Pilgrimage to India and Nepal
Walking with the Buddha
with Tricycle & Ven. Bhante Buddharakkhita
March 8–21, 2026 + optional Kathmandu extension
Pilgrimage to India and Nepal
Walking with the Buddha
with Tricycle & Ven. Bhante Buddharakkhita
March 8-21, 2026 + optional Kathmandu extension
Follow in the footsteps of the Buddha as we explore the lands that he walked in his time, from Lumbini to Kushinagar and each important pilgrimage site in between, on this carbon-negative pilgrimage.
We’ll be joined on this journey by Ven. Bhante Buddharakkhita, founder & abbot of the Uganda Buddhist Centre.
Trip at a Glance
- March 8-21, 2026 (with option to extend in Kathmandu, Nepal until March 24)
- Facilitated by Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita, founder of the Uganda Buddhist Centre
- Accompanied by Philip Ryan, Executive Editor Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
- Escorted by BJ Graf & Lauren Rathvon, owners of RetreaTours
- Led by an expert Indian guide
- This journey is double carbon offset
- Explore the iconic, transformative locations where the Buddha lived & taught
- Engage with your ‘travel sangha’ of 10 to 25 like-minded pilgrims
- This trip benefits the Uganda Buddhist Center and the Tricycle Foundation
- Price per person of $6499 (based on double occupancy)
- Please see “Price & Inclusions” tab below for more details
- Price includes double carbon offsetting for your entire journey, as well as all tips, all meals, and funding to the Tricycle Foundation and Uganda Buddhist Centre
How to Register
- Please complete the registration form by clicking the box below.
- When we receive your registration form, Lauren will email you a link to pay the deposit.
- Once we have your registration form and deposit, your spot is officially saved!
Click to Jump to…
- Itinerary at a Glance
- Daily Itinerary
- Price & Inclusions
- Payment Details
- Cancellation Policy
- Suggested Fitness Requirements
- About our Hotels
- Travel Insurance
- Packing List
- Reading List
- About Ven. Bhante Buddharakkhita
- About Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
- Our Carbon Negative commitment
- About RetreaTours
- Contact
- Testimonials from past ‘Walking with the Buddha’ pilgrims
- Video album
- Photo album
There are four places that a pious person should visit and look upon with feelings of reverence, said the Buddha.
Lumbini is where the Tathagata was born.
Bodhgaya is where the Tathagata became fully enlightened in unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment.
Sarnath is where the Tathagata set rolling the unexcelled Wheel of the Dharma.
Kushinagar is where the Tathagata passed away into the state of Parinirvana in which no element of clinging remains.
These, Ananda, are the four places that a pious person should visit and look upon with feelings of reverence. And truly there will come to these places pious monks and nuns, and laymen and laywomen to reflect on the life of the Tathagata.
~paraphrased from Mahaparinibbana Sutta
Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita is the first Theravada Buddhist monk in Uganda, Africa. He first encountered Buddhism in 1990 while studying in India and was fully ordained as a Buddhist monk by the late Sayadaw U Silananda in 2002 at the Tathagata Meditation Center in San Jose, California.
He then spent eight years under the guidance of Bhante Henepola Gunaratana at the Bhavana Society, in West Virginia.
Bhante Buddharakkhita founded the Uganda Buddhist Center , the Buddhist Peace Primary School and African Buddhist High School in Uganda. He is a long-time member of Global Buddhist Relief’s advisory council in New Jersey. Bhante has been teaching mindfulness meditation in Africa, the U.S., Singapore, and worldwide since 2005.
His book, Planting Dhamma Seeds: The Emergence of Buddhism in Africa, tells the story of his religious and spiritual work in Africa.
Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita is the first Theravada Buddhist monk in Uganda, Africa. He first encountered Buddhism in 1990 while studying in India and was fully ordained as a Buddhist monk by the late Sayadaw U Silananda in 2002 at the Tathagata Meditation Center in San Jose, California.
He then spent eight years under the guidance of Bhante Henepola Gunaratana at the Bhavana Society, in West Virginia.
Bhante Buddharakkhita founded the Uganda Buddhist Center , the Buddhist Peace Primary School and African Buddhist High School in Uganda. He is a long-time member of Global Buddhist Relief’s advisory council in New Jersey. Bhante has been teaching mindfulness meditation in Africa, the U.S., Singapore, and worldwide since 2005.
His book, Planting Dhamma Seeds: The Emergence of Buddhism in Africa, tells the story of his religious and spiritual work in Africa.
Over the years Bhante Buddharakkhita has refined his teaching style, and today he highlights the similarities between African culture and Buddhism.
“I use African wisdom as the foundation for my teaching,” he says. He emphasizes, for instance, the similarity between the South African concept of ubuntu [“You are because I am, I am because you are”] and dependent origination, and he begins his talks on karma with a popular Ugandan proverb about cause and effect: “When you eat a mushroom with a maggot in it, it will eat you when you’re in the grave.”
He sums up his work this way: “You can’t bring a bucket of sand and drop it there and say, ‘OK, here’s Buddhism.’ You cultivate the soil [with African wisdom] and make sure that it’s very fertile, and then bring the dharma seed and plant it.” The result, he hopes, will be a thriving and uniquely African version of Buddhism.
~from Tricycle, “Buddhism Takes Root in Africa”
Itinerary at a Glance
You’ll arrive in New Delhi on or before March 7 in order to rest up for your flight to Varanasi, India tomorrow morning. If you wish to extend your journey and visit the Taj Mahal before this pilgrimage, we can put you in touch with our wonderful Indian partners.
