Buddha's Footsteps – Butao Lab 1
To enlarge your map please click on the icon in the top right corner of the map
From 14 March to 13 April 2027
Summary Itinerary
Clicking on the days of travel in the summary itinerary will take you to the detailed itinerary for that day and vice versa clicking on the day in the detailed itinerary will return you to the summary itinerary. In the detailed itinerary, in addition to the images and description of the days, we also have the day of the month and the week
Detailed Itinerary
Flight
Market
Coming from Nepal with two days in Thimphu
Today we say goodbye to Nepal for a few days for a flight that will follow the highest mountains on our planet, the Himalayas, towards Paro airport, in Bhutan. Weather permitting, we will see some of the few mountains taller than 8 thousand meters of altitude across the planet, including Everest.
Stepping onto Bhutanese soil is already an experience… we need to get there to find out. We will continue with our vehicle to the capital, Thimphu, for approx. 1:30 am. On the way, we will stop to see the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, where there are 3 stupas of different styles: Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese. We will be able to walk at the end of the day and visit the city market.
Coming from India, for example, with a day in Thimphu.
Stepping onto Bhutanese soil is already an experience… we need to get there to know. We will continue our journey by vehicle to the capital, Thimphu, for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. On the way, we will stop to see the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, where there are 3 stupas of different styles: Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.
In Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, we will visit Trashichhoedzong, the 'fortress of glorious religion', which is the governmental and religious headquarters of the country, built in 1641. In its lakhang, a hall for practice and meditation, we find some of the most beautiful statues and paintings of Nalanda or Mahayana Vajrayana Buddhism. If we have some time left, we can visit the city market.
Flight:
Memorial Chorten
Buddha Point
School of Art
Tashichho Dzong
We will enjoy our entire day in Thimphu. After breakfast, we will make some koras with the Bhutanese around the King's Memorial Chörten (stupa in languages of Tibetan origin), designed by the country's third king, the 'father of modern Bhutan', in the name of world peace and prosperity. Continuing our tour, we will visit the large Kunsel Phodrang statue, or Buddha Point, from where we will have a view of the Thimphu valley. We will then visit Zorig Chusum, Bhutan's traditional painting, weaving and woodworking school, where students study art on a 6-year course. In the late afternoon we will visit Trashichhoedzong, the 'fortress of glorious religion', which is the country's governmental and religious headquarters, built in 1641.
Flight
Market
Coming from Nepal with two days in Thimphu
Today we say goodbye to Nepal for a few days for a flight that will follow the highest mountains on our planet, the Himalayas, towards Paro airport, in Bhutan. Weather permitting, we will see some of the few mountains taller than 8 thousand meters of altitude across the planet, including Everest.
Stepping onto Bhutanese soil is already an experience… we need to get there to find out. We will continue with our vehicle to the capital, Thimphu, for approx. 1:30 am. On the way, we will stop to see the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, where there are 3 stupas of different styles: Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese. We will be able to walk at the end of the day and visit the city market.
Coming from India, for example, with a day in Thimphu.
Stepping onto Bhutanese soil is already an experience… we need to get there to know. We will continue our journey by vehicle to the capital, Thimphu, for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. On the way, we will stop to see the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, where there are 3 stupas of different styles: Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.
In Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, we will visit Trashichhoedzong, the 'fortress of glorious religion', which is the governmental and religious headquarters of the country, built in 1641. In its lakhang, a hall for practice and meditation, we find some of the most beautiful statues and paintings of Nalanda or Mahayana Vajrayana Buddhism. If we have some time left, we can visit the city market.
Flight:
Memorial Chorten
Buddha Point
School of Art
Tashichho Dzong
We will enjoy our entire day in Thimphu. After breakfast, we will make some koras with the Bhutanese around the King's Memorial Chörten (stupa in languages of Tibetan origin), designed by the country's third king, the 'father of modern Bhutan', in the name of world peace and prosperity. Continuing our tour, we will visit the large Kunsel Phodrang statue, or Buddha Point, from where we will have a view of the Thimphu valley. We will then visit Zorig Chusum, Bhutan's traditional painting, weaving and woodworking school, where students study art on a 6-year course. In the late afternoon we will visit Trashichhoedzong, the 'fortress of glorious religion', which is the country's governmental and religious headquarters, built in 1641.
Dochula pass
Chimi Lhakhang
Nunnery
Today we will continue our journey from Thimphu to Punakha, through the Dochula Pass, with its 3080m altitude. Dochula Pass, where there are many stupas and prayer flags, offers a beautiful view of the mountains on clear days. After crossing the pass and having lunch, on the way, we will walk approx. 1 hour between rice plantations and villages to Chimi Lhakhang, monastery of a great master of crazy wisdom, known as the Temple of Fertility. Locals say that to get pregnant, just pray at this temple! We will be able to read some of his texts.
Just before arriving in Punakha, visit the nunnery Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, full of beautiful statues of Avalokiteshvara, Guru Rinpoche, Buddha, 21 Taras, among others. The nunnery, in addition to being a high-quality Dharma teaching institution, also offers classes in weaving, thangkha (painting) and statue making.
Arrival at the hotel for dinner and rest.
Khamsum Chorten
Rafting (optional extra)
Punakha Dzong
We have another very special day. In the morning, a walk through the pepper and rice plantations, next to the Mo Chhu River, to the special chörten Khamsum. Built to remove negative forces, promote peace, stability and harmony in this impermanent world. At the top of this hill, we will have a very beautiful view of the entire Punakha valley, with its Female and Male rivers, as their names are in Dzongkha, the language of Bhutan.
As an optional (extra) tour, we can take a very pleasant rafting trip along the calm waters of the river that runs alongside the city's Dzong.
