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.
Passos Butao Lab 2
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.
Bamboo Forest
Shanti Stupa
Vultures Peak
Today we will travel for approx. 3 hours to Rajgir. We will begin our visits with one of the places where Buddha and his monastic sangha lived for many monsoons, the Bamboo Forest. Since Buddha and his students lived on foot (throughout the places we are visiting), due to the dangers of a trip like this during the rainy season, during these months of each year they stayed in places offered by the kings of different regions. Lunch, check-in at our hotel and then we will continue to the Peace Stupa, or Shanti Stupa, in a beautiful place on top of a mountain, built by a Japanese Buddhist project for world peace, in many places around the world. From the stupa we will walk to the very special Vultures Peak, where Buddha had a hut. This is the location of the important text and teaching called the Heart Sutra, which we will have with us, as well as commentaries by great masters. A very peaceful place, also on a nearby mountain. We can use this special opportunity to train our mind, either by offering incense, as an invitation to do a practice, reading the Heart Sutra and its commentaries. As each traveller prefers to take advantage of this special opportunity and place.
After traveling to Rajgir, we will visit one of the places where Buddha and his monastic sangha (community) lived during many monsoon seasons: the Bamboo Grove. Because Buddha and his students spent their time traveling (through the places we are visiting), and due to the dangers of such a journey during the rainy season, they stayed in places offered by local kings during those months of each year. After checking into our hotel, we will proceed to the Peace Stupa, or Shanti Stupa, a beautiful location atop a mountain, built as part of a Japanese Buddhist project for world peace in many parts of the world. From the stupa, we will walk to the very special Vulture Peak, the site of the important Heart Sutra, a very peaceful spot also atop a nearby mountain. We will offer our incense and contemplate the teachings that Buddha offered in this very place on Prajnaparamita, putting into practice a little more of the instructions of this great master.
Travel by car: approx. 3h
Nalanda University
Shanti Stupa Stupa of relics
Patna
Flight
In the morning, next to Rajgir, we will visit the archaeological site of the very important Nalanda University. For centuries, Nalanda was one of the most important centers of Buddhist studies, attracting students from many parts of the world, especially between the 5th and 12th centuries. Around 10.000 students and 2.000 teachers lived there, and it boasted a library larger than that of Alexandria, for example. Among the many great scholars and masters of Nalanda, known as the Indian pandits, were: Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Buddhapalita, Bhavaviveka, Chandrakirti, and Shantideva. For centuries, many of these yogis were invited by Tibetan kings to cross the Himalayas and bring the study of Buddhism to Tibet. Thus, the Nalanda tradition remains alive to this day, studied and practiced in traditional Tibetan shedras (universities) and monasteries in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, as well as in important universities in Europe and North America, where there is a very rich and important exchange with current neuroscientists, physicists, and educators. We will visit the Nalanda monasteries, as well as temples, important stupas, and its small museum. It is certainly a very special and inviting place to practice observation, reflection, and familiarization with our minds—that is, meditation individually or together, as each traveller prefers—as well as reading excerpts from important texts of this science written in the same place where we will be, in this ancient university.
Visit completed, we will continue the trip for approx. 3:XNUMX and after crossing the Ganges River, we will arrive in Patna, capital of the former Ashoka empire, today from this state called Bihar.
We will continue our journey for approx. 5h to Vaishali. On the way we will pass through Patna, capital of the ancient empire of Ashoka, today of this state, Bihar, and where the Ganges river also passes. Arriving in Vaishali, very close to Patna, we will check in, have a good meal and then take a walk through the small village near our hotel. Vaishali, which, like Rajgir, is part of the 8 holiest sites in Buddhism, was perhaps the first example of a republic-type government organization, which Buddha visited numerous times. It was in Vaishali that Buddha ordered the first sanga of female nuns, demonstrated miracles, offered his last sermon (sutra), announced his Mahaparanirvana and was also where the Second Council took place. Today we will visit another Shanti Stupa, like in Rajgir, and a much older stupa, from the Licchavi Empire, which holds relics of Buddha. There is a very pleasant and inviting lawn for our readings, practice and always good conversations.
On the way to Vaishali, we will visit the ruins of the very important Nalanda University. For centuries, Nalanda was a major center of Buddhist studies, attracting students from many parts of the world, especially between the 5th and 12th centuries. It housed approximately 10.000 students and 2.000 teachers, and boasted a library larger than that of Alexandria, for example. Among the many great masters of Nalanda, known as the Indian pandits, were Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Buddhapalita, Bhavaviveka, Chandrakirti, and Shantideva. The Nalanda tradition remains alive today, studied and practiced in Tibetan shedras (universities) and monasteries worldwide. It is also present in important universities in Europe and North America, where there is significant modern exchange with neuroscientists, physicists, and educators. We will continue our journey to Vaishali, which, like Rajgir, is one of the eight most sacred sites in Buddhism. Buddha visited Vaishali numerous times; it was there that he ordained the first sangha of female nuns, demonstrated miracles, delivered his last sermon (sutra), and announced his Mahaparanirvana. Walking from our hotel, we will visit the stupa that houses his relics. It was also in this small but important place that Ananda, Buddha's cousin and closest disciple, attained enlightenment on the banks of the Ganges.
