A UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned as the birthplace of Buddha.
The Maya Devi Temple features important archaeological remains.
The Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka, marks a significant historical site.
The Lumbini Monastic Zone showcases monasteries from various countries.
The sacred Bodhi Tree provides a tranquil spot for meditation.
The Lumbini Museum displays Buddhist artifacts and historical insights.
The World Peace Pagoda stands as a symbol of harmony and peace.
Kapilvastu offers a glimpse into the historical life of Buddha.
Tilaurakot contains archaeological ruins of ancient Kapilvastu.
Visitors can explore local traditions and participate in vibrant festivals.
Trip Facts
Trip Grading:
Easy
Max Elevation
3800m
Best Season
Mar – May and Oct – Dec
Meals
B & B
Accommodation
As your request
Transportation
Private vehicle
Trip Overview
Lumbini is a must-visit if you’re visiting Nepal. The first and most obvious reason is because it is the birthplace of Lord Buddha – light of Asia. Second, this is also the birthplace of Buddhism. Third, UNESCO in 1997 listed this place as a World Heritage Site. Lumbini is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the world but even if you are a non-follower, there is a lot this place can offer you. There are over thirty different monasteries in Lumbini all dedicated to Buddhist practices which include meditation, self-awareness and reflection, and a break from all the daily hustle.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Lumbini Day 2: Exploring Lumbini Day 3: Return to Kathmandu
After a well-rested night and a healthy breakfast, a tour guide(in case you need one) will accompany you throughout your trip to Lumbini.
Lumbini is a 9 hour drive from Kathmandu and a 6 hour drive from Pokhara. If you prefer flying, the nearest airport for Lumbini is Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairahawa which is a 30 minute flight from Kathmandu and a 20 minute flight from Pokhara. Maya Devi Temple is a 30 minute drive from this airport. After you get to the hotel at Lumbini and freshen up, you can visit nearby sites like Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka pillar, and the monasteries.
We start off the day by taking the 42 minute drive to Tilaurakot. There you can explore various archaeological discoveries (which are still going on). These include Terracotta statues, ancient roads, a fortification wall, a metal workshop and many more. All these monuments provide more archaeological evidence for the ancient palace. After the journey back to Lumbini, you can visit the rest of the monasteries like World Peace Pagoda.