In the Footsteps of the Buddha Pilgrimage
Follow the sacred path from Bodh Gaya through Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, and Kushinagar, ending at Sarnath.
This pilgrimage connects the holy sites of the Buddha's enlightenment, teachings, death, and first sermon. The entire route lies within India and does not include Lumbini. The first two days in Bodh Gaya are relaxed, followed by long drives in the latter half, with Days 4 to 6 being quite tiring. It is ideal for pilgrims and travelers interested in Buddhist history; hiring a car is highly recommended. If you wish to add Lumbini in Nepal, you will need to add at least two days and arrange a visa.
Thick fog is common in the early mornings from December to January, which may cause delays for long-distance road travel and flights.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival in Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya（Mahabodhi Temple、Bodhi Tree & Vajrasana）
Gaya Airport to Bodh Gaya takes about 30 minutes. Explore the temple area on foot.
Stay: Mahabodhi Temple Area
Day 2 · International Monasteries & Dungeshwari Cave
Bodh Gaya（Great Buddha Statue、Indosan Nipponji Temple、Wat Thai Buddhagaya、Royal Bhutan Monastery、Dungeshwari Cave Temples、Sujata Stupa）
Walk or take an e-rickshaw to the monasteries in town. Dungeshwari Cave (Pragbodhi) is about 40 minutes one-way.
Stay: Mahabodhi Temple Area
Day 3 · Vulture Peak in Rajgir
Rajgir & Nalanda（Griddhakuta (Vulture Peak)、Vishwa Shanti Stupa & Ropeway、Venuvana、Rajgir Hot Springs (Brahmakund)）
Bodh Gaya to Rajgir is about 80 km (approx. 2.5 hours). You can take the ropeway up the hill.
Stay: Rajgir Town
Day 4 · Nalanda to Vaishali
Rajgir & Nalanda（Nalanda Mahavihara、Nalanda Archaeological Museum、Xuanzang Memorial Hall）
Rajgir to Nalanda takes about 30 minutes, then drive via Patna across the Ganges to Vaishali (approx. 4 hours).
The bridge over the Ganges is often congested; finish your visit to Nalanda as early as possible in the morning.
Stay: Vaishali
Day 5 · Vaishali to Kushinagar
Vaishali → Kesariya Stupa → Kushinagar
Explore Vaishali in the morning, then drive to Kushinagar via Kesariya (approx. 230 km, 6 hours).
Stay: Buddha Marg Area
Day 6 · Parinirvana Site to the Ganges
Kushinagar（Mahaparinirvana Temple、Mathakuar Shrine、Ramabhar Stupa） → Varanasi
Explore Kushinagar in the morning, then drive to Varanasi in the afternoon (approx. 270 km, 6–7 hours).
Stay: Dashashwamedh and Godowlia
Day 7 · Ganges Sunrise Boat Ride & Old City
Varanasi（Dashashwamedh Ghat、Manikarnika Ghat、Kashi Vishwanath Temple）
Take a 1-hour boat ride from the ghats at sunrise, walk through the narrow alleys of the Old City, and watch the evening Ganga Aarti.
Photography is strictly prohibited at the cremation ghats; please respect local regulations.
Stay: Dashashwamedh and Godowlia
Day 8 · First Sermon at Sarnath
Varanasi（Chaukhandi Stupa、Sarnath、Sarnath Museum）
Old City to Sarnath takes about 40 minutes. Drive to the airport in the afternoon (approx. 1 hour).
The Sarnath Museum is usually closed on Fridays; confirm before visiting.