Religious site
Chaukhandi Stupa
Check tickets & tours
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Chaukhandi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist structure distinguished by its octagonal tower, added during the Mughal era. The stupa commemorates the location where Buddha encountered his first disciples, the ascetics he had previously practiced with. Visitors can climb the base to see the brickwork and imagine the historic meeting that led to the founding of the Buddhist sangha.
Don't miss
- The unique octagonal tower atop the original stupa, a blend of Buddhist and Islamic architecture
- The brickwork of the 5th-century base, showcasing ancient construction techniques
- The open grounds around the stupa, offering space for quiet reflection
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Chaukhandi Stupa
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way in3 Hour Walking Tour of Buddhism in Sarnath4.9★ · 198 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$32 per personSee dates →
Best full dayThe Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi - How to Spend 13 Hours - Private Guided Tour4.8★ · 323 travelers10–13 hoursFree cancellationFrom$70 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Half-Day Tour in Sarnath from Varanasi4.9★ · 14 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$46 per personSee dates →Prefer another site?Compare on Klook →Compare on GetYourGuide →
More attractions in Sarnath