Lumbini Cultural Tour

Lumbini Cultural Tour

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the emblem of peace and compassion. It lies 21 km west of Bhairahawa and 282 km southwest of Kathmandu. Lumbini is a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a place of spiritual significance for peace lovers of all religions around the world. The sacred garden is the central attraction, featuring the Maya Devi Temple symbolizing the birth of Buddha, the Ashoka Pillar that marks the exact birthplace, and the Shakya Tank, where Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth to Buddha. Surrounding this holy site are the ruins of monasteries and chaityas built over the centuries following Buddha’s birth in 632 BC.

Overview

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the emblem of peace and compassion. It lies 21 km west of Bhairahawa and 282 km southwest of Kathmandu. Lumbini is a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a place of spiritual significance for peace lovers of all religions around the world. The sacred garden is the central attraction, featuring the Maya Devi Temple symbolizing the birth of Buddha, the Ashoka Pillar that marks the exact birthplace, and the Shakya Tank, where Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth to Buddha. Surrounding this holy site are the ruins of monasteries and chaityas built over the centuries following Buddha’s birth in 632 BC.

The Lumbini garden spans 2.56 sq. km and experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with a warm, wet season. The historical significance of Lumbini was reaffirmed by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka’s visit in 294 BC, who erected a stone pillar with

Trip Facts

Fact

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the emblem of peace and compassion.

Group Size

Maximum 20

Maximum Elevation

150 meters

Location

Lumbini, Nepal (282 km southwest of Kathmandu)

Route

Kathmandu - Lumbini - Kathmandu (or Pokhara/Chitwan)

Best Season

Winter (Dec–Feb) with clear skies and comfortable daytime temps, and autumn/spring

Accommodation

Hotel / Guest House (2-3 star hotel provided, higher star available at extra cost)

Transportation

Tourist bus, local buses, private vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans), domestic flights, rickshaws, electric carts.

Major Trip Attraction
- Birthplace of Lord Buddha

Lumbini is the sacred site where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Lord Buddha, was born in 632 BC—making it one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the world.

- Spiritual Hub for All Faiths

Beyond its Buddhist significance, Lumbini welcomes peace seekers of every religion, offering a tranquil space for meditation, reflection, and reverence.

- Maya Devi Temple and Sacred Garden

The central attraction includes the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and Shakya Tank—each symbolizing key moments in Buddha’s birth narrative.

- Ancient Monasteries and Historical Ruins

Ruins of centuries-old monasteries and chaityas surround the sacred area, reflecting the devotion of followers across generations.

- Subtropical Climate and Natural Serenity

Set within a 2.56 sq. km garden, Lumbini’s warm, subtropical climate and lush greenery offer a peaceful retreat for spiritual visitors.

- Historical Rediscovery and Archaeological Legacy

Rediscovered in 1896 by General Khadga Shamsher Rana and Dr. Alois Führer, Lumbini features the Ashokan Pillar inscribed with the emperor’s declaration of Buddha’s birthplace.

- Influential Visits by Global Pilgrims

Famous Chinese pilgrims—Tseng Tsai, Fa-Hsien, and Hiuen Tsang—documented visits between the 4th and 7th centuries, validating Lumbini’s global importance.

- Ongoing Preservation and Development Efforts

The Lumbini Master Plan, designed by Prof. Kenzo Tange in 1970 and managed by the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) since 1985, continues to safeguard and develop the area.

- Extendable Travel Programs with Asian Hiking Team

Asian Hiking Team offers a flexible two-night stay in Lumbini, with optional extensions to Chitwan Jungle Safari, Tansen, Pokhara, Annapurna trekking, or Trishuli River rafting.

