Buddhist Pilgrimage to India and Nepal
October 11 to October 29, 2026

Khenpo Karten Rinpoche (left) and Thay Kozen (right).

It is with great pleasure we announce a trip to Buddhist holy sites in India and Nepal led by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche of the Manjushri Dharma Center and Venerable Thay Kozen of the Mount Adams Buddhist Temple.  These two Dharma brothers are inviting their sanghas to join in the journey, not as tourists, but as pilgrims.  A pilgrimage is a transformative journey to a sacred place undertaken for spiritual growth, devotion, and personal reflection. We will engage in prayers and practices at each location, and as a group we will practice generosity, intentionally giving to an orphanage, a care home for the elderly, and a holy man, in this case His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The trip will include key destinations in the historic Buddha’s life:   Bodhgaya (Buddha’s enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree), Varanasi (Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath & the sacred Ganges river), Kushinagar (Buddha’s parinirvana), Lumbini (Buddha’s birth in Nepal), and Dharamshala (the seat of a living Buddha & capital of Tibetans in exile).

We hope to make this trip relaxed and easy.  We begin our pilgrimage with five full days in Bodhgaya, then we have a road trip in a comfortable coach, with travel not longer than 6 hours between sites, and a day to rest in Varanasi and Lumbini.  We end with three days in Dharamshala and the great hope of having an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Registration Deadlines

Deadline 1:  June 30, 2026
with a 30% deposit (or 400.00 minimum)

Deadline 2:  July 31, 2026
with a 50% deposit (those who paid 30% already pay the 20% difference)
July 31st is the final deadline–please register no later than this date

ITINERARY SUMMARY

CLICK HERE FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY

All the details of each day including hotel, ground transportation, and sightseeing suggestions

BASIC TOUR PACKAGE COSTS

The tour package includes hotel (either single occupancy or double occupancy), meals, and ground transportation.  Additional anticipated costs below.  

Single Occupancy (not sharing a room )
$1963 USD hotel, ground transport and breakfast only
—will get quote for other options, no costs provided at this time

Double Occupancy (sharing a room with another traveler, either someone you designate, or someone on the tour)
$1144 USD hotel, ground transport and, breakfast only
$1250 USD hotel, ground transport and, breakfast and dinner (recommended)
$1412 USD hotel, ground transport and, breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Cost of the tour package includes:

  • Transfer to and from Airport & Railways
  • Hotel Accommodation on twin share basis
  • Meals at Hotel
  • All sightseeing by A/c transport per itinerary
  • 02 bottle of water every day to each tourist (500 ml*2).
  • Varanasi Morning boat ride
  • English speaking guide from Day 2 to Day 14 till Lucknow drop (No guide on Day 4 & 5).
  • All currently applicable taxes and service charges
  • Indian states and Nepal permits
  • Entrance fee (Single entry); No entrance fee at Dharmashala
  • Rickshaw for Lumbini ( Maya Devi temple)
  • Toll tax,parking,driver allowance and taxes

Cost of the tour package does not include:

  • Any international or domestic airfare.
  • Any service not specifically mentioned under ‘Price Included’.
  • Monument and museum entrance fees.
  • Professional local English speaking guide for additional sightseeing.
  • Visa fees, tips, insurance, laundry, phone calls, extra meals and camera/video charges.
  • Vehicle service on leisure days and after sightseeing hours.
  • Drinks including alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee or mineral water.
  • Medical and travel insurance.
  • Overstay expenses due to cancellations, strikes, weather, illness or any unforeseen reasons.
  • Rates are subject to change due to taxes, fuel price increase, government rules or third-party service changes.

ADDITIONAL ANTICIPATED COSTS BELOW

Flights to reach India

From the USA, flight costs range from 1200.00 to 2000.00 or more.   We will not be traveling as a group to reach India, as Rinpoche and Thay’s students are all over the US and all over the world.   We must all reach India by Oct. 11th for this tour.

Flights within India

Estimated $513.00 USD.   We will not be booking flights directly, but our tour operator will do this for us once we have closed registration for the trip, and our 50% deposits are paid, deadline is July 31.  After the flights are purchased, our tour guide Ravi will send us a final invoice with the exact amount of our remaining balance.