Travel by car: approx. 5h
Nalanda University
Shanti Stupa
Relics stupa
Patna
Flight
In the morning, next to Rajgir, we will visit the archaeological site of the very important University of nalandaNalanda was for centuries one of the most important centers of Buddhist studies, attracting students from many parts of the world, especially between the 5th and 12th centuries. It housed approximately 10.000 students and 2.000 teachers, and boasted a library larger than that of Alexandria, for example. Among the many great scholars and masters of Nalanda, known as the Indian pandits, were Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Buddhapalita, Bhavaviveka, Chandrakirti, and Shantideva. For centuries, many of these yogis were invited by Tibetan kings to cross the Himalayas and bring the study of Buddhism to Tibet. Thus, the tradition of Nalanda remains alive to this day, studied and practiced in traditional Tibetan shedras (universities) and monasteries in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, as well as in important universities in Europe and North America, where there is a rich and important exchange with neuroscientists, physicists, and contemporary educators. We will visit the monasteries of Nalanda, as well as temples, important stupas, and its small museum. It is certainly a very special and inviting place for us to practice observation, reflection, and familiarization of our minds—that is, meditation individually or together, as each traveller prefers—as well as reading excerpts from important texts of this science written in the same place where we will be, in this ancient university.
Visit completed, we will continue the trip for approx. 3:XNUMX and after crossing the Ganges River, we will arrive in Patna, capital of the former Ashoka empire, today from this state called Bihar.
We will continue our journey for approximately 5 hours to Vaishali. On the way we will pass through Patna, the capital of the ancient empire of Ashoka, now part of the state of Bihar, and through which the Ganges River also flows. Let's see how much time and hunger we have! We will then choose some of the good restaurant options along the way or in Vaishali itself. We will also see if we will have time for any visits or walks at the end of the day.
We will continue our journey for approx. 5h to Vaishali. On the way we will pass through Patna, capital of the ancient empire of Ashoka, today of this state, Bihar, and where the Ganges river also passes. Arriving in Vaishali, very close to Patna, we will check in, have a good meal and then take a walk through the small village near our hotel. Vaishali, which, like Rajgir, is part of the 8 holiest sites in Buddhism, was perhaps the first example of a republic-type government organization, which Buddha visited numerous times. It was in Vaishali that Buddha ordered the first sanga of female nuns, demonstrated miracles, offered his last sermon (sutra), announced his Mahaparanirvana and was also where the Second Council took place. Today we will visit another Shanti Stupa, like in Rajgir, and a much older stupa, from the Licchavi Empire, which holds relics of Buddha. There is a very pleasant and inviting lawn for our readings, practice and always good conversations.
It looks like a version with older details to me.
On the way to Vaishali, we will visit the ruins of the very important Nalanda University. For centuries, Nalanda was a major center of Buddhist studies, attracting students from many parts of the world, especially between the 5th and 12th centuries. It housed approximately 10.000 students and 2.000 teachers, and boasted a library larger than that of Alexandria, for example. Among the many great masters of Nalanda, known as the Indian pandits, were Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Buddhapalita, Bhavaviveka, Chandrakirti, and Shantideva. The Nalanda tradition remains alive today, studied and practiced in Tibetan shedras (universities) and monasteries worldwide. It is also present in important universities in Europe and North America, where there is significant modern exchange with neuroscientists, physicists, and educators. We will continue our journey to Vaishali, which, like Rajgir, is one of the eight most sacred sites in Buddhism. Buddha visited Vaishali numerous times; it was there that he ordained the first sangha of female nuns, demonstrated miracles, delivered his last sermon (sutra), and announced his Mahaparanirvana. Walking from our hotel, we will visit the stupa that houses his relics. It was also in this small but important place that Ananda, Buddha's cousin and closest disciple, attained enlightenment on the banks of the Ganges.
Travel by car: approx. 5h
Shanti Stupa
Relics stupa
Starting our day in Vaishali, after breakfast, we'll take a walk through the small village near our hotel. Vaishali, which, like Rajgir, is one of the eight holiest Buddhist sites, was perhaps the first example of a republic-type government organization, which Buddha visited numerous times. It was in Vaishali that Buddha ordained the first female nun, performed miracles, offered his last sermon (sutra), announced his Mahaparanirvana, and was also the site of the Second Council. Today we'll visit another Shanti Stupa, as in Rajgir, and a much older one stupa, of the Licchavi Empire, which houses relics of Buddha. There is a very pleasant and inviting lawn for our reading, practice, and always good conversations.
Near Vaishali, we will continue to the archaeological site of the monastery Kutagarasala, where the stupa of one of Buddha's main students is located. Ananda, his cousin and attendant, played a major role in the first council after Buddha's death, as he remembered all of Buddha's sutras and teachings. It was near Vaishali on the banks of the Ganges that Ananda passed into nirvana. Next to the stupa we will see one of the pillars of Ashoka, the great emperor who supported Buddhism in India and in several other countries in Asia. Time to continue our journey for approximately 5 hours through the Gangetic plain, to Kushinagar, the site of Buddha's Mahaparanirvana.
On the way we will make a stop at the Stupa KesariyaBuilt approximately 1500 years ago on the site where Buddha lived in a previous life, the place of one of his teachers before his enlightenment, where on a previous visit he taught what came to be called the Kalama Sutra. In this teaching, Buddha emphasized the importance of using reason, testing and investigating the teachings on the workings of our mind, in contrast to blind faith and dogma. On his way to Kushinagar, during his last visit, Buddha offered his bowl here to the Lichavis, the inhabitants of Vaishali.
It looks like a version with older details to me.
