Varanasi Ayodhya Pilgrimage Tour Package

At. (Your Arrival Time): Upon arrival at Gautam Buddha (also known as Bhairahawa) International Airport in Lumbini, you’ll be transferred to your pre-booked hotel in Varanasi (via road), which can take around 6 to 7 hours to reach.

Note: You can also choose to travel by road but please take into consideration that you’ll have to reach the Sunauli (Bhairahawa) border by yourself. You’ll be picked up from here and then be transferred to Varanasi by a private vehicle.

Titled as one of India’s most sacred cities, Varanasi is situated in the southeastern region of Uttar Pradesh state. Being a renowned pilgrimage spot for many Hindu devotees, this destination is known for historic temples, sacred rivers and local bazaars.

Upon arrival at your accommodation, complete the check-in procedure and take some time off to relax and de-stress. 

Meal: Not Included.

At. 06:00 AM: After having your delicious breakfast at the hotel, you’ll visit Varanasi’s most prominent temples, starting with Kal Bhairav Temple, devoted to Kaal Bhairav (a manifestation of Lord Shiva). Established using traditional Maratha architecture, the main idol is kept in the inner sanctum and decorated with colorful garlands and jewellery.

To soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this destination, you can seek blessings from the priests outside of the sanctum and offer flowers, fruits and sweets to the deity (at your own personal cost).

Next, explore Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (symbols) of Lord Shiva. Built using the Nagara style, this temple features three elegant shikhara (spires) and numerous smaller shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities like Ganesh and Shiva.

You’ll see a ton of devotees (Shiva bhaktas) visiting this temple throughout the day, as various aartis (like mangala, bhog and sapta) are conducted at different time periods where priests chant Hindu bhajans, light oil lamps and offer gratitude to the deity.

Thereafter, explore the revered Annapurna Devi Temple, constructed to honor Goddess Annapurna who symbolizes nourishment and abundance in Hindu culture. After a few hours of exploration, you’ll be taken back to the hotel for breakfast that you can enjoy at your own pace.

Following this, stop by Tulsi Manas Mandir, dedicated to Lord Ram, who represents moral integrity, purity and inner strength in Hindu culture. Made out of white marble, this temple features idols of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman.

As the tour continues, proceed to Durga Mandir, established around the 18th century. Colored a vibrant red, this historical temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and designed in traditional Nagara architecture. Additionally, there’s also a holy water tank (Durga Kund) situated here as well, where you’ll see many pilgrims offering prayers and performing rituals.

Often called “the monkey temple”, you’ll be able to see these playful animals in and around the temple complex and idols of Goddess Kali, Saraswati and Laxmi kept protected on the temple’s premises.

Next, continue onwards to Sankat Mochan Temple. It’s believed that praying in this temple saves one from difficulties and hardships. Lastly, stop by the New Vishwanath Temple honoring Lord Shiva. Situated within Banaras Hindu University, this temple offers an equally rich atmosphere, as you can read inscriptions of sacred Hindu texts from the Bhagavad Gita inscribed on the temple walls.

In the evening time, you will attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where you’ll see priests perform the aarati and sing soulful bhajans. After attending the aarti program, return back to your hotel and enjoy your overnight stay.

Optional: You can also go for a boat ride on the Ganga river at an additional cost; if you choose to do so, please provide us with prior notice.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 07:30 AM: After having a fulfilling breakfast, you’ll be driven to Sarnath from Varanasi, which can take around 30-45 minutes to reach (or more depending on the traffic).

Sarnath is a historical town located in Uttar Pradesh which was visited frequently by Gautam Buddha after he gained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya around the 6th century.

In this city you’ll be exploring the Dhamek Stupa, established by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE. The sheer shape and size of this stupa will leave you astounded, as it measures up to a staggering height of around 141 ft and a width of 28 meters!

Believed to be the first location where Lord Buddha delivered his first official sermon to his first five disciples after he attained enlightenment, the stupa is colored reddish-brown and constructed out of a mix of stone and brick. Furthermore, the lower area of the stupa is carved with various elegant decorations and floral drawings, whereas the upper part has been left empty and plain.

You’ll also see pilgrims go on kora walks (walk clockwise) around the base of the stupa and recite Buddhist sayings during the walk, like “Om Mani Padme Hum”, or “Om Vajrasattava Hum”, as these sayings are said to bring positive energy and remove negative karma from one’s life, which you can do as well.

Following this, you’ll visit Ashoka Pillar and Sarnath Deer Park (situated close by Damek Stupa). Established under the guidance of Emperor Asoka during the 3rd century, this landmark currently only holds the broken remains, as it was destroyed years later down the line. During its prime, the top most part that featured four elegant statues of lions (facing away from one another) was luckily preserved and taken to Sarnath Museum, where it stands till this day.

Whereas the Sarnath Deer Park is known for its small population of deer. If lucky, you might even spot a few of these animals in their natural habitat. 

