A Buddhist pilgrimage in India is a journey to the sacred sites connected to the life of the Buddha. The most important sites include Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching on the Four Noble Truths; Bodhgaya, where he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree; and Rajgir, where he taught at Vulture Peak. These sites have been visited by Buddhist practitioners for over 2,500 years and remain vibrant centers of practice and devotion today.

Northern India is home to several of the most significant Buddhist sacred sites in the world. Sarnath (near Varanasi) is where the Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma. Bodhgaya houses the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree, marking the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. Rajgir features Vulture Peak, where many important sutras were taught. Nalanda was once the world's greatest Buddhist university. Together, these sites form the heart of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit in India.

The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhist philosophy, first taught by the Buddha at Sarnath, India. They address the nature of suffering (dukkha), its origin in craving and attachment, the possibility of its cessation (nirvana), and the path leading to that cessation (the Noble Eightfold Path). Studying the Four Noble Truths at the very site where they were first proclaimed offers a uniquely powerful and immersive learning experience.

The program includes 15 days of teachings, guided meditation, and pilgrimage across Sarnath, Rajgir, and Bodhgaya. The fee covers all accommodation, vegetarian meals, ground transportation between cities, teachings by senior Tibetan Buddhist monastics, guided visits to sacred sites including the Dhamek Stupa, Vulture Peak, Nalanda, and the Mahabodhi Temple, as well as participation in the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo prayer festival in Bodhgaya.

January is the coldest month in Northern India. In Sarnath and Bodhgaya, daytime temperatures typically range from 15-25°C (59-77°F), while nights can drop close to 0°C (32°F). The weather is dry and mostly sunny, making it ideal for outdoor pilgrimage activities. Warm layers, a jacket for evenings, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The FNT program is open to all — no prior Buddhist study or meditation experience is required. It is designed for anyone who is open to new experiences of reflection and learning. Former participants have commented on the program's accessible format and life-changing experience. The program also offers sufficient space for individual exploration. Whether you're drawn to the teachings, the sacred sites, or the contemplative practice, this journey offers something profound for everyone.

The program runs from 3 to 17 January 2027. You are expected to arrive at SINI on 3 January; the opening ceremony takes place late afternoon or early evening on 3 January. Departure from Gaya airport or railway station is scheduled for 17 January.

The pilgrimage involves moderate walking at sacred sites, including a walk up to Vulture Peak (a gentle hill climb with steps). The program is accessible to most fitness levels. Travel between cities is by train and bus. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss accommodations.

The rooms at SINI are spacious and have attached bathrooms; however, they are limited in number — it is likely that you will be sharing a room with another participant. When we travel, we stay in comfortable middle-class hotels in Rajgir and Bodhgaya. Upon request, single occupancy rooms are available, for which we charge an additional supplement.

For your visa application, please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months. Please make sure you only use the official website of the Indian Government. You must apply for a Tourist visa online at e-Visa. Unless you have additional travel plans in India, a 30-day, double-entry Tourist e-Visa will be sufficient. This visa is valid from the date of your first arrival in India, not the date of approval. Application for a one-month visa can only be done within 30 days of your arrival date. Application for a one-year visa (multiple entry) can be done earlier. Once your application is submitted, you should receive your visa within a few working days. We recommend carrying photocopies of your passport and visa letter while travelling.

You will need the following for your visa application:
SINI Address: SA 14/52 P-2, Baraipur, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India 221007
Places to be visited: Varanasi, Sarnath, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya
Contact Person at SINI: Ugen Tsering (Manager) — +91 70189 97059

Travel insurance is required. Please ensure your travel or health insurance covers medical expenses during your stay. For vaccinations, we refer to your country's guidelines. We recommend ensuring you are up to date with Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio (DTP), Hepatitis A, and possibly Typhoid. At SINI, we provide mosquito repellent, though you may wish to bring your own. If you have any health conditions or special needs, please inform us in advance so we can provide appropriate support. We have an Ayurvedic doctor on call at SINI, and in Bodhgaya we work with a network of clinics for emergencies. We also recommend bringing a few face masks for Bodhgaya to protect against dust, and earplugs can be useful as January is a festive season.

In both Sarnath and Bodhgaya, you can withdraw Indian rupees using your bank card or credit card at local ATMs. HDFC Bank ATMs are the most reliable and can be found in both locations. Alternatively, you may bring cash in U.S. dollars or euros, which can be exchanged locally. We can also arrange a money exchange service at SINI. We recommend always keeping some cash with you for small personal purchases or in case ATMs are temporarily out of service.

January is the coldest month in Sarnath and Bodhgaya. Temperatures can drop close to zero at night and reach 20–25°C during the day. Bring warm layers, a warm jacket for evenings, good walking shoes, and warm socks. Out of respect for the monastic environment and pilgrimage sites, please wear modest, loose-fitting clothing with arms and legs covered throughout the program. Slippers or house shoes are also recommended for indoor use.

Fly into Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport). SINI will arrange your pick-up. If you plan to arrive before 3 January, we will gladly assist you with finding suitable accommodation in Sarnath or Varanasi. On 3 January, we will organize transportation from your hotel to SINI. If you have a transit in Delhi, we recommend booking a hotel at Aero City, which has numerous comfortable hotels near the airport and a metro connection to the city centre. The program concludes in Bodhgaya; you'll depart from Gaya international airport or from Gaya train station.

All meals during the program will be vegetarian. We highly recommend avoiding meat, street food, or food offered by strangers. A good general rule for eating safely in India is to eat only what is freshly cooked and served hot, or what can be peeled. Dietary requirements will be accommodated — please inform us during registration.

WiFi is available at SINI and in the hotels. However, we encourage participants to minimize internet use to fully engage with the experience. Please note that no phones are allowed at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya during the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo — it is safe to leave your phone in your hotel room.

The participation fee for the program is $2,450. The fee includes the seminar at SINI, the pilgrimage, airport pick-up and drop-off, transportation, full board and lodging at SINI and selected hotels, and guided tours. Not included: international travel to and from India, domestic travel to Sarnath and from Bodhgaya, visa fee, travel insurance, and single room supplement.

You can register with a $500 non-refundable deposit. The balance of $1,950 is due by 31 October 2026. If you need to cancel up until 30 December 2026, we will reimburse 50% of the payment.

This program is part of SINI's development work — all funds support our educational programs for monastics. Any additional donation helps empower monastics to preserve, teach, and translate the Dharma.