Bus with bathroom

$48.00 USD per person–If we have the good fortune of reserving a coach with a bathroom on board (Volvo Toilet Coach).

Side tour of Rajgir, Nalanda University, and Peace Temple

$28 per person (if 8-12 people) and $32 per person (if 4-7 people). Includes transportation and lunch.   The trip will involve many stairs and uneven surfaces, with the exception of Nalanda University.  Those of us with bad knees or mobility issues may want to sit this one out and enjoy a free day in Bodhgaya.

Additional hotel night in Delhi on Oct. 29th

If you plan to stay the night in Delhi after we return from Dharamshala on Oct. 29th, this will be an additional expense (no quote/estimate yet)

Our tour host is:

Buddham India Destination
UG 60 , PCF ,Plaza ,Beside  BSNL ,H.O ,
Nadesar ,Varanasi 221 002 , Uttar Pradesh ,India
MBL – +91 9818704304 / 9044825563
E-mail –[email protected]
ravi@buddhamindiadestination.com
www.bodhgayatour.in
www.buddhamindiadestination.com

We are thankful to Mr. Ravi Gupta, who has more than 17 years arranging Buddhist tours in India and Nepal.

USA Tour Coordinator

Rachel Christopherson, [email protected] or 831-277-0529 cell (please call if urgent, texts may have slower response).

GENERAL NOTE ON PAYMENTS

When payment is made, please take a screenshot or retain a record, and upload that record to the registration form or send to Rachel via email at [email protected].  “Tour Payment” and percentages are based on your choice of the options in the Cost section–hotel occupancy and meal plan.  Additional charges (flights within India, etc) will be added to our total after our final confirmation, July 31, 2026.

TOUR PAYMENTS VIA PAYPAL

For the trip costs, send payment via Paypal to:  [email protected]

TOUR PAYMENT VIA WIRE TRANSFER

For wire transfers, include 3% for the fee on the India side, and ask your bank about fees on your side.  Send wire transfers to:

Bank – KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK LTD .
NAME – BUDDHAM INDIA DESTINATION
A/C NO. 1548273055
IFSC CODE – KKBK0005362
SWIFT CODE – (will confirm that there is no SWIFT code, none given)
BRANCH  – RAMNAGAR  BHITTI ,VARANASI 

TOUR PAYMENT WITHIN INDIA

Indian guests may pay via Net Banking, Cash Deposit or UPI.

CURRENCY INFORMATION

Currency exchange facilities are available at airports and authorized money changers. Credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels and restaurants. Indian currency is the Rupee.

In addition to the trip costs, we ask each person to donate 400.00-1000.00 (sliding scale).  Although this is charity, it is not optional.  This is an important aspect of our practice – dana is a gift to others and to ourselves.  We will donate as a group to an orphanage, a care facility for the elderly, and a holy man (His Holiness the Dalai Lama). Thay Kozen will handle the donations for our tour group.

Dana should be paid via the Mount Adams Buddhist Temple website no later than September 10, 2026. 

Deadline 1:  June 30th, with a 30% deposit (or 400.00 minimum)–with this, our travel agent can book our hotels, and we can apply for the India visa
Deadline 2:  July 31st, with a 50% deposit (those who paid 30% already pay the 20% difference)  Final deadline–you must register no later than this date.  With this, our travel agent can purchase our in-India flights.
Deadline 3:  September 10th, with the remaining balance due.  Dana donations are also due by this date.