In the afternoon, we will visit Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness. Built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637, it was the seat of government and religion in the past. Return to the hotel for a good dinner.
A car trip back to Paro, the valley we arrived in by plane.
Dochula pass
Chimi Lhakhang
Nunnery
Today we will continue our journey from Thimphu to Punakha, through the Dochula Pass, with its 3080m altitude. Dochula Pass, where there are many stupas and prayer flags, offers a beautiful view of the mountains on clear days. After crossing the pass and having lunch, on the way, we will walk approx. 1 hour between rice plantations and villages to Chimi Lhakhang, monastery of a great master of crazy wisdom, known as the Temple of Fertility. Locals say that to get pregnant, just pray at this temple! We will be able to read some of his texts.
Just before arriving in Punakha, visit the nunnery Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, full of beautiful statues of Avalokiteshvara, Guru Rinpoche, Buddha, 21 Taras, among others. The nunnery, in addition to being a high-quality Dharma teaching institution, also offers classes in weaving, thangkha (painting) and statue making.
Arrival at the hotel for dinner and rest.
Khamsum Chorten
Rafting (optional extra)
Punakha Dzong
We have another very special day. In the morning, a walk through the pepper and rice plantations, next to the Mo Chhu River, to the special chörten Khamsum. Built to remove negative forces, promote peace, stability and harmony in this impermanent world. At the top of this hill, we will have a very beautiful view of the entire Punakha valley, with its Female and Male rivers, as their names are in Dzongkha, the language of Bhutan.
As an optional (extra) tour, we can take a very pleasant rafting trip along the calm waters of the river that runs alongside the city's Dzong.
In the afternoon, we will visit Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness. Built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637, it was the seat of government and religion in the past. Return to the hotel for a good dinner.
A car trip back to Paro, the valley we arrived in by plane.
National museum
Rinpung Dzong
Time to return to Paro, the city where we landed in Bhutan, to first visit the very interesting National Museum, where we can learn a little more about Bhutanese culture, its history, flora and rich fauna. From the museum we then went to Paro Dzong, with beautiful panels and views of the city. We continue to the city where we can enjoy the market, including buying dried fruits, chocolate, flags and incense for our special walk tomorrow!
Walk
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
Gkyichu Lhakhang
Today is the big day of the beautiful and special walk to the Taktshang Monastery, the most famous in Bhutan encrusted in a rock, where Guru Rinpoche arrived there on the back of a tigress and meditated for a while. We will be able to visit and sit for a few moments in front of the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. That's why it's called the Tiger's Nest, the most sacred temple in Bhutan. At least once a year the Bhutanese visit it. Walk will be up to approx. 4 hours, with a stop for a few minutes' rest at a café halfway. The return is calmer.
On the way back to the city, we will visit the very important Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 monasteries from the XNUMXth century, built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The construction of this temple marks the beginning of Buddhism in Bhutan. It will be a very special way to end our days in Bhutan. A good meal and preparations for the flight tomorrow.
Flight
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and farewell to the driver and guide who accompanied us all day in Bhutan.
Delhi
Return flight to Delhi, probably (varies from flight to flight and time of year) with a stop at Kathmandu airport for some passengers to disembark and others to board. On this flight we see the 9 Himalayan mountains over 8 meters high. There are only 14 mountains in the world on this list. The other five are in the neighboring Karakoram mountain range. In order on the flight: Kangchenjunga on the border between India and Nepal (3rd with 8586m), Makalu (5th with 8485m) already in Nepal, Lhotse next to Everest (4th with 8516m), Everest (1st with 8850m), Cho Oyu right after (6th with 8188m). After Kathmandu: Shishapangma further into Tibet (14th with 8027m), Manaslu closer, in Nepal (8th with 8163m), Annapurna I next (10th with 8091m) and Dhaulagiri (7th with 8167m).
Kathmandu
Flying back to our good sort of home now, Kathmandu. If the sky is clear we will see some of the Himalayan mountains over 8 meters high. There are only 14 mountains in the world on this list. The other five are in the neighboring mountain range region, the Karakoram. In order on the flight: Kangchenjunga on the border between India and Nepal (3rd at 8586m), Makalu (5th at 8485m) already in Nepal, Lhotse next to Everest (4th at 8516m), Everest (1st at 8850m) and Cho Oyu soon after (6th at 8188m).
National museum
Rinpung Dzong
Time to return to Paro, the city where we landed in Bhutan, to first visit the very interesting National Museum, where we can learn a little more about Bhutanese culture, its history, flora and rich fauna. From the museum we then went to Paro Dzong, with beautiful panels and views of the city. We continue to the city where we can enjoy the market, including buying dried fruits, chocolate, flags and incense for our special walk tomorrow!
Walk
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
Gkyichu Lhakhang
Today is the big day of the beautiful and special walk to the Taktshang Monastery, the most famous in Bhutan encrusted in a rock, where Guru Rinpoche arrived there on the back of a tigress and meditated for a while. We will be able to visit and sit for a few moments in front of the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. That's why it's called the Tiger's Nest, the most sacred temple in Bhutan. At least once a year the Bhutanese visit it. Walk will be up to approx. 4 hours, with a stop for a few minutes' rest at a café halfway. The return is calmer.
On the way back to the city, we will visit the very important Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 monasteries from the XNUMXth century, built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The construction of this temple marks the beginning of Buddhism in Bhutan. It will be a very special way to end our days in Bhutan. A good meal and preparations for the flight tomorrow.
Flight
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and farewell to the driver and guide who accompanied us all day in Bhutan.
