BUDDHIST CIRCUIT TOURCHAR DHAM

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will extend a traditional Khada or garland as a symbol of welcome in Nepalese culture. Subsequently, you will be transported to the hotel in a tourist vehicle. Overnight stay at hotel-Kathmandu.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a visit to UNESCO world heritage site. • Swayambhunath Stupa: Symbolized self-origin, enlightenment, "primordial light" & the cosmic energy believed to be present at the site refers to the spiritual illumination associated with the stupa. • Boudhanath Stupa: Stupa is believed to house a relic of Kasyapa Buddhaprevious Buddha, structure enshrines a sacred mandala, a blend of Tibetan and Nepalese styles & a hub for Tibetan refugees. • Kapan Monastery: Following lunch, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Kapan Monastery, Kopan Monastery serves as a major center for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. It follows the Gelug tradition, the same tradition as the Dalai Lama.Overnight stay at hotel-Kathmandu.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, drive to Namobuddha (42km. approx. 1.5hrs). Overnight stay at hotel-Kathmandu. • Namobuddha: Place linked with the legendassociated with Prince Mahasattva. According to the story, the compassionate prince encountered a starving tigress and her cubs.Mahasattva's sacrifice is a powerful representation of the principle of putting others' well-being above one's own.Overnight stay at hotel-Kathmandu.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, heading southwest towards Pharphing-Asur Gufa (21KM, approx. 1.5 hrs) via Chobar & Taudaha. • Asur Gufa: This area is revered for the Asura Cave, a meditation site associated with Guru Padmasambhava. He is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet and is considered a powerful and enlightened master. • Chobar: Place where the Kathmandu Valley was created by cutting gorge by draining water and made the valley habitable. • Taudaha: Although it is a relatively small lake, it holds cultural, religious, and environmental significance. According to the myth, Taudaha was a lake inhabited by Nagas, and it is believed that the serpent deity Manjushree subdued the Nagas, allowing human settlement in the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight stay at hotel-Kathmandu.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, drive to Lumbini(289kms, approx. 9hrs)/Fly Kathmandu to Bhairahawa (35 mins). Overnight stay at hotel-Kathmandu. Overnight stay at hotel-Lumbini.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a visit to • Lumbini: Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in the 6th century BCE. It is exact place where Siddhartha while holding onto a tree in the Lumbini garden. • Kapilvastu: Tilaurakot in Kapilavastu was the capital of the Sakya kingdom, where Siddhartha, later known as Buddha, spent 29 years. The site holds remains of ancient palaces and structures, offering insights into the region's architecture during Buddha's time. • Kudan: Kudan in Tilaurakot is a crucial Buddhist site where Buddha met his son Rahul after enlightenment. It features a stupa and historic remains, emphasizing the importance of Buddha's life in Kapilavastu, including the poignant reunion with Rahul. • Ramagram: Ramagram, located in Nepal, is a vital Buddhist site believed to contain relics of Lord Buddha. The stupa there is one of the original eight stupas housing Buddha's relics, making it a revered pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Overnight stay at hotel-Lumbini.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast then Starting east from Lumbini, you'll pass through Bhairahawa in Nepal before reaching Sunauli, the border town between the two countries. Crossing into India, continue south to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. Finally, head southeast from Gorakhpur to reach the sacred Buddhist site of Sravasti. • Indian Kapilavastu: It is situated in the present-day Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The Piprahwa Stupa, located at Kapilavastu was discovered in the 19th century, is a significant pilgrimage destination housing relics from the 6th century BCE. • Jetwana Park: It is a historic Buddhist site, donated by Anathapindika and served as a key location in Buddha's monastic life. The park includes the renowned Jetwana Monastery and the sacred Anandabodhi tree, making it a crucial pilgrimage destination with profound spiritual and historical importance. • Angulimal Cave: It is a crucial Buddhist site where the bandit Angulimal transformed after meeting Buddha. It symbolizes personal redemption and the transformative impact of Buddha's teachings, drawing pilgrims interested in Buddhist history. • Kachikuti: Overnight stay at hotel-Sravasti.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a visit to • Mahaparinirvana Temple: It the place where Buddha have attained Mahaparinirvana, his final liberation. The temple features a reclining statue of Buddha in a traditional pose, representing the moment of his passing. • Ramabhar Stupa: This Stupa is a significant monument in Kushinagar. It is the cremation site of Gautama Buddha. This stupa is part of the pilgrimage circuit and holds cultural and religious importance for Buddhists. • Aniruddhawa Village: At the time of passing away of Buddha and after his cremation, a dispute broke out between different Kingdoms over the ownership of his relics. Local believe that this is the site where according to the Maha Parinibbana Sutra, the Brahmin named Drona resolved the dispute by dividing the Buddha’s relics into eight portions. Post “Great debate” here, physical distribution occurred at the cremation site. Overnight stay at hotel-Kushinagar

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a visit to • Vaishali: It holds historical significance as an early republic linked to Lord Buddha. It boasts archaeological treasures, including Ashoka's Lion Pillar, making it a notable Buddhist pilgrimage site. • Giridhakuta: It's where Buddha delivered significant teachings, including the Lotus Sutra. Known for its distinctive shape, pilgrims visit for religious significance and panoramic views. • Vennu Vana: It's indeed a historical and significant site associated with Lord Buddha. The connection between the park and Buddha's teachings, as well as the gift from King Bimbisara, adds to its cultural and religious importance. • Jeevak Hospital: Named after Jivaka, a prominent physician and disciple of Buddha, the site underscores the convergence of healthcare and spirituality during ancient times, highlighting the emphasis on compassion and healing in Buddhism.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a visit to • Nalanda University: It was established in the 5th century in Bihar, India, was a renowned ancient center of learning, specializing in Buddhist education. It attracted scholars globally and featured a comprehensive curriculum. • Bodhgaya: Bodh Gaya, is where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple marks this sacred spot, drawing pilgrims worldwide for meditation and homage. It's a key destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and study. • Mahabodhi Temple: The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment. A key pilgrimage site, it features the sacred Bodhi Tree and stands as a symbol of Buddhism's historical and spiritual significance.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a visit to • Sujata Village: Located east of Bodhgaya in Bakhrour, across the Phalgu River, this spot is where Sujata offered Gautam Buddha Milk & Rice (Kheer) during his meditation. Her act, meant to sustain his life, took place near the stupa. • Niranjana River: It's associated with the Buddha's journey to enlightenment and is the river across which the stupa commemorating Sujata's offering is located. Evening sightseeing at Mahabodhi temple for meditation.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a visit to • Sarnath: It is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, known as the "Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta" or the "Wheel of Dharma," to his five disciples. • Sarnath Museum: It exhibits ancient artifacts, sculptures, and relics, including the iconic Ashoka Pillar, offering insights into the historical and artistic legacy of Sarnath.

After breakfast transfer to airport for next destination.