The journey
Follow the places that shaped a teaching.
A six-day private journey from Gaya through Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Varanasi and Sarnath.
At a glance
What shapes this circuit
- 01
Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree and an evening meditation session
- 02
Major teaching, learning and Mahaparinirvana sites across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
- 03
Private air-conditioned transport with an English-speaking guide
- 04
Ganga Aarti in Varanasi and the first-sermon landscape at Sarnath
Route thread
From place to place, with purpose
The atlas shows where the journey travels. Use the ordered stops to follow the sequence and read why each place belongs.
Arrival point for the short transfer to Bodh Gaya.
City and pilgrimage-area coordinates show spatial context; the brass line shows sequence, not the road taken. Geography: Natural Earth 5.1.1.
Day by day
A considered rhythm
The final timings, guide services and transfers are confirmed in your personal proposal.
Day 01Arrival in Gaya and Bodh GayaGaya · Bodh Gaya
Arrive at Gaya airport or railway station and transfer approximately 12 km to Bodh Gaya.
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Bodhi Tree
- Great Buddha Statue
- Thai, Japanese and Tibetan monasteries
- Evening meditation at the Mahabodhi Temple
Private road transfer: 12 km
Overnight: Bodh Gaya
Walking and standing vary by site; share mobility and rest needs in the enquiry.
Day 02Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda and PatnaBodh Gaya · Rajgir · Nalanda · Patna
Travel through Rajgir and Nalanda before continuing to Patna for the night.
- Vulture’s Peak (Griddhakuta)
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Rajgir hot springs
- Nalanda University ruins
- Nalanda Archaeological Museum
Private road travel: Bodh Gaya–Rajgir 80 km · Rajgir–Nalanda 12 km · Nalanda–Patna 90 km
Overnight: Patna
Hill access and uneven archaeological ground should be discussed before confirmation.
Day 03Patna, Vaishali and KushinagarPatna · Vaishali · Kushinagar
Begin at Patna Museum, continue through Vaishali and reach Kushinagar in the evening.
- Patna Museum Buddhist relics
- Vaishali Ashokan Pillar
- Buddha Stupa and relic sites
- Mahaparinirvana Temple
Private road travel: Patna–Vaishali 60 km · Vaishali–Kushinagar approximately 250 km
Overnight: Kushinagar
This is a long road day with site walking at both ends.
Day 04Kushinagar to ShravastiKushinagar · Shravasti
Explore Kushinagar further before the road journey to Shravasti and Jetavana.
- Ramabhar Stupa
- Meditation Park
- Jetavana Monastery
Private road travel: Approximately 240 km
Overnight: Shravasti
The day combines outdoor sites with a substantial road transfer.
Day 05Shravasti to VaranasiShravasti · Varanasi
Complete the Shravasti visits and continue to Varanasi for the evening Ganga Aarti.
- Anathapindika’s Stupa
- Angulimala’s Stupa
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Private road travel: Approximately 300 km
Overnight: Varanasi
Ghat access can involve steps and crowds; assistance needs should be discussed.
Day 06Varanasi, Sarnath and departureVaranasi · Sarnath
Visit Sarnath in the morning, followed by free time and the onward departure from Varanasi.
- Dhamek Stupa
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
- Sarnath Archaeological Museum
- Optional shopping or Ganga boat ride
- Airport or railway-station transfer
Private road transfer: Varanasi–Sarnath 10 km
Boat access is optional and subject to local conditions and traveller comfort.
Included
What we plan into the journey
- Four-star hotel accommodation for five nights with breakfast
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, fuel, tolls and parking
- English-speaking guide throughout the six-day tour
- Entry tickets to the listed monuments, museums and sites
- Gaya arrival and Varanasi departure transfers
- Daily sightseeing according to the itinerary
- Bottled water, vehicle Wi-Fi and on-journey assistance
- Assistance with tickets, money exchange, visas, permits and cultural etiquette
Final proposal
Anything outside the package
The package workbook does not define exclusions. Your personal proposal will state every service outside the confirmed package before you proceed.
Practical care
Comfort is in the details
Accommodation
Four-star accommodation for five nights, with breakfast and double occupancy as the two-traveller baseline.
Illustrative hotel examples
- Bodh Gaya: Lotus Nikko / Hotel Bodhgaya Regency
- Patna: Maurya Hotel
- Kushinagar: Royal Residency
- Shravasti: Hotel Pawan Palace
- Varanasi: Radisson / Taj Ganges
Examples only; the confirmed proposal may use an equivalent property subject to availability.
Transport
A private air-conditioned car or coach is included with driver, fuel, tolls and parking.
Meals
Hotel breakfast is included. Hotels are selected with international cuisine available; other meal requirements are discussed during planning.
Pace & mobility
Several sites involve uneven ground, steps and periods of standing. The pace can be adjusted after we understand your needs.
Guide
An English-speaking guide is included throughout the six-day circuit.
When to travel
Seasonal suitability and current site conditions are confirmed during planning.
Photo journal
A visual sense of the journey
Stock photography is used for atmosphere. Named-place captions are shown only where the source metadata verifies the location.
Before you enquire
Common questions
Can the pace work for older travellers?
Yes. Share walking, stair and rest requirements in the enquiry so the proposed pacing and vehicle access can be checked.
Can children join?
Yes. Adults and children are counted separately so rooming and vehicle needs can be planned accurately.
Can we add extra nights?
Yes. Use the tailor-made journey if you want to substantially change the route or duration.