Delhi
Return flight to Delhi, probably (varies from flight to flight and time of year) with a stop at Kathmandu airport for some passengers to disembark and others to board. On this flight we see the 9 Himalayan mountains over 8 meters high. There are only 14 mountains in the world on this list. The other five are in the neighboring Karakoram mountain range. In order on the flight: Kangchenjunga on the border between India and Nepal (3rd with 8586m), Makalu (5th with 8485m) already in Nepal, Lhotse next to Everest (4th with 8516m), Everest (1st with 8850m), Cho Oyu right after (6th with 8188m). After Kathmandu: Shishapangma further into Tibet (14th with 8027m), Manaslu closer, in Nepal (8th with 8163m), Annapurna I next (10th with 8091m) and Dhaulagiri (7th with 8167m).
Kathmandu
Flying back to our good sort of home now, Kathmandu. If the sky is clear we will see some of the Himalayan mountains over 8 meters high. There are only 14 mountains in the world on this list. The other five are in the neighboring mountain range region, the Karakoram. In order on the flight: Kangchenjunga on the border between India and Nepal (3rd at 8586m), Makalu (5th at 8485m) already in Nepal, Lhotse next to Everest (4th at 8516m), Everest (1st at 8850m) and Cho Oyu soon after (6th at 8188m).
Free afternoon
Free day
We will check the city's cultural agenda for the days in Delhi, as a possibility of a special activity, where great artists from the country perform.
Flight:
Flight
Flights
The day has arrived! Going to Galeão (GIG) and Guarulhos (GRU) in night of October 20, Sunday, for a flight in the early hours of October 21st. Very good flight!
As a rule, airlines in other Brazilian cities require you to check in your checked bag all the way to your final destination, in our case, Delhi. Talking to check-in supervisors at different airlines in Guarulhos, they explained that sometimes the airline systems at different airports in Brazil can't handle check-in all the way to your final destination. Other times, the person checking you in doesn't know how to check in all the way to your final destination. So, talk to the person checking you in; if necessary, call the supervisor and see if you can arrange for your bag to be checked through to your final destination. If that's not possible, no problem. We usually arrive at T2 in Guarulhos, pick up our bag, and continue (a 15-minute walk) to T3. It was also a breeze. Have a great flight!
The day has arrived! You will probably be heading to the airport for your flight this morning, depending on your city, route and flight combination. We will see together what will work best for your arrival! Guilherme will be in touch from the moment you arrive at the airport until your arrival in Delhi. Have a great flight!
The day has arrived! You will probably be heading to the airport for your flight this morning, depending on your city, route and flight combination. We will see together what will work best for your arrival! Guilherme will be in touch from the moment you arrive at the airport until your arrival in Kathmandu. Have a great flight!
The day has come to come to India, or Arya Bhumi as Rinpoche calls it, Land of the Nobles, Land of Buddha. Time to go to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) early this morning. Have a great flight!
The day has come to come to India, or Arya Bhumi as Rinpoche calls it, Land of the Nobles, Land of Buddha. Time to go to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) early this morning. Have a great flight!
The day has arrived to come to India. Heading to Heathrow Airport (LHR). Terminal 5. Great flight!
Connection at Istanbul airport.
Have a good boarding of yours flight in São Paulo (GRU) and connecting in Doha. More information about the connection at Doha case help at this link: here
This is a day that travellers always request. After visiting all the regions of our trip together, already being familiar with Kathmandu, a day to enjoy our Tibetan neighborhood, take a walk around the city, go somewhere we haven't been yet, return with more time to one or more places that We visited, having already met and now being able to enjoy a coffee, review a museum, buy a few things, these are possibilities that are always very welcome by our friends, fellow travellers. Count on our support, of course, and enjoy your day in Nepal!
We will see how the group wants to best enjoy the day. We have some suggestions like a walk around the valley. We will listen to how each Traveller prefers to enjoy the day so we can think about how it will be better for the group, to enjoy the whole day together or if some Travellers prefer to have our support for more independent activities.
After all the preparations have been well taken care of over the last few months, it's time to go to the airport for the flights to Nepal!
We have our hotel available until approx. noon in the morning. So, you can choose to fly back home that night, early morning or tomorrow. It's always quite comfortable to go to the airport while we still have our room available to rest, pack our bags and take a shower.
We hope you enjoyed your travel days. May you have great flights back home and come back soon!
Going to the airport could have been the night before, as explained above, this morning or today, depending on your preference. Very good flights! See you soon!
Regarding times and days, flights normally leave Guarulhos SP (GRU) early in the morning, around 1 or 2am that night. Therefore, anyone traveling to São Paulo from other states must make their domestic flight the day before. And anyone going to GRU by car must go to the airport the night before. Guilherme will certainly contact you before you go to the airport and will be available when you arrive at the airport to see if you need any help, making sure you are arriving with complete peace of mind. Have a great flight and see you soon!
If your flight is today, have a great flight!
Taj Mahal
Flight
Train
Aarti Ceremony
Ganges Sunrise
Sarnath
Durga temple
Benare Universitys
Walk through the ghats
End of free day
Free afternoon
FIRST DAY
General
Today we will visit one of the oldest cities in the world still alive today. After breakfast, we will head to Delhi airport for our flight. flight to Varanasi. Transfer to our hotel and check-in. Time to freshen up in our rooms and then explore the old part of the city, walking through its alleys, ghats on the banks of the Ganges and through a ceremony ancient. The fire puja or Aarti Puja, conducted by Brahmins (a caste of Hindu priests) and hundreds of pilgrims from all over India on the banks of the sacred Ganges, is full of music, symbols, mantras, smells, lots of devotion and, for those who study the sacred scriptures, a very deep and sophisticated knowledge about the functioning of the human mind. Time to return to our hotel, with all these impressions, practically the same ones that both Hindu saints and yogis, as well as Buddha Sakyamuni himself, had in this same place during their walks, training periods and teachings. A good rest for a special start to the day, very early tomorrow.