On the way to Vaishali, we will visit the ruins of the very important Nalanda University. For centuries, Nalanda was a major center of Buddhist studies, attracting students from many parts of the world, especially between the 5th and 12th centuries. It housed approximately 10.000 students and 2.000 teachers, and boasted a library larger than that of Alexandria, for example. Among the many great masters of Nalanda, known as the Indian pandits, were Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Buddhapalita, Bhavaviveka, Chandrakirti, and Shantideva. The Nalanda tradition remains alive today, studied and practiced in Tibetan shedras (universities) and monasteries worldwide. It is also present in important universities in Europe and North America, where there is significant modern exchange with neuroscientists, physicists, and educators. We will continue our journey to Vaishali, which, like Rajgir, is one of the eight most sacred sites in Buddhism. Buddha visited Vaishali numerous times; it was there that he ordained the first sangha of female nuns, demonstrated miracles, delivered his last sermon (sutra), and announced his Mahaparanirvana. Walking from our hotel, we will visit the stupa that houses his relics. It was also in this small but important place that Ananda, Buddha's cousin and closest disciple, attained enlightenment on the banks of the Ganges.
Travel by car: approx. 5h
Kutagarasala Vihara
Ananda's stupa
Kesariya stupa
We will end our visit to Vaishali in the morning. We will visit the archaeological site of the monastery. Kutagarasala, where is the stupa One of Buddha's foremost students. Ananda, his cousin and attendant, played a key role in the first council after Buddha's death, remembering all of Buddha's sutras and teachings. It was near Vaishali on the banks of the Ganges that Ananda... Next to the stupa, we'll see one of the pillars of Ashoka, the great emperor who supported Buddhism in India and several other countries in Asia. Time to continue our journey for approximately 5 hours across the Gangetic plain to Kushinagar, the site of Buddha's Mahaparanirvana.
On the way we will make a stop at the Stupa KesariyaBuilt approximately 1500 years ago on the site where Buddha lived in a previous life, the place of one of his teachers before his enlightenment, where on a previous visit he taught what came to be called the Kalama Sutra. In this teaching, Buddha emphasized the importance of using reason, testing and investigating the teachings on the workings of our mind, in contrast to blind faith and dogma. On his way to Kushinagar, during his last visit, Buddha offered his bowl here to the Lichavis, the inhabitants of Vaishali.
Mahapanirvana Site Temple and Buddha Relics
Stupa at Buddha's cremation site
Mahaparinirvana Temple
walk through the temples
Ramabhar stupa
Today we won't need to use our vehicle. We'll walk through the village of Kushinagar, one of the four most sacred sites in Buddhism, as the Buddha himself instructed his students to visit in his final teaching—the Mahaparanirvana Sutra. While walking, we'll visit the temple that stands on the site of the Mahaparanirvana of Buddha, where today there is a statue of the reclining Buddha. We will visit a Myanmar stupa and a small Japanese temple. In the afternoon we will visit the place where Buddha was cremated, a stupa and there is a pleasant lawn to contemplate this important teaching of the Buddha on impermanence, as well as his legacy for the development of the human mind.
Buddha's birthplace
maya devi temple
Today we will head south to Nepal, a still low-lying region, very similar geographically, culturally, and ethnically to the regions we visited in recent days. We will notice small differences due to the proximity and influence of the higher regions of this small and highest country in the world. After completing the formalities at Indian and Nepalese immigration, facilitated by Guilherme, we will go to our hotel for a good meal and a well-deserved rest. Suggestion: try some very good typical Nepalese food! For those who are willing and prefer, we can visit the Maya Devi temple, the birthplace of Buddha. The car trip takes approximately 7 hours.
Shanti Stupa
Relics stupa
Starting our day in Vaishali, after breakfast, we'll take a walk through the small village near our hotel. Vaishali, which, like Rajgir, is one of the eight holiest Buddhist sites, was perhaps the first example of a republic-type government organization, which Buddha visited numerous times. It was in Vaishali that Buddha ordained the first female nun, performed miracles, offered his last sermon (sutra), announced his Mahaparanirvana, and was also the site of the Second Council. Today we'll visit another Shanti Stupa, as in Rajgir, and a much older one stupa, of the Licchavi Empire, which houses relics of Buddha. There is a very pleasant and inviting lawn for our reading, practice, and always good conversations.
Near Vaishali, we will continue to the archaeological site of the monastery Kutagarasala, where the stupa of one of Buddha's main students is located. Ananda, his cousin and attendant, played a major role in the first council after Buddha's death, as he remembered all of Buddha's sutras and teachings. It was near Vaishali on the banks of the Ganges that Ananda passed into nirvana. Next to the stupa we will see one of the pillars of Ashoka, the great emperor who supported Buddhism in India and in several other countries in Asia. Time to continue our journey for approximately 5 hours through the Gangetic plain, to Kushinagar, the site of Buddha's Mahaparanirvana.
On the way we will make a stop at the Stupa KesariyaBuilt approximately 1500 years ago on the site where Buddha lived in a previous life, the place of one of his teachers before his enlightenment, where on a previous visit he taught what came to be called the Kalama Sutra. In this teaching, Buddha emphasized the importance of using reason, testing and investigating the teachings on the workings of our mind, in contrast to blind faith and dogma. On his way to Kushinagar, during his last visit, Buddha offered his bowl here to the Lichavis, the inhabitants of Vaishali.
It looks like a version with older details to me.