Registration via Google Form

Security & Privacy in Registration 
We choose Google forms as there is a robust security protocol associated with the form to keep our information safe.  It is also highly functional form, allowing users to come back and add or edit information anytime.  None of your information will be shared beyond our India-based travel agent and the secretary for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.   When we do share your information, we will only use a secure, web-based platform.   According to Googles privacy statement regarding Forms, Google acts as a data processor and generally does not access or review this content unless necessary for security or legal reasons.
How to set up a Google Account without a Gmail address 
You can create a Google Account without creating a Gmail address by using an existing email address from another provider (such as Yahoo or Outlook). During the sign-up process, choose the “Use your existing email” option, enter your current email, and verify it with a code sent by Google to link the accounts. [1, 2]

 

Steps to Create a Google Account Without Gmail:
  1. Go to the Google Account Sign In page and tap Create account.
  2. Choose “For my personal use” or similar options.
  3. Enter your information, but instead of creating a new Gmail address, select “Use your existing email”.
  4. Enter your non-Google email address.
  5. Enter the verification code sent to your existing email address to verify ownership.
  6. Follow the remaining prompts to set a password and create the account. [1, 2, 3]
Key Information:
  • What this does: This allows you to use Google services like YouTube, Drive, and Meet without switching to Gmail.
  • Requirements: You cannot use an email address that is already linked to another Google Account.
  • Functionality: You will use this alternative email to log in, receive notifications, and recover your password. [1, 4]
Note: For the best results, use an Incognito or Private window in your browser when creating the account to ensure you are not logged into other Google sessions. [3]


If you have to cancel the tour and travel services for any reason, the tour agent must be informed in writing (we will clarify if email qualifies). Cancellation charges would be effective from the date he/the tour agency receives your letter (or email?) in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:

  • 60 days & prior to arrival– USD 100 service charge (AUGUST 11, 2026)
  • 59 days to 30 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost (SEPTEMBER 10, 2026)
  • 29 days to 15 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost (SEPTEMBER 25, 2026)
  • 14 days to 10 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost (SEPTEMBER 30, 2026)
  • 10 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – no refund

Dates listed take into account the 12+ hour time difference, to make sure it reaches the travel agent by the deadline.  

You will need a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after point of entry) and two visas for this trip, one from India and one from Nepal.  Both visas require us to have a hotel confirmation and in-country contact, which our travel agent will provide.

STEP ONE:  Apply for India visa after June 30th deadline (30% payment, or minimum of 400.00).  Fill out the registration form, pay the 30% deposit (or min. of 400.00), and our travel agent will then book our first round of hotels and give us hotel confirmation numbers, and confirm his in-country contact info for the visa application.   Most India visas can be applied for 120 days in advance.

STEP TWO:  Apply for the Nepal visa on or after October 7, as the Nepal visa can only be applied for 15 days in advance.  Our planned entry to Nepal is Oct. 21st, so apply anytime after October 7th.   It is recommended that we all apply online rather than at the border to avoid delays in getting our group through.  Our travel agent will provide for us the needed hotel confirmation and in-country contact for this visa.

Information about visas for both countries is below.

India Visa

  • Must be multiple entry
  • Apply via the E-Visa website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
  • The site offers a very good FAQ and Sample E-Visa Form
  • You can start the application and come back to it
  • the India e-Visa application requires you to provide both flight details (expected date of arrival/port of entry=airport) and accommodation details (hotel address, address of host, etc.).
  • The e-Visa can be applied for well in advance (up to 120 days before travel).
  • It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to allow time for processing.

  • Required Documentation to Upload

    • Passport: A scanned copy of the first page (PDF format, 10 KB – 300 KB).
    • Photograph: A recent digital photo (JPEG format, 10 KB – 1 MB) with a white background.

  • E-Tourist Visa Fees (General & US Nationals):
    • 30 Days (July – March): US$ 25
    • 30 Days (April – June): US$ 10
    • One Year: US$ 40
    • Five Years: US$ 80
    Important Notes:
    • Payment: Fees are paid online during the application on the official site indianvisaonline.gov.in.
    • Transaction Fees: An additional 2.5% charge applies to all transactions.
    • Non-Refundable: Fees cover processing and are not refunded if the application is rejected or withdrawn.
    • Timeline: Payment must be made at least 4 days before travel.