General with 3 days in VNS
Today we will visit one of the oldest cities in the world still alive today. After breakfast, we will head to Delhi airport for our flight. flight to Varanasi. Transfer to our hotel and check-in. Time to freshen up in our rooms and then explore the old part of the city, walking through its alleys, ghats on the banks of the Ganges and through a ceremony Ancient. The fire puja, or Aarti Puja, led by Brahmins (a Hindu priestly caste) and hundreds of pilgrims from all over India on the banks of the sacred Ganges, is filled with music, symbols, mantras, scents, intense devotion, and, for those who study sacred scriptures, a profound and sophisticated understanding of the workings of the human mind. It's time to return to our hotel, with all these impressions—practically the same ones that Hindu saints and yogis, including Buddha Shakyamuni himself, experienced at this very spot during their walks, training periods, and teachings.
Tips on the morning tour:
A suggestion to rest well that day, not ending too late, to watch the sunrise on the Ganges very early tomorrow. In addition to the possibility of beautiful light, it is when pilgrims do their pujas on the ghats that it is very nice to see from the boat. To calculate the departure time from our hotel, we use two main pieces of information: time of sunrise in Varanasi on that day (here) and how far the car can go at this time of day (varies a lot from month to month so we asked the guide) so how long will we walk (maximum 5 to 10 min). With this information:
– Sunrise time is a good time to be on the boat, that is, start a boat trip 10 to 15 minutes before sunrise.
– Are approx. 20 min by car from the hotel to the main ghat (main ghat or Dasaswamedh Ghat) at this early hour, plus walking, if any.
After sunrise we return to the hotel for breakfast and then we go to Sarnath (the hotel is already halfway there).
General 2
Depending on flight arrival time and transit, you may have time to attend the Aarti ceremony in the early evening. If the flight is delayed or you prefer to rest because you started the day very early today and watch tomorrow, there is also and could be a good possibility. Having time and preferring, after transfer to our hotel and check-in, it's time to get to know the old part of the city through a millenary ceremony. The fire puja or Aarti Puja, conducted by brahmins (caste of Hindu priests) and hundreds of pilgrims from all over India on the banks of the sacred Ganges, is full of music, symbols, mantras, smells, a lot of devotion and, for those who study the scriptures profound and sophisticated knowledge of the workings of the human mind. Time to go back to our hotel, with all these impressions, practically the same that both Hindu saints and yogis, like Buddha Shakyamuni himself, had in this same place in their walks, training periods and teachings. A good break for a special start to the day, very early tomorrow.
from Agra
Today we will wake up very early for our visit to the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Muntaz Mahal, in the 20th century. XVII, thousands of workers and architects from different regions of the world for XNUMX years used the famous white marble of India and precious stones. Early in the morning, in addition to the possibility of beautiful light, it is also quieter than during the day. Our local guide will tell you several stories surrounding this monument. Return to the hotel for a good breakfast and then transfer to the airport for our flight to what is perhaps the oldest living city in the world to this day. Arrival in Varanasi, transfer to the hotel, check-in, a good meal for tomorrow to take a beautiful tour of the sacred Ganges.
Buddhist places
Today we will visit one of the oldest cities in the world that is still alive today. After breakfast, we will continue to Delhi airport for our flight to Varanasi. Transfer to our hotel and check-in. Time to freshen up in our rooms and then get to know the old part of the city through a millenary ceremony. The fire puja or Aarti Puja, conducted by brahmins (caste of Hindu priests) and hundreds of pilgrims from all over India on the banks of the sacred Ganges, is full of music, symbols, mantras, smells, a lot of devotion and, for those who study the scriptures profound and sophisticated knowledge of the workings of the human mind. Time to head back to our hotel, with all these impressions, pretty much the same as Buddha Shakyamuni had in this same spot on his way to Sarnath, for a special start to the day, early tomorrow.
DAY 2
General
We will wake up very early to arrive at Ganges, before sunrise. We'll board our rowboat and sail up the Ganges, witnessing the rising of the sun god, Surya, from our boat. We'll observe pilgrims performing their pujas (rituals) at the beginning of their days at this most sacred site in Hindu tradition. Slowly, led by the goddess Ganga, we'll retrace our steps to a ghat (riverside steps) a little further on, where we'll disembark and have the opportunity to stroll through the many alleys, amid thousands of small and large temples, in the old part of the city. There's a famous temple in this area, called the Golden Temple or Kashi Vishvanath. Its history is important for understanding the different eras of India. But its visit isn't so important. To visit, we need to leave our belongings outside. Our guides will know where to leave our belongings. Honestly, it's not the most interesting part of the tour for many travellers. Each traveller can decide how they prefer to spend this time!
Sarnath Individuals Custom
Back in our vehicle, we will have a good breakfast at our hotel and then we will continue to SarnathWe'll pass by the site where Buddha, after his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, met with his five fellow practitioners, and then visit the important Deer Park. A very peaceful place, it's where Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma—that is, where he first taught—approximately 2500 years ago. We'll be able to practice meditation individually, sit for a few minutes, walk, read, or take photographs, as each traveller prefers. We'll visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where there are Buddha's relics (behind the main statue) and a "grandchild" tree of the one where Buddha sat and became enlightened. A simple yet very special visit can always be to visit a school where children from nearby villages, in addition to the usual curriculum, learn meditation, yoga, and how our mind works from an early age. We'll see firsthand the practical results of these tools. It's called the Alice Project School. Many locals know it as the Italian School. Our drivers and guides will help you find it if you'd like to visit.
