Lumbini

Nepal, Asia

Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spiritual heritage. Visitors can explore sacred gardens, ancient temples, and the iconic Maya Devi Temple, which marks the exact site of Buddha's birth. The serene atmosphere, beautiful lotus ponds, and the chance to experience Buddhist traditions and rituals make Lumbini a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and enlightenment.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Town

Vibe

History

Airport

Bhairahawa

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

13 Best Things to Do in Lumbini

1

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Maya Devi Temple

Explore the sacred birthplace of Buddha; a spiritual journey.

No booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll through the Lumbini Garden

Enjoy serene pathways amidst stunning gardens and monuments.

No booking required
3

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Ashoka Pillar

See the ancient pillar marking Buddha's birthplace.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the World Peace Pagoda

Experience tranquility at this stunning Buddhist stupa.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the International Monastic Zone

Discover diverse Buddhist monasteries from around the world.

No booking required
6

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend the Lumbini Festival

Join in the vibrant celebrations of Buddha's birth.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Nepalese Monastery

Experience local culture and architecture in this monastery.

No booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Chinese Monastery

Admire traditional architecture and serene surroundings.

No booking required
9

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience Meditation Retreats

Engage in mindfulness and meditation in peaceful settings.

Booking required
10

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Sacred Pond

Reflect by the pond where Buddha used to bathe.

No booking required
11

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take a Bicycle Tour

Cycle through Lumbini’s beautiful landscapes and sites.

No booking required
12

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Join a Local Cooking Class

Learn to cook traditional Nepali dishes with locals.

Booking required
13

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Sri Lankan Monastery

Witness unique architecture and serene gardens.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Included in bill

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

1 (#49 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Nepalese Rupee

Majority religion

Hindu

Language

Nepali

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Gundruk

VE

Fermented leafy greens dish. (National dish)

Dal Bhat

V

Rice and lentil soup meal.

Momos

Dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.

Sel Roti

V

Sweet rice flour doughnut.

Thukpa

Noodle soup with meat or vegetables.

Phrases to learn

English

Nepali

Hello

Namaste

(Nah-mah-steh)

Yes/No

Ho / Hoina

(Ho / Hoy-na)

Thank you

Dhanyabaad

(Dahn-yah-bahd)

Excuse me

Maaf garnuhos

(Mahf gar-noo-hos)

How much?

Kati?

(Kah-tee)