IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE BUDDHA

Saal Pilgrimage 2025 with Shantum Seth

November 6 - November 19, 2025

Dharmacharya Shantum Seth, an ordained dharma teacher in the Zen Buddhist lineage of Thich Nhat Hanh, is a world expert on sites associated with the Buddha and has been leading pilgrimages with his tour company Eleven Directions since 1988. He has co-authored books such as Walking with the Buddha, and has been a consultant for films such as BBC Discovery’s Life of the Buddha and BBC-PBS’s The Story of India, as well as advising the World Bank and the Indian Ministry of Tourism. Learn more at Eleven Directions.

*An alternate Eleven Direction's guide may be used for groups of 10 or less participants.

JOURNEY LEADER

Dharmacharya Shantum Seth
Owner, Buddhapath

TRIP OVERVIEW

• Pilgrims on the ‘Saal Pilgrimage’ (the Buddha passed away under the Saal tree) will make a transformative journey through India and Nepal, visiting all the major traditional pilgrimage sites from the life of the Buddha. 
• Travel to Bodhgaya, the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment; Sarnath, where he first taught the dharma; Lumbini, the site of his birth, and Kushinagar, where the Buddha died. You’ll also visit other important Buddhist sites including Kapilavastu, Sravasti, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali and Kesariya, along with the holy city of Varanasi, colorful Lucknow and New Delhi, the capital of India. 
• Immerse yourself in history and culture with the help of your world-class guide Shantum Seth, an expert with over 35 years of experience leading transformative tours, teaching and writing about the life of the Buddha. 
• Enjoy opportunities to meditate and contemplate the beautiful and sacred places you’ll explore with plenty of time for quiet reflection. Be part of a traveling sangha, or community, with opportunities to practice and learn together 
• Visit local homes, meet local people, and experience Indian life—traditional and contemporary, bustling and serene. You will explore vibrant centers of pilgrimage and areas of rural tranquility where little has changed since the Buddha’s time. 
• Two optional trips include a visit to the city of Agra, home of the Taj Mahal; and viewing the magical rock-cut cave monuments of Ajanta and Ellora. 
  

Day 1
New Delhi

Soak up the color and vibrancy of modern India and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the place of the Buddha’s enlightenment in Bodhgaya and the ruins of Nalanda, one of the world’s most ancient universities, and experience the quiet corners of India—where little has changed in 2,500 years—as you follow in the Buddha’s footsteps. Lion’s Roar is proud to recommend this opportunity to explore the birthplace of Buddhism and gain a deeper feeling for the Buddha himself, with the expert guidance of dharma teacher and writer Dharmacharya Shantum Seth.

Day 2
New Delhi | Varanasi

Day 3
Varanasi | Sarnath | Varanasi

Day 4
Varanasi – Bodhgaya

Day 5
Bodhgaya

Day 6
Bodhgaya | Rajgir

Day 7
Rajgir | Nalanda | Rajgir

Day 8
Rajgir | Vaishali

Day 9
Vaishali | Kesariya | Kushinagar

Day 10
Kushinagar | Lumbini

Day 11
Lumbini

Day 12
Lumbini | Kapilavastu | Sravasti

Day 13
Sravasti | Lucknow

Day 14
Lucknow | Delhi

ITINERARY

BUILDING LOVE – Agra and the Taj Mahal Option

Day 14
Lucknow | Agra

Day 15
Agra | Delhi

EXQUISITE CAVES – Ajanta and Ellora Option

Days 15-16
Delhi | Aurangabad

Day 17
Aurangabad | Ajanta | Aurangabad

Day 18
Aurangabad | Ellora ­| Delhi

PRICING

The total price includes guide services, transportation, meals, site entrance fees, bottled water, and lodging arrangements for the duration of the journeys. 

The total cost for the In the Footsteps of the Buddha pilgrimage (November 6 - 19, 2025) is US $7,450, based on double occupancy. The single room supplement is an additional US $1,950*.

The cost of the Building Love (Agra and Taj Mahal) extension (November 19 - 20, 2025) is US $545 with a single room supplement of US $170*.

The cost of the Exquisite Caves (Ajanta and Ellora) extension (November 20 - 23, 2025) is US $1,810 with a single room supplement of US $635*.

* Please note that in the event that we are unable to room solo travelers with someone of the same gender, participants will be liable to pay 50% of the single room supplement. Due to the number of tourists visiting these sites in peak season it may be difficult for hotels to provide a single room, and in some very exceptional circumstances, even twin rooms may be unavailable. We ask for your understanding should this circumstance arise. 