Sarnath group with gui with 3 days in vns
Back in our vehicle, we will have a good breakfast at our hotel and then we will continue to Sarnath. We will pass by the place where Buddha, after his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, met with his 5 fellow practitioners and then we will visit the important Deer Park. A very peaceful place, where Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time, that is, where he taught for the first time, approximately 2500 years ago. We will be able to practice meditation individually, sit for a few minutes, walk, read, take photos, as each traveller prefers. We will visit the Mahabodhi temple where there are relics of Buddha and a “grandchild” tree of the one where Buddha sat and became enlightened. A simple and always very special visit can always be to visit a school where children from nearby villages, in addition to the usual content, learn meditation, yoga and how our mind works from an early age. We will see first-hand the practical results of these tools. We will have the day to enjoy Sarnath calmly and with quality.
There are two temples in Sarnath that might be interesting to visit: the Japanese temple and the Tibetan one. Both can be visited by walking to the Mahabodhi temple.
End of day at leisure (with guide) to enjoy more Sarnath, return to the ghats region of Varanasi, enjoy seeing a spice market or the famous silks of Varanasi.
Experiences and places
Back in our vehicle, we'll have a hearty breakfast at our hotel and then head to Sarnath. We'll pass by the site where Buddha, after his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, met his five fellow practitioners, and then visit the important Deer Park. A very peaceful place, it's where Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma—that is, where he first taught—approximately 2500 years ago. We can practice meditation individually or together, sitting for a few minutes, walking, reading, taking photographs, as each traveller prefers. We'll visit the Mahabodhi Temple, where there are relics of Buddha (behind the main statue) and a "grandchild" tree of the one where Buddha sat and became enlightened. A simple yet always very special visit will be to visit a school where children from nearby villages, in addition to the usual content, learn meditation, yoga, and how our mind works from an early age. We'll see firsthand the practical results of these tools.
DAY 3
We have one more day to enjoy and get to know the ancient and very special Varanasi. We will visit an important temple Hindu temple, then the small museum and temple of the old University of Benares. It will be a good opportunity to get to know an India with very little contact with foreigners, as is the environment of this university campus. We will continue to see a little more of India, its history, customs and traditions while we do a walking through its alleys and ghats on the banks of the Ganges. End of the day free to explore a little more of the already well-known Varanasi. We have some possibilities of activities in mind for the end of the day, which we will discuss during the trip.
Today we fly back to our well-known Delhi. Last free afternoon to get ready for the trip back to Brazil, walk, visit a place we really like or want to know, buy a souvenir of India or even, if there is in the city's cultural agenda, some presentation of classical Indian music or dance.
Car trip
Mahabodhi Temple
We will travel Today we will visit the place where Buddha became enlightened, the most sacred site in Buddhism, Bodhgaya. It will take approx. 6 hours with our own vehicle. We will check in to our hotel, have lunch and then visit the main temple complex of the city, the Mahabodhi. It was there that Buddha sat for a few days until he had purified all his obscurations and realized the nature of our mind. We can do the same, sitting near or even under the Bodhi tree, a ficus religisosa (fig tree), in the exact place where Buddha became enlightened. This place is also called the Vajra Seat, the seat of the diamond or the indestructible thunderbolt, as well as our natural condition, our essence. We will be among pilgrims, lay and monastic, from all over the world. Mantras, incense, mind training practices from different traditions for our different mental dispositions. After becoming enlightened, the Awakened One (in Sanskrit: Buddha) contemplated his experience for a few weeks at different points around the Bodhi tree. These places are marked so that we can contemplate the same reflections during our days in Bodhgaya.
We have a car trip after breakfast to Bodhgaya in Bihar state. Check-in at our hotel and then visit the exact spot where Buddha attained enlightenment after sitting in meditation under the Bodhi fig tree for 7 days. Shakyamuni Buddha stayed in this place for another 7 weeks after his enlightenment, contemplating the experience of the enlightenment of our desires, attachments and aversions, the experience of the natural state of our mind. We will then have the opportunity to take advantage of this special place of enlightenment of the Buddha, among pilgrims from all over the world, contemplating and putting into practice his teachings through group meditation, individually, reading, walking, photographing, as best for each traveller. .
Travel by car: approx. 6h
After breakfast we will pick up approx. 6h by road to Bodhgaya, where Buddha became enlightened. A small town concentrated around the Maha Temple, where the Bodhi tree is located. The place pulsates with an intense energy of prayer, when we get close, we want to put our knees to the ground and be part of this immense sacred vortex. We will let each one of you feel free in your own way and with your space, the energy of this place so sacred to all Buddhists in the world.
Walk
Temples
Mahabodhi Temple
Today, if we want, even if it is available for whatever we need, we don't need to use our vehicle. We will walk or we will take a tuk tuk from our hotel to an institute run by a very important Tibetan Buddhist teacher, who offers introductory courses on Buddhism in several languages, from different countries. There is also an allopathic and homeopathic medical clinic for Indian peasants, and very special Universal Education schools. From the Root Institute we will walk to a large statue of Buddha built by the Japanese, then to a Japanese temple and a Bhutanese temple, each with very beautiful and very different styles. A very beautiful monastery that is worth a visit is the monastery of Mingyur Rinpoche, a great master of Tibetan Buddhism. There is a new monastery, a little further away, very beautiful, of Tara too. There are many possibilities. We will see how the group feels that day and we will do that. Including, of course, the main temple, Mahabodhi, which is always worth returning to. There are good lunch and coffee options in the city. We can always reserve the always very welcome and requested free temple, whether for shopping for Buddhist articles, sitting a little closer to the Bodhi tree, reading, walking meditation, taking photos, as each traveller prefers.
