Shortly before his passing, the Sakyamuni Buddha himself identified four places worthy of pilgrimage. In the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (DN 16), he told his attendant Ānanda:
“There are four places that a faithful person should visit and see with feelings of reverence…
‘Here the Tathāgata was born.’
‘Here the Tathāgata attained supreme enlightenment.’
‘Here the Tathāgata set in motion the Wheel of Dhamma.’
‘Here the Tathāgata attained final Nibbāna.’”
These four sites became the heart of Buddhist pilgrimage for over two millennia.
Lumbinī in Nepal marks the Buddha Sakyamuni’s birthplace. Bodh Gayā in India is where he attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. Sārnāth is the site of his first teaching, where he expounded the Four Noble Truths, and Kusinārā is where he entered final Nibbāna, reminding his followers of impermanence and diligence.
Over time, some of these sacred places fell into obscurity. Their locations were preserved in the travel records of the Chinese monk-pilgrims Faxian (5th century) and Xuanzang (7th century). Their detailed accounts later guided modern scholars and archaeologists in rediscovering and confirming these historic sites, restoring them as living centers of pilgrimage and reflection.
In this sacred journey, we will follow the sacred path of Sakyamuni through the four principal pilgrimage sites associated with his life and teachings. This contemplative journey connects travelers to places of birth, enlightenment, first teaching, and final liberation — offering not only historical exploration, but space for reflection and insight.
Beginning in Lumbinī, the Buddha’s birthplace in southern Nepal, and continuing across the border into India to Bodh Gayā, Sārnāth, and Kushinagar, this journey blends cultural heritage, quiet contemplation, and guided interpretation.
Designed for thoughtful travelers, meditation practitioners, and those interested in Buddhist history, the pilgrimage may include optional meditation sessions and reflective discussions along the way.
The Four Major Sites
1. Lumbinī (Nepal) – Birthplace
Visit the Maya Devi Temple, Sacred Garden, Ashokan Pillar, and the international monastic zone.
2. Bodh Gayā (India) – Enlightenment
Meditate beneath the Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple, where the Buddha attained awakening.
3. Sārnāth (India) – First Teaching
Explore the Dhamek Stupa and Deer Park, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.
4. Kushinagar (India) – Mahāparinibbāna
Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, marking the site of his final liberation.
Brief Itinerary – 10–11 Days
Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome and orientation.
Day 2 – Fly to Lumbinī
Explore the Maya Devi Temple and monastic zone.
Day 3 – Lumbinī Reflection Day
Guided visits and optional meditation session.
Day 4 – Cross into India / Travel to Bodh Gayā
Day 5 – Bodh Gayā
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, and surrounding monasteries.
Day 6 – Bodh Gayā Integration Day
Optional meditation and quiet reflection.
Day 7 – Travel to Sārnāth (via Varanasi)
Optional evening visit to the Ganges.
Day 8 – Sārnāth Exploration
Dhamek Stupa, Deer Park, and museum.
Day 9 – Travel to Kushinagar
Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple.
Day 10/11 – Return to Kathmandu
Explore and rest and departure.
