From the Himalayan capital of Kathmandu to Kolkata's City of Joy, we trail the footsteps of the Buddha. From his birthplace, to his last breath and from where he gave his first sermon. Together with sacred Varanasi, this trip is sure to be spiritual, to enlighten and set you on the right path!
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. This bustling capital city of Nepal offers delicate balance between new and old architecture. A pre-departure meeting takes place this evening at the hotel. Afterwards we have a orientation walk in the city’s most bustling part Thamel and later join in for an optional group dinner.
Day 2: Kathmandu
Morning city tour to Swyambu Nath Temple & Kathmandu Darbar Square. Evening free to explore Thamel and enjoy a drink in many of its vibrant restaurants. Evening free to explore tons of Thamel’s souvenir shops and interesting café’s and hidden temples.
Day 3: Lumbini
Travel through the beautiful mountain Nepalese landscape to the great Buddhist pilgrimage centre and birthplace of the .During our stay we visit the sacred site where Gautam Buddha was born and visit many of the surrounding monasteries.
Day 4: Nepal/India Border, Kushinagar
Crossing the Nepalese border and into India, we travel to Buddha's final resting place, Kushinagar. Continue to Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva.
Day 5 & 6: Varanasi
Walk the narrow twisting alleys, poke around some of the literally thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing and burnings as you float past the numerous ghats of the River Ganges.
Day 7 & 8: Bodh Gaya We visit Buddha's place of Enlightenment and explore the Mahabodhi temple. Travel out to the ruins of one of the world's oldest teaching institues, the Buddhist University of Nalanda. The fifth century architectural marvel was home to over 10,000 students and nearly 2,000 teachers. Catch a evening sleeper train to Kalkata.
Day 9: Kolkata (Calcutta)
Welcome to city of Joy. During our stay, we explore Victoria Memorial, BBD Baug and many of its wonderful church and old colonial building.
Day 10: Tour end Morning free to further explore this exciting city. Tour finishes after breakfast. The check out time is 12:00. Please make sure that you vacate your rooms by 12 Noon .
Highlights: - Vibrant capital of Nepal- Kathmandu
- Morning boat ride in Ganges
- Holy city of Varanasi & Sarnath
- Pilgrimage to Lumbani
- Sacred town of Bodh Gaya
- Charms of colonial city of Kolkata
Start/ Finish point: Start in Kathmandu/ Finish in Kolkotta
Max Group Size: 16
Staffing: Fully escorted by “Escape Voyages” Tour Leader and services of local guides.
Meals: No meals are included. Please allow US$15-20 per day for meals
Entrance fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary. This does not include camera fees and other entrance fees on optional excursions
Trip Grade:
Moderate 2: A moderate level of fitness is required. These trips generally involve some physical activities and occasional long travelling days. Accommodation and travel conditions may be more basic
Trip Details
Local Payment: There is a local payment of USD 100 attached to this trip. It should be paid on day 1 of the tour to your trip leader in cash in US $ or INR
Fitness Level (2) :No particular level of fitness is required for this holiday. But you need to be an active outdoor loving person and in good health .These trips are a normally include soft adventure like light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.
Included sightseeing and activities Kathmandu- Orientattion walk of Thamel ,Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swambu Nath Temple, Kumai Temple; Lubani- Birth place of Buddha, and cycle rikshaw tour to Monastery complex. Varanasi- morning boat ride, walking tour in the old city, Mother India Temple , evening ceremony,Excursion to Sarnath; Boadh Gaya- Tour to the temple complex, Kolkotta- Half day city tour to Mother Terasa home, BBD Baug, and Kali temple
Optional extras and sightseeing Kathmandu- Bhakatapur Durbar Square , Mt Everest Mountain Flight, excursion to Nagarkot. Varanasi- evening boat ride and Indian Classical musical concert. Bodh Gaya- yoga and meditation lessons; Kolkata-Flower Market and Marble Palace
If you wish to visit a wide range of these mentioned sites and take part in a variety of optional activities please allow approx US$ 80.
Joining Hotel:International Guest House
Kaldhara ,Thamel
Kathmandu
Nepal
Telephone No: + 977 1 4252299, + 977 1 440533
Fax No: + 977 1 4252999
Single travellers
As part of Escape Voyages core philosophy, we do not charge a single supplement. You'll probably be sharing your accommodationwith a travelling companion of the same gender, your tour will probably have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly comehome with some great new friends
Travel Extra
Pre and post accommodation
If you wish to book pre or post tour accommodation please mention it in your booking details. Following are the supplement price for extra accommodation:
Kathmandu USD 70 for Double occupancy room
USD 60 for Single occupancy room
Kolkata USD 70 for Double occupancy room
USD 65 for Single occupancy room
Note: while booking pre & post tour accommodation, it is compulsory for single travellers to book a single room supplement.
Add- On Tours/ Short Escapes If you wish to extend your holiday, we offer a variety of exciting short break options. You can attach one or more of these “Add-On Tour” in the beginning or at the end of your Escape Voyages tour . For more details, please refer to our Add- On/City breaks section.