Today, if we want, we won't even see our vehicle! We will walk from our hotel passing plantations and temples in different Buddhist regions of the world, which are traditionally built on the holy sites of the Buddha. We will finish our walk to the temple and tree where Buddha became enlightened. End of day off.
Mahakala Cave
Sujata Village
Today we will head to a more remote region on the outskirts of Bodhgaya, to a mountain where there is a cave where Buddha meditated and practiced austerity before becoming enlightened. It will also be an opportunity to observe the rhythm of life in the villages that are more remote from the urban centers. Like all caves of great masters, it is a very special place to practice. After visiting the Mahakala Cave, we will visit the peaceful place where, when Siddhartha practiced eating only one grain of rice a day, the girl Sujata offered rice milk to the Buddha. At this point, as he ate and observed his mind functioning better with his stronger body, Siddhartha realized that it would not be through the extremes of self-indulgence or self-mortification that he would become enlightened, but through the middle path. We will take this opportunity to contemplate these experiences and teachings of the Buddha at these important points in his life.
We will return to Bodhgaya for our lunch and with free time to enjoy the Mahabodhi temple complex, other temples, cafes, walk, read, however each traveller prefers to enjoy this late afternoon.
Today we will visit the beautiful surroundings of Bodhgaya, including the Mahakala cave, the rice fields, and the village of Sujata. Sujata was the peasant woman who offered food to the Buddha when he had been practicing extreme asceticism for seven years. He accepted it, realizing the middle path he should follow from then on. Along the way, there are several small temples, mud houses, and corners consecrated by the faith of the simple people who live there. We will take our time, giving us time to sit, draw, and reflect.
Free day
Today is free, no agenda, no need to use our vehicle, which we can use to, for example, enjoy a little more Root Institute, with its library, video library, bookstore, sometimes guided meditations according to the method of this important lineage. We will be able to talk with a lama, monk or nun about what we have seen in India so far, as well as what we will experience in the next few days. It is a day to also process our experiences with the countless traditions with which we have had contact, millennia of study and knowledge of the mind strongly present in these cultures, peoples and travel, rest a little for tomorrow to hit the road again, to a place that is also very special and most important of Buddhism.
We have today free that we can use to visit, for example, the important Root Institute of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe, like the Monastery of Karmapa, where teachings and retreats are organized frequently. We will get in touch with these international institutes and monasteries and if there are lamas (teachers) in Bodhgaya these days, we will be able to talk to them about what we have seen, talked about, experienced and visited.
This day will be freer for those who want to connect with parts of Bodhgaya that they identified the most, will be able to meditate in the temple they liked the most and be able to do their last shopping in the city. For those who want, we will also visit the monastery of Karmapa and the monastery Shechen which is located near the center.
Flight
We'll say goodbye to our driver and vehicle, who accompanied us during our days in these sacred regions of India. After transfer to the nearby city of Bodhgaya, we'll board our flight back to India's capital, Delhi. We'll have free time for shopping or, for those who are so inclined, a cultural activity at the end of the day.
Today we will transfer to Gaya, a neighboring city where we will catch our flight back to our already well-known Delhi.
Car trip
Flight
Depart early for a drive to Patna Airport, the capital of the state of Bihar and the former largest Indian empire, led by Emperor Ashoka. The journey will take approximately 5 hours.
We'll say goodbye to our driver and vehicle, which accompanied us during our time in these sacred regions of India. After our transfer, we'll board our flight to Kolkata, the closest city en route, and our flight to Bhutan.
Transfer to the hotel for rest and early flight tomorrow morning.
Car trip
Mahabodhi Temple
We will travel Today we will visit the place where Buddha became enlightened, the most sacred site in Buddhism, Bodhgaya. It will take approx. 6 hours with our own vehicle. We will check in to our hotel, have lunch and then visit the main temple complex of the city, the Mahabodhi. It was there that Buddha sat for a few days until he had purified all his obscurations and realized the nature of our mind. We can do the same, sitting near or even under the Bodhi tree, a ficus religisosa (fig tree), in the exact place where Buddha became enlightened. This place is also called the Vajra Seat, the seat of the diamond or the indestructible thunderbolt, as well as our natural condition, our essence. We will be among pilgrims, lay and monastic, from all over the world. Mantras, incense, mind training practices from different traditions for our different mental dispositions. After becoming enlightened, the Awakened One (in Sanskrit: Buddha) contemplated his experience for a few weeks at different points around the Bodhi tree. These places are marked so that we can contemplate the same reflections during our days in Bodhgaya.
We have a car trip after breakfast to Bodhgaya in Bihar state. Check-in at our hotel and then visit the exact spot where Buddha attained enlightenment after sitting in meditation under the Bodhi fig tree for 7 days. Shakyamuni Buddha stayed in this place for another 7 weeks after his enlightenment, contemplating the experience of the enlightenment of our desires, attachments and aversions, the experience of the natural state of our mind. We will then have the opportunity to take advantage of this special place of enlightenment of the Buddha, among pilgrims from all over the world, contemplating and putting into practice his teachings through group meditation, individually, reading, walking, photographing, as best for each traveller. .
Travel by car: approx. 6h
After breakfast we will pick up approx. 6h by road to Bodhgaya, where Buddha became enlightened. A small town concentrated around the Maha Temple, where the Bodhi tree is located. The place pulsates with an intense energy of prayer, when we get close, we want to put our knees to the ground and be part of this immense sacred vortex. We will let each one of you feel free in your own way and with your space, the energy of this place so sacred to all Buddhists in the world.
