India & Nepal · Six chapters
India & Nepal Pilgrimage Route
October 2023 · Patna → Bodh Gaya → Varanasi & Sarnath → Kushinagar → Lumbini.
The journey, in travel order
Our pilgrimage began in Patna, travelling by rented tourist van to Bodh Gaya, Varanasi & Sarnath, Kushinagar and then across the India–Nepal border to Lumbini. Dates and journey distances are from my travel records. Beyond Lumbini is included after Lumbini; its separate excursion date and distance have not yet been recorded.
- 01
Bihar · India
Patna & Nalanda — Departure chapter
- Visit date
- Not yet provided
- Distance
- Arrival distance not recorded
- Journey
- Departure from Patna to Bodh Gaya on 5 October 2023 · 190 km
- Transport
- Rented tourist van
Travel tips
- Allow time for the Nalanda archaeological grounds and museum; check their opening arrangements separately.
- Carry water and sun protection, and avoid climbing on the ancient brick remains.
- 02
Gaya District · Bihar · India
Bodh Gaya
- Travel date
- 5 October 2023
- Distance
- 190 km
- Journey
- Patna → Bodh Gaya
- Transport
- Rented tourist van
Travel tips
- Check current entry, device and photography rules before visiting the Mahabodhi Temple complex.
- Leave time for meditation and the international monasteries. Remove footwear where required and keep voices low near worshippers.
- 03
Varanasi District · Uttar Pradesh · India
Varanasi & Sarnath
- Travel date
- 8 October 2023
- Distance
- 250 km
- Journey
- Bodh Gaya → Varanasi & Sarnath
- Transport
- Rented tourist van
Travel tips
- For a Ganges boat trip, agree the price and duration before boarding, request a life jacket, and avoid overloaded boats.
- Ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies; respect privacy at cremation ghats.
- Check Sarnath museum and archaeological-site opening arrangements separately before setting out.
- 04
Kushinagar District · Uttar Pradesh · India
Kushinagar
- Travel date
- 10 October 2023
- Distance
- 250 km
- Journey
- Varanasi & Sarnath → Kushinagar
- Transport
- Rented tourist van
Travel tips
- Visit the reclining Buddha at the Nirvana Temple and allow time for Ramabhar Stupa.
- Observe local prayer and footwear rules; bring sun protection for exposed grounds and confirm transport for the return journey.
- 05
Rupandehi District · Nepal
Lumbini — The Birthplace of Lord Buddha
- Travel date
- 11 October 2023
- Distance
- 170 km
- Journey
- Kushinagar → Lumbini · Crossing from India into Nepal
- Transport
- Rented tourist van
Travel tips
- Allow time for the Maya Devi Temple, sacred pond and Ashoka pillar, as well as the monastic zone.
- Dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and respect quiet prayer spaces. Carry water for walks through the grounds.
- 06
Nepal · Sacred sites and palace gate
Beyond Lumbini
- Travel date
- Not yet provided
- Distance
- Local excursion distance not confirmed
Travel tips
- Confirm the precise palace-gate location with a local guide before planning transport; its identity is not established in this journal.
- Stay on marked paths around the ancient brick foundations and do not climb on archaeological remains.
Between India and Nepal
Check visa and land-border entry requirements for your nationality before travelling. Carry your passport and essential medication, keep water and sun protection nearby, and allow extra time for border formalities and road delays. Site rules and transport arrangements can change.
Nepal Tourism Board · Entry information ↗