Spiritual Pilgrimage Across the Himalayas

Rishikesh

Fly to Rishikesh, a peaceful town in the Himalayan foothills by the Ganges River. After arriving, settle in and enjoy the calm atmosphere. In the evening, take part in the Ganga Aarti, a beautiful river ceremony of lights and chanting. Enjoy a hot cup of masala chai or ayurvedic tea at a local dhaba. You may also explore the small cafes nearby. This first day is all about relaxing, adjusting to your surroundings, and getting a feel for the spiritual energy of this sacred destination.

Rishikesh

Wake up early and visit Kunjapuri Devi Temple to watch the sunrise. It’s a peaceful and powerful start to your day. Later, visit Raghunath Temple and the holy Rishikund pond, known for its sacred waters. Walk across the famous suspension bridges of Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, enjoying views of the river and hills. These places are more than just sights—they’re a chance to feel the spiritual rhythm of Rishikesh and its deep connection to yoga, meditation, and ancient traditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rishikesh

KUSHINAGAR

Return to Delhi and take a flight to Kushinagar, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. In the afternoon, visit the Parinirvana Temple, believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha passed into final Nirvana. See the beautiful six-metre-long reclining golden Buddha statue, which symbolises his peaceful departure. You’ll also visit the nearby Parinirvana Stupa, set in quiet gardens. This day is about connecting with the stillness and sacred atmosphere of a place deeply respected in Buddhist faith around the world.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KUSHINAGAR

Spend your day exploring Kushinagar’s Buddhist heritage. Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple again, where the fifth-century reclining Buddha lies. Then explore the Kushinagar Museum to see ancient relics, statues, and archaeological discoveries. Later, enjoy a quiet walk through the old stupa park, a peaceful area filled with monuments and stories of the past. This town is not just a place of worship—it’s where spiritual reflection and history meet. It gives you time and space to think, learn, and absorb the deep meaning of this journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Varanasi

Drive six hours to Varanasi, a city considered the spiritual heart of India. On arrival, check into your hotel and take a short break. In the afternoon, take a peaceful boat ride along the Ganges River, where you can witness daily rituals on the ghats and may even spot the rare Ganges river dolphin. As evening comes, join the crowds on the banks for the famous Ganga Aarti. The atmosphere is magical—music, fire, and devotion combine in one of India’s most powerful ceremonies.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Varanasi

Varanasi

Begin your day by visiting four sacred temples: Annapurna, Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, and the Durga Temple, often called the Monkey Temple. Each temple has its own story and energy. In the afternoon, meet a local expert and learn about Vedic astrology, an ancient Indian tradition. Later, drive to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Walk through the ruins, visit the museum, and reflect on the teachings that started a global spiritual path. It’s a day of learning and deep connection.

Meals Included: Breakfast

GAYA

Start the day with a sunrise cruise on the Ganges, a peaceful experience watching locals perform daily prayers. After breakfast, drive about six hours to Gaya. Along the way, stop at the Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum, which holds ancient artefacts and sculptures that show the region’s deep Buddhist roots. Continue your journey to Gaya and settle into your hotel. Today is a travel day, but it’s also a chance to see changing landscapes and prepare for one of the most important places in Buddhist history.

Meals Included: Breakfast

GAYA

Spend the day in Bodhgaya, one of the holiest places for Buddhists. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha gained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. See the 25-metre-high Great Buddha statue, walk around the calm Muchalinda Lake, and feel the peaceful atmosphere. You’ll also visit Vishnupad Mandir, sacred to Hindus, and the nearby Dungeshwari caves, believed to be where Buddha meditated before his enlightenment. End your day with a sunset meditation led by a local guru—an inspiring and calming experience after your day of spiritual discovery.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Fly from Gaya to Paro in Bhutan. On arrival, take a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Begin your visit with a walk through Thimphu Dzong, an impressive fortress and monastery with traditional architecture. Learn about local healing at the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, then explore the Thangka painting galleries. End the day at Buddha Point, where a large statue of Gautama Buddha overlooks the valley. For a deeper experience, choose to be guided by a local history or culture expert.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Thimphu

Take a morning walk along the peaceful Wangdi Tse Loop, ending at Choekhortse Goemba, a small hilltop temple with scenic views. Later, visit an astrology school and receive a personalised reading, a practice still important in Bhutan. Visit the Zilukha Nunnery, a quiet and spiritual place run by women. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided meditation in a monastery led by a senior monk. If you wish, end your day with a private dinner and discussion with the Bhutanese ambassador about Bhutan’s unique Gross National Happiness model.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

Begin your day with a hike to the hidden monk village of Dodedrak. Enjoy a warm welcome and lunch with the monks, offering a glimpse into their peaceful daily life. Afterwards, travel by private car to Paro. Spend your afternoon walking through the charming town. Visit the impressive Paro Dzong, a fortress and monastery overlooking the valley. Later, hike up to the Drukgyal Dzong ruins for a stunning sunset view. Enjoy light refreshments as you take in the mountain scenery and reflect on your journey through Bhutan’s spiritual and natural beauty.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

Today is the highlight of your Bhutan journey—the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This sacred site clings to the edge of a cliff, nearly 900 metres above the valley. The trail is scenic but steep, and well worth the effort. After a picnic lunch near the monastery, receive a special blessing from the senior lama. Return in the afternoon for well-earned rest. You may choose to enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot-stone bath and massage to relax your tired muscles and enjoy the quiet, healing atmosphere of the Paro valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

Kathmandu

Take a flight to Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant and spiritual capital. Start your visit at Swayambhunath Stupa, also called the Monkey Temple, with sweeping views over the Kathmandu Valley. Then explore the lively Durbar Square, home to ancient temples and royal palaces. See beautifully carved wooden buildings and stone sculptures. Later, take a fun rickshaw ride through the colourful streets of Thamel. This area is known for its markets and cafés, where you can shop for local snacks, clothes, and handmade souvenirs. It’s a lively introduction to Nepalese life and culture.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kathmandu

This morning, meet a Tantric Guru who will introduce you to Vajrayana Buddhism and explain some traditional meditation techniques. Later, visit Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Walk the circular path around the stupa, turning prayer wheels and watching the monks and locals. Nearby, explore the Tibetan refugee community known as ‘Mini Tibet’. In the afternoon, travel to Bhaktapur, an ancient city known for its temples and medieval architecture. Stroll through the old squares and narrow alleys to feel the spirit of old Nepal.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kathmandu

LUMBINI

Fly to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and a deeply spiritual place. Begin with a visit to the Ashokan Pillars, which mark the exact spot where Buddha was born. Then walk to the World Peace Stupa, surrounded by peaceful gardens. Explore the Maya Devi Temple, considered the heart of the Lumbini complex. In the afternoon, visit the Lumbini Museum to learn more about Buddha’s life, teachings, and legacy. The area is calm and reflective, ideal for connecting with the origins of Buddhism in a meaningful way.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu. Today is mainly for visa processing for your onward journey into Tibet, but there’s still time to explore. Visit Patan, a historic city full of temples, courtyards, and Newar art. If possible, meet the living goddess known as the Kumari of Patan. In the evening, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, witness the Ashtha Chiranjeevi Puja, a special ritual that honours eight immortal beings. It’s a deeply moving experience at one of Nepal’s oldest religious sites.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lhasa

Fly to Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet. After settling in, head to Barkhor Square. Join the pilgrims as they walk the kora, a sacred path around Jokhang Temple, turning prayer wheels and chanting mantras. Visit the temple itself—Tibet’s most sacred Buddhist site, filled with incense, butter lamps, and deep reverence. The rest of the day is for adjusting to the altitude and soaking in the unique energy of this high-mountain city. Lhasa offers a powerful blend of ancient tradition and quiet spiritual strength.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lhasa

Lhasa

Begin with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Climb its many steps to see rooms filled with murals, scriptures, and statues. Next, visit the Norbulingka Institute, which helps preserve Tibetan arts and crafts. Later, wander through Lhasa’s Old Town, with its narrow lanes and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. In the afternoon, travel to Drepung Monastery at the base of Mount Gephel. Explore its large prayer halls and admire the giant Maitreya statue—a symbol of future enlightenment.

Meals Included: Breakfast

LHASA - DEPARTURE

Your journey ends today. After breakfast, take a private transfer to Lhasa airport for your onward flight. As you leave, carry with you the memories of sacred rivers, mountain monasteries, peaceful teachings, and the warm people you met along the way. This was more than just a holiday—it was a spiritual path through some of Asia’s most meaningful and beautiful places. Whether Buddhist, Hindu, or simply a seeker, this journey leaves a lasting impression on both heart and mind.

Meals Included: Breakfast