March 8 This morning you’ll take a 1-hour flight to Varanasi, the sacred city along the banks of the holy Ganges River. (overnight in Varanasi)
March 9 Today we discover Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon in the Deer Park (overnight in Varanasi)
March 10 We’ll spend today along the ghats of the Ganges River, soaking in the sights and sounds of rituals that the Buddha would have experienced in his day (overnight in Varanasi)
March 11 Today we’ll drive to Bodh Gaya, the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment (overnight in Bodh Gaya)
March 12 Explore the Mahabodhi temple and the Bodhi Tree where Buddha achieved Buddha’s liberation (overnight in Bodh Gaya)
March 13 We’ll visit the nearby Mahakala Caves, where the Buddha practiced asceticism for years before discovering the Middle Way (overnight in Bodh Gaya)
March 14 Explore the wealth of Buddhist sites around Rajgir, including Vulture’s Peak and the Bamboo Forest (overnight in Rajgir)
March 15 Wander the impressive ruins of the ancient university at Nalanda, a center of Buddhist learning (overnight in Vaishali)
March 16 We’ll visit Vaishali, the site where the Buddha first ordained nuns, before continuing on to Kushinagar (overnight in Kushinagar)
March 17 Today we’ll take the time to explore the site where the Buddha entered Mahaparinirvana (overnight in Kushinagar)
March 18 We’ll cross the border into Nepal and continue to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha (overnight in Lumbini)
March 19 Discover the peaceful grounds of the Maya Devi temple and Lumbini Park, including the Sarus Crane Sanctuary (overnight in Lumbini)
March 20 Explore Nepal’s Kapilavastu site, where the Buddha spent his first 29 years (overnight in Lumbini)
March 21 Today we’ll fly to Kathmandu where you can choose to extend your journey or fly home to meditate on all you’ve experienced. (Please read more about the optional Kathmandu extension further down this page.) Your hotel night is included in Kathmandu on the night of March 21 so you can rest and refresh before any late night or early morning flights.
Lumbini
New Delhi
You’ll arrive in New Delhi on or before October 30 for your October 31 flight to Varanasi.
Bodh Gaya
Sarnath
Varanasi
Kushinagar
Nalanda
Kapilavastu
Vaishali
Kathmandu
Walking with the Buddha 2026 Daily Itinerary
The practical daily itinerary below is an outline of the sites we will be visiting. Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita will lead discussions, meditations, and will weave a powerful narrative throughout all of the sites we experience. We’ll have time for meditations at these sites, as well as group sittings and discussions at our hotels. As this is getting to be a warmer time of year in South Asia, we’ll make sure we visit the sites early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
You’ll also be joined by a representative from Tricycle magazine, as well as BJ Graf and Lauren Rathvon, the owners of RetreaTours. An expert Indian guide will lead us along this journey, imparting historical and cultural wisdom.
Welcome to India!
You’ll arrive in New Delhi, India on or before March 7, 2026. Tonight’s hotel is not included night so you can choose from one of the many wonderful options across a range of budgets in New Delhi; we will provide a curated list of suggested hotels for you.
On the morning of March 8, you’ll head to New Delhi’s airport and take a quick 75-minute flight (included) to Varanasi. We will meet you upon landing to begin our fantastic journey together. This afternoon and evening will be about getting settled, meeting together in person for the first time, and setting the intention for our pilgrimage together. Our home base will be Madin Hotel in Varanasi.
Sarnath & Varanasi
On March 9, we’ll take a short drive (~30 minutes) to Sarnath. This is where the Buddha journeyed after his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, and it is here that he encountered the five men who had been his companions throughout his austerities. He preached his first sermon at Dhamekha Stupa in the Deer Park to set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma.’ We’ll also visit the Sarnath Museum, the oldest site museum of the Archaeological Survey of India, which is home to some stunning historic pieces including the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
On March 10, we’ll focus on the banks of the Ganges River in the holy city of Varanasi. Mark Twain once remarked that Varanasi “is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Our sunrise boat ride on the Ganga will give us an insight into the same types of Brahmanic rituals that the Buddha would have witnessed in his day in this very spot. We’ll have the opportunity to witness the sacred tradition of cremation along this holy river, as well as the unfolding of daily life along the ghats.
I remember that ninety-one billion previous buddhas
turned the sublime wheel in that supreme grove named after the sages,
where peace, tranquility, and concentration are actualized, and deer always dwell.
Thus I too will turn the sublime wheel in the supreme grove named after the sages.
— Lalitavistara Sutra, 25. 56-57
Bodh Gaya
Tomorrow we’ll drive to Bodh Gaya (~6 hour drive), where we’ll spend the nights of March 11, 12, and 13. The beautiful Mahabodhi temple complex at Bodh Gaya honors the location where the Buddha attained enlightenment. This complex, which draws pilgrims from different Buddhist traditions all over the globe, is home to a direct descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha meditated.
We’ll share in group exploration and meditation at the Mahabodhi temple. Our Bodh Gaya hotel, Anand International, was carefully chosen because of its proximity to the Mahabodhi Temple, allowing you to revisit during your free time.
During our time in Bodh Gaya we’ll visit the Mahakala caves (~45-minute drive). Also called Dungeshwari, this is where Siddhartha lived on the banks of the Nairanjana River with five ascetic followers for four to five years, practicing austerities. We’ll visit Sujata village, where, near death from starvation, Siddhartha was offered milk rice by a Brahmin girl.
The path has been interrupted;
impurities have been extinguished.
The outflows have dried up and flow no longer;
the path, now ended, I travel no longer.
This is called the end of suffering!
— Lalitavistara Sutra, 22.33-34
Rajgir & Nalanda
On March 14 we’ll drive to Rajgir (~3-hour drive) where we’ll spend the night at Tathagatha Ashok. The area around Rajgir is extraordinarily rich in Buddhist heritage sites. We’ll spend time at Vulture Peak (Gridhrakuta) which is said to be the favorite of all the Buddha’s retreat locations. Vulture Peak served as the stage for the Buddha’s second turning of the Dharma wheel and his teachings on emptiness.
We’ll visit Venuvan Bamboo Forest, where the Buddha spent his 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 17th rainy seasons. These grounds were a gift to the Sangha from King Bimbisara, and they have recently been renovated into a lovely park, full of butterflies, birds, and even mischievous macaque monkeys.
