Following in Buddha’s footsteps on the road to nirvana, we explore northern India's sacred Buddhist sites and then to the Himalayan foothills to stay near Dharamsala at the Norbulingka Institute. At the institute we have a varied programme (optional), choose from - Buddhist studies, ancient and modern Tibetan art, carving and metalwork.

This is the Norbulingka Monastery near Dharamsala, India. It is within the Norbulingka Institute complex.

Plenty of time is spent on this tour at the very special locations that lord Buddha made sacred. We do not attempt to visit all the important sites in northern India on this tour. Although not a Buddhist sacred site, we include a visit to the Taj Mahal. If there are other places you must see, it may be viable to add an extension for you and any others who are interested.

Northern India is the home of many Buddhists, some are indigenous and others like the Tibetans are recent temporary settlers in the area. The Nepal Kingdom Foundation (the UK charity that 100% owns Muir’s Tours) has close links with northern India as some of the staff are Tibetan Buddhists of the Sakya sect.

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi On arrival you are met and transferred to the Connaught Hotel.

Day 2 Delhi Tour of the old and new districts of Delhi. Connaught Hotel.

Day 3 Delhi to Agra At 05.30 we leave the hotel to depart for Agra aboard the Shatabdi Express, which should arrive by 07.55. On arrival we are met and proceed on a tour of Agra Fort and the magnificent Taj Mahal. Overnight at the Trident Hotel.

Day 4 Agra / Fatehpur Sikri We take lunch and then proceed to Fatehpur Sikri by air-conditioned minibus (1 hr drive). Fatehpur Sikri is a magnificent deserted city, mostly in ruins, but the Imperial Palace is strangely very well preserved. We then proceed to Tundla railway station (2 hr drive) to join the Magadh Express for Varanasi. We travel overnight in an air-conditioned sleeper train. Departing at 2307.

Day 5 Varanasi / Sarnath On arrival at 07.40 we are transferred to our hotel. The day starts with a tour of the city and then to nearby Sarnath. Overnight in the Ashok Hotel Varanasi.

Day 6 Sarnath Free time in Sarnath. Overnight in the Ashok Hotel Varanasi.

Day 7 Varanasi to Bodh Gaya We take an early morning cruise on the Ganges and see the sunrise. Then back to the hotel for breakfast and at 0900 depart by minibus to Bodh Gaya (6 hr drive). Overnight in the Ashok Hotel Bodh Gaya.

Day 8 Bodh Gaya Free time in Bodh Gaya. Ashok Hotel Bodh Gaya.

Day 9 Bodh Gaya to Patna via Rajgir and Nalanda Depart by minibus to picturesque Rajgir (3 hr drive) to visit the nearby hills. We proceed to nearby Nalanda a popular place for Lord Buddha after he was enlightened. We later proceed to Patna 90 kms. (2.5 hr drive) We go to the railway station to board the Magadh Express for Delhi, departing at 19.00. We travel overnight in an air-conditioned sleeper train.

Day 10 Delhi Arrive in Delhi at about 11.15 and we are met and transferred to the Connaught Hotel.

Day 11 Delhi / Chandigarh We take the Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh at 07.40 and at about 11.00 on arrival we are met and transferred to Pankaj Hotel.

Day 12 Chandigarh / Dharamsala Minibus to Dharamsala (235 kms. 8 hrs drive). Overnight in the Norbulingka Institute.

Day 13 Dharamsala Free time. Possible meeting with His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. Overnight in the Norbulingka Institute.

Day 14 Dharamsala Minibus to McLoud Ganj and visit the Tibetan governments section. Overnight in the Norbulingka Institute. At the institute we have a varied programme which is optional, choose from - Buddhist studies, ancient and modern Tibetan art, carving and metalwork.

Day 15 Dharamsala Choice of minibus to McLoud Ganj and back or planned activities in Norbulingka Institute. Overnight in the Norbulingka Institute.

Day 16 Dharamsala Choice of minibus to McLoud Ganj and back or planned activities in Norbulingka Institute. Overnight in the Norbulingka Institute.

Day 17 Dharamsala Free time. Overnight in Norbulingka Institute.

Day 18 Dharamsala / Chandigarh / Delhi An early start to Chandigarh (8 hr drive) where we board the Shatabdi Express to Delhi departing at 12.15 and arriving at 15.35. On arrival in Delhi we are transferred to the Connaught Hotel.

Day 19 Transfer(s) to the airport for your flight home.

Day 20 Arrive in the UK.

Dates: Planned for the last 2 weeks in March, each year. 10th - 28th March 2009

Price Indication per person:   USD1830 Shared twin bedded rooms.

USD250 single supplement.

There are places for 10 guests only.

Email for current price

What is included
Hotels with breakfast only (allowing you to choose where you eat), plus porterage of bags. Airport arrival /departure transfers. Transport in an air-conditioned minibus and air-conditioned train carriages. Sightseeing with an English speaking Tibetan guide throughout. Fees to enter the monuments.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Delhi and does not include international airfare and departure taxes. Lunch and evening meals. Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs. Personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.

Visas
A visa is required for India and this will cost about £30 in the UK. This can be arranged on arrival, but is best obtained in advance from the Indian High Commission in London or nearest to you.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We recommend the BMC policies www.thebmc.co.uk

Buddhist Links - Sakya Ling (UK) - The Sakya Centre (India)

For some additional background information see the Telegraph Travel and search for "road to nirvana"