Varanasi–Lumbini–Muktinath Extended Pilgrimage (From Nepal)

Kathmandu → Varanasi / Lumbini / Mustang

Highlights

• From the Ganga's ghats to Buddha's birthplace and the Himalayan temples of liberation.
• Extended Crossborder Pilgrimage · 10 days / 9 nights
• Small group, guide-led

Day-by-day itinerary

1. D1

   Pokhara and Flight to Jomsom–Muktinath

   Drive to Pokhara (7–8 hours from Lumbini) — Nepal's adventure capital beside Phewa Lake with Annapurna mountain views. Next morning: fly to Jomsom (25 minutes, weather-dependent). Trek or drive 18 km to Muktinath. Acclimatize at Ranipauwa village. Early next morning: climb to the temple, bathe under 108 spouts, see the eternal flame. Muktinath is sacred to both Vishnu devotees (one of 108 Divya Desams) and Buddhists (Chumig Gyatsa — '100 waters'). Requires ACAP permit. Descend to Pokhara via Jomsom flight, then fly to Kathmandu.

   Varanasi / Lumbini / Mustang As per plan

2. D2

   Lumbini Sacred Gardens and Kapilavastu

   Spend a second day exploring Lumbini's Sacred Garden with its ancient ruins, Bodhi tree, and Puskarini Pond. Visit Tilaurakot (ancient Kapilavastu, 27 km away) — the fortified palace-city where Buddha spent 29 years as Prince Siddhartha. Recent archaeological discoveries have revealed an apsidal temple dating to the 3rd–5th century CE, strengthening the site's case for UNESCO World Heritage status. Walk the ancient citadel walls and imagine the prince's royal life before renunciation. Return to Lumbini for evening meditation.

   Varanasi / Lumbini / Mustang As per plan

3. D3

   Cross into Nepal — Lumbini, Buddha's Birthplace

   Fly from Varanasi to Kathmandu (1 hour 15 minutes), then to Bhairahawa (near Lumbini, 35 minutes). Alternatively, drive from Varanasi to Sunauli border (3 hours), cross immigration (Indian citizens: voter ID; foreigners: Nepal visa on arrival at most borders), and continue to Lumbini (1 hour from border). Visit Maya Devi Temple — the exact birthplace — the 2,300-year-old Ashoka Pillar, the Sacred Garden, and international monasteries. The World Peace Pagoda, built by Japanese Buddhists, offers panoramic views. Evening: walk through the monastic zone at sunset.

   Varanasi / Lumbini / Mustang As per plan

4. D4

   Varanasi — India's Spiritual Capital

   Arrive in Varanasi. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple for darshan of the golden Jyotirlinga. Walk the ghats from Assi to Dashashwamedh — each ghat has its own legend and ritual purpose. Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Dawn boat ride on the Ganges watching the city awaken. Visit Sarnath (13 km away) — the Dhamekh Stupa and Buddha's first sermon site. Sample Banarasi paan and explore the silk weaving lanes. Varanasi is served by direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kathmandu.

   Varanasi / Lumbini / Mustang As per plan

Price includes

• Local storyteller guide
• Stays as per itinerary
• Daily breakfast
• All ground transfers

Make it yours (upsells)

Everything apart from the trip itself is an upsell — tick what you want.