What’s included 

• airport transfers and escort services in New Delhi 
• guide services 
• transportation inside India including local flights as scheduled 
• site entrance fees 
• all meals and bottled water 
• lodging arrangements for the duration of the journey 

What’s not included 

• international airfare to and from New Delhi 
• visas and other international arrangements 
• costs for any extra days spent in India beyond the dates of the journey 
• any additional activities not included in the itinerary 
• excess baggage fees on flights 
• medical or other insurance coverage including travel insurance 
• phone calls during the journey 
• laundry 
• spending money 
• tips 

To register, a non-refundable deposit of US $500 per person is required at the time of booking, with the remainder of the cost due by August 1, 2025. All registration fees are payable in US dollars or the equivalent in other currencies. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Buddha lived and taught throughout the Gangetic plains of Northern India, where your journey will take you from New Delhi, through two states of northern India: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, as well as Nepal. India’s populous cities stand in contrast to the more peaceful villages and each has a distinct and interesting lifestyle. Varanasi and Bodhgaya are both significant pilgrimage sites, having their own distinct character. In these places we get a closer view of how modern and traditional India co-exist. Kushinagar, Sravasti, and Rajgir are relatively quiet smaller towns, giving travelers the opportunity to absorb the nuances of local culture and society. 

The pilgrimage offers the freedom to explore and discover the Buddha’s India with all the security and comfort of traveling in a group with an expert guide, Shantum Seth. At each pilgrimage site along the way, Shantum will tell stories of the Buddha’s life and give teachings to help us understand the Buddha as a human being, the drama of his life, and the significance of what he taught. Time is scheduled for daily sitting and walking meditation, regular discussions, and contemplation. The creation of a traveling sangha will be 

TESTIMONIALS (“From Our Travelers”)

“This wondrous journey opens dharma door after dharma door. Led by Shantum Seth, the pilgrimage teaches you through history and living Buddhism what the heart of the Buddha was truly about. Shantum himself is an example of practice, an inspiration and a teacher of grace, kindness, and insight. With him, you feel the presence of Buddhism as a living tradition of compassion.” 

Joan Halifax Roshi, Founding Teacher, 
Upaya Foundation, USA 

“Whether you are a Buddhist pilgrim or simply want to learn more about the sources of Buddhism, you will find Shantum Seth’s guided journey to the places in India where the Buddha lived and taught a deeply enriching and unforgettable experience.” 

Stephen Batchelor, Author of “Buddhism without Beliefs” 

“I never join tour groups, but ‘In the Footsteps of the Buddha’ turned out to be the best introduction to the Buddha's life, to India's sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites and to group leader Shantum Seth...” 

Perry Garfinkel, author of Buddha or Bust 

“Shantum's love of buddhadharma and in-depth historical understanding was a constant source of enrichment. For me the value of an 'outer' pilgrimage is the ability to nourish the 'inner' pilgrimage – traveling with Shantum did just that.” 

Larry Rosenberg, guide and teacher, Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, USA 

“Throughout the journey Shantum looks after every detail. Whether it’s sorting out tickets, bargaining with shopkeepers, buying fruit, or just choosing a menu, Shantum takes care of it all. You are then free to concentrate on the pilgrimage and to absorb the atmosphere of India.”

Robert Bluck, author of British Buddhism

ABOUT Shantum Seth and Eleven Directions

“With each step and breath, the Buddha comes alive. Shantum's knowledge, insight, and humor brings joy to those journeying with him in the footsteps of the Buddha.” 

Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Master, Plum Village, France 

Shantum Seth is one of the world’s foremost teachers and guides to the sites associated with the Buddha. He is an ordained Buddhist teacher (Dharmacharya) in the Zen tradition of the Vietnamese master, Thich Nhat Hanh. He teaches in India and other countries and has been leading his acclaimed pilgrimage In the Footsteps of the Buddha since 1988. In the last few years he has been leading interfaith, educational, cultural, and spiritual journeys to diverse regions of India. He has been deeply involved with social and ecological development issues for over 40 years. 

He has contributed to a number of books including Walking with the Buddha, I Have Arrived, I Am Home, and Volunteers Against Conflict. He has also been a consultant on films including Life of the Buddha, made by the BBC/Discovery and Michael Wood’s The Story of India, by BBC/PBS. He and his work have been featured in many magazines and newspapers including National Geographic, Qantas, The New York Times, Newsweek, Times of India, Outlook, India Today, and Hindustan Times. 

