic astrologer before visiting Sarnath, the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon.

Day 9 : VARANASI TO GAYA

Begin the day with a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, observing the early morning rituals along the riverbanks. Afterward, take a six-hour drive to Gaya, stopping en route at the Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum to see ancient relics related to Buddha’s life.

Day 10 : EXPLORING GAYA

Spend the day at the Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred site where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Marvel at the towering Great Buddha statue and visit the peaceful Muchalinda Lake. Continue to the Vishnupad Mandir and Dungeshwari Temples before ending your day with a calming meditation session at sunset.

Day 11 : GAYA TO DELHI

Return to Delhi via a short flight. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 12 : DELHI TO KATHMANDU

Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital. Start your exploration with a visit to the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, for panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Stroll through the historic Durbar Square and take a rickshaw ride through the lively Thamel district, known for its bustling streets and vibrant shops.

Day 13 : SPIRITUAL KATHMANDU

Meet with a traditional Tantric Guru in the morning to learn about the ancient spiritual practices of Tantra. Then, visit the grand Boudhanath Stupa, surrounded by prayer wheels and Tibetan monasteries. In the afternoon, travel to the ancient town of Bhaktapur to explore its well-preserved temples and traditional architecture.

Day 14 : KATHMANDU TO LUMBINI

Fly to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, where you’ll visit the sacred Ashokan Pillars and the World Peace Stupa. Spend time at the Lumbini Museum, dedicated to Buddha's life and teachings, before returning to your hotel.

Day 15 : BACK TO KATHMANDU

Return to Kathmandu and prepare for your Tibetan visa. Use this time to explore the UNESCO-listed city of Patan, famous for its art and architecture. If the opportunity arises, you may meet the Kumari, the living goddess of Patan. End the day at the Pashupatinath Temple, where you’ll witness the ancient Ashtha Chiranjeevi Puja.

Day 16 : KATHMANDU TO PARO, BHUTAN – THIMPHU

Fly to Paro, Bhutan, and take a scenic one-hour drive to the capital, Thimphu. Spend the day exploring the city’s cultural treasures, including the majestic Thimphu Dzong, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and the gigantic Buddha statue at Buddha Point.

Day 17 : EXPLORING THIMPHU

Embark on a hike along the Wangdi Tse Loop, leading to the serene Choekhortse Goemba Temple, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visit the astrology school for a reading, followed by a tour of the Zilukha Nunnery. In the afternoon, join a meditation session at a monastery or engage in a discussion on Bhutan’s concept of Gross National Happiness with a local expert.

Day 18 : THIMPHU TO PARO

Hike to the hidden monk village of Dodedrak, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch with the monks. Afterward, head back to Paro for a relaxed afternoon stroll through town, a visit to Paro Dzong, and a sunset hike to the Drukgyal Dzong ruins.

Day 19 : HIKE TO THE ICONIC TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY

Hike up to the stunning Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch and a special blessing from the senior lama. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, with the option to relax with a traditional hot-stone bath.

Day 20 : PARO TO KATHMANDU

Fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy some free time to explore the city or relax at your hotel.

Day 21 : KATHMANDU TO LHASA, TIBET

Fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Visit the famous Barkhor Square, a bustling pilgrimage site where devotees circle the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine.

Day 22 : DISCOVERING LHASA

Start the day with a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, once the residence of the Dalai Lama. Continue to the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture. In the afternoon, explore Lhasa’s Old Town and visit Drepung Monastery, home to the impressive Maitreya statue.

Day 23 : DISCOVERING LHASA

Today is set aside for relaxation and unwinding at your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely day to recharge or take the opportunity to explore Lhasa city at your own pace, discovering its unique charm and attractions as you wish.

Day 24 : DEPARTURE FROM LHASA

Conclude your spiritual pilgrimage with a private transfer to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight to your next destination.

What's included

  • Return flight from NEW YORK
  • All domestic/international flights as per the itinerary
  • Accommodation as per the itinerary at hotels or similar with breakfast
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner in Bhutan
  • Local English-speaking guide as per the itinerary
  • Guide a Tibetan who speaks English with great knowledge of Buddhism, Tibetan culture
  • Tourist standard transport as per the itinerary
  • All required Tibet permits
  • Bhutan visa
  • All the entrance fees to the monasteries, palaces, and sightseeing listed in the itinerary including the Everest base Camp region fee for the transport and guide
  • An oxygen tank in the vehicle outside of Lhasa in case required

What's not included

  • Chinese visa
  • City tax not included, payable on the spot
  • Porterage and gratuities
  • Expenses of a personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses or items not stated explicitly in the program
  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
  • Any visit not mentioned in the program
  • Optional tours and activities
Start Date End Date Price Note AVAILABILITY Booking
Mon, 10 Feb, 25 Tue, 4 Mar, 25 $19478 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 10 Mar, 25 Tue, 1 Apr, 25 $19478 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 7 Apr, 25 Tue, 29 Apr, 25 $19478 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 5 May, 25 Tue, 27 May, 25 $19478 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 8 Sep, 25 Tue, 30 Sep, 25 $19478 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 6 Oct, 25 Tue, 28 Oct, 25 $19478 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 10 Nov, 25 Tue, 2 Dec, 25 $19478 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 2 Feb, 26 Tue, 24 Feb, 26 $21362 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 9 Mar, 26 Tue, 31 Mar, 26 $21362 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 6 Apr, 26 Tue, 28 Apr, 26 $21362 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 4 May, 26 Tue, 26 May, 26 $21362 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 7 Sep, 26 Tue, 29 Sep, 26 $21362 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 5 Oct, 26 Tue, 27 Oct, 26 $21362 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 2 Nov, 26 Tue, 24 Nov, 26 $21362 GUARANTEED Book Now
If you wish to travel on any other date than dates above or have any other queries please call our office at 1-888-214-4856 or email to sales@lumle.com

A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail sales@lumle.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 23 Days
All the Prices are in USD ($) Per Person.

Delhi : The Surya
Rishikesh : Ananda in the Himalayas
Kushinagar : The Imperial
Varanasi : Nadesar Palace
Gaya : Bodhgaya Regency Hotel
Kathmandu : Dwarika’s Hotel
Lumbini : Lumbini Hotel Kasai
Thimphu : Amankora Thimphu
Paro : Amankora Paro
Lhasa : Shangri-La Hotel

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Travel Info

    • Flight time 19 hours Kathmandu (via Hong Kong, Doha, and Delhi)
    • Timezone GMT+5 3/4 hours 
    • Recommended airlines Air India, Cathay and Qatar
    • Best season Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec
    • Visa US citizens need a tourist visa. The information provided herewith at the current time can be subject to change at concise notice. It's your responsibility to ensure you meet entry requirements before you travel.
    • Capital Kathmandu

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