We’ll explore the nearby ruins of Nalanda on the morning of the 15th. Nalanda was the ancient center of Buddhist learning from the early 5th century to 1200 CE, and was one of the world’s first residential universities. From Tricycle: “In [Nalanda’s] prime it had over 10,000 students, 2,000 staff, and denied 80% of its applicants. It would be hard to overstate how big time it was, and not just in Buddhist history. Dating back to the fifth century, it was one of the first institutions of higher learning in the world. Scholars came from all over the world to study philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and other subjects.”
As we delve deeper into these brick ruins and hear the stories of Nalanda, you can’t help but picture Shantideva and Naropa roaming these grounds!
Thus have I heard. At one time the Blessed One was dwelling in Rajgrha at Vulture Peak mountain, together with a great community of monks and a great community of bodhisattvas.
— Heart Sutra
Vaishali
After our Nalanda exploration, we’ll head to the city of Vaishali (~5-hour drive, where we will spend the night at the Vaishali Residency). Tomorrow morning we’ll visit the Ananda stupa at Vaishali, home to a well-preserved Ashoka pillar.
Vaishali was the capital city of the ancient Licchavi Clan during the time of the Buddha, and is thought to be the world’s first republic. This is where the Buddha first ordained nuns, and where he gave his final teaching before departing for Kushinagar.
Then the Blessed One said to the bhikkhus: “So, bhikkhus, I exhort you: All compounded things are subject to vanish. Strive with earnestness. The time of the Tathagata’s Parinibbana is near. Three months hence the Tathagata will utterly pass away.
— Mahaparinibbana Sutta, 3.63
Kushinagar
After our visit to Ananda Stupa, we’ll continue on to Kushinagar, where we will spend two nights at The Imperial Kushinagar. On our way, we’ll stop at Kesariya Stupa, one of the tallest excavated stupas in the entire world and reminiscent of Borobodur temple in Indonesia. This is where the Buddha is said to have spoken the Kalama Sutra (Kesaputtisutta).
On the morning of March 17, we’ll visit the Mahaparanirvana Temple in Kushinagar at sunrise. The 20-foot-long reclining Buddha statue inside the temple is simply mesmerizing, dating from the 7th century. Later today, we’ll pay homage at Ramabhar Stupa, the site of the Buddha’s cremation.
And even, Ananda, as with the body of a universal monarch, so should it be done with the body of the Tathagata; and at a crossroads also a stupa should be raised for the Tathagata. And whosoever shall bring to that place garlands or incense or sandalpaste, or pay reverence, and whose mind becomes calm there — it will be to his well being and happiness for a long time.
— Mahaparinibbana Sutta, 5.26
Lumbini
On March 18, we’ll cross the border into Nepal and head to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha (~4-hour drive to the border, time at both the Indian and Nepali immigration offices, then a 1-hour drive to Hotel Kasai in Lumbini).
We’ll stay in Lumbini for three nights, giving us plenty of time to explore the gems here. We’ll visit the Maya Devi temple early in the morning and watch the endless prayer flags emerge from the morning mist. This is thought to be the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha under a sal tree. These gardens, home to a pillar of Ashoka and a sacred pond, are a lovely spot for meditation.
While in Lumbini, we’ll also take a drive (~90 minutes) to Tilaurakot, a site believed to be Kapilavastu, the kingdom where Siddhartha spent his first 29 years. Standing on the ruins of the ancient city walls and looking out at the countryside, one can only imagine what Prince Siddhartha might have been feeling as he left his family and embarked on his quest for liberation.
We’ll also pay a visit to the Sarus Crane sanctuary within Lumbini Park. If you’re familiar with the story about Buddha, Devadatta, and the swan, it’s thought the actual bird in question was a Sarus Crane.
At that time sixty thousand goddesses with melodious voices,
glowing with virtuous, stainless, pure golden light, resplendent like the sun and moon,
arrived at Lumbini and spoke to Mayadevi:
“Do not be displeased but filled with joy! We are your servants.
“Please tell us what to do, what you wish to be done;
we are your capable servants, with loving intentions.
We beg you to be joyful and abandon all sorrow;
today, queen, you shall give birth with ease
to the sublime physician who will overcome sickness and death!
–Lalitavistara Sutta
Kathmandu: Departure or Extension
On March 21 we’ll fly from Lumbini to Kathmandu, Nepal (~35-minute flight). Now you get to choose your adventure: continue on in Kathmandu or head home!
We know that many flights don’t leave until late night or just after midnight, so we’ve included a hotel room at Rokpa Guesthouse for you on the afternoon and night of March 21st. Even if you leave later tonight, it will still be wonderful to refresh and rest before your long flight. You can have the afternoon to explore the area around Boudhanath Stupa before your flight home.
Optional Kathmandu Extension, March 22-24
If you choose to stay on, we’ll base ourselves just a few minutes walk from the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. At dusk and dawn, hundreds of devote Buddhists come to do kora, circumambulating the enormous stupa clockwise.
You may have heard (or even experienced) how chaotic Kathmandu can be, but this neighborhood is truly an oasis on the northeastern edge of the capital city. Our home base at Rokpa Guesthouse is itself a little oasis within the Boudhanath area, its courtyard garden and cafe providing a perfect spot to relax and reflect. This is a safe, calm neighborhood to wander and ponder on your own or with the group. Rokpa is directly next door to Shechen Monastery, the home monastery of Matthieu Ricard.
During our two full days in Kathmandu, we’ll take the time to enjoy not only the Boudhanath area but also Swayambhunath Stupa and the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. We’ll visit the town of Bhaktapur, one of the three ancient kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu presents a perfect opportunity to buy any Buddhist materials or tools you may have been looking for, as well (malas, statues, thangkas, bells, bowls, etc). We’ll point you in the direction of trusted shops!
Our Kathmandu extension officially ends on the morning of March 24th. You may wish to schedule your flight for late on March 23rd or early morning March 24th–or you can certainly extend your time in Kathmandu independently if you wish!
Please see the Kathmandu Extension Price & What is Included box below for details.
Kathmandu: Departure or Extension
On March 21 we’ll fly from Lumbini to Kathmandu, Nepal (~35-minute flight). Now you get to choose your adventure: continue on in Kathmandu or head home!
