The Buddhist Triangle Tour with Lumbini is a thoughtfully designed pilgrimage that encompasses four of the most sacred Buddhist destinations across Nepal and India. This spiritual journey connects travelers with the origins and key sites of Buddhism, beginning in the bustling metropolis of Delhi, India, and concluding in the serene birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, Nepal. The tour offers a profound insight into Buddhist culture, history, and spirituality, combining historic monuments, ancient temples, and scenic landscapes.
Starting in Delhi, visitors explore iconic landmarks such as the Qutub Minar, the Lotus Temple, and the Red Fort, each telling a unique story of India's rich heritage. From Delhi, the tour progresses to Patna and Rajgir, where Emperor Ashoka’s influence and the first Buddhist councils took place. Next is Bodhgaya, the place where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Following this, travelers visit Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, steeped in spiritual energy. The journey continues to Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Parinirvana, and finally, to Lumbini, the serene garden sanctuary marking Buddha’s birthplace. This journey by Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition is not just a tour but a life-enriching spiritual experience.
Best Time for Buddhist Triangle Tour
The best time to undertake the Buddhist Triangle Tour is during the autumn and winter months, from October to March. During this period, the weather across India and Nepal is generally cool, dry, and pleasant—ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The clear skies and moderate temperatures make exploring historical sites, ancient temples, and pilgrimage locations comfortable and enjoyable.
Avoiding the intense heat of the summer months (April to June) and the heavy monsoon rains (July to September) ensures your travel will be smooth and without interruptions. Additionally, traveling during major Buddhist festivals like Buddha Jayanti (usually in April or May) can provide unique cultural insights and memorable celebrations if you wish to coincide your visit with these events.
Buddhist Triangle Tour Difficulty
The Buddhist Triangle Tour is designed to be moderate in difficulty, suitable for most travelers including seniors and families. The tour involves sightseeing with moderate walking, some short hikes (mostly gentle), and travel via flights, trains, and private vehicles.
Most pilgrimage sites are accessible with good infrastructure, but some locations might have uneven or cobbled pathways requiring comfortable footwear and a reasonable level of mobility. The tour does not involve strenuous physical activity or high-altitude trekking, making it accessible to those with average fitness levels.
Food, Meals, and Accommodation
Throughout the Buddhist Triangle Tour, travelers are treated to a variety of local and international cuisines, catering to different dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian options. Meals are typically served in reputable hotels and restaurants known for hygiene and quality.
Accommodation is carefully selected by Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition to ensure comfort and safety. Travelers stay in comfortable mid-range to deluxe hotels or guesthouses with modern amenities such as clean rooms, Wi-Fi, hot water, and sometimes spa or wellness facilities. In more remote pilgrimage sites, accommodations maintain a balance between comfort and authentic local experience.
Special dietary requirements or meal preferences can be accommodated upon prior request to make sure everyone’s needs are met.
Why Choose Buddhist Triangle Tour with Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition?
Choosing the Buddhist Triangle Tour with Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition means embarking on a journey thoughtfully crafted by experts passionate about Buddhist culture and history. The company offers:
With Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition, you’re not just taking a tour — you’re embarking on a transformative spiritual journey through some of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world.
Follow the instructions of the guide all the time.
In case of urgency reach out to the guide.
If you're with a group then do not leave the group without informing the guide.
The trip begins in Delhi after you arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where you'll be received by one of our delegates following which you'll be driven to your designated place of stay for overnight.
After breakfast, you'll be met by the tour guide within the hotel premises and the guide will give you a brief outline regarding the activity for the trip of the day. After that, you'll be driven in a private vehicle around the sites while the guide gives you a description regarding the surroundings. After being around for a while You'll be taken to an Indian place for an authentic Indian Lunch, following which you'll visit historic places like Red Fort, India Gate, Lotus Temple, and several other attraction sights. Upon the completion of the day, you'll be driven to your hotel for an overnight stay and dinner.
Today you'll be heading on a flight from Delhi to Patna to visit the historic Buddhist capital of Patliputra. Patna is the largest administrative center in the state of Bihar. There are numerous beautiful religious and archaeological sites to visit in Patna some of them being the Bihar Museum, Mahavir Mandir, and Nalanda you can visit to.
Today we'll explore Patna for the day, the day kick-off after our guide visits us following which we'll visit sites like Gol-ghar, and Buddha Smriti Park which are some of the wonderful sites to visit. Alongside that, several other museums and temples will leave no effort to fascinate you with their highly complex, advanced, and intricate patterns and structures in the way they were designed during the time of the rule of the Mauryan empire along with the Buddhist sculpture there is.
Today we'll head for Rajgir. We'll be on the ride while getting to enjoy the beautiful sights and views during the trip by the side.
Rajgir is an immensely significant place where lord Buddha spent a considerable time teaching his disciples and meditating. Upon your arrival at Rajgir, we'll visit Peace Pagoda built by a Japanese, and Griddakuta, a sacred place where Lord Buddha used to preach Additionally later you'll also get to visit sites like Bimbisara's jail, Swarna Bhandar, and some of the hot springs and Jain temples around Rajgir.
Moving forward we'll be heading to Bodhgaya, a place located somewhere approximately 78 km distant from Rajgir, Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, attained enlightenment under the bodhi tree in Bodhgaya. The Mahabodhi temple, located nearby, is a popular destination for Buddhists and is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today we'll be heading for Varanasi, we'll head towards the train station as we head for our trip to Varanasi, the trip on the train takes somewhere around 4 hours to reach. Varanasi is a very sacredly popular destination and is located at the bank of the holy Ganga river. We'll stroll around in the surroundings for a while following which we'll have lunch and in the evening we'll be witnessing the Sandhya arati.
