Do Malaysians need a visa for India?

Yes. Malaysian passport holders apply for an India e-Visa online before departure. The tourist e-Visa covers tourism and short visits and is valid for 30 days from entry. The application is on the official India e-Visa portal, and Dhesu walks you through it when you book. Visa fees are not included in the package price.

Which airport does this trip use?

This is a land-only package: hotels, transfers, tours and guide are included, but international flights are not. Most Malaysian travellers fly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Gaya and Varanasi Airports (GAY / VNS). We can recommend suitable flights and timings on request.

Do I need a separate visa for the Nepal section?

This pilgrimage crosses into Nepal to visit Lumbini. Visa requirements for Nepal differ from India, and Nepal offers visa on arrival for many nationalities. We will advise on the specific requirements for your passport before travel.

What is the best time for this pilgrimage?

October to March offers the most comfortable weather across the plains. The cooler winter months are ideal for the many site visits. Summers are extremely hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain that can affect travel.

Is this trip suitable for non-Buddhists?

Yes. While it is a meaningful pilgrimage for Buddhists, the sites are also of great historical and cultural significance. Anyone interested in the life of the Buddha, ancient history or Indian heritage will find it rewarding.

Buddhist pilgrimage Bodhgaya Mahabodhi temple India

North India

11 Days, In the Buddha's Footsteps. Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar and the Sacred Sites.

Walk in the footsteps of the Buddha. The great pilgrimage sites where he was enlightened, gave his first sermon and attained final nirvana, across the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with Lumbini just over the border. Eleven days on the Buddhist trail.

RM5,626

From RM4,688

per person (twin sharing)

Save RM1,875 per couple

11 Days / 10 Nights

Hotel

Daily Breakfast

Private Driver Guide

Airport Transfers

100% Private Tour

About This Package

11 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage: The Full Picture

This 11 day pilgrimage follows the great sites of the Buddha's life across northern India and the Nepal border. From Bodhgaya, where he attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, to Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon, and Kushinagar, where he attained final nirvana, it traces the spiritual heart of Buddhism.

Arranged privately from Malaysia, the trip is designed for Buddhist pilgrims and those drawn to the Buddha's teachings. A professional guide and a private vehicle link the sacred sites, including Rajgir and Nalanda, the great ancient university, with Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace, just across the border in Nepal. It is a profound and well-paced journey.

Package Includes

✓Hotel Stay (10 nights)
✓Daily Breakfast
✓Private Vehicle & Professional Guide
✓Return Airport Transfers
✓Temple & Site Visits

Not Included

×International Flights
×India Visa Fee (30-day e-Visa applies)
×ETIQA Travel Insurance (11-15 Days) RM85
×Entrance Fees (unless stated)
×Lunches and dinners (unless stated)
×Personal Expenses
×Optional tour tips

What Makes This Trip

Why Travellers from Malaysia Love This Trip

Bodhgaya & the Mahabodhi Temple

The holiest site in Buddhism, where the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of deep devotion.

Sarnath & Kushinagar

Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, and Kushinagar, where he attained final nirvana, two of the four most sacred sites in Buddhism.

Nalanda, Rajgir & Lumbini

The ruins of the great Nalanda university, the hills of Rajgir, and Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace just over the Nepal border, complete the pilgrimage.

Day by Day

Your 11 Days Itinerary

Arrive Gaya / Bodhgaya

No meals

Met at Gaya airport and transferred to Bodhgaya, the holiest Buddhist site.

Suggested activities

Settle in Bodhgaya
Evening at the Mahabodhi Temple
Meditation under the Bodhi tree

Bodhgaya Sightseeing

Breakfast

A full day at the sacred sites of Bodhgaya.

Suggested activities

Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi tree
Great Buddha statue
International monasteries
Sujata village

Bodhgaya to Rajgir & Nalanda

Breakfast

The hills of Rajgir and the ruins of Nalanda university.

Suggested activities

Griddhakuta (Vulture's Peak)
Rajgir hot springs
Nalanda university ruins
Drive onward

To Patna / Vaishali

Breakfast

Travel via Vaishali, an important Buddhist site.