We know that many flights don’t leave until late night or just after midnight, so we’ve included a hotel room at Rokpa Guesthouse for you on the afternoon and night of March 21st. Even if you leave later tonight, it will still be wonderful to refresh and rest before your long flight. You can have the afternoon to explore the area around Boudhanath Stupa before your flight home.
Optional Kathmandu Extension, March 22-24
If you choose to stay on, we’ll base ourselves just a few minutes walk from the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. At dusk and dawn, hundreds of devote Buddhists come to do kora, circumambulating the enormous stupa clockwise.
You may have heard (or even experienced) how chaotic Kathmandu can be, but this neighborhood is truly an oasis on the northeastern edge of the capital city. Our home base at Rokpa Guesthouse is itself a little oasis within the Boudhanath area, its courtyard garden and cafe providing a perfect spot to relax and reflect. This is a safe, calm neighborhood to wander and ponder on your own or with the group. Rokpa is directly next door to Shechen Monastery, the home monastery of Matthieu Ricard.
During our two full days in Kathmandu, we’ll take the time to enjoy not only the Boudhanath area but also Swayambhunath Stupa and the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. We’ll visit the town of Bhaktapur, one of the three ancient kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu presents a perfect opportunity to buy any Buddhist materials or tools you may have been looking for, as well (malas, statues, thangkas, bells, bowls, etc). We’ll point you in the direction of trusted shops!
Our Kathmandu extension officially ends on the morning of March 24th. You may wish to schedule your flight for late on March 23rd or early morning March 24th–or you can certainly extend your time in Kathmandu independently if you wish!
Please see the Kathmandu Extension Price & What is Included box below for details.
What are our past Walking with the Buddha pilgrims saying?
Please click here to see testimonials from past India & Nepal pilgrims
If you’ve considered taking a tour of the places most connected to the Buddha, I’d strongly recommend traveling with Lauren and BJ. They go the extra mile to smooth and sweeten the journey with their warmth, unflappable openness to the momentary unfolding of reality, and respectful attention to people, places and particulars. Two thumbs up! ~P.M.
RetreaTours organized and superbly executed the best tour I have ever been on. Their attention to detail, deep knowledge of the locales we visited, unrivaled communication skills, and a genuine caring for their clients make them a clear standout compared to most other tour companies!! ~J.B.
Journeys that are most meaningful and heartfelt for me combine visiting historic sites in a respectful way, opportunities for deep learning, creating community with fellow travelers, and lots of fun along the way. Retreat Tours has surpassed my expectations on both trips I’ve taken with them and I’m hopeful I’ll have the opportunity to join them again! ~B.C.
BJ and Lauren are amazing tour organizers. Every detail was carefully thought out and organized. They also made adjustments as needed based on unforeseen hiccups along the way. In particular, their sensitivity to and understanding of the Buddhist path provided the space for all of us to continue our practices on this trip. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone interested in a pilgrimage type of retreat. From the hotels, to the food, to the actual travel requirements, their service was/is impeccable! ~T.M.
RetreaTours takes care of you, before, during and after the tour! Well-planned, excellent guide and teachers provided. Deeply satisfying and beneficial, spiritually and in so many day to day adventures. ~E.T.
Lauren and BJ are the two people I would follow, trust them 100%. Their hearts and minds are in every step. Would not go any where with out them. ~M.C.
Thanks to the planning, the guides and all of the attention to detail BJ and Lauren handled, total attention could be paid to the amazing sights, sounds and surprising experiences encountered along the way. It transformed what could have been a difficult, overwhelming trip, into an informative, fascinating, amazing adventure! ~N.S.
Joining a tour like this is a great way to be introduced to an area unknown to a new or infrequent traveler. Additionally, RetreaTours seems to coordinate the group such that an individual is not feeling short-changed by other guests that don’t play along. It feels like the client-focus of a single person trip, but with the benefits of meeting new friends and sharing experiences with people that really appreciate the adventure. Almost like the best of both worlds. Also, having the little details addressed by RetreaTours eliminated a lot of day-to-day stresses that even experienced travelers have. That means it can appeal to everyone! ~P.S.
You guys are consummate tour professionals. You think of everything, prepare your guests thoroughly, and are extremely skilled at dealing with whatever arises in a trip. Nothing threw you! We all felt completely supported and embraced by you throughout the entire trip. You were unflagging in your support and care! I can’t imagine a better set of tour organizers than you. You should be very proud of what you do. In this case, I expect that India is a difficult place to navigate, and you made it seem effortless! ~R.H.
I have never been with a tour group before RetreaTours 2022 Walking with the Buddha and I really think that no other tour group could have topped this experience. Lauren and BJ were so well organized, superb at being helpful, supportive, encouraging, inspiring and flexible with the ever changing landscape of our daily lives. Their skills and knowledge provided a very doable and interesting structure and flow to each day. Their own compassionate actions helped to cultivate an environment of caring and safety which extended well beyond our group. I found so often I could just let the wandering pilgrim in me stay present with whatever was showing up. A deep bow to everyone on this tour. I definitely want to travel with RetreaTours again. ~L.Y.
Lauren and BJ took care of us in every possible way. Traveling under their wing made it possible for me to immerse myself in the awesome scenery, the incredible history, and enjoy an experience I knew I would only be able to have this once in my life. I am already planning my next journey with RetreaTours. Can’t wait to see them again. ~P.D.
What makes traveling with Lauren and BJ so unique is the crazy amount of love & care they put into every little detail and extend to every single person (and being) they meet on their way. They are so inspiring and absolutely wonderful human beings… oh, and the travel experiences they offer are fabulous, too! ~B.M.
Take any RetreaTours journey, and you will experience an unforgettable experience in the care of BJ and Lauren, travel guides extraordinaire. They attend to every detail, large or small, so you can focus on your adventure. Their nurturing attentiveness is coupled with warmth and humor that makes every day on the road a true delight. Thank you, Mama and Papa Bear! ~M.C.