Itinerary
Day1
Kathmandu to Lumbini (flight or drive), overnight at Lumbini.
Day2
Explore Lumbini, overnight in Lumbini.
Day3
Return journey from Lumbini to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Route map
Inclusion
Land Transport / Domestic Air ticket
  • All land transport as itinerary (if you want flight, let us know, Add onces options).
Accommodation during the tour
  • Accommodation during the tour: Single/Twin-sharing room as itinerary. Asian Hiking Team provide on cost 2-3 star hotel. If you want higher star please add on option cost.
Breakfast
  • All breakfast are includes on the cost with hot drinks Tea/Coffee (black, milk tea, or ginger lemon honey tea) etc.
Lumbini entrance fees
  • Lumbini entrance fees.
Entrance fees

Temple, Monastery, Durbar Square, Museum etc

Tour Guide
  • A First Aid and Eco trained & Government licensed holder professional equipped English-speaking Tour guide.
Tour Map /Itinerary
  • Asian Hiking Team provides free a copy of tour map /Tour Itinerary to our client.
Souvenir from company
  • Asian Hiking Team provide the company T-short for a souvenir / Map / itinerary.
Certificate
  • Asian Hiking Team provide tour success certificate for your memory and awardees.
Exclusion
International Air Ticket
  • International air ticket to/from Nepal.
Nepal Visa fees
Accommodation
  • If you stay an additional day, you need to pay an extra cost.
Meals
  • Lunch and Dinner are not includes.
Personal Natural Expensive
  • Personal tour gears & clothing (some of the equipment is possible to rent in Kathmandu): please check in check list for equipment list
Insurance
  • Medical evacuation in case of emergency, expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. in such case extra will be charged as per actual.
Hot, cold drinks and snacks
  • All cold drinks
  • Pack energy bars, nuts, chocolate for quick energy boosts between meals.
Tips/donation
  • The tips for Tour guide or hotel: It's a way to show appreciation for good service and is often left as a small present or in addition. Tips are a common practice in many cultures and are often expected for services. It is not fix amount, so you can own decide. If you want to donation to school or Charities.
Additional language
  • If you are looking your own language tour guide, yes it is possible, but you need to pay extra so add on option cost.
Fixed Dates
Nov 4, 2025
Nov 6, 2025
Open
3 days
2
Nov 26, 2025
Nov 28, 2025
Open
3 days
1
Dec 22, 2025
Dec 24, 2025
Open
3 days
4
Jan 2, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
Open
3 days
3
Mar 2, 2026
Mar 4, 2026
Open
3 days
12
Jun 9, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
Open
3 days
10
Sep 8, 2026
Sep 10, 2026
Open
3 days
4
Dec 12, 2026
Dec 14, 2026
Open
3 days
5
Jan 24, 2027
Jan 26, 2027
Open
3 days
3
Need a custom date? Enquire us for customized package.
Essential Information
Tailored Add-ons & Options

Tailored add-ons in Nepal trips refer to customizable essentials that enhance and personalize your travel experience, allowing you to align your journey with specific interests, preferences, and schedules. These add-ons can be combined into various types of trips, including trekking, expedition, climbing, cultural tours, wildlife safaris, and adventure activities.

Customized Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to homestays, to match your comfort and budget preferences. Upgrade your stay to accommodation featuring attached bathrooms during your trek. Enjoy additional comfort at select stops.

Flight to Goutam Buddha (Bhairawa) International Airport: if you want flight from Kathmandu or Pokhara is possible instant of long bus drive. The price is changeable, so please check it.

Helicopter/mountain flight: if you have short time frame, we recommended you that one hour Mountain flight or helicopter flight to visit Everest base camp or Annapurna base camp or Langtang (Kyanjin Gomaba) or Gosaikunda, Muktinath....

Accommodation and Meals

Lumbini also offers numerous budget-friendly accommodations, including guesthouses and star hostels, particularly in areas. These establishments provide basic amenities and are popular among backpackers and budget travelers.

Transport for tour

Lumbini

There are direct flight from Kathmandu to Bhairawa and 45 minutes’ drive to Lumbini. There are available drive from Kathmandu to Lumbini by tourist bus/ Local Buses. It takes 12-16 hours. Lumbini tours typically use private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, or tourist vans based on group size and preference. Transport is comfortable and air-conditioned, with an experienced driver familiar with the area.

Guided tours cover the Sacred Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Ashokan Pillar, monastic zones (East & West), and Lumbini Museum. Some areas within the heritage site are accessed by rickshaws or electric carts, especially within the monastic zone. Walking is encouraged around the peaceful temple complexes. