# Lumbini Tour: Birthplace of Buddha > The Lumbini tour takes you to the birthplace of Lord Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. Visit the Maya Devi Temple with its marker stone, the sacred pond and Bodhi tree, the Ashoka Pillar erected in 249 BC, and the monastic zone with temples built by Buddhist nations from Thailand to Germany.This 4-day Buddhist pilgrimage tour flies from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and includes a day trip to Tilaurakot, the ancient Kapilvastu palace where Prince Siddhartha grew up. It is easy, suitable for all ages and best from October to March, or at Buddha Jayanti in April or May. Flights, hotels, a Buddhist-heritage guide and entry fees are included. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 4 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Cultural and pilgrimage tour - **Max altitude:** 1,400 m / 4,593 ft (Kathmandu) - **Best season:** Oct–Mar (Buddha Jayanti in Apr/May) - **Group size:** 1–15 - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Lumbini - **Meals:** Breakfast daily - **Price:** from US$490 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/lumbini-buddhist-pilgrimage-tour - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=lumbini-buddhist-pilgrimage-tour ## Overview Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, was born in Lumbini in about 563 BC. The site was rediscovered in 1896 when archaeologists found the **Ashoka Pillar**, whose inscription records the Emperor Ashoka's visit to the birthplace. Today Lumbini is one of the four holiest sites in Buddhism, and a place of peace for visitors of every faith. The **sacred garden** contains the Maya Devi Temple, built over the exact spot where Buddha is believed to have been born, the Puskarini pond where Queen Maya Devi bathed, and prayer flags strung between old trees. North of it, a long canal divides the **monastic zone**, where countries have built monasteries in their own styles: the golden Myanmar pagoda, the Thai Royal Monastery, the German Great Lotus Stupa and many more. ### Lumbini tour at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration4 days from KathmanduTravelFlights Kathmandu – Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha International Airport)Main sitesMaya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, sacred garden, monastic zone, World Peace PagodaDay tripTilaurakot (ancient Kapilvastu)GradeEasyBest timeOctober–March; Buddha Jayanti in April or May### Highlights - **Maya Devi Temple** and the marker stone of Buddha's birth. - **Ashoka Pillar** from 249 BC. - **Monastic zone** with monasteries from over 20 countries. - **World Peace Pagoda** built by Japanese Buddhists. - **Tilaurakot**, the palace of the Shakya kingdom. ### When to visit Lumbini The winter months are pleasantly warm by day and cool in the morning; fog can delay flights in December and January. **Buddha Jayanti**, the celebration of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, brings pilgrims from across Asia. From April to September the Terai is very hot. ### Combine Lumbini Lumbini combines well with **Chitwan National Park** (about 4 hours by road) or **Pokhara**, and with Buddhist sites in Kathmandu such as **Boudhanath** and **Swayambhunath**. ## Highlights - Maya Devi Temple, birthplace of Buddha (UNESCO site) - Ashoka Pillar and the sacred garden - Monasteries of the international monastic zone - Tilaurakot, ancient Kapilvastu - Short flights from Kathmandu, easy for all ages ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) We pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel. Evening visit to Boudhanath Stupa. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Fly to Bhairahawa, Lumbini sacred garden Short flight to Bhairahawa and drive to Lumbini. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar and Puskarini pond, and join the evening prayers. _Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 3: Monastic zone and Tilaurakot Explore the monastic zone and World Peace Pagoda in the morning, then drive to Tilaurakot, the ruins of Kapilvastu palace. _Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 4: Fly to Kathmandu and departure Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the airport or your hotel. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 1 night in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Lumbini with breakfast - Return flights Kathmandu – Bhairahawa - Private vehicle for sightseeing in Lumbini and Tilaurakot - English-speaking guide with knowledge of Buddhist heritage - Entry fees to Lumbini and Tilaurakot - All government taxes ## Not included - International flights and Nepal visa fee - Lunch and dinner - Travel insurance - Donations and offerings at temples - Personal expenses and tips ## Useful information ### Dress and etiquette Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes inside the Maya Devi Temple and monasteries, walk clockwise around stupas and ask before photographing monks. ### Weather Lumbini is in the hot Terai. October to March is pleasant, although morning fog can delay flights in December and January. Summer temperatures reach 40°C. ### Flights Domestic flights have a baggage allowance of about 20 kg. Fog or weather can cause delays; we rebook or switch to road travel if needed. ### Visa Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. ## Packing list - Light, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - Slip-on shoes for temples - Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen - Light jacket for winter mornings - Mosquito repellent - Passport and insurance details ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is Lumbini? In the Rupandehi district of southern Nepal, near the Indian border, about 30 minutes from Bhairahawa airport. ### Why is Lumbini important? It is the **birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama**, the Buddha, and one of Buddhism's four holiest sites. ### How do I get to Lumbini from Kathmandu? By a 35-minute flight to Bhairahawa or a 8–9 hour drive. This tour uses flights. ### How many days do I need in Lumbini? Two full days are enough for the sacred garden, monastic zone and Tilaurakot. ### What is the best time to visit? **October to March**. Buddha Jayanti in April or May is special but hot. ### Is Lumbini a UNESCO site? Yes, since 1997. ### What is the monastic zone? An area where Buddhist countries have built monasteries in their national styles. ### Can non-Buddhists visit? Yes, everyone is welcome. ### What is Tilaurakot? The archaeological site believed to be Kapilvastu, where Prince Siddhartha lived before his renunciation. ### Can I combine it with Chitwan? Yes, Chitwan is about four hours by road. ### What should I wear? Modest clothing and shoes that are easy to remove. ### How much does the Lumbini tour cost? The price box shows the per-person cost, which goes down as your group gets bigger.