Walk
Temples
Mahabodhi Temple
Today, if we want, even if it is available for whatever we need, we don't need to use our vehicle. We will walk or we will take a tuk tuk from our hotel to an institute run by a very important Tibetan Buddhist teacher, who offers introductory courses on Buddhism in several languages, from different countries. There is also an allopathic and homeopathic medical clinic for Indian peasants, and very special Universal Education schools. From the Root Institute we will walk to a large statue of Buddha built by the Japanese, then to a Japanese temple and a Bhutanese temple, each with very beautiful and very different styles. A very beautiful monastery that is worth a visit is the monastery of Mingyur Rinpoche, a great master of Tibetan Buddhism. There is a new monastery, a little further away, very beautiful, of Tara too. There are many possibilities. We will see how the group feels that day and we will do that. Including, of course, the main temple, Mahabodhi, which is always worth returning to. There are good lunch and coffee options in the city. We can always reserve the always very welcome and requested free temple, whether for shopping for Buddhist articles, sitting a little closer to the Bodhi tree, reading, walking meditation, taking photos, as each traveller prefers.
Today, if we want, we won't even see our vehicle! We will walk from our hotel passing plantations and temples in different Buddhist regions of the world, which are traditionally built on the holy sites of the Buddha. We will finish our walk to the temple and tree where Buddha became enlightened. End of day off.
Mahakala Cave
Sujata Village
Today we will head to a more remote region on the outskirts of Bodhgaya, to a mountain where there is a cave where Buddha meditated and practiced austerity before becoming enlightened. It will also be an opportunity to observe the rhythm of life in the villages that are more remote from the urban centers. Like all caves of great masters, it is a very special place to practice. After visiting the Mahakala Cave, we will visit the peaceful place where, when Siddhartha practiced eating only one grain of rice a day, the girl Sujata offered rice milk to the Buddha. At this point, as he ate and observed his mind functioning better with his stronger body, Siddhartha realized that it would not be through the extremes of self-indulgence or self-mortification that he would become enlightened, but through the middle path. We will take this opportunity to contemplate these experiences and teachings of the Buddha at these important points in his life.
We will return to Bodhgaya for our lunch and with free time to enjoy the Mahabodhi temple complex, other temples, cafes, walk, read, however each traveller prefers to enjoy this late afternoon.
Today we will visit the beautiful surroundings of Bodhgaya, including the Mahakala cave, the rice fields, and the village of Sujata. Sujata was the peasant woman who offered food to the Buddha when he had been practicing extreme asceticism for seven years. He accepted it, realizing the middle path he should follow from then on. Along the way, there are several small temples, mud houses, and corners consecrated by the faith of the simple people who live there. We will take our time, giving us time to sit, draw, and reflect.
Free day
Today is free, no agenda, no need to use our vehicle, which we can use to, for example, enjoy a little more Root Institute, with its library, video library, bookstore, sometimes guided meditations according to the method of this important lineage. We will be able to talk with a lama, monk or nun about what we have seen in India so far, as well as what we will experience in the next few days. It is a day to also process our experiences with the countless traditions with which we have had contact, millennia of study and knowledge of the mind strongly present in these cultures, peoples and travel, rest a little for tomorrow to hit the road again, to a place that is also very special and most important of Buddhism.
We have today free that we can use to visit, for example, the important Root Institute of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe, like the Monastery of Karmapa, where teachings and retreats are organized frequently. We will get in touch with these international institutes and monasteries and if there are lamas (teachers) in Bodhgaya these days, we will be able to talk to them about what we have seen, talked about, experienced and visited.
This day will be freer for those who want to connect with parts of Bodhgaya that they identified the most, will be able to meditate in the temple they liked the most and be able to do their last shopping in the city. For those who want, we will also visit the monastery of Karmapa and the monastery Shechen which is located near the center.
Flight
We'll say goodbye to our driver and vehicle, who accompanied us during our days in these sacred regions of India. After transfer to the nearby city of Bodhgaya, we'll board our flight back to India's capital, Delhi. We'll have free time for shopping or, for those who are so inclined, a cultural activity at the end of the day.
Today we will transfer to Gaya, a neighboring city where we will catch our flight back to our already well-known Delhi.
Car trip
Flight
Depart early for a drive to Patna Airport, the capital of the state of Bihar and the former largest Indian empire, led by Emperor Ashoka. The journey will take approximately 5 hours.
We'll say goodbye to our driver and vehicle, which accompanied us during our time in these sacred regions of India. After our transfer, we'll board our flight to Kolkata, the closest city en route, and our flight to Bhutan.
Transfer to the hotel for rest and early flight tomorrow morning.
Car trip
Mahabodhi Temple
We will travel Today we will visit the place where Buddha became enlightened, the most sacred site in Buddhism, Bodhgaya. It will take approx. 6 hours with our own vehicle. We will check in to our hotel, have lunch and then visit the main temple complex of the city, the Mahabodhi. It was there that Buddha sat for a few days until he had purified all his obscurations and realized the nature of our mind. We can do the same, sitting near or even under the Bodhi tree, a ficus religisosa (fig tree), in the exact place where Buddha became enlightened. This place is also called the Vajra Seat, the seat of the diamond or the indestructible thunderbolt, as well as our natural condition, our essence. We will be among pilgrims, lay and monastic, from all over the world. Mantras, incense, mind training practices from different traditions for our different mental dispositions. After becoming enlightened, the Awakened One (in Sanskrit: Buddha) contemplated his experience for a few weeks at different points around the Bodhi tree. These places are marked so that we can contemplate the same reflections during our days in Bodhgaya.