Nepal Visa

It is strongly recommended that you apply for the tourist E-Visa to avoid delays at the border

  • Apply at this website:  Nepal E-Visa
  • You can start the application and return to it later
  • Do not apply any earlier than 14 days prior (between 10-14 days is ideal)
Key Documents and Requirements for Nepal E-Visa:
  • Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the expected date of entry and have at least two blank visa pages.
  • Digital Photo: A recent (within 6 months) passport-sized photograph (typically \(1.5 \times 1.5\) inches or 35mm x 35mm) with a white background.
  • Online Application Confirmation: A printed or saved copy of the confirmation page from the online application.
  • Supporting Documents (Optional but recommended):
      • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking).
      • Trekking itinerary (if applicable).
      • Return flight ticket.

  • For Non-US Citizens in the US: A copy of your US Permanent Residence Card or valid US Visa.
  • Payment Method: A credit or debit card for the online payment of the visa fee
    Key 2026 Nepal Visa Costs
    • 15 Days: USD 30
    • 30 Days: USD 50
    • 90 Days: USD 125
    • Visa Extension: Minimum 15 days for USD 45, plus USD 3 per day for additional days.
Important Notes:
  • File Size: The images of documents and photos should not exceed 4 MB.
  • Validity: The visa must be used within 6 months from the date of issue.
  • Photo Format: JPEG or PNG format is required.
  • Timeline: You should submit your online pre-registration/e-visa application for Nepal no more than 15 days before your arrival date. The application receipt is only valid for 15 days; applying earlier may cause it to expire before you reach immigration.
Key Details for 2026:
  • Submission Timeframe: Ideally 10–13 days before flying to ensure it is within the 15-day validity window.
  • Validity: The online registration confirms your intent for a visa, which is officially issued on arrival or via the embassy, allowing stays of 15, 30, or 90 days.
  • Process: Complete the form online, print the confirmation receipt with the barcode, and bring it with you.
  • Visa on Arrival Option: If you miss the window, you can use kiosk machines at the airport, but completing it online beforehand speeds up the process.
Here is what you need to know about pausing and returning to your application:
    • Unique Submission ID: Upon starting the application, the system generates a unique application ID, which allows you to track, edit, or continue your application later.
    • 15-Day Validity: The online "Tourist Visa" form is generally valid for 15 days from the date of submission. If you do not arrive within 15 days of filling it out, you will need to complete a new one.
    • Saving Progress: You can save your progress and come back to it. Ensure you have your passport details, photo, and travel accommodation information ready for when you return.
    • What to do if it expires: If your saved application expires before your arrival, you can simply fill out a new form online close to your travel date.
    • Recommendation: As you can only officially use the online form within 15 days of your arrival, it is best to fill it out close to your departure date to avoid the need to redo it. 

Important Tips for 2026:
  • You must print and bring the confirmation receipt (with a barcode/submission ID) to present at the airport in Nepal.
  • While it is called an e-visa, the online form acts as a pre-arrival authorization; you will still need to show your passport and possibly complete a final check at the immigration desk upon arrival.

Medical Insurance & Emergency Evacuation Insurance Requirement

It is a condition of participating in this tour for each traveler to hold travel insurance for the duration of the trip. Insurance must include comprehensive medical and emergency evacuation. We also recommend that it includes trip cancellation, curtailment and baggage coverage. Please carry your travel insurance document with you as a company representative will check the details on arrival at the starting point hotel. We will require a policy number and 24-hour emergency contact number.

More information about travel insurance

International travel insurance provides essential coverage for overseas medical emergencies, trip cancellations, interruptions, and lost luggage, often starting around $27. It is crucial for covering costs not handled by domestic health plans, including medical evacuation.

Key Coverage Components:

  • Medical Emergencies & Evacuation: Covers unexpected illnesses/injuries and emergency transport.
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if a trip is cancelled or cut short for a covered reason.
  • Travel Delays & Baggage: Covers expenses from delays and reimbursement for lost or delayed luggage. 

Top 2026 Providers & Options (according to one AI search):

  • Allianz Partners: Offers comprehensive plans covering cancellations and high-cost medical emergencies.
  • Travel Insured International: Provides flexible trip protection plans.
  • Trawick International: Rated highly for 2026, offering diverse international plans.
  • WorldTrips: Good for specialized or long-term international travel.
  • Travelex Insurance Services: Known for comprehensive options, like the Travel Select plan.