BJ and Lauren earned every bit of the trust I placed in them in signing up for this tour. Their ever present attention to detail and awareness of the needs of every member of the tour leaves me speechless. Their passion for what they do in developing and planning these excursions resounded in every aspect of the tour process from the initial application for the tour, the ongoing communication, their ability to make every member of the tour feel welcome and valued with personal care and attention down to the smallest detail. Their extensive knowledge and the groundwork they do in preparing for the tour resulted in creating a complete experience. They deliver 100% of what they promise on their website. I cannot find words to describe the level of praise for BJ and Lauren. I would travel to the ends of the earth with them. ~B.H.
The service provided by BJ and Lauren is incomparable. They managed every detail so that we could focus on the experience. Their knowledge and resources are remarkable, their communication was fantastic, and the itinerary was full of options. Finally, what better than traveling with a group of like-minded pilgrims? This was the trip of my lifetime. ~M.T.
BJ and Lauren bring incredible attention to detail, and a broad knowledge of India and Nepal to this trip. From the initial communications to the daily briefings about the itinerary, every aspect of the journey was treated with care and expertise. Even with some unexpected twists and turns, they worked to make this an unforgettable experience for a large group with divergent interests. It’s a Buddhist Pilgrimage, but also a deep dive into a complex 21st century culture. BJ and Lauren pulled it off with style and grace and made it a trip of a lifetime. ~R.F.
Travelling with RetreaTours is a real gift to ourselves. From the very beginning to the end, everything is taken care of; so we can fully focus on the pilgrimage itself. The attention to details, their knowledge, their local contacts, their enthusiasm and the care they showed us set them apart. It was my first time travelling with a group and I would not hesitate to travel with them again. They are the BEST. Thank you so much, BJ and Lauren!!!!!!! ~D.G.
Please click the title of the each box to expand and read more.
Pilgrimage Price & What is Included
This journey’s cost is $6499 USD, with a private room supplement of $899 (please read further for more information about the private room supplement).
This price only covers the actual retreat, not international airfare (for a full list of inclusions, please see below).
When registration opens, a $1000 deposit holds your space. The second installment of $3000 is due by September 1, 2025 and the balance is due by November 1, 2025. The private room supplement is due along with the last installment.
If you prefer to have your own room, the private room supplement ($899) will be added to your last payment. (Click here to understand why this supplement is necessary). Please note that we cannot guarantee you a roommate for this trip, and if you room alone, you will be responsible for the single supplement. Your entire supplement goes to cover the other half of the hotel rooms that a roommate would be covering.
Please see the next orange box for Kathmandu Extension pricing.
Pilgrimage Price Includes
- All accommodation in India and Nepal, from the night of March 8 to March 21
- All meals in India and Nepal, from dinner on March 8 until breakfast on March 22
- All ground transportation within India and Nepal, beginning with airport transfer in Varanasi on March 8
- Flight from New Delhi to Varanasi, India
- Flight from Lumbini to Kathmandu, Nepal
- All site fees
- All tips at hotels and restaurants
- All tips to local expert guide and driver
- Double carbon offsets for your entire journey (door to door)
- Funding to the Uganda Buddhist Center
Price does not include
- International airfare (although we will be more than happy to advise you!)
- Hotel night or airport transfer in Delhi on March 7
- Airport transfer on March 8 from your hotel in Delhi to the airport
- Indian visa fee (we will advise on the entire visa process; a 30-day eVisa will cost ~$25 USD)
- Nepal visa fee (~$30 USD cash, to be purchased at the border)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Laundry services
- Alcohol (note: there is no alcohol for sale in the entire state of Bihar)
Kathmandu Extension Price & What is Included
The Kathmandu extension price is $600 USD, with a private room supplement of $80. This is due with the final pilgrimage payment.
Price Includes
- Accommodation at Rokpa Guesthouse on March 22 and 23
- Breakfasts and Lunches
- All site entrance fees
- All tips to guide, driver, restaurant staff, hotel staff
- Ground transportation around Kathmandu Valley on tour
Price does not include
- Dinners (although we will point you in the right direction!)
- Alcohol
Payments
Please refer to the Price box for specific information about price & what is included in your journey.
The non-refundable $1000 deposit guarantees your space. The 2nd installment of $3000 is due on September 1, 2025 and the balance on November 1, 2025. The private room supplement ($899) will be added to the final balance.
For our American guests, we accept payments via check, credit, or debit card (via PayPal), Zelle, or Venmo. Lauren will send you these details after receiving your registration form.
For our guests outside the U.S., Lauren will connect with you about the best ways to transfer money.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by our guests
The cancellation charges are as follows unless otherwise indicated on the detailed itinerary for each trip. All cancellations must be received via e-mail or US mail.
- Cancellations prior to 150 days to departure, money will be refunded minus the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellations received 75-149 days prior to departure are subject to a penalty of 50% of the total cost of the trip.
- Cancellations received 75 days or fewer prior to trip departure will forfeit the entire cost of the trip.
If a trip is canceled by RetreaTours
When a tour is canceled in the case of force majeure, the Tour Participant will receive a refund minus any funds that we are unable to recover from any supplier.
You can see the full cancellation policy in our contract here.
Expected Temperatures & Suggested Packing List
Expected temperatures
March is before the real heat begins in South Asia, but it is still quite warm. In light of this, we will visit our sites in the morning before the heat of the day, leaving the afternoons for rest and indoor group discussion and meditation. This rhythm is typical of this pilgrimage itinerary during any time of the year. The exception will be visiting Vulture Peak in the afternoon.
The expected and historical temperatures on this journey range between 65°F (18°C) at nights and 90°F (32°C) during the day throughout India and Lumbini. Kathmandu will be just a little more mild, with temperatures from 50°F (10°C) to 80°F (27°C), with an altitude of only 4500 feet/1500m.
This means mornings and late evenings will be pleasant, and temperatures will get hot in the afternoons and when directly in the sun. This is not a rainy time of year and is not particularly humid (30-40%).
Recorded temperature extremes for this time of year fall between 55°F and 95°F (13°C to 35°C). We can use historic data and predictions, but we cannot know the precise weather due to any cool or warm fronts passing through during our time there.