Moving ahead, tour the Shri Digambara Jain (also called Shreyanshnath) Temple, dedicated to Lord Shreyanshnath (a highly popular Jain spiritual leader). Constructed in 1824, this attraction houses the main idol of the leader in the inner garbha griha (sanctum), where you’ll also be able to see paintings and photos of other prominent figures of the Jain religion.

Finally, spend some time in the Sarnath Museum, which was established to preserve all the historical artifacts of this city. Consisting multiple galleries, this destination features many ancient sculptures and statues related to Buddhism which date from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.

And the Chaukhandi Stupa, established during the Gupta ruling during the 4th-6th century. What makes this attraction significant for Buddhist pilgrims is that it’s said to be the very place where Buddha met his first five disciples after gaining enlightenment. One unique feature that you’ll notice is that this stupa also features an elegant octagonal brick tower as well. 

Once all sightseeing activities are finished, you’ll then return to your hotel (in Varanasi), where you can enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 06:00 AM: After having a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, complete the checkout formalities, as you’ll be driven to Prayagraj from Varanasi, which can take around 3-4 hours to reach. Your sightseeing tour here will begin by visiting Triveni Sangam, which is a convergence of three holy rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. 

In Hindu mythology, it’s believed that taking a dip in this sacred river is said to rid one of sins/evil doings and help gain moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death). Last year (2025) marked the celebration of the Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 144 years in India and was conducted the past year in Prayagraj. This mela invited thousands of pilgrims from many neighbouring nations, as engaging in religious activities during this time is thought to be highly auspicious. 

Next, explore Alopi Devi Temple (also known as Prayaga Madhveshwari Temple), Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Temple and Anand Bhawan Museum.

The Alopi Devi Temple honors Goddess Sati. What makes this specific temple significant for many pilgrims is that it is one of 51 shakti peethas in India. 

The Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Temple associated with Lord Hanuman is located close to the Triveni Sangam and features the idol of Lord Hanuman in a sleeping position. Decorated with colorful garlands, jewellery and clothing, Hanuman was one of Lord Ram’s most loyal devotees and plays a significant role in Ramayan, one of the most significant Hindu scriptures.

Finally, explore the Anand Bhawan Museum, which in the past served as the residence for the Nehru family. Constructed by Motilal Nehru (a prominent Indian lawyer), you’ll see many historical artifacts and personal belongings of the family.

Once you’ve finished all the sightseeing tours, you’ll be transferred to Ayodhya from Prayagraj, which can take 4 to 5 hours to reach. Once you’ve reached your pre-booked hotel in this city, complete the check-in procedure and enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 07:00 AM: After you’ve had your breakfast, your Ayodhya tour begins with a visit to Shri Ramjanmbhumi Temple, one of this ancient city’s most prominent landmarks.

Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, this 3 story temple was built using Nagara architecture and features a 49 meter tall shikhara (spire) that stands above the main garba griha (inner sanctum). Constructed out of pink sandstone, this site features various courtyards that people use to conduct various religious activities.

Additionally, there are over 300 pillars scattered all across the temple complex that depict art carvings of many Hindu deities from Ramayan that you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of during your tour here! The main 5 mandapams located here are used for conducting many religious programs, prayers and activities.

Other attractions that you’ll be stopping by this day include Hanuman Garhi Temple, a historic temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Located on top of a scenic hill, you’ll have to climb a few steps to reach this site and will even get to see panoramic views of Ayodhya city from here.

Next, stop by Dasrath Mahal, the childhood palace where Lord Ram grew up as a prince, and Kanak Bhavan, a renowned temple believed to have been gifted to the Goddess Sita by her mother in law, Queen Kaikeyi.

Then, you’ll visit Sita Ki Rasoi, a sacred spot where Sita made many home cooked meals for her family after she got married. This site will help you delve deeper into the local legends and traditions associated with Ramayan.

And finally, the Saryu River, a deeply spiritual river where many pilgrims gather to conduct religious Hindu ceremonies. You’ll see pilgrims here gather for religious ceremonies and prayers, as it is considered one of Ayodhya’s most sacred sites. 

Later, after touring all these sites, you’ll be driven back to your hotel (in Ayodhya), where you can enjoy your overnight stay.

Optional: You can also go boating in the Saryu River at an additional cost; if you choose to do so, please provide us with prior notice. You can also attend the evening aarati at Ram Ki Paidi (a ghat area) located near the Saryu river as well. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 07:00 AM: After having a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, get ready for your drive to Gautam Buddha (also known as Bhairahawa) International Airport from Ayodhya for your flight back to Kathmandu.

It’s hard to believe that your Varanasi Ayodhya Pilgrimage Tour has come to an end! Safe travels and we hope you made lots of wonderful memories along this journey.

Note: We request you to reach the airport 1 hour before your flight schedule.

Meal: Breakfast Included.