Seth has been a consultant to the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation to help promote Buddhist tourism in India. He has been on the Government of India’s expert committee for the promotion of Buddhist teaching and learning, has trained guides for the Government of India and UNESCO, is on the Indian executive of the interfaith group Temple of Understanding, and has addressed a number of forums and universities including the Chicago Council of Global Affairs, the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the UNDP executive board, among others. He has also given a TEDx talk. 

He is an accredited guide with the government of India, though he sees himself not merely as a guide but as a friend. He opens up his home, helps connect interesting people from all strata of society, and develops lasting friendships. A great cultural interpreter, he enjoys sharing the subtleties of India’s religions, society, economy and politics, especially with thinkers from around the world—anyone interested in understanding the mind of India and their own mind. He lives with the mission of making the world a better place and helping people awaken to their fuller potential by exposing people to different ways of living and thinking, thereby expanding consciousness and building cross-cultural understanding. 

ABOUT LION’S ROAR

Pilgrimage has been an important aspect of Buddhist practice since the time of the Buddha himself. In the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, the Buddha said:
Ananda, there are four places the sight of which should arouse a sense of urgency in the faithful. Which are they? “Here the Tathagata was born” is the first. “Here the Tathagata attained supreme enlightenment” is the second. “Here the Tathagata set in motion the wheel of the dharma” is the third. “Here the Tathagata attained parinirvana without remainder” is the fourth.

Lion’s Roar is delighted to offer this opportunity to explore the historical context of Buddhism and gain a deeper feeling for the Buddha himself, with the expert guidance of dharma teacher and writer, Dharmacharya Shantum Seth. With more than 35 years of experience, Shantum Seth is one of the world’s leading experts on the life of the Buddha and the places where he lived, taught, and attained enlightenment. In the Footsteps of the Buddha is a once-in-a-lifetime journey of discovery, meditation, and friendship that will bring you to the very core of what it is to be Buddhist.

Lion's Roar presents this pilgrimage in affiliation with Eleven Directions and Dharmacharya Shantum Seth. Lion’s Roar receives a commission for pilgrimage bookings which helps support our charitable mission and activities.  

FAQ

an important aspect of this trip, giving the journey a greater cohesiveness and building a sense of support for those seeking to deepen their practice. You’ll stay at the best available accommodations in the vicinity of the sites (which are normally five-star hotels, heritage hotels, and guest houses), based on shared, twin-bedded rooms with a private bath or shower and toilet. The accommodations are clean and comfortable—in some cases monastic-style, and in some cases more luxurious. 

Transport is by comfortable private coach (apart from internal flights and airport transfers). All meals are included, with a large variety of delicious local dishes and plenty on offer for vegetarians. Bottled water is also provided. English is widely spoken, and transportation and infrastructure are good, but travelers must still expect the unexpected! India is a place of contrasts: often crowded and impoverished, but also friendly, colorful, and magical. A good sense of humor, flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure will stand you in good stead.

“What was important to me was to be guided by someone with intimate knowledge of and sensitivity to the dharma, the sacred sites, the land and its people. Shantum Seth manifested this rare combination. For me, the pilgrimage was very rich and fulfilling. I will savor it for years.” 

Eloise Ross-Jones, participant 

“Shantum organizes a wonderful trip that touches the heart of India. Traveling in mindfulness with a sangha provides support, nourishment, and a spirit that makes the pilgrimage an immeasurable joy.” 

Michael Grossi, participant and monk 

“Shantum guided us skillfully through the sacred ancient sites and also through modern India, treating us as friends and guests. He bridges East and West effortlessly, with great humanity. The stories of the Buddha's life as we sat in the gardens at Lumbini, strolled the ruins of Buddha's palace, or watched the sun set on the exact spot where he died, helped me understand the drama of his life, and the significance of his teachings.” 

Jim Gollin, participant and Board member, Rainforest Action Network 

“Shantum’s ability to coordinate scheduling, living accommodations, and transportation was impressive. His skill and knowledge as a guide are unsurpassed. He made the journey highly meaningful for me and my fellow travelers, all from the States. His passion for the history and teachings of the Buddha made the experience a life-changing one.” 

Katharine Bertolet, participant 

“The most worthwhile journey of my life. This pilgrimage is unique.” 