On the way to Vaishali, we will visit the ruins of the very important Nalanda University. For centuries, Nalanda was a major center of Buddhist studies, attracting students from many parts of the world, especially between the 5th and 12th centuries. It housed approximately 10.000 students and 2.000 teachers, and boasted a library larger than that of Alexandria, for example. Among the many great masters of Nalanda, known as the Indian pandits, were Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Buddhapalita, Bhavaviveka, Chandrakirti, and Shantideva. The Nalanda tradition remains alive today, studied and practiced in Tibetan shedras (universities) and monasteries worldwide. It is also present in important universities in Europe and North America, where there is significant modern exchange with neuroscientists, physicists, and educators. We will continue our journey to Vaishali, which, like Rajgir, is one of the eight most sacred sites in Buddhism. Buddha visited Vaishali numerous times; it was there that he ordained the first sangha of female nuns, demonstrated miracles, delivered his last sermon (sutra), and announced his Mahaparanirvana. Walking from our hotel, we will visit the stupa that houses his relics. It was also in this small but important place that Ananda, Buddha's cousin and closest disciple, attained enlightenment on the banks of the Ganges.
Travel by car: approx. 5h
Kutagarasala Vihara
Ananda's stupa
Kesariya stupa
We will end our visit to Vaishali in the morning. We will visit the archaeological site of the monastery. Kutagarasala, where is the stupa One of Buddha's foremost students. Ananda, his cousin and attendant, played a key role in the first council after Buddha's death, remembering all of Buddha's sutras and teachings. It was near Vaishali on the banks of the Ganges that Ananda... Next to the stupa, we'll see one of the pillars of Ashoka, the great emperor who supported Buddhism in India and several other countries in Asia. Time to continue our journey for approximately 5 hours across the Gangetic plain to Kushinagar, the site of Buddha's Mahaparanirvana.
On the way we will make a stop at the Stupa KesariyaBuilt approximately 1500 years ago on the site where Buddha lived in a previous life, the place of one of his teachers before his enlightenment, where on a previous visit he taught what came to be called the Kalama Sutra. In this teaching, Buddha emphasized the importance of using reason, testing and investigating the teachings on the workings of our mind, in contrast to blind faith and dogma. On his way to Kushinagar, during his last visit, Buddha offered his bowl here to the Lichavis, the inhabitants of Vaishali.
Mahapanirvana Site Temple and Buddha Relics
Stupa at Buddha's cremation site
Mahaparinirvana Temple
walk through the temples
Ramabhar stupa
Today we won't need to use our vehicle. We'll walk through the village of Kushinagar, one of the four most sacred sites in Buddhism, as the Buddha himself instructed his students to visit in his final teaching—the Mahaparanirvana Sutra. While walking, we'll visit the temple that stands on the site of the Mahaparanirvana of Buddha, where today there is a statue of the reclining Buddha. We will visit a Myanmar stupa and a small Japanese temple. In the afternoon we will visit the place where Buddha was cremated, a stupa and there is a pleasant lawn to contemplate this important teaching of the Buddha on impermanence, as well as his legacy for the development of the human mind.
Buddha's birthplace
maya devi temple
Today we will head south to Nepal, a still low-lying region, very similar geographically, culturally, and ethnically to the regions we visited in recent days. We will notice small differences due to the proximity and influence of the higher regions of this small and highest country in the world. After completing the formalities at Indian and Nepalese immigration, facilitated by Guilherme, we will go to our hotel for a good meal and a well-deserved rest. Suggestion: try some very good typical Nepalese food! For those who are willing and prefer, we can visit the Maya Devi temple, the birthplace of Buddha. The car trip takes approximately 7 hours.
Buddha's birthplace
Early in the morning today we will head towards the South of Nepal. This region is still low-lying, but geographically, culturally and ethnically very similar to the regions we have visited in recent days. We will notice small differences due to the proximity and influence of the higher regions of this small and highest country in the world. After formalities at Indian and Nepalese immigration, facilitated by Guilherme, we will head to our hotel for a good meal. We suggest some very good typical Nepalese food! After our lunch, we will take a walk to the Maya Devi temple. Place where Buddha was born when his mother, Mayadevi, returned to her parents' village, as is traditional to this day, to give birth to her son. Thus we will complete the four most sacred sites in Buddhism.
Early this morning, we'll head to southern Nepal. This region is still low-lying, but geographically, culturally, and ethnically very similar to the regions we've visited in recent days. We'll notice slight differences due to the proximity and influence of the higher regions of this small, yet highest, country in the world. After formalities at Indian and Nepalese immigration, facilitated by Guilherme, we'll head to our hotel for a good meal. We recommend some delicious, typical Nepalese food! After lunch, we'll take a walk to the Maya Devi Temple. place where Buddha was born, thus we will complete the four most sacred places in Buddhism.
Today we will head towards southern Nepal, a still low-lying region, very similar geographically, culturally, and ethnically to the regions we visited in recent days. We will notice small differences due to the proximity and influence of the higher regions of this small and highest country in the world. After formalities at Indian and Nepalese immigration, facilitated by Guilherme, we will go to our hotel for a good meal and a well-deserved rest. Suggestion: some very good typical Nepalese food! For those who are willing and prefer, we can already visit the Maya Devi temple. place where Buddha was born, thus completing the four most sacred Buddhist sites. The journey takes approximately 7 hours by car.
Kapilavastu
Walk
Buddha's birthplace
After our breakfast, near Lumbini, we will visit the place where Buddha lived during his childhood and youth, Kapilavastu. The then prince Siddhartha was quite protected by his father, with regard to all discomforts and possible suffering. At the same time, with the presence of all the pleasures that our senses can offer us. It was while exploring the surroundings of his house that Siddhartha had four important visions: for the first time he saw a sick person, an old man, a dead person and an ascetic. We will walk through the same places where Siddhartha lived before his enlightenment, from where he continued his Walk, studies and training until he became enlightened in our already known Bodhgaya. Back in Lumbini, we will be able to walk through the region, visiting some temples and, of course, visiting once again the place where Buddha was born. Such an important place that sitting there a little longer, enjoying reading, reflecting and familiarizing yourself, as each traveller prefers, are certainly remarkable and very worthwhile experiences.
