Buddhist Tour of North East, as the name says, tour will take you to the major Buddhist temples in North-East India. Starting from Delhi, this tour covers Sarnath (the place where Gautam Budha first taught the Dharma), Nalanda ( primary institutions of higher learning in ancient India), Vulture Peak (favorite retreat center of Buddha) and Saptparni caves (one of the places where first Buddhist council was held).
Along with the significant Buddhism sites, this tour will also take you to the monasteries of Gangtok, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong, and a sightseeing tour to Agra and Delhi. To be very clear and concise, this tour package will take you to all the places in India that has witnessed Buddhism history and legacy.
Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Arrive Delhi. Assistance and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visiting the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Parliament House, Birla Mandir, Memorials to Nehru and Gandhi. Later visit the Qutab Minar, Humayuns Tomb, etc. Overnight in hotel.
Delhi- India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively.
Day 03 Delhi – Agra (By Road) (205 Kms. / 4 hrs. appx.)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Agra.
On arrival, city tour of Agra.
Overnight in Agra.
Agra -Historians suggest Agra to be the Agravana in the epic Mahabharata. It is expected to be known as Agralapura during the medieval age. An archaeological fact pushes the existence of Agra back to three million years. The Lodhi dynasty ruled over Agra for a long time. It was in the onset of the sixteenth century that the Mughals took over the ruling of Agra from the hands of Lodhis.
Taj Mahal Shah Jahan the great emperor and a great builder constructed Taj Mahal in the loving memory of his beloved wife Anjuman Bano Begum. Shah Jahan met this beautiful girl in his young age and later gets married with her. Red Fort – The construction of the Agra fort was started around 1565 when the initial structures were built by Akbar.
Day 04 Agra – Delhi (205 Kms. / 4 hrppx.) / Delhi – Varanasi (By Flight)
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Delhi.
On arrival, transfer to Delhi airport for flight to Varanasi.
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Sarnath: One of the major Buddhist centers in India. Having achieved enlightenment in Bodhgaya, it was at Sarnath where Buddha came to preach his message of the middle way to final Nirvana. Later emperor Ashoka erected many magnificent stupas and other buildings here. Sarnath was at its peak when Chinese travellers Fa hian and Hiuen Tsang visited the site.
Day 05 Varanasi – Bodhgaya (By Road) (255 Kms. / 5 hrs. appx.)
Morning early depart for a boat ride on the Holy River Ganges viewing the sunrise and the religions rites being performed on the River bank. After breakfast, check out from the hotel.
Drive to Bodhgaya, visiting Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas and the Banaras Hindu University. Overnight in Bodhgaya.
Varanasi: It has been known as Kashi and Banaras, its present name is a restoration of the ancient name meaning the city between the two rivers Varun and Asi. The internal city id one of the most important pilgrimages sites in India. Situated on the bank of the sacred river Ganges, Kashi , Vishwanath temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is popularly known as the Golden Temple due to the Golden Plating done on its 15.5 meter high spire.
Day 06 Bodhgaya
In the morning after breakfast visit Bodhgaya. Here under the Bodhi Tree, Shakyamuni Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, “the Enlightened one” the profounder of one of the great religious of the world. River Nirajnana in which the Buddha bathed after attaining elightment flows quietly outside the tiny hamlet. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 07 Bodhagaya – Patna (By Road) (112 Kms. / 3 hrs. appx.)
Morning depart for Patna. Visit the Vulture Hill, World Peace Stupa and Bamboo’s Garden. Later drive to Nalanda 14 kms and visit one of the oldest Universities of the world & International Centre of Buddhist Studies. Continue drive to Patna.
Check into hotel for overnight stay.
Nalanda-a great center of Buddhist learning and one of the most famed university citadels of ancient times. Rajgir was once the ancient capital of the powerful kingdom of Maghada. From the out skirts of Rajgir, a historic road leads to Gridha – Kuta or vultures peak where the Buddha preached, here the first Buddhist Council was held after the Lord’s Mahaparinirvana.
Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 08 Patna – Kolkata (By Flight)
Morning Patna Sahib & Patna Museum. Later transfer to airport to connect flight for Calcutta. Rest day free for leisure. Overnight in Hotel.
Patna- is the capital of Bihar and is located on the southern parts of the Ganges. Patna also flaunts immense historical significance and was the center of art and culture during the ancient times. There are many tourist attractions in Patna to catch a glimpse of, some of the prominent ones being.
Visit: Patna Museum, Patna Sahib.
Day 09 Kolkata–Bagdogra (By Flight) / Bagdogra–Darjeeling (96 Km/ 4 hrs)
Early morning visit the flower market on the riverbanks in Howrah. This is followed by a boat-ride on the Hooghly. The afternoon sightseeing of the metropolis includes the imposing Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum that houses one of the best collections of Indian art.
Afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight to Bagdogra.
On arrival, drive to Darjeeling.
Overnight in Darjeeling.