Doris Field, participant
 

Will I need to bring money? How does tipping work? 
Hotels, food, transportation within India, and guide services are all covered by the tour fees. It is suggested that travelers carry cash for expenses like gifts or souvenirs. Travelers will also need money if they are planning to extend their stay in India before or after the journey. Credit cards such as VISA or American Express are accepted in some of the hotels and large shops in Delhi or Varanasi, but not in all the places we visit. There are ATM machines in most places where one can access cash, but their presence is not universal as it is in the US or other countries. We recommend that you exchange your money in New Delhi. There is no need to exchange it in the US.

US$ 500 in cash currency is a suggested amount to carry to India. One US Dollar approximates 84.5 Indian Rupees as of November 21, 2024.  We recommend that you convert some cash at the airport when you arrive in New Delhi.  There is no need to exchange it in your country — it is best to do so in India.  There are a couple of banks with a standard exchange rate at the airport both before and after you clear Customs.  Please keep your bank receipts carefully in case you need to change the money into dollars when you return home.  
 
Travelers often have questions about tipping. We have developed a system where a kitty is collected at the beginning, and the tips are distributed from it (contributing is optional). This covers all the incidental tipping/donations during the pilgrimage at hotels/restaurants etc. A tip for the guides and drivers is an optional addition to this kitty. Thus far, this has worked well. It usually works out to $10 to $15 per person per day. It would be a good idea to set aside $200 for tips.

If you arrive before the start of the journey or stay after it concludes, the general rule is as follows: tipping someone who has carried your luggage is common and we would suggest Rs. 100. In restaurants, one normally leaves a tip of between 5% to 10% of the entire bill, unless a service charge has already been levied. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers; however, if you have hired a car for the day and you are happy with the driver, a tip of between of Rs.  Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 is appropriate.

Do I need a plug adaptor?
India uses 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Plugs/sockets can be an issue (the electrical sockets in India have round holes, not flat ones, so please ensure that your plug has rounded stems). It’s best to travel with a universal plug adapter.

What should I pack?
Given that there can be a high variation between the daytime and evening temperatures (the general range is from 10 - 30°C/50 - 85°F), layering is a practical approach. India is a conservative country so it’s important to be comfortable and modestly dressed. We recommend that you bring one coat or jacket and a light sweater for the evening; perhaps a shawl if you want to meditate in the morning. For the warmer part of the day, cotton shirts, T-shirts, and cotton trousers will work well. There is no need to bring formal clothing.

Generally, the weather is dry with a small possibility of light rain or fog in some places. It is handy to have an umbrella that can double as a sunshade if it gets too sunny or even be used as a walking stick. Please bring comfortable sneakers or sandals (which you can wear with socks if it gets cold). We do not go on treks, but one or two of the (optional) walks are long. We also visit a number of temples where you will need to remove your shoes, so it is helpful to bring a pair of socks (the slip-ons provided by some airlines are very convenient). It is always useful to have a hat or cap to protect you from the sun, and bring a money belt for carrying passports, cash, and other necessary valuables. Please bring along your meditation cushion (if you have difficulty sitting on the floor, a folding camp stool is a good substitute). We are allowed 15kg (33 lbs) check in baggage and 7kg (15 lbs) as cabin baggage on Indian airplanes, so we recommend that you travel light. You can carry extra baggage, at an additional cost. Laundry facilities are available at all the places we stay, and laundry is returned within 24 hours.

Will I need vaccinations?
If you are coming from Africa or some parts of Latin America, a certificate of yellow fever inoculation is required by the Indian authorities. If you are coming from Kenya, you will need to take the OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) before you travel.

There are no other medical restrictions upon your entry into India. We recommend a Hepatitis A inoculation and a tetanus shot, but please speak to your physician for the most up-to-date requirements. We do carry a first aid kit with us, but many people prefer to bring their own supply of medicine as you may not be able to purchase the same range of medicines you are used to. If you take any prescription medications we recommend you bring them in the original labeled packaging. We would also recommend you bring an insect/mosquito repellent and also medicine for both diarrhea and constipation.

Can I use my mobile in India?
It is easy and inexpensive to get a local SIM card for your mobile phone at the Delhi airport. You’ll need one photograph and a copy of your Indian visa and passport. If you have an iPhone, you may need to ‘unlock’ it before you come to India. Mobile telephony in India is inexpensive.  Internet and wi-fi is available at the hotels we use.

Are there any age restrictions?
Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Additional Side Trip Options:

Health Concerns

We stay in clean, safe places, and the food in the places we stay will be hygienically prepared, fresh, and cooked to suit a delicate digestive system. You will be provided bottled mineral water for drinking. If you have any special dietary or medical needs, please let us know at time of registration.

