PILGRIMAGE PROGRAM "FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BUDDHA"

Summary Schedule

• Days 1-3 (Bodh Gaya): Visit the Bodhi Tree, the Great Buddha statue, Mahakala Caves, Sujata Village, and participate in charity work. Stay at a Vietnamese temple.

• Day 4 (Rajgir): Visit Vulture Peak (Rajgir) and Nalanda University.

• Days 5-6 (Varnarea & Ganges): Visit Sarnath – the place where the Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma. Watch the sunrise over the mystical Ganges River.

• Day 7 (Visali): Visit the site of the Second Buddhist Council and the stupa containing the Buddha's relics.

• Day 8 (Kushinagar): Visit the site of the Buddha's Parinirvana (Kushinagar).

• Days 9-10 (Lumbini & Kapilavastu): Travel to Nepal to visit the birthplace of the Buddha and the ancient city of Kapilavastu.

• Day 11 (Savatthi): Visit Jetavana Monastery – the place where the Buddha resided for the most rainy season retreats.

• Day 12 (Agra - Taj Mahal): Admire the world wonder Taj Mahal – a symbol of eternal love.

• Day 13 (Delhi - Vietnam): Explore Delhi, go shopping, and head to the airport for your flight back to Vietnam.

Costs & Services ($1,300 USD)

Key new points to note for the 13-day trip.

• 1. Nepal Visa: Since the itinerary includes Lumbini (Nepal), you need to check if the tour operator has included a Nepal visa in the $1,300 package (usually this package includes both Indian and Nepalese visas).

• 2. Changing Weather: The journey from Central India northward and into Nepal will gradually get colder. You will need to bring warmer clothing than on the shorter journey.

• 3. Extensive Travel: This is a long trip with many bus journeys. You should bring a neck pillow and a more complete personal first-aid kit (especially motion sickness medication and pain relief patches for back/leg pain).

• 4. Currency: In Lumbini (Nepal), you can use Indian Rupees or USD, but it's advisable to exchange some Nepalese Rupees (NPR) for small purchases.

CONTACT INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

If you require further details regarding visa procedures, deposits, or specific itineraries, please contact us at the following addresses:

In Vietnam

• Teacher Thong Ly: 084 669 1556

• Teacher Giac Nhu: 093 333 2852

• Ms. Mai / Ms. Hai Sen

• Email: thonglythich@yahoo.com or hanguyen201180@yahoo.com

In the United States

• Teacher Hue Son: 615 938 1556

• Mr. Ben Jammin (Chuc Tam Dinh): 615 880 0511

• Email: phuocbinhpagoda_2009@yahoo.com or hueson19692016@gmail.com

A few final notes for the 13-day trip.

• 1. Save phone numbers: You should save these phone numbers to your contacts and install the WhatsApp application (because the teachers and leaders in India often use this application for free communication via Wi-Fi).

• 2. Take photos of documents: Take photos of your passport, visa, and travel insurance and send them to your personal email or save them on your phone in case of emergency.

• 3. Luggage: With the $1,300 package including airfare, carefully check the regulations regarding checked baggage weight (usually 20kg - 30kg) to shop for souvenirs comfortably.

1. Medications and Healthcare (Very Important)

The digestive system and environment in India are quite different from Vietnam, so you should bring the following:

• Digestive medications: Diarrhea medication (Berberin, Smecta), probiotics, stomach ache medication, analgesic.

• Cold and fever medication: Paracetamol, Efferalgan, cough drops, ginger candy, cold and flu medication.

• Allergy medication: If you are prone to seasonal or food allergies.

• Personal first aid: Bandages (Urgo), medicated oil, eucalyptus oil, or menthol oil.

• Specific medications: If you are being treated for a specific medical condition, bring enough for 7 days.

• Face masks & hand sanitizer: To protect against dust and maintain hygiene before eating.

2. Personal items (for those staying at the temple)

When staying at a temple, living conditions are usually simpler than in a hotel, so you need to prepare:

• Personal hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel (sachet or small bottle), face towel, bath towel.

• Sunscreen & Moisturizer: The weather in India in November is cool but very dry, easily causing chapped skin.

• Toilet supplies: Toilet paper (small rolls) and wet wipes (essential for public restrooms).

• Flip-flops: For walking around the temple grounds or for use in the bathroom.

3. Clothing & Accessories

• Pilgrimage clothing: Blue robes, long-sleeved shirts, or modest, long-sleeved clothing in subtle colors. Choose breathable fabrics that wick away sweat.

• Walking shoes: A pair of comfortable sneakers or flats (you will be doing a lot of walking at Nalanda and Rajgir). Choose shoes that are easy to put on and take off, as you will need to remove them when entering the shrines.

