Trail of the Buddha

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok at any time.

Day 2 Chiang Rai

Explore some of Bangkok’s wonders by tuk tuk, long tail boat or bicycle. A guided visit through Wat Po is a great introduction to Thai Buddhist culture before our flight to the northern city of Chiang Rai.

Day 3 Golden Triangle & Chiang Kong

A tour of the Golden triangle is not to be missed before we drive to Chiang Kong and relax at our guesthouse, which overlooks the Mekong River.

Day 4 Mekong River

Begin the journey down the world's 10th longest river by slow boat. The Mighty Mekong is always a hive of activity - from fishing to trade and transport between the many villages that line its banks.

Day 5-7 Luang Prabang

Once home to Laotian Kings, this is a beautiful town of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses and textile treasures.

Day 8 Vang Vieng

Situated amongst limestone karsts, vast rice fields, and the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is the perfect town for exploring the Laos countryside or simply relaxing by the water with a good book.

Day 9 Vientiane

Quiet and relaxed, Vientiane has a wealth of charms to offer - from its eclectic blend of French and Laotian architecture to the uncluttered streets, riverside cafes and quiet temples.

Day 10 Kunming

The capital of Yunnan is a fascinating city, with its bustling flower markets and the colourful shopping precincts.

Day 11-14 Lhasa

Dominated by the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, the colourful and holy city of Lhasa lies almost 3700 meters above sea level. Explore the fascinating blend of ancient temples. It is a humbling sight to watch pilgrims circling the temple on their knees endlessly day and night.

Day 15 Gyantse

The beautiful agricultural valley of Gyantse is a lovely place with a friendly and relaxed small-town feel.

Day 16 Shigatse

Tibet's second most important city and the seat of the Panchen Lama is one of its most spectacular and extensive monastic complexes.

Day 17 Sakya

Once the political centre of Tibet, the walls of Sakya's great fortified monastery are painted a dark grey, typical to buildings in the area.

Day 18 Rhombuk/Everest Base Camp

Rhombuk is certainly the highest monastery in the world and the surrounding views are stunning. The energetic can make the 7km hike to Everest Base Camp for a closer view of this magestic mountain, or take a pony cart!

Day 19 Zhangmu

Leave the Tibetan Plateau behind and plunge into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 meters to the border town of Zhangmu.

Day 20-21 Kathmandu

The historic cities of the Kathmandu valley reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. Wander through the crowded markets and bazaars, cycle around the city ring road, walk through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, or relax with a cold drink at a rooftop restaurant.

Day 22 Lumbini

Travel through the Nepalese landscape to the great Buddhist pilgrimage centre and birthplace of the Buddha, Lumbini.

Day 23 Nepal/India Border, Kushinagar

Crossing the Nepalese border and into India, we travel to Buddha's final resting place, Kushinagar.

Day 24-25 Varanasi

Walk the narrow twisting alleys, look around some of literally hundreds of temples and shrines, and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing and burnings as you float past the numerous ghats of the River Ganges.

Day 26-27 Bodh Gaya

We visit Buddha's place of Enlightenment and explore the Mahabodhi temple. Travel out to the ruins of one of the world's oldest teaching institues, the Buddhist University of Nalanda. The fifth century architectural marvel was home to over 10,000 students and nearly 2,000 teachers.