Introduction to Buddhist Pilgrimage

According to a commentary to the Vinaya Sutra known as 'Lung-Treng-Tik' in Tibetan by the First Dalai Lama (1392-1474), the Buddha is said to have emphasised several times the importance of pilgrimage:

"Bhikkhus, after my passing away, all sons and daughters who are of good family and are faithful should as long as they live, go to the four holy places and remember: Here at Lumbini, the enlightened one was born; here at Bodh Gaya he attained enlightenment, here at Sarnath he turned the wheel of Dharma; and there at Kusinara he entered Parinirvana. Bhikkhus, after my passing away there will be activities such as circumambulation of these places and reverence to them. Thus it should be told to them for they, who have faith in my deeds and awareness of their own, will travel to higher states. After my passing away, the new Bhikkhus who come and ask of the doctrine should be told of these four places and advised that a pilgrimage to them will help purify their previously accumulated Karmas or actions."

While on pilgrimage, Buddhist pilgrims . .

Make offerings
Lay offerings before the statute of Buddha
Meditate silently
Chant mantras singly or in  groups
Say prayers from ancient Buddhist texts

Hang prayer flags
Turn prayer wheels
Place small stupas or steles with prayers written on them  in moving water
Play cymbals, drums, horns to enhance their prayer
Circumambulate the shrine clockwise

Prostrate themselves while traveling to the sacred sites.