Kolkatta -It is interesting to explore the origin & history of kolkata, the capital of British India. Calcutta history is not that old as that of Delhi. Calcutta, the city of joy was established in the year 1686, as a result of the expansion plans of the British Raj. Visit – Calcutta Victoria memorial hall is a fabulous museum that was established in the year 1921. The credit for designing and drawing the plan for this monument goes to Sir William Emerson, President of the British Institute of Architects. Howrah Bridge, located over the Hoogli River in West Bengal, India, is said to be the busiest bridge of the world. Hawrah Bridge in Kolkata, India, also known by the name ‘Rabindra Setu’, was set up in 1874. It stands on two 270 feet high pillars. , St Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum – St Paul’s Cathedral is acknowledged as the first Episcopal Church of the eastern world. It is an Anglican cathedral of the Church of North India. Besides, being a religious site, the cathedral is also an architectural marvel. St. Paul’s Cathedral is 247 feet in length, 81 feet in width and 114 feet at transept. The flagstaff rises to a height of 175 feet above ground level. Indian Museum – The history of the origin and the growth of the Indian Museum is one of the remarkable events towards the development of heritage and culture of India.
Founded in 1814 at the cradle of the Asiatic Society of Bengal at the present building of the Asiatic Society, 1 Park Street, Kolkata, Indian Museum is the earliest and the largest multipurpose Museum not only in the Indian subcontinent but also in the Asia-Pacific region of the world.
Day 10 Darjeeling
Early in the morning drive up to Tiger Hill 9000 ft to see the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga, visiting the Ghoom Monastery on return. Later visit the Himalayan mountaineering Institute and a local tea garden.
A favourite hill-station of the British to escape from the heat of Calcutta, Darjeeling is surrounded by tea gardens and has magnificent views of the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga.
Also, enjoy the toy train ride.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 11 Darjeeling – Kalimpong (By Road) (60 Kms. / 2.5 hrs. appx.)
Morning depart for Kalimpong.
On arrival check in the hotel.
Afternoon, visit local monasteries and flower nurseries.
Overnight in hotel.
Kalimpong – Established in 1922, the Tharpa Choling Gompa belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, founded in the Tibet in the 14th century and to which the Dalai Lama belongs. It’s a 40 minute walk from town; take the path to the right off KD Pradhan Rd, just before the Milk Collection and Extension Wing Building. Flower Nurseries Kalimpong produces 80% of India’s gladiolas and is an important orchid – growing area; flowers are exported from here to many cities in northern India. The Sri Ganesh Moni Pradhan Nursery and the Udai Mani Pradhan Nursery are among the most important in the area. The Standard and the Universal Nurseries also specialise in cacti. There’s a flower festival in Kalimpong in October
Day 12 Kalimpong – Gangtok (By Road) (75 Kms. / 3 hrs. appx.)
In the morning after breakfast visit Dello Hills and Dr. Graham`s Home and a Flower Nursery. In the afternoon drive from Kalimpong to Gangtok.
Overnight in Hotel.
Day 13 Gangtok
This morning take sightseeing tour that will cover Rumtek Monastery, Deer Park, Droul Chorthen, Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom and Enchey Monastery.
For a truly unforgettable experience, visit the sacred and serence Tshangu Lake 3780 m, 12400 ft.
The lake remains frozen for the greater part of the year and comes alive during May to August when rhododendrons, iris, primulas, and poppies burst into bloom on its banks.
Overnight in hotel.
Gangtok – is the capital of Sikkim and is situated at a height of 5,500ft above sea level. The city has become the famous centre for Buddhist learning and culture, along with political, commercial, religious and cultural activities of the people of Sikkim.The city attracts a major crowd ever year for it is provided with a number of tourists attractions by nature itself. Start your trip, by visiting the famous 200-year-old, Enchey meaning solitary Monastery or Gompa, located in the middle of a forest and offering a brilliant view of the Kanchendzong range. Also, catch the famous mask dance performances called ‘Cham’ in the months of August and January. For flower and bird lovers, hit the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary nearby, which houses 200 different species of birds and also an exhibition centre displaying varieties of orchids
Day 14 Gangtok – Bangdogra (115 Km/ 4 hrs) / Bagdogra – Delhi (By Flight)
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Bagdogra.
On arrival, transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.
Visit Connaught Place, Janpath Market in Delhi.
Overnight in Delhi.
Janpath Market is a shopping stretch that is strategically situated near the reputed landmarks of Delhi, namely Jantar Mandar and Connaught Place. Connaught Place is one of the must-visit places in Delhi and therefore, Janpath Market becomes very difficult to miss. There are a variety of shops that are lined along the entire stretch of this place. There is something in this place even for people with shoe-string budgets, which makes it one of the most crowded places in Delhi.
Souvenirs shops are the major Janpath Market attractions, as the shops here are considered to sell the best gifts that tourists feel proud to take back to their native places.
Day 15 Depart Delhi (By Flight)
Transfer to the airport for departure for onward destination.
| City | Night(s) | 5* Hotels |
| Delhi | 02 | Radisson Blu |
| Agra | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Varanasi | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Bodhgaya | 02 | Bodhgaya Regency |
| Patna | 01 | Hotel Patliputra |
| Kolkata | 01 | Fortune Select |
| Darjeeling | 02 | Elgin Darjeeling |
| Kalimpong | 01 | Elgin Nor-Khill |
| Gangtok | 02 | Elgin Silver Oaks |
| Delhi | 01 | Radisson Blu |
– Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
– Meet assist at airport.
– 14 Nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
– Daily Breakfast and Dinner.
– All Transfers, Sightseeing and Excursions as per itinerary by private vehicle
– Air ticket Delhi – Varanasi, Patna – Kolkata – Darjeeling – Delhi in economy class.
– Toy train ride in Darjeeling.
– Entrance fees to monuments.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways
– All present State & Central Government taxes
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.