Sites of the Buddha

In short: Sites of the Buddha: from Lumbini to Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar. Length: Round trip, duration: about 2 weeks. Best time: October to March.

Overview

Four places are at the centre of Buddhist pilgrimage: Lumbini in Nepal, where the Buddha was born, Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Sarnath, where he first taught, and Kushinagar, where he died.

This is more a round trip than a walking route, usually by train and bus through northern India and Nepal. In Bodh Gaya in particular, pilgrims from all Buddhist countries meet. Almost every tradition has its own monastery there.

The climate is pleasant from October to March, and it gets very hot in summer. Simple lodgings in monasteries are also open to guests.

Who is this route for?

This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Asia, Pilgrimage in India, sorted by religion under Buddhist pilgrimage routes.