How To Get From Kathmandu To Lumbini?
Lumbini is one of the amazingly peaceful and spiritual sites in the world located in western Terai of Nepal having 25 Buddhist monasteries built by different countries.
Lumbini is one of the amazingly peaceful and spiritual sites in the world located in western Terai of Nepal having 25 Buddhist monasteries built by different countries. This is the sacred place where Siddhartha Gautam was born in 623 BC and later got enlightenment becoming Lord Buddha. Some of the attractions of this reverent land include:
- Mayadevi Temple built in the 3rd century
- Dozens of Buddhist monasteries and stupas
- Visit World Peace Flame and World Peace Stupa
- Ashoka Pillar built in 249 BC
- Popular Lumbini Museum
The world today is almost filled with people following Buddhist philosophy; Buddhism. Thus, the flow of visitors to Lumbini from different corners of the world is rapidly increasing. Exploring the facts of Buddha and Buddhism, meditation, and visiting the birthplace of Buddha within the holy Mayadevi Gardens are the major attractions of your Nepal Visit.
How To Travel From Kathmandu To Lumbini?
The distance from Kathmandu to Lumbini is about 250 kilometers. There are three different options for you to make an amazing trip to this holy land of Lumbini. Taking a flight with a short drive, hiring a private car, or using a tourist/local bus are the different alternatives depending upon time, budget, and interest.
Flight From Kathmandu To Lumbini
Flight: 35 min. Drive: 1 hour (22 km)
Despite having extended territory, the Lumbini lacks an airport of its own. The travelers wishing to take a flight are required to take the Kathmandu-Bhairahawa flight and then take about an hour’s drive to reach Lumbini. The Bhairahawa airport at Siddharthanagar is being upgraded as the second international airport in Nepal. The government of Nepal has recently renamed this airport Gautam Buddha Airport honoring Lord Buddha.
A nearly 35 minutes flight from Tribhuvan International airport takes you to Gautam Buddha Airport at Siddharthanagar which is about 22 kilometers away from Lumbini. Upon landing at the Siddharthanagar airport, a private car receives you for Lumbini. If you are an independent traveler, you can also take a public bus which is significantly cheaper.
Drive From Kathmandu To Lumbini (Private Car/Tourist Bus)
Time: 7 hrs. Distance: 250 km
If there is no timing issue, planning the journey by a luxury tourist bus with air condition is a great experience. Make a special request to your seat-partner to let you sit at the window side so that you can cherish the astonishing landscapes along the Prithivi Highway.
The greenery around the Trisuli River flowing almost parallel to the highway adds extra charm to the 7/8 hours long journey making you feel that time is flying in no time.
Hiring a private car is another excellent way to travel. Although it is quite expensive, it is the best option as you can begin your trip at your convenient time and stop as many times as you want.
Drive From Kathmandu To Lumbini (Normal Bus)
A few buses leave for Lumbini every day from Balaju Buspark. Travelers especially independent ones with lower budgets prefer to use these vehicles. They are comparatively cheaper but not as comfortable as the tourist buses.
They might take a little longer to reach the destination as they stop many times for receiving and dropping the passengers on the way. Himalayan-Masters always recommends the private car or the domestic flight for its clients as they are faster, safer, and more convenient.
Past Glories Of The Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha carries global significance. This place explores the glorious facts of 2500 years where queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam who later became famous in the world as ‘Buddha’. The ‘Bodhi’ tree is one of the attractions related to the birth of Siddhartha Gautam.
Buddhism claims that Mayadevi grasped a branch of the tree while giving birth to Siddhartha. This holy site is believed to be forgotten and ignored for a long and was rediscovered in the 19th century. The written description of medieval Chinese pilgrimage and the inscription found on two thousand years old sandstone pillars were compared in the identification process.
What Can You Expect In Lumbini?
The widely stretched arena of Lumbini is one of the important religious sites enlisted in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It’s an amazing land with dozens of monasteries built by different countries in the world. It is more interesting that the countries have used their own national styles for building monasteries.
The Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, ancient bathing pond, and the sacred Bodhi tree are the major attractions of Lumbini.
Best Time To Visit Lumbini
Lumbini allows visitors in its territory throughout the year. However, the cool winter months are a better time as it lies in the lowlands of Terai. Spring and autumn seasons also attract thousands of domestic and international tourists. Comparatively fewer visitors choose this site during the month with hot weather as it becomes quite hot.
4 Days Itinerary For Lumbini Visit
Five days Lumbini tour is suitable for the cultural and religious enthusiasts wishing to explore peaceful and amazingly spiritual sites in the Southern plain of Nepal.
Overall Glance of the Itinerary
- Day 1: Welcome to Nepal
- Day 2: Drive to Lumbini or Fly to Gautam Buddha Airport and drive to Lumbini
- Day 3: Explore Lumbini
- Day 4: Drive back to Kathmandu
- Day 5: Depart Nepal
Day 1: Welcome to Nepal
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the representative of Himalayan-Masters will receive you and take you to one of the luxurious hotels in a private car.
Probably in the late afternoon, there will be a pre-trip meeting at the hotel or in our office in order to finalize our trip plan. There will also be an introduction with the guide. Many of your queries regarding the trip will be answered by the guide and other experts.
Do remember to carry your passport, three copies of passport size photos, and a copy of your travel insurance policy before attending the meeting.
Overnight at a Five Star Hotel
Day 2: Drive to Lumbini or Fly to Gautam Buddha Airport and drive to Lumbini
The distance from Kathmandu to Lumbini is about 250 kilometers. You can choose either the flight or the bus travel. See how to travel from Kathmandu to the Lumbini section for detailed information.
Overnight at one of the best hotels
Day 3: Explore Lumbini
The followings are the major stations to visit.
- Temples built in the 3rd century
- Dozens of Buddhist monasteries and stupas
- Visit World Peace Flame and World Peace Stupa
- Ashoka Pillar built in 249 BC
- Popular Lumbini Museum
- Overnight at one of the fine hotels
Day 4: Drive back to Kathmandu
If you want to take the flight, drive to Bhairahawa Airport at Siddharthanagar and then take a flight. A direct bus from Lumbini to Kathmandu is also possible. Travelers organizing the tour with Himalayan-Masters need not worry about finding and managing the vehicles as our guide will manage everything for our organized clients.
Day 5: Depart Nepal
It is the final day of your trip and the day to leave Nepal. Manage all your things in the hotel and check out in time for catching the plane. It is the best idea to reach the airport at least three hours prior to the scheduled flight time.
The representative of Himalayan-Masters will come to the airport to say goodbye. Have an amazing and safe flight to your home! If you have any disaffection with our services, please write to us so that we can improve in the days to come. If you are satisfied, recommend our services to many of your friends and relatives.
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