Key Tips for 2026:

  • Buy Early: Purchase coverage shortly after booking to maximize protection, particularly for pre-existing condition waivers.
  • Check Existing Coverage: Review if your health insurance or credit cards offer international coverage.
  • Compare Plans: Use comparison sites like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip to compare benefits and limits.

Immunizations, Vaccinations, and Health Recommendations

There are a number of recommendations for immunizations, vaccinations, and general health recommendations for travel to India.  Please take the time to review these resources and decide the best course of action for you and your health.

From our travel agent

MEALS AND SPECIAL REQUESTS

Meals on tour are provided according to the pre-set menus mentioned in the itinerary. All dietary requirements can be catered for. Guests are requested to inform us about special dietary needs at the time of booking.

HOTELS

  • Guests are responsible for personal belongings and valuables.
  • Hotels may provide safe deposit lockers; however, the company is not liable for loss or theft.
  • Any damage caused to hotel property during the stay shall be payable by the guest.

ACCOMMODATION FOR CHILD BELOW 12 YEARS OF AGE

Children below 12 years booked without bed will not be provided an extra bed in the hotel. Any rooming changes during the tour are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

COACH/SEATING

  • Air-conditioned coaches are used during the tour.
  • Daily seat rotation system is followed for fairness.
  • Guests are responsible for their own baggage and valuables.
  • Infants below 2 years travel without extra bed or coach seat.
  • Any damage caused to the coach shall be payable by the guest.

ITINERARY CHANGES

For the comfort and convenience of our passengers, we will sometimes reverse the direction, or slightly amend the itinerary including the flight routing. We will advise you of these amendments, prior to the start of the tour or on tour.

Company Liability

  • The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, weather issues, strikes or war.
  • The company is not responsible for loss or damage of baggage.
  • Travelers must hold passports valid for at least 6 months.
  • The company is not liable for injury, sickness, accident or consequential loss.
  • Group photographs taken during the tour may be published by the company.
  • Tour prices, distances and accommodation costs are approximate and subject to change.
  • No contract exists until the company receives the initial deposit.
  • Complaints must be submitted in writing within 7 days after the tour ends.

From our travel agent

  • Keep the copy of your Passport, Travel Visas, Airline Tickets and Travel Documents, besides the Original Documents separately.
  • Keep all the documents under lock and key in the safety of a hotel room or always carry them with you. Never show or hand them to others.
  • Avoid tap water or water from unknown sources. Always drink packaged drinking water.
  • Use only authorized taxis and buses and negotiate rates before the start of the journey.
  • Never share your taxi or hotel room with strangers.
  • Be careful of imposters posing as guides and porters.
  • Get a prescription from your doctor for some anti-malarial medicines for malaria-infected places.
  • Keep always your medical prescription.
  • Wash fruits or vegetables properly, if eating raw. (Thay Kozen says avoid all raw food)
  • Always carry sunglasses, sunscreen and hats or umbrellas.
  • Respect the religious faiths of the locals and sanctity of the religious. Observe a decent dress code in places of worship.
  • Do not insist on entering religious places restricted to outsiders or followers of different faiths.
  • Change currency from official moneychangers only and retain the currency exchange slip of every transaction.
  • Do not take photographs where photography is prohibited like Military places, Religious places, Monuments, Museums, and Airports.
  • Offering tips is a matter of personal discretion.

Travel Tips from Thay Kozen (circa 2024)

Thay Kozen and his sangha went to India in 2024, and put together this website with tips and health advice:

What to do at India’s Buddhist Holy Sites by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Norbu Rinpoche

One of Khenpo Karten Rinpoche’s students is also the student of Dzongsar Kyentse Rinpoche.  Khyentse Norbu put together this wonderful document for those who have never been to India before, never been on a pilgrimage.  It’s well worth reading.

Packing Light

A wise man said there are two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.

  • Rinpoche plans to put together a practice book for those on the trip. Will post here when available.
  • Thay Kozen has a chant book that can be ordered via Lulu or downloaded for free.