What is the cancellation policy?
For cancellations received up to eight weeks prior to the commencement of the tour, only the deposit will be forfeited. There is no refund for cancellations made within eight weeks of the beginning of the journey, 100% of the total cost will be forfeit.

What travel insurance will I need? 
Participants are required to carry medical insurance. Range of coverage can vary significantly from policy to policy, and travelers are encouraged to speak with a travel agency to identify a policy that suits their needs. Things to consider are travel delays, trip cancellation or interruption, medical coverage, and baggage loss or delay. Before purchasing insurance, you may wish to check with your health insurance carrier to see if your policy includes medical care overseas. Please note that many insurance carriers require that insurance be purchased at the time a deposit or final payment is made; check with your carrier for details.

What happens upon arrival? 
The pilgrimage begins and ends in New Delhi, India. Participants are responsible for making their own flight arrangements to and from New Delhi. Flights to and from India are frequently full, so book early. Most international flights arrive at night or early morning. If you have any questions, feel free to check with us before you confirm your flight bookings. The journey will begin at 12.00 noon on November 6, 2025. We will arrange a complimentary airport transfer on arrival.

What happens upon departure? 
We will arrange a complimentary airport transfer for your departure. The journey will end at noon on November 19, 2025 in New Delhi. You should book a late evening or night flight for your departure.

The Building Love – Agra and the Taj Mahal option will end at noon on November 20, 2025. You should book your departure flight for late evening on November 20.

The Exquisite Caves of Ajanta & Ellora option will begin on November 20, 2025 and will end on the evening of November 23. You should book a late-night flight on November 23 or early morning of November 24, 2025.

What travel documents are required? 
You will need a valid passport and visas for both India and Nepal. Normally visas are valid for 6 months from date of issue. We recommend you carry photocopies of all documents in case of loss or theft. Please carry a physical copy of your international return flight ticket or your e-ticket, as this will be checked before you are allowed to enter Indian airports.

Indian visa information 
The visa for India must be obtained before travel. Please ensure your visa to India is a DOUBLE ENTRY or MULTIPLE ENTRY visa.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as e-Tourist Visa on Arrival (eTVA) is also available for travelers from many countries including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany, Russia, Mexico, Japan, Norway, Finland. You must apply for this Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at least 4 days before your date of travel. This visa is issued for a period of 90 to 180 days only. Visit: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html  

If there are payment issues on the e-visa portal, if your credit card fails, please try using PayPal with your debit card.

You may need to submit the following information about the tour company:

Company Name: Seth Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (Government-Approved Tour Operators)
Registered Address: 50/8 First Floor, Tolstoy Lane, Janpath, New Delhi 110001, INDIA
Tel: +91-120-4334284
Email: info@buddhapath.com

Nepal visa information 
The visa for Nepal can be obtained at the Indo-Nepal border while on the tour at a cost of US $30 in cash (please bring clean and un-torn notes). Please ensure you have an empty page on your passport and one passport-sized photograph.

What are the transportation arrangements?
We provide all transportation during the journey, including your airport transfers on arrival and departure in New Delhi. There is no extra charge for meeting you at the airport and airport transfers, but for those who want to make their own arrangements, Delhi airport has taxis. The taxi stand is located just outside the airport exit. Depending on the time you arrive, the taxi fare will be in the range of Rs. 900-1200. Upon departure it is easy to get a taxi to the airport from the hotel for the same price.

Once the tour begins, transport is by comfortable private coach. Local flights are included in the cost, but please be aware of the weight allowances (15kg/33 lbs for checked baggage and 7kg/15 lbs as cabin baggage). Participants are liable for any excess baggage fees.

Can I book extra nights? 
For those wishing for an extra day or two to recover from air travel before the journey begins, or who wish to stay longer after the journey ends, we would be happy to book on your behalf. October through November is a busy time of year so please make your hotel booking request well in advance.

What are the accommodations like? 
Accommodations are the best available in the vicinity of the sites, which is normally five-star hotels, heritage hotels, and guest houses. Prices are based on shared, twin-bedded rooms with a private bath or shower and toilet. If you prefer a single room (where available, as the Buddhist route can occasionally get very full in November), there is a price supplement. Solo travelers who wish to room with another participant will be accommodated where possible, however in the event that the solo traveler must room alone they will be liable to pay 50% of the single supplement. Please note that in some rare cases hotels are not able to provide single, or even twin, rooms owing to the sheer volume of tourists at this time of year. In these cases we would ask for your understanding. 

TRIP EXTENSIONS: 

Building Love – Agra & the Taj Mahal Option

Exquisite Caves – Ajanta and Ellora Option