Spiritual journeys in UP & Bihar
Several of the world's oldest living traditions meet in these seven lands: the Hindu ghats of Varanasi, the places of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and first sermon, and the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh and Nepal.
We plan around ritual hours, not tour hours: the aarti at dusk, morning prayers in a gompa, the quiet hour at the Mahabodhi Temple. Dress and photography rules vary by site, and our guides brief you before each visit.
Places
Where to go
The Bodhi tree and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar
Where the Buddha passed away, under twin sal trees
Krishna's homeland on the Yamuna, an hour from Agra
The Sangam, the Magh Mela and the home of the Kumbh
Vulture Peak, the peace stupa and the ruins of Nalanda
Where the Buddha gave his first sermon, 10 km from Varanasi
An early republic, Ashoka's lion pillar and the Buddha's last sermon
Dawn boats, evening aarti and the oldest lanes on the Ganges
Shape your own journey Tell us your dates and what you hope to feel. We draw the route around you. Begin Not sure where to start? We match the land to your month, your pace and the people travelling with you. Begin Talk to a planner A first route and an indicative price within one working day. No payment to start. BeginJourneys
Routes to start from
Experiences
Hours that fit the style
Stays
Where we would book
A small former royal guest house of the maharajas of Benares, set in large gardens in the Varanasi cantonment. With only a handful of suites, it …
A restored early 19th-century palace on Darbhanga Ghat, directly above the Ganges, a short walk from the evening aarti at Dashashwamedh. It is the best place …
A large Taj hotel in the Nadesar Palace grounds in the Varanasi cantonment, with a big pool, gardens and family-friendly facilities, about 30 minutes from the …
A modern, comfortable hotel a short drive from the Mahabodhi Temple, with spacious rooms, a pool and reliable service. It is our usual base in Bodh …
A quiet, Japanese-influenced hotel in Rajgir, built with Buddhist pilgrims in mind, with simple, well-kept rooms and calm grounds. It is the most comfortable base for …
Shape your own journey Tell us your dates and what you hope to feel. We draw the route around you. Begin Not sure where to start? We match the land to your month, your pace and the people travelling with you. Begin Talk to a planner A first route and an indicative price within one working day. No payment to start. Begin