After our breakfast, near Lumbini, we will visit the place where Buddha lived during his childhood and youth, KapilavastuThe then-Prince Siddhartha was quite protected by his father, shielding him from all discomfort and potential suffering. At the same time, he enjoyed all the pleasures our senses can offer. It was during explorations around his home that Siddhartha had four important visions: for the first time he saw a sick person, an old man, a dead man, and an ascetic. We will walk through the same places where Siddhartha lived before his enlightenment, from where he continued his journey, studies, and training until he attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Back in Lumbini, when we complete the four most sacred sites of Buddhism, we will be able to revisit the place where Buddha was born when his mother, Mayadevi, returned to her parents' village, as is tradition to this day, for the birth of her son. A very special place, sitting there for a few moments, taking the opportunity for reading, reflection, and familiarization are surely memorable and very rewarding experiences.
Today, if anyone is returning to Brazil after we have completed the four most sacred Buddhist sites, please let us know so we can arrange a mini-extension to accommodate your flights. In this case, we will meet with our local representatives who will provide airport transfers and all necessary assistance. With a quick flight to Kathmandu, offering beautiful views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains on clear days, our local representatives will greet you with a Chörten sign and provide all necessary assistance. Guilherme will accompany you every step of your trip to Kathmandu, maintaining contact by phone. If you are short on time to return to Brazil, we suggest a mini-extension with a relaxed day in Kathmandu, including a visit to the Tibetan quarter where you will be staying, home to the great Boudhnath stupa and numerous important monasteries. If you have more time, we can easily arrange a longer extension as well. Our local representatives will then assist you with the transfer back to Kathmandu airport for your flight back to Brazil.
The journey to Buddhist Sites in India continues today to Sravasti with Extension 2: here
Transfer to the nearest airport in Lumbini, approx. 20min, and flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting, with an incredible view of the snow-capped mountains, the highest on our planet: the Himalayas. Arrival in the Kathmandu Valley, transfer to the hotel in the Tibetan neighborhood, with a free afternoon around the great stupa of Boudhnath with assistance.
Transfer to the nearest airport in Lumbini, approx. 20min, and flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting, with an incredible view of the highest snowy mountains on our planet: the Himalayas. Arrival in the Kathmandu Valley, transfer to the hotel in the Tibetan quarter, with free afternoon with assistance around the large stupa of Boudhnath to acclimate ourselves with this new, also quite special, culture on our trip.
Around the great stupa (Tib: chörten) of boudhanath In our Tibetan neighborhood, dotted with monasteries, you'll find nuns, monks, and lay Tibetans, sometimes great masters, performing their koras (circumambulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras, and lighting lamps, especially in the late afternoon and early morning. We'll enjoy a stop at one of the cafes or restaurants to observe and assimilate our first encounter on this trip with these people who, directly or indirectly, keep alive to this day, throughout the world, the legacy of Nalanda University, which we visited a few days ago.
Buddha's birthplace
Early in the morning today we will head towards the South of Nepal. This region is still low-lying, but geographically, culturally and ethnically very similar to the regions we have visited in recent days. We will notice small differences due to the proximity and influence of the higher regions of this small and highest country in the world. After formalities at Indian and Nepalese immigration, facilitated by Guilherme, we will head to our hotel for a good meal. We suggest some very good typical Nepalese food! After our lunch, we will take a walk to the Maya Devi temple. Place where Buddha was born when his mother, Mayadevi, returned to her parents' village, as is traditional to this day, to give birth to her son. Thus we will complete the four most sacred sites in Buddhism.
Early this morning, we'll head to southern Nepal. This region is still low-lying, but geographically, culturally, and ethnically very similar to the regions we've visited in recent days. We'll notice slight differences due to the proximity and influence of the higher regions of this small, yet highest, country in the world. After formalities at Indian and Nepalese immigration, facilitated by Guilherme, we'll head to our hotel for a good meal. We recommend some delicious, typical Nepalese food! After lunch, we'll take a walk to the Maya Devi Temple. place where Buddha was born, thus we will complete the four most sacred places in Buddhism.
Today we will head towards southern Nepal, a still low-lying region, very similar geographically, culturally, and ethnically to the regions we visited in recent days. We will notice small differences due to the proximity and influence of the higher regions of this small and highest country in the world. After formalities at Indian and Nepalese immigration, facilitated by Guilherme, we will go to our hotel for a good meal and a well-deserved rest. Suggestion: some very good typical Nepalese food! For those who are willing and prefer, we can already visit the Maya Devi temple. place where Buddha was born, thus completing the four most sacred Buddhist sites. The journey takes approximately 7 hours by car.
Kapilavastu
Walk
Buddha's birthplace
After our breakfast, near Lumbini, we will visit the place where Buddha lived during his childhood and youth, Kapilavastu. The then prince Siddhartha was quite protected by his father, with regard to all discomforts and possible suffering. At the same time, with the presence of all the pleasures that our senses can offer us. It was while exploring the surroundings of his house that Siddhartha had four important visions: for the first time he saw a sick person, an old man, a dead person and an ascetic. We will walk through the same places where Siddhartha lived before his enlightenment, from where he continued his Walk, studies and training until he became enlightened in our already known Bodhgaya. Back in Lumbini, we will be able to walk through the region, visiting some temples and, of course, visiting once again the place where Buddha was born. Such an important place that sitting there a little longer, enjoying reading, reflecting and familiarizing yourself, as each traveller prefers, are certainly remarkable and very worthwhile experiences.