Suggested activities

Vaishali Ashokan pillar
Relic Stupa
Drive to Patna area

To Kushinagar

Breakfast

Drive to Kushinagar, where the Buddha attained final nirvana.

Suggested activities

Drive to Kushinagar
Mahaparinirvana Temple
Reclining Buddha
Ramabhar Stupa

Kushinagar to Lumbini (Nepal)

Breakfast

Cross into Nepal to Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace.

Suggested activities

Border crossing
Maya Devi Temple
Ashokan pillar
Sacred garden and monasteries

Lumbini to Sravasti

Breakfast

Return to India and drive to Sravasti.

Suggested activities

Drive to Sravasti
Jetavana Monastery
Anandabodhi tree
Ancient stupas

Sravasti to Lucknow

Breakfast

Travel towards Lucknow with cultural stops.

Suggested activities

Drive to Lucknow
Bara Imambara (optional)
Evening at leisure

Lucknow to Varanasi

Breakfast

Travel to Varanasi and Sarnath.

Suggested activities

Travel to Varanasi
Sarnath Dhamek Stupa
Sarnath Museum
Evening Ganga Aarti

D10

Varanasi

Breakfast

Sunrise boat and the sacred city.

Suggested activities

Sunrise boat ride
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Old city lanes
Silk weavers

D11

Depart Varanasi

Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Suggested activities

Final ghat visit
Airport transfer

Hotel Options

Choose Your Comfort Level

Centrally located hotels with easy access to the main sights. Pick the tier that suits your style.

3 Star

Budget Friendly

3-star hotels or similar

Min 2 Adults (Toyota Etios)RM4688 per person
Min 4 Adults (Toyota Innova)RM4638 per person
Min 8 Adults (Tempo Traveller)RM4588 per person

From RM4688

per person

Most Chosen

4 Star

Value Plus Comfort

4-star hotels or similar

Min 2 Adults (Toyota Etios)RM5188 per person
Min 4 Adults (Toyota Innova)RM5148 per person
Min 8 Adults (Tempo Traveller)RM5108 per person

From RM5188

per person

5 Star

Premium Value Stay

5-star hotels or similar

Min 2 Adults (Toyota Etios)RM5988 per person
Min 4 Adults (Toyota Innova)RM5958 per person
Min 8 Adults (Tempo Traveller)RM5928 per person

From RM5988

per person

Why Dhesu

The Buddhist Trail, Routed With Reverence

The Buddhist sites are spread across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and the Nepal border, with a crossing to manage. We handle the routing, the border and a guide versed in the Buddha's life. Dhesu has arranged pilgrimages since 1988.

MATTA & IATA Registered

Fully licensed Malaysian travel agency. We guide you through India e-Visa documentation with every booking.

Private Tours, Daily Departures

No minimum group to wait for. Your trip runs on your dates, your pace, your own vehicle and guide.

A Real Team to Call

Reachable throughout your trip. Flight delayed, your guide waits. Plans change, we adapt on the ground.

Group & Custom Pricing

Travelling as a family or group lowers the per-person cost. Ask us for a tailored quote.

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour from Malaysia

This 11 day pilgrimage follows the great sites of the Buddha's life across northern India and into Nepal. From Bodhgaya's enlightenment site to Sarnath, Kushinagar and Lumbini, it traces the spiritual heart of Buddhism.

With a professional guide and a private vehicle, the trip handles the considerable distances and the Nepal border crossing, with the ancient university of Nalanda and Rajgir along the way.

It is a profound journey for Buddhist pilgrims and anyone drawn to the Buddha's teachings.

The Four Great Sites and Beyond

Buddhism recognises four principal pilgrimage sites: Lumbini, where the Buddha was born; Bodhgaya, where he attained enlightenment; Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon; and Kushinagar, where he attained final nirvana. This pilgrimage covers all four.

It also includes Nalanda, the great ancient seat of Buddhist learning, Rajgir, Vaishali and Sravasti, giving a fuller picture of the Buddha's life and the spread of his teachings.

Common Questions