• Light jacket/scarf: Early mornings and nights in Bodhgaya and Varanasi in November will be cool (around 14-16°C).

• Hat & Umbrella: For sun protection when visiting outdoor sites.

4. Other supporting items

• Personal water bottle: To get clean water at the temple/hotel to bring along on the tour.

• Universal adapter: India usually uses round 3-prong plugs (type D or M).

• Power bank: Ensures your phone always has battery for taking photos.

• Small flashlight: Convenient for navigating the temple at night.

• Small snacks: Dried shredded pork, sesame salt, dried food, or instant noodles (in case you don't like the curry or local food).

5. Identification documents

• Passport & Visa (E-visa): Print out at least two copies (one to keep in your suitcase, one to carry with you).

• Passport photos (4x6): In case you need to renew documents or buy a phone SIM card.

6. Currency Exchange Information (Indian Rupee - INR)

The currency of India is the Rupee (INR). Its symbol is ₹.

• Reference exchange rate: $1 USD approx. 85 - 90 INR$ (depending on the time in 2026).

• The best way to exchange money:

  • You should bring USD: You should exchange Vietnamese Dong to USD in Vietnam beforehand (choose new bills that are not torn or altered). Once in India, you can exchange USD for Rupees, which will give you a better rate.

  • Exchange money at the airport: As soon as you land at Gaya Airport, you should exchange some money (around $20-$50 USD) to spend immediately. The exchange rate at the airport is usually lower than outside, but it's convenient.

  • Currency exchange in Bodhgaya: There are many reputable currency exchange booths around the Bodh Gaya area, or you can ask your guide/person at the Vietnamese temple for help in finding a safe place to exchange currency.

Important note:

• Small change: Always keep small denomination bills ($10, 20, 50, 100 INR) for paying for transportation, buying drinks, or making offerings/charity donations.

• Check your money: Refuse to accept torn or taped Rupee bills as they are difficult to use in India.

1. Spiritual & Meaningful Gifts (Purchased in Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, Lumbini)

• Spiritual Bodhi Leaves: At Bodh Gaya, you can find dried bodhi leaves, laminated or framed, in a very elegant way. These are priceless gifts for Buddhists.

• Buddha Statues & Prayer Beads: Prayer beads made of bodhi wood, sandalwood, or precious stones. Each sacred site often has characteristic small bronze or marble Buddha statues.

• Thangka Paintings: Intricately hand-painted Buddhist scroll paintings (popular in Lumbini, Nepal, or northern regions).

2. Indian specialties (Purchased in Varanasi, Agra, Delhi)

• Indian Tea (Masala Chai & Darjeeling): India is famous for its tea. You should buy tea bags or loose leaf tea packaged in elegant wooden boxes or brocade pouches.

• Spices: Saffron is a high-end gift, very good for health and beauty. Additionally, curry spice packets are also a great gift for someone who enjoys cooking.

• Traditional Candy: If you want to buy food, try Petha candy (a specialty of Agra) – a very popular candied winter melon.

3. Handicrafts & Fashion (Shopping at Varanasi, Agra, Delhi)

• Pashmina scarves: These are a gift and a symbol of national pride. Made from Himalayan goat wool, they are very light, warm, and soft. Choose those with hand embroidery if you want to give them to a loved one.

• Varanasi silk: Varanasi is famous for its thousand-year-old silk weaving tradition. You can buy silk scarves or silk fabric to make ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), the quality is extremely high.

• Marble inlay work: In Agra, you will find small items (jewelry boxes, plates, miniature Taj Mahal statues) inlaid with precious stones on white marble, similar to the construction technique of the Taj Mahal.

4. Natural Cosmetics (Easiest to buy in Delhi or supermarkets)

• Himalaya or Biotique brands: These are extremely popular herbal (Ayurveda) cosmetic lines, affordable but of very good quality (toothpaste, facial cleanser, hand cream).

• Essential oils & solid perfumes: India has very pure rose and jasmine essential oils.

Shopping tips:

• 1. Bargaining: At tourist markets or street stalls, feel free to bargain down to about 1/2 or 1/3 of the asking price. However, at stores with price tags or supermarkets, bargaining is not necessary.

• 2. Avoid counterfeit goods: Authentic saffron or pashmina scarves are usually not cheap. Ask your tour guide to take you to reputable stores or government-run product centers.

• 3. Luggage weight: Since you're on a 13-day tour, save your purchases of heavy items (like marble or large quantities of tea) for the final days in Agra and Delhi to avoid carrying heavy loads throughout the trip.