We have a car trip after breakfast to Bodhgaya in Bihar state. Check-in at our hotel and then visit the exact spot where Buddha attained enlightenment after sitting in meditation under the Bodhi fig tree for 7 days. Shakyamuni Buddha stayed in this place for another 7 weeks after his enlightenment, contemplating the experience of the enlightenment of our desires, attachments and aversions, the experience of the natural state of our mind. We will then have the opportunity to take advantage of this special place of enlightenment of the Buddha, among pilgrims from all over the world, contemplating and putting into practice his teachings through group meditation, individually, reading, walking, photographing, as best for each traveller. .
Travel by car: approx. 6h
After breakfast we will pick up approx. 6h by road to Bodhgaya, where Buddha became enlightened. A small town concentrated around the Maha Temple, where the Bodhi tree is located. The place pulsates with an intense energy of prayer, when we get close, we want to put our knees to the ground and be part of this immense sacred vortex. We will let each one of you feel free in your own way and with your space, the energy of this place so sacred to all Buddhists in the world.
Walk
Temples
Mahabodhi Temple
Today, if we want, even if it is available for whatever we need, we don't need to use our vehicle. We will walk or we will take a tuk tuk from our hotel to an institute run by a very important Tibetan Buddhist teacher, who offers introductory courses on Buddhism in several languages, from different countries. There is also an allopathic and homeopathic medical clinic for Indian peasants, and very special Universal Education schools. From the Root Institute we will walk to a large statue of Buddha built by the Japanese, then to a Japanese temple and a Bhutanese temple, each with very beautiful and very different styles. A very beautiful monastery that is worth a visit is the monastery of Mingyur Rinpoche, a great master of Tibetan Buddhism. There is a new monastery, a little further away, very beautiful, of Tara too. There are many possibilities. We will see how the group feels that day and we will do that. Including, of course, the main temple, Mahabodhi, which is always worth returning to. There are good lunch and coffee options in the city. We can always reserve the always very welcome and requested free temple, whether for shopping for Buddhist articles, sitting a little closer to the Bodhi tree, reading, walking meditation, taking photos, as each traveller prefers.
Today, if we want, we won't even see our vehicle! We will walk from our hotel passing plantations and temples in different Buddhist regions of the world, which are traditionally built on the holy sites of the Buddha. We will finish our walk to the temple and tree where Buddha became enlightened. End of day off.
Mahakala Cave
Sujata Village
Today we will head to a more remote region on the outskirts of Bodhgaya, to a mountain where there is a cave where Buddha meditated and practiced austerity before becoming enlightened. It will also be an opportunity to observe the rhythm of life in the villages that are more remote from the urban centers. Like all caves of great masters, it is a very special place to practice. After visiting the Mahakala Cave, we will visit the peaceful place where, when Siddhartha practiced eating only one grain of rice a day, the girl Sujata offered rice milk to the Buddha. At this point, as he ate and observed his mind functioning better with his stronger body, Siddhartha realized that it would not be through the extremes of self-indulgence or self-mortification that he would become enlightened, but through the middle path. We will take this opportunity to contemplate these experiences and teachings of the Buddha at these important points in his life.
We will return to Bodhgaya for our lunch and with free time to enjoy the Mahabodhi temple complex, other temples, cafes, walk, read, however each traveller prefers to enjoy this late afternoon.
Today we will visit the beautiful surroundings of Bodhgaya, including the Mahakala cave, the rice fields, and the village of Sujata. Sujata was the peasant woman who offered food to the Buddha when he had been practicing extreme asceticism for seven years. He accepted it, realizing the middle path he should follow from then on. Along the way, there are several small temples, mud houses, and corners consecrated by the faith of the simple people who live there. We will take our time, giving us time to sit, draw, and reflect.
Free day
Today is free, no agenda, no need to use our vehicle, which we can use to, for example, enjoy a little more Root Institute, with its library, video library, bookstore, sometimes guided meditations according to the method of this important lineage. We will be able to talk with a lama, monk or nun about what we have seen in India so far, as well as what we will experience in the next few days. It is a day to also process our experiences with the countless traditions with which we have had contact, millennia of study and knowledge of the mind strongly present in these cultures, peoples and travel, rest a little for tomorrow to hit the road again, to a place that is also very special and most important of Buddhism.
We have today free that we can use to visit, for example, the important Root Institute of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe, like the Monastery of Karmapa, where teachings and retreats are organized frequently. We will get in touch with these international institutes and monasteries and if there are lamas (teachers) in Bodhgaya these days, we will be able to talk to them about what we have seen, talked about, experienced and visited.
This day will be freer for those who want to connect with parts of Bodhgaya that they identified the most, will be able to meditate in the temple they liked the most and be able to do their last shopping in the city. For those who want, we will also visit the monastery of Karmapa and the monastery Shechen which is located near the center.
Flight
We'll say goodbye to our driver and vehicle, who accompanied us during our days in these sacred regions of India. After transfer to the nearby city of Bodhgaya, we'll board our flight back to India's capital, Delhi. We'll have free time for shopping or, for those who are so inclined, a cultural activity at the end of the day.
Today we will transfer to Gaya, a neighboring city where we will catch our flight back to our already well-known Delhi.
Car trip
Flight
Depart early for a drive to Patna Airport, the capital of the state of Bihar and the former largest Indian empire, led by Emperor Ashoka. The journey will take approximately 5 hours.
We'll say goodbye to our driver and vehicle, which accompanied us during our time in these sacred regions of India. After our transfer, we'll board our flight to Kolkata, the closest city en route, and our flight to Bhutan.
Transfer to the hotel for rest and early flight tomorrow morning.