After our breakfast, near Lumbini, we will visit the place where Buddha lived during his childhood and youth, KapilavastuThe then-Prince Siddhartha was quite protected by his father, shielding him from all discomfort and potential suffering. At the same time, he enjoyed all the pleasures our senses can offer. It was during explorations around his home that Siddhartha had four important visions: for the first time he saw a sick person, an old man, a dead man, and an ascetic. We will walk through the same places where Siddhartha lived before his enlightenment, from where he continued his journey, studies, and training until he attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Back in Lumbini, when we complete the four most sacred sites of Buddhism, we will be able to revisit the place where Buddha was born when his mother, Mayadevi, returned to her parents' village, as is tradition to this day, for the birth of her son. A very special place, sitting there for a few moments, taking the opportunity for reading, reflection, and familiarization are surely memorable and very rewarding experiences.
Today, if anyone is returning to Brazil after we have completed the four most sacred Buddhist sites, please let us know so we can arrange a mini-extension to accommodate your flights. In this case, we will meet with our local representatives who will provide airport transfers and all necessary assistance. With a quick flight to Kathmandu, offering beautiful views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains on clear days, our local representatives will greet you with a Chörten sign and provide all necessary assistance. Guilherme will accompany you every step of your trip to Kathmandu, maintaining contact by phone. If you are short on time to return to Brazil, we suggest a mini-extension with a relaxed day in Kathmandu, including a visit to the Tibetan quarter where you will be staying, home to the great Boudhnath stupa and numerous important monasteries. If you have more time, we can easily arrange a longer extension as well. Our local representatives will then assist you with the transfer back to Kathmandu airport for your flight back to Brazil.
The journey to Buddhist Sites in India continues today to Sravasti with Extension 2: here
Transfer to the nearest airport in Lumbini, approx. 20min, and flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting, with an incredible view of the snow-capped mountains, the highest on our planet: the Himalayas. Arrival in the Kathmandu Valley, transfer to the hotel in the Tibetan neighborhood, with a free afternoon around the great stupa of Boudhnath with assistance.
Transfer to the nearest airport in Lumbini, approx. 20min, and flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting, with an incredible view of the highest snowy mountains on our planet: the Himalayas. Arrival in the Kathmandu Valley, transfer to the hotel in the Tibetan quarter, with free afternoon with assistance around the large stupa of Boudhnath to acclimate ourselves with this new, also quite special, culture on our trip.
Around the great stupa (Tib: chörten) of boudhanath In our Tibetan neighborhood, dotted with monasteries, you'll find nuns, monks, and lay Tibetans, sometimes great masters, performing their koras (circumambulations), spinning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras, and lighting lamps, especially in the late afternoon and early morning. We'll enjoy a stop at one of the cafes or restaurants to observe and assimilate our first encounter on this trip with these people who, directly or indirectly, keep alive to this day, throughout the world, the legacy of Nalanda University, which we visited a few days ago.
Flight
Boudhnath
PBH KTM
Time to leave this sacred kingdom and return to our beloved and chaotic Nepal, in our quiet Tibetan neighborhood. Transfer to the airport early in the morning for another beautiful flight literally next to the Himalayas back to Kathmandu. After checking in at our hotel, always requested and very welcome, today will be dedicated to assimilating everything we have experienced in these two special countries and cultures. Already quite familiar with our Tibetan neighborhood around the great stupa of Boudhnath, as well as with several places in the city and valley, we can enjoy revisiting some of its many important monasteries, cafes, restaurants, museums and 'little shops'. We can contemplate these important places, read a book, write, walk, take photos, take care of the souvenirs we want to take home for ourselves and for friends and family. At the end of the day we will meet for our farewell dinner.
Time to leave this sacred kingdom and return to our beloved and chaotic Nepal, in our quieter neighborhood of Boudhnath. Transfer to the airport, perhaps very early in the morning, for another beautiful flight literally next to the Himalayas, back to Kathmandu. Flight times from Bhutan change a lot, as do the weather conditions in the highest mountains on our planet. So, if we have time to take an afternoon tour of Kathmandu, we have that option. If we fly a little later, after checking in at our hotel, always requested and very welcome, the end of today will be dedicated to assimilating everything we have experienced in these two special countries and cultures.
Choose return flights from Brazil
Our hotel is available until noon tomorrow. So, you can choose, according to your preferences and availability of flights, whether you fly from today to tomorrow, during the day or night of tomorrow.
Lumbini > Kathmandu
Transfer to the nearest airport in Lumbini, approx. 20min, and flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting, with an incredible view of the snow-capped mountains, the highest on our planet: the Himalayas. Arrival in the Kathmandu Valley, transfer to the hotel in the Tibetan neighborhood, with a free afternoon around the great stupa of Boudhnath with assistance.
Around the great stupa (Tib: chörten) of boudhanath In our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, we will find nuns, monks and lay Tibetans, sometimes great masters, making their koras (circumambulations), turning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps, especially in the late afternoon and early morning. We will take advantage of one of the cafés or restaurants to observe and assimilate our first contact on this trip with these people who, in a more direct or indirect way, keep alive to this day, throughout the world, the legacy of the Nalanda University that we visited a few days ago.
