Beyond Pilgrimage, A Journey Within

Beyond Pilgrimage, A Journey Within (15 Nights / 16 Days)

Embark on an expansive 16 Days / 15 Nights spiritual and Himalayan voyage linking the sacred plains of Lord Buddha's life with the serene monastic traditions of the Eastern Himalayas. Beginning in imperial Delhi, this soulful circuit weaves through the sacred riverbanks of Varanasi, the Deer Park of Sarnath, the sanctum of enlightenment at Bodhgaya, and the ancient seats of wisdom in Rajgir and Nalanda.

Transition via historic Calcutta into the mist-shrouded tea hills and mountain vistas of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim. Experience heritage Himalayan train journeys, the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill, the sacred sanctuary of Rumtek Monastery, and the crystal-clear waters of holy Tshangu Lake before concluding your inner pilgrimage.

Tour Overview

  • Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
  • Tour Style: Sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage, Cultural Heritage & Himalayan Vistas
  • Destinations Covered: Delhi – Varanasi – Bodhgaya – Patna – Calcutta – Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Gangtok – Calcutta
  • Start / Finish: Delhi (DEL) / Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)

Detailed Day-Wise Itinerary

Arrive in Delhi.
Meet our representative upon arrival and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.
Visit the 17th-century Jama Masjid, Parliament House, Birla Mandir, and the memorials to Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi (Raj Ghat).
Later visit Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and other heritage landmarks of the capital.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

After breakfast, meet our representative and transfer to the airport to connect with your flight to Varanasi.
On arrival in Varanasi, meet assistance and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, embark on an excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Varanasi.

Early in the morning, take a boat ride on the Holy River Ganges viewing the sunrise and religious rites being performed along the ghats.
Return to your hotel for breakfast.
Proceed for full-day city sightseeing visiting Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
In the evening, witness the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the sacred River Ganges.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.

After breakfast, depart by surface for Bodhgaya (243 km / approx. 7 hrs drive), the sacred site where Lord Buddha attained supreme enlightenment.
On arrival, check into your hotel.
Afternoon visit the revered Mahabodhi Temple and meditate in the aura of the sacred Bodhi Tree.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bodhgaya.

After breakfast, depart by surface for Rajgir (70 km / approx. 2 hrs).
Visit Vulture Hill (Gridhakuta), World Peace Stupa (Vishwa Shanti Stupa), and the sacred Bamboo's Garden (Venuvana).
Drive to Nalanda (14 km) to explore the ruins of one of the world's oldest universities and international centres of Buddhist studies.
Continue drive to Patna (145 km / approx. 4 hrs); check into hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit Takht Sri Patna Sahib and the historic Patna Museum.
Transfer to the airport to connect with your flight to Calcutta (Kolkata).
Arrive in Kolkata, meet assistance, and transfer to your hotel.
Visit the vibrant flower market along the riverbanks in Howrah, followed by a scenic boat ride on the Hooghly River.
Afternoon tour of the metropolis including the imposing Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Indian Museum.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Kolkata.

After breakfast, transfer to airport to board your flight to Bagdogra.
Upon arrival at Bagdogra, meet assistance and embark on a picturesque mountain drive ascending to Darjeeling.
Check into your hotel; evening at leisure amidst crisp mountain air.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Darjeeling.

After breakfast, embark on a romantic joy ride aboard the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway "Toy Train".
A celebrated colonial hill station retreat, Darjeeling is surrounded by manicured tea plantations and offers magnificent views of the snowy peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Rest of the day free to stroll along the Mall and explore local Tibetan craft markets.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Darjeeling.

Early in the morning, drive up to Tiger Hill (approx. 9,000 ft) to witness the sunrise over Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga.
On the return journey, visit the historic Ghoom Monastery housing a 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and walk through an aromatic local tea estate.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Darjeeling.

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface for Kalimpong (51 km / approx. 1.5 hrs).
Check into your hotel upon arrival.
In the afternoon, visit local Buddhist monasteries and Kalimpong's famous exotic orchid and flower nurseries.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Kalimpong.

In the morning after breakfast, tour Deolo Hill, Dr. Graham’s Home, and a renowned flower nursery.
In the afternoon, drive along the Teesta River valley from Kalimpong to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim (85 km / approx. 3 hrs).
Check into your hotel; evening free to explore the scenic MG Marg promenade.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.

After breakfast, take a comprehensive sightseeing tour covering the renowned Rumtek Monastery, seat of the Kagyu lineage.
Visit Deer Park, Do-drul Chorten Stupa, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom, and the hilltop Enchey Monastery.
The afternoon is kept free for you to explore Gangtok on your own.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.

After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable mountain excursion to the sacred and serene Tshangu Lake (3,780 m / 12,400 ft).
The glacial lake remains frozen for much of the winter and spring, coming alive with vibrant alpine blossoms such as rhododendrons, primulas, irises, and poppies along its banks.
Return to Gangtok in the afternoon.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.

Morning, depart by surface from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport (115 km / approx. 4.5 hrs drive).
Board your scheduled flight for Calcutta (Kolkata).
On arrival in Kolkata, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Kolkata.

Breakfast at the hotel (standard hotel check-out is prior to 12:00 hrs).
Assisted transfer to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for departure to your onward destination.
Tour concludes with transformative spiritual memories of the plains and Himalayas.

Sightseeing Highlights

Buddhist Pilgrimage Banner
Sacred Mahabodhi Shrines
Himalayan Buddhist Monastery
Himalayan Monastic Sanctuaries

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Package Inclusions

  • Airport arrival transfer in Delhi and departure transfer in Kolkata with representative assistance.
  • 15 Nights hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis across Delhi, Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Patna, Kolkata, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gangtok.
  • Daily breakfast at all hotels throughout the itinerary.
  • Domestic airfares: Delhi – Varanasi, Patna – Kolkata, Kolkata – Bagdogra, and Bagdogra – Kolkata.
  • Early morning boat cruise on the River Ganges in Varanasi.
  • Attendance at the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi.
  • Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway "Toy Train" joy ride experience.
  • Early morning sunrise excursion to Tiger Hill in Darjeeling.
  • High-altitude excursion to sacred Tshangu Lake in Sikkim.
  • Dedicated private vehicle for all road journeys, sightseeing, and intercity transfers.

Package Exclusions

  • International air tickets to Delhi and from Kolkata.
  • Monument entrance charges, museum fees, and camera tickets unless specifically indicated.
  • Lunches, dinners, and personal beverages not mentioned in inclusions.
  • Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, porterage, and tips.
  • Comprehensive travel, medical, and baggage insurance.

Important Travel Guidelines

  • Sikkim Entry & Lake Permits: Foreign and domestic tourists require special permits for visiting Gangtok and Tshangu Lake; valid photo ID and passport-sized photographs are required.
  • Monastery Etiquette: Respectful, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is mandatory; footwear and hats must be removed before entering monastery prayer halls.
  • High-Altitude Preparation: Tshangu Lake is located at an altitude of 3,780 meters (12,400 ft); warm clothing, windbreakers, and adequate hydration are recommended.
  • Hotel Times: Standard hotel check-in time is from 14:00 hrs and check-out is prior to 12:00 noon.