Today we'll embark on an enriching day of sightseeing in Varanasi, where we'll go on an exciting trip to Sarnath. This beautiful location is where Lord Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, marking the birth of the Buddhist sangha. Take a moment to admire the beautiful natural sights surrounding the deer park where you'll explore ancient ruins and marvel at the architecture of the various stupas and temples. Following the mesmerizing experience in Sarnath, we'll head back to Varanasi where you'll get several chances to visit Ghats, shrines, and temples. Be awestruck by the intricate carvings and vibrant colors of the holy structures that stand tall along the banks of the river Ganga. The trip of the day ends with a serene boat ride along the Ganga River, as you take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city that unfolds right before your eyes. As the sun starts to get down we'll head back to the accommodation.
So today we'll be heading for Kushinagar, a place that carries a lot of importance regarding the spiritual and faithful teachings and beliefs of Lord Buddha This place is also a crucial part of Buddha's life as it is the place where Lord Buddha spent the last moment of his life. Kushinagar is a place where you'll find every Pilgrimage site related to the life of Buddha, all of which are consecrated in a small hamlet known as Kasia.
Kushinagar is a place that showcases the different branches of Buddhism through its various religious structures such as chaityas and Viharas, temples, and Monasteries. A popular site to visit in Kushinagar is the Mahaparinirvana temple which houses a 6 m tall statue of Lord Buddha lying on his right side and facing west. Behind the temple is Nirvana stupa which was discovered by Carlleyl in 1867. In addition, other sacred places to visit in Kushinagar include Ramabhar stupa, the cremation ground of lord Buddha, Wat Thai temple, and the Japanese temple. We'll be staying overnight in Kushinagar.
Today we'll be heading back to Nepal. we'll be on the road to Nepal through the sunauli port following which we'll be on our trip to Lumbini, the birthplace of lord Buddha enlisted as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Lumbini is a very fascinating and peaceful place. The visit to Lumbini will give you peace of mind like no other place you ever had before, the sight is amazing and serene and makes you feel like spending more time. So on the day we arrive at Lumbini, we'll take a day for a break just to unwind from the trip and the next day we'll be on our trip to explore the Lumbini.
So today morning we'll start our trip with the exploration of the Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Starting we'll be heading towards the sacred garden of Lumbini and go around Maya Devi Temple and Ashoka Pillar. There are also various fascinating sites to witness in the vicinity of the temple such as the footsteps of Lord Buddha and also the world Peace pagoda. You can also get to see the ancient monuments and architecture of unique and advanced kinds in every monastery that is reflected there. The trip is of a unique and amazing kind. Following this we'll drive to Kathmandu, where you'll be served with farewell dinner.
The 13-day trip finally comes to an end today. This morning after breakfast you'll be visited by one of our delegates to take feedback regarding the trip, following which you'll be driven towards the airport in a private vehicle 3 hours before the flight as per the regulation.
The Buddhist Triangle Tour is a spiritual pilgrimage that covers key Buddhist sites across India and Nepal, including Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, and Varanasi. It offers a deep insight into the life of Buddha and the origins of Buddhism through visits to ancient temples, monasteries, and historical landmarks.
The tour is moderately easy and suitable for most travelers. It involves some walking and travel by train, car, and flight, but no strenuous hiking. Comfortable footwear and average fitness will enhance your experience as some sites have uneven paths or stairs.
The ideal time to visit the Buddhist Triangle is from October to March. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, making sightseeing comfortable. Avoid the summer heat and monsoon rains for a smoother travel experience and better access to all pilgrimage sites.
Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition arranges comfortable accommodations in well-rated hotels and guesthouses throughout the tour. These include modern amenities like clean rooms, Wi-Fi, and hot water. In pilgrimage towns, the stays balance comfort with authentic local experiences to enhance the spiritual journey.
Meals are included during the tour, offering a variety of local Indian and Nepalese dishes. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, with special dietary needs accommodated upon request. Meals focus on hygiene and quality, allowing travelers to enjoy traditional cuisine safely and comfortably.
Yes, the Buddhist Triangle Tour is ideal for solo travelers, families, and groups. The itinerary is flexible and designed to accommodate different ages and interests, with safe travel arrangements, knowledgeable guides, and a pace that ensures a comfortable and enriching experience for everyone.
Travelers typically require a visa to enter India, which must be arranged prior to arrival. Nepal offers visa-on-arrival for many nationalities. Border crossing between India and Nepal is generally straightforward, but it’s advisable to check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Most hotels and guesthouses included in the tour provide Wi-Fi and mobile network coverage. However, connectivity may be limited in some remote pilgrimage areas. It’s recommended to inform family or work contacts about possible intermittent access during parts of the journey.
Yes, experienced local guides accompany you for most parts of the Buddhist Triangle Tour. These guides are knowledgeable about Buddhist history, culture, and the significance of each site, enriching your experience with insightful commentary and assistance.
Plan Nepal Trek & Expedition offers flexible itineraries to suit individual preferences and special requests. Whether you want to extend your stay, add extra sightseeing, or focus on meditation and spiritual practices, the tour can be tailored to meet your needs.
Pack lightweight, modest clothing suitable for temple visits and warm layers for cooler months. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and basic medication are essential. A reusable water bottle and travel adapter are recommended, along with any personal items you may need for a comfortable pilgrimage.