Transfer
Flight
International departure flight back to Brazil
Transfer with assistance to the airport for the flight back to Brazil.
Some travellers may fly out this morning. Some will fly out tomorrow morning or in the afternoon. So, today will be the last day of our trip. We are always welcome to buy some souvenirs and enjoy this country that will surely have offered us special experiences and touched us a lot. Take another tour of the places we liked the most, make some more koras, walk, take pictures, read, write, get to know some other places. Whatever is best and according to each traveller's preference.
If you're feeling up to it, as a way to make the most of our last visit, we can make an extra visit to one of Guru Rinpoche's caves. This will conclude our visits to the sacred places of Buddhism.
A free morning or, as our flights usually leave Kathmandu in the evening, a free day to buy souvenirs and enjoy this country that will surely have offered us incredible experiences and touched us a lot. Take another tour of the places you liked the most, make some more koras, walk, take photos, read, write, get to know some other places. Whatever is best and according to each traveller's preference.
Transfer with assistance to the airport for the group flight back to Brazil. If you need or prefer to fly before or after the group flight, we will organize an extra transfer with our full support as well. Have a great return!
Transfer with assistance to the airport for the flight back to Brazil.
Nota
We intentionally made some visits different from what we normally do, as well as spending one or two days shorter in Nepal. We certainly saw the most important points of Kathmandu, which were also quite special. Even so, if you can and are interested, we recommend staying for one, two or three more days in Kathmandu, during which you can: (1) visit Durbar Square in a neighboring city called Bhaktapur, (2) have a little more free time in Kathmandu, as well as, for those interested, (3) visit other areas of the valley, whether those of greatest interest to Buddhist practitioners, such as Pharphing and Namo Buddha, or those who want to stay in the mountains (options: Namo Buddha, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel), and so on. There are many possibilities in these regions (see here). The point is to see if it is the best time or in a next coming!
Nota
We intentionally made some visits different from what we normally do, as well as spending one or two days shorter in Nepal. We certainly saw the most important points of Kathmandu, which were also quite special. Even so, if you can and are interested, we recommend staying for one, two or three more days in Kathmandu, during which you can: (1) visit Durbar Square in a neighboring city called Bhaktapur, (2) make sure you can visit Patan, as well as Pashupatinath if your flight from Bhutan leaves later, (3) have a little more free time in Kathmandu, as well as, for those interested, visit other areas of the valley, whether those of greatest interest to Buddhist practitioners, such as Pharphing and Namo Buddha, or those who want to stay in the mountains (options: Namo Buddha, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel), and so on. There are many possibilities in these regions (see here). The point is to see if it is the best time or in a next coming!
Nota
We intentionally made some visits different from what we normally do, as well as the period in Nepal being one or two days shorter. We certainly saw the most important points of Kathmandu, which were also quite special. Even so, if you can and it is of interest to you, we recommend an extension of one, two or three more days in Kathmandu, during which you can: (1) if it is possible to talk to a Buddhist teacher during the days of the program above (more here in opportunities and activities), it is always possible that it will be necessary to exchange some visit or do it in a more focused way, so with one or more extra days we guarantee that you will be able to do all the visits with plenty of time, such as (2) make other visits, such as, for those interested, other areas of the valley, those of greatest interest to Buddhist practitioners, such as Pharphing and Namo Buddha, as well as (3) have a good amount of free time in Kathmandu as well, and so on. There are many possibilities in these regions (see here). The point is to see if it is the best time or in a next coming!
Free afternoon in Boudhnath
Walk
Durbar Square Patan Museum Patan Golden Temple Free time
Late afternoon free at bookstores, cafes, Buddhist art, craft, mountain clothing and equipment stores, stupa, temples or monasteries in the well-known Patan, Thamel or Boudhnath, as each traveller prefers.
Likewise, a free day is always in high demand. If you're up for it, we can go together to Pashupatinath, the Shiva temple, near our neighborhood. If anyone can stay an extra day, two days, however long it takes, we're sure you'll make the most of those days, whether in Kathmandu itself, nearby regions on the edge of the valley, or by popping into Lumbini or Pokhara. Let us know so we can think about it together and we'll support you, of course.
The international flight can be that night or the next morning or afternoon. This way, you will have a hotel until you arrive at the airport so that you can use the room to pack your bags calmly and rest a little before your international flights. Together, we will choose the best flight combination for your trip, taking all these precautions into account.
We hope you enjoyed your time in Nepal and Tibet. We will be in touch until you get back home and hope you return soon for more travels! Have a great flight!
Likewise, a free day is always in great demand. If you are up for it, we can go together to Pashupatinath, the Shiva temple, near our neighborhood. If anyone can stay for another day, two days, however long, we are sure that they will make the most of those days. Let us know so that we can think about it together and we will support you, of course.
The international flight can be that night or the next morning or afternoon. This way, you will have a hotel until you arrive at the airport so that you can use the room to pack your bags calmly and rest a little before your international flights. Together, we will choose the best flight combination for your trip, taking all these precautions into account.
We hope you enjoyed your time in Nepal and Tibet. We will be in touch until you get back home and hope you return soon for more travels! Have a great flight!