We will provide plenty of drinking water and our bus, hotels, and restaurants are all air conditioned. We recommend bringing travel umbrellas for portable shade & wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics. Items like cooling neck towels can also be of benefit!
If you know you have an extreme aversion to heat, this may not be the journey for you, and we welcome you to join us another time of year; we will also host this pilgrimage in late January and February in future years.
If you have any questions about the temperature or weather on this journey, please drop us a line!
Packing List
We will provide a suggested packing list in late 2025.
Suggested Fitness Requirements and Other Health Notes
Suggested Fitness Requirements
- Guests will want to feel comfortable walking 1 mile at a time at a moderate pace
- Guests will want to be comfortable sitting for 2-2.5 hours at a time on the bus without a break (although you’ll be able to stand to stretch your legs on the bus if need be)
- Guests will want to comfortably climb stairs 2-3 flights of stairs at a time for almost all sites, with the exception noted below:
- Visiting the Mahakala Caves at Bodhgaya will require walking uphill on a paved road and some stairs (the equivalent of 5-6 floors. You can also hire a palanquin to carry you (example photo below).
- Visiting Vulture’s Peak in Rajgir will require walking stairs up a hill OR hiring a palanquin to be carried. The stairs are spaced out widely and are not difficult. You can see photos of the stairs and the palanquin option below:
Sitting on the Ground
There will be opportunities to sit for discussion and/or meditation at many of these sites, although it will most often be on the ground. You may wish to bring an inflatable meditation cushion for meditation opportunities. We will provide meditation rugs, but if you need any height at all, please consider an inflatable travel pillow or cushion.
If you CANNOT sit on the ground, you’ll need to bring a solution in the way of a travel camping stool or a cane/chair combination and you’ll need to bring that with you every day. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Air Quality
The air quality in India and Nepal is most likely not as good as what you may be accustomed to, as it is the dry season and there is no rain to occasionally clear the air. We choose the spring because the air quality is still markedly better than the fall.
We advise wearing a good face mask for any prolonged time outdoors if you have pre-existing respiratory conditions. We highly recommend wearing a mask for any time you spend in and around New Delhi.
Travel Insurance
Required Coverage
RetreaTours requires that each guest carries travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Please take a moment to visit https://www.retreatours.com/travel-insurance/ to see all of our requirements and our recommendations.
Passport & Visa Requirements
Your passport MUST be valid at least 6 months beyond the end date of the trip (that is, September 20, 2026), and you’ll need three empty pages in the Visas section of your passport (make sure they are in the Visa section, not the Amendment or Endorsement section).
You will need to arrange an Indian visa before you arrive; we will provide you with more detailed information before you apply for your visa. A 30-day eVisa costs $25 USD (as of early 2024) and you can apply 30 days in advance of your arrival.
You will get your Nepal visa upon arrival in Nepal for ~$30 USD in exact change.
Vaccines & Staying Healthy Abroad
Vaccines
None are required to enter India or Nepal, but we suggest you work with your physician or your area’s travel health expert to decide what options are best for you. You can read the CDC’s recommendations here and the UK NHS recommendations here.
It is good general practice to be up to date on your flu shot and tetanus shot; please discuss with your physician if this is right for you.
Malaria
You may or may not wish to consider anti-malarial drugs, so please work with your physician or travel doctor when making these choices. Please see our blog about this topic for more information. Here is an NHS malaria map for India and one for Nepal. You’ll see on the maps that the areas we will be visiting are in the low to no risk” areas, although BodhGaya is on the border of “low to no risk” and “low risk.”
Mosquito Bite Prevention
You’ll want to bring mosquito repellent to protect yourself in case of mosquitos, for other mosquito-borne illnesses (such as dengue, Chikungunya, etc). Wearing long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn will also be useful to protect against mosquito bites. In our packing list we’ll make recommendations for repellents.
Staying Healthy on Tour
Please visit our comprehensive article, “How to Stay Healthy While Traveling…Naturally,” which addresses all of the most common travel ailments.
About our Hotels
We have carefully chosen each hotel based on comfort, location, and safety. We can say with confidence that these are the very best hotels in each of these locations; if you wish to check out their websites, you can find them here:
- Varanasi (March 8, 9, 10): Madin Hotel
- Bodh Gaya (March 11, 12, 13): Hotel Anand International
- Rajgir (March 14): Tathagata Ashok
- Vaishali (March 15): Vaishali Residency
- Kushinagar (March 16, 17): The Imperial Kushinagar
- Lumbini (March 18, 19, 20): Hotel Kasai
- Kathmandu on March 21 (and extension for 22, 23): Rokpa Guesthouse
Each of our hotels will have a private ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, and WiFi access (although in some locations the connection will not extend to the rooms and will only be usable in common areas like the lobby or restaurant).
Most of these hotels do not have heat, but they can provide extra blankets and/or a space heater upon request. Nights should not get chillier than 65°F in India.
About our Vehicle & Drive Times
We will have our own private bus for this journey, with comfortable seats and climate control, big windows, and curtains. We will stop every ~2 hours (or as needed) for a bathroom break and to stretch our legs.
Our guests traditionally find these rides entertaining and educational because you can witness daily life in rural India unfold in front of you–something not many visitors to India get to experience.
Here are the expected drive times between destinations on our journey:
- Varanasi to Bodh Gaya: ~6 hours (with lunch at a restaurant on the way there)
- Bodh Gaya to Rajgir: ~3 hours
- Rajgir to Vaishali: ~4 hours
- Vaishali to Kushinagar: ~5 hours, broken up with a site visit
- Kushinagar to the border of India and Nepal: ~4 hours
- Border of India and Nepal to Lumbini: ~45 minutes
About the Food & Water on this Journey
We’ll ask you about any dietary requirements or allergies on the registration form and reach out with any questions we may have.
Vegetarians and Vegans
Vegetarians will have no problem anywhere on our travels. The only thing that might prove difficult is pure veganism in India. Although meat is entirely avoidable, India is the world’s largest consumer of butter, and it is almost unavoidable in most of their curries, stews, and even breads.
Many vegans travelling in India adopt what is locally referred to as a “pure veg” diet: no meat, no eggs, but it allows for dairy consumption. (It is worth noting that some of the reasons for avoiding dairy consumption in the west is slightly mitigated here, as there is less factory farming and antibiotic use in livestock.) Milk can be avoided by not consuming creamy dishes or milk tea.
Gluten
Gluten is also avoidable in India by choosing rice over chapatis and other local breads. Celiactravel.com has GREAT printable cards in local languages to present to restaurants and hotels about your intolerance of gluten. Click here for the Hindi version. If you have multiple dietary needs, it may be worth your while to check out these specialty cards, available in 60 different languages.
Mealtimes
Mealtimes are most often buffets with a mix of northern Indian dishes, some Chinese dishes, and continental dishes. Dinners typically do not start until 7 PM, and our lunch and breakfast times will depend on the day’s activity.
Can I drink the water?
In a word, No. Although many cities around the world are getting more advanced public water systems, we don’t recommend it. Not only from a pathogen standpoint, but it’s a different set of bacteria than your body is used to. Why risk an upset stomach if you don’t have to? We recommend drinking only bottled water, and you will want to rinse your toothbrush off in bottled water.
For those of you who wish to use your own filtration system (LifeStraw bottle, etc), you can definitely bring them and use tap water in them, which will save on the plastic of water bottles.
Wifi, Electricity & Communication
Wifi
The internet is accessible at hotels throughout this journey. If you wish to stay connected while out at sites or on our vehicles, we suggest using an International Plan through your phone carrier or purchasing a SIM card upon arrival at Delhi airport. (Note that you will not be able to purchase a Nepali SIM card on arrival in Lumbini.)
Electrical Outlets and Adaptors
You’ll need an electrical adaptor for India. You’ll only encounter C and D-type outlets on this trip, NOT M- types. For both C and D-types, a 2-pin European adaptor will work.
We highly recommend a Universal Adaptor such as this which also has USB and USB-C outlets so you can charge multiple devices at once.
Communication
We rely on WhatsApp to communicate the schedule 24-48 hours in advance, as well as to give updates and share important news. You’ll be expected to connect at every hotel to make sure you are seeing these messages.
Money while on Tour
How much do I need?
All of your meals, transportation, fees, and tips are covered once you arrive in Varanasi (except your $30 USD Nepal visa), so you just have to gauge how much you want to spend on extras (laundry, souvenirs, and alcohol when available). Please see the “Price and Inclusions” tab on this page for more specifics.
We can advise more on specifics (tipping your airport driver, etc) closer to the trip.
How do I get the local currency?
You can either exchange cash in Nepal and India or use a local ATM (which we personally prefer). Our hotels will take credit cards for any extras, but most smaller shops will not take credit cards.
We are happy to help exchange money on the road for you; we’d ask that you either PayPal or Venmo us the money OR, if you wish to exchange cash, that it be in high denominations with no ink marks, stains, or tears.
You may wish to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you’ll be traveling in India and Nepal, so they don’t put a hold on your card when they see it being used halfway across the world. You can often do this through your bank’s app.
About your International Flights
We are more than happy to recommend international flights, but ultimately you will make the purchase yourself directly through the airline website or through a 3rd party site like Expedia or Kayak. (We recommend going directly through the airline when possible, as it makes any needed changes easier.)
Route
We recommend a multidestination ticket, flying into New Delhi, India and departing from Kathmandu, Nepal. Qatar offers great options for this route.
As soon as we reach our trip minimum, we can assist you and offer flight suggestions.
Timing
You’ll want to arrive in New Delhi on or before March 7. Our trip officially ends in Kathmandu on March 21 (or March 24 on the extension). Your hotel night in Kathmandu on March 21 is included, so you can also leave on the 22nd. Please stay tuned on timing for March 21, although any flight after 5 PM should be OK.
Suggested Reading List
There is no required reading for this trip, but for those of you interested, here are some reading materials to help familiarize yourself with the historical footsteps of the Buddha.
Gautama Buddha by Vishapani Blomfield
About Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita
Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita is the first Theravada Buddhist monk in Uganda, Africa. He first encountered Buddhism in 1990 while studying in India and was fully ordained as a Buddhist monk by the late Sayadaw U Silananda in 2002 at the Tathagata Meditation Center in San Jose, California.
He then spent eight years under the guidance of Bhante Henepola Gunaratana at the Bhavana Society, in West Virginia.
Bhante Buddharakkhita founded the Uganda Buddhist Center , the Buddhist Peace Primary School and African Buddhist High School in Uganda. He is a long-time member of Global Buddhist Relief’s advisory council in New Jersey. Bhante has been teaching mindfulness meditation in Africa, the U.S., Singapore, and worldwide since 2005.
His book, Planting Dhamma Seeds: The Emergence of Buddhism in Africa, tells the story of his religious and spiritual work in Africa.
About the Uganda Buddhist Centre
Your participation in this journey benefits the Uganda Buddhist Center!
The Uganda Buddhist Centre (UBC) was founded by Bhante Buddharakkhita, the first African Buddhist monk, on April 10, 2005. The aim of UBC is to introduce and preserve the Buddha’s teachings within the context of African culture, and to exemplify the Buddhist practice through humanitarian services to the public. Presently, UBC achieves this through organizing meditation retreats, social services, and promoting world peace.
The Uganda Buddhist Centre now stands as the first and only Buddhist Centre in Uganda, and the first temple in Africa established by an African monk. Programs and ceremonies organized at the Centre are offered to the public free of charge, reflecting its commitment to universal access to Dhamma. UBC is open to all people wishing to cultivate peace, love and happiness.
Our Vision
Our vision is Peace for all. We envision a world free from all forms of suffering, and a world of perfect peace and true happiness.
We achieve this by taking a leading role in preserving and disseminating the Buddha’s teachings in Uganda and Africa so that all beings can experience inner peace, true happiness, and ultimate freedom.
Our Mission
We are committed to preserving and disseminating the original teachings of the Buddha, spreading the Buddhist culture of peace within the context of African culture, and developing the leading centre for Buddhist studies, meditation practice, and research in Africa.
Our Core Values
- Compassion: Caring for the well-being of all sentient beings is at the core of what we do.
- Integrity: We apply all ethical values in all our activities and dealings.
- Service: We believe in making a positive transformation in communities.
- Transparency: We share all information about our work with all our stakeholders.
- Peace: We cultivate peace in all our mental, physical, and verbal behaviours to ensure a peaceful co-existence.
- Wisdom: We practice ethics, mindfulness, and concentration meditation that flows into wisdom.
Buddharama Monastery
Buddharama Monastery is a Bhikkhu training centre for novice monks (samaneras) and senior bhikkhus (fully ordained monks). This monastery is a place of spiritual learning and practice, where the monastic community lives in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha, focusing on meditation, Dhamma study, and ethical conduct.
Community Outreach
- Women and Youth Economic Empowerment Program
- Safe & Clean Water Project
- Buddha Medical Center
- Compassion Care Centre Orphanage
- Sustainable Farming
- Buddharakkhita Scholarship Fund
We had the great good fortune to spend time with Ven. Buddharakkhita at the Uganda Buddhist Centre in 2022. Witnessing the impact of his important community and social projects firsthand was incredibly moving!
About BJ and Lauren of RetreaTours
BJ Graf and Lauren Rathvon have traveled the globe year-round since January 2013, researching, designing, and leading impactful journeys. We are deeply grateful for the trust that our guests place in us to save them time and resources while they enjoy a memorable journey.
We are committed not only to our guests but to the local communities in our destinations and the planet. We engage with local businesses and guides to keep money within the community, and we double carbon-offset each of our tours.
We invite you to visit our Testimonials page to see what other people have to say about us!
About Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
Established in 1990 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization, The Tricycle Foundation is dedicated to making Buddhist teachings and practices broadly available. In 1991 the Foundation launched Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, the first magazine intended to present Buddhist perspectives to a Western readership. Tricycle soon became the leading independent journal of Buddhism in the West, where it continues to be the most inclusive and widely read vehicle for the dissemination of Buddhist views and values.
Our readership includes longtime practitioners, those who are curious about Buddhism or meditation, and those who do not identify as Buddhist but value the teachings of wisdom and compassion that Buddhism has to offer. By remaining unaffiliated with any particular teacher, sect or lineage, Tricycle provides a unique and independent public forum for exploring Buddhism, establishing a dialogue between Buddhism and the broader culture, and introducing Buddhist thinking to Western disciplines. This approach has enabled Tricycle to successfully attract readers from all walks of life, many of whom desire to enrich their lives through a deeper knowledge of Buddhist traditions.
Tricycle has been recognized with the prestigious Folio Award for Best Spiritual Magazine three times, and has twice garnered the Utne Media Award, most recently in 2013. As part of our commitment to our readers who are seeking to implement or sustain Buddhist values and practices, Tricycle accepts advertising only from teachers, programs, centers, and businesses whose offerings we believe will support those aims. Because of this selective policy, we depend on donations to support ever-rising printing and production costs, content updates to our website, and life-enriching programs. The Foundation also hosts occasional pilgrimages that provide opportunities for new and experienced practitioners to explore sites of importance to Buddhist history and practice.
Mission Statement
The mission of The Tricycle Foundation is to create forums for exploring contemporary and historic Buddhist activity, examine the impact of its new context in the democratic traditions of the West, and introduce fresh views and attainable methods for enlightened living to the culture at large. At the core of the Foundation’s mission is the alleviation of suffering that Buddhist teachings are meant bring about. Tricycle is an independent foundation unaffiliated with any one lineage or sect.
Why “Tricycle?”
A three-wheeled vehicle aptly evokes the fundamental components of Buddhist philosophy. Buddhism itself is often referred to as the “vehicle to enlightenment,” and the tricycle’s three wheels allude to the three treasures: The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, or the enlightened teacher, the teachings, and the community. The wheels also relate to the turning of the wheel of dharma, or skillfully using the teachings of the Buddha to face the challenges that the circle of life presents.
About Philip Ryan, Tricycle Executive Editor
Philip Ryan is Executive Editor at Tricycle. He began work at Tricycle in 1996 but has lived many lives between then and now, designing websites and reporting on financial technology. He is a desultory meditator, mainly in the Zen tradition.
Contact RetreaTours
Please write to Lauren for any questions you may have about this journey. If you have not received a reply within 48 hours, please do check your spam folder.
Our Carbon Negative Commitment
Please visit our Carbon Negative page to learn more about what we are doing to mitigate the impact of our collective journey, including a double carbon offset credit to cover not only your time in India and Nepal, but travel to and from your home.
* * *
We purchase double carbon offsets for your travels with us—that’s from your home, through the entire tour, and back to your home again, times two!
You may have heard the term “carbon neutral,” which means that a company offsets as much carbon as it produces. With this 200% offset, RetreaTours is actually offsetting more carbon than we produce each year, making us “carbon negative” (or “climate positive,” which has a nicer ring to it!)
Since 2012 we’ve focused on making travel safe and easy for our guests; with our double carbon offset tours, we’re pleased to make our trips as sustainable as they are memorable.
How to Register
- Please complete the registration form by clicking the box below.
- When we receive your registration form, Lauren will email you a link to pay the deposit.
- Once we have your registration form and deposit, your spot is officially saved!
Please enjoy these videos, taken by BJ and Lauren on-site at each location.
To enlarge each of the videos after pressing play, please click the square icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.
You can see a full YouTube playlist, including actual footage from our past journeys here.
Photo Album
Please click a photo to see an enlarged version and the location; you can use your arrow keys or mouse to navigate within the album.
Want to see our other Pilgrimages with Tricycle?
We love traveling with Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, and we know that you will enjoy these transformative journeys, too. Please click here to see all of our current Tricycle Pilgrimages at a glance.
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