Flight
Boudhnath
PBH KTM
Time to leave this sacred kingdom and return to our beloved and chaotic Nepal, in our quiet Tibetan neighborhood. Transfer to the airport early in the morning for another beautiful flight literally next to the Himalayas back to Kathmandu. After checking in at our hotel, always requested and very welcome, today will be dedicated to assimilating everything we have experienced in these two special countries and cultures. Already quite familiar with our Tibetan neighborhood around the great stupa of Boudhnath, as well as with several places in the city and valley, we can enjoy revisiting some of its many important monasteries, cafes, restaurants, museums and 'little shops'. We can contemplate these important places, read a book, write, walk, take photos, take care of the souvenirs we want to take home for ourselves and for friends and family. At the end of the day we will meet for our farewell dinner.
Time to leave this sacred kingdom and return to our beloved and chaotic Nepal, in our quieter neighborhood of Boudhnath. Transfer to the airport, perhaps very early in the morning, for another beautiful flight literally next to the Himalayas, back to Kathmandu. Flight times from Bhutan change a lot, as do the weather conditions in the highest mountains on our planet. So, if we have time to take an afternoon tour of Kathmandu, we have that option. If we fly a little later, after checking in at our hotel, always requested and very welcome, the end of today will be dedicated to assimilating everything we have experienced in these two special countries and cultures.
Choose return flights from Brazil
Our hotel is available until noon tomorrow. So, you can choose, according to your preferences and availability of flights, whether you fly from today to tomorrow, during the day or night of tomorrow.
Lumbini > Kathmandu
Transfer to the nearest airport in Lumbini, approx. 20min, and flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting, with an incredible view of the snow-capped mountains, the highest on our planet: the Himalayas. Arrival in the Kathmandu Valley, transfer to the hotel in the Tibetan neighborhood, with a free afternoon around the great stupa of Boudhnath with assistance.
Around the great stupa (Tib: chörten) of boudhanath In our Tibetan neighborhood, full of monasteries, we will find nuns, monks and lay Tibetans, sometimes great masters, making their koras (circumambulations), turning the famous prayer wheels with millions of Om Mani Padma Hungs, reciting mantras and lighting lamps, especially in the late afternoon and early morning. We will take advantage of one of the cafés or restaurants to observe and assimilate our first contact on this trip with these people who, in a more direct or indirect way, keep alive to this day, throughout the world, the legacy of the Nalanda University that we visited a few days ago.
Transfer
Flight
International departure flight back to Brazil
Transfer with assistance to the airport for the flight back to Brazil.
Some travellers may fly out this morning. Some will fly out tomorrow morning or in the afternoon. So, today will be the last day of our trip. We are always welcome to buy some souvenirs and enjoy this country that will surely have offered us special experiences and touched us a lot. Take another tour of the places we liked the most, make some more koras, walk, take pictures, read, write, get to know some other places. Whatever is best and according to each traveller's preference.
If you're feeling up to it, as a way to make the most of our last visit, we can make an extra visit to one of Guru Rinpoche's caves. This will conclude our visits to the sacred places of Buddhism.
A free morning or, as our flights usually leave Kathmandu in the evening, a free day to buy souvenirs and enjoy this country that will surely have offered us incredible experiences and touched us a lot. Take another tour of the places you liked the most, make some more koras, walk, take photos, read, write, get to know some other places. Whatever is best and according to each traveller's preference.
Transfer with assistance to the airport for the group flight back to Brazil. If you need or prefer to fly before or after the group flight, we will organize an extra transfer with our full support as well. Have a great return!
Transfer with assistance to the airport for the flight back to Brazil.
Nota
We intentionally made some visits different from what we normally do, as well as spending one or two days shorter in Nepal. We certainly saw the most important points of Kathmandu, which were also quite special. Even so, if you can and are interested, we recommend staying for one, two or three more days in Kathmandu, during which you can: (1) visit Durbar Square in a neighboring city called Bhaktapur, (2) have a little more free time in Kathmandu, as well as, for those interested, (3) visit other areas of the valley, whether those of greatest interest to Buddhist practitioners, such as Pharphing and Namo Buddha, or those who want to stay in the mountains (options: Namo Buddha, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel), and so on. There are many possibilities in these regions (see here). The point is to see if it is the best time or in a next coming!
Nota
We intentionally made some visits different from what we normally do, as well as spending one or two days shorter in Nepal. We certainly saw the most important points of Kathmandu, which were also quite special. Even so, if you can and are interested, we recommend staying for one, two or three more days in Kathmandu, during which you can: (1) visit Durbar Square in a neighboring city called Bhaktapur, (2) make sure you can visit Patan, as well as Pashupatinath if your flight from Bhutan leaves later, (3) have a little more free time in Kathmandu, as well as, for those interested, visit other areas of the valley, whether those of greatest interest to Buddhist practitioners, such as Pharphing and Namo Buddha, or those who want to stay in the mountains (options: Namo Buddha, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel), and so on. There are many possibilities in these regions (see here). The point is to see if it is the best time or in a next coming!
Nota
We intentionally made some visits different from what we normally do, as well as the period in Nepal being one or two days shorter. We certainly saw the most important points of Kathmandu, which were also quite special. Even so, if you can and it is of interest to you, we recommend an extension of one, two or three more days in Kathmandu, during which you can: (1) if it is possible to talk to a Buddhist teacher during the days of the program above (more here in opportunities and activities), it is always possible that it will be necessary to exchange some visit or do it in a more focused way, so with one or more extra days we guarantee that you will be able to do all the visits with plenty of time, such as (2) make other visits, such as, for those interested, other areas of the valley, those of greatest interest to Buddhist practitioners, such as Pharphing and Namo Buddha, as well as (3) have a good amount of free time in Kathmandu as well, and so on. There are many possibilities in these regions (see here). The point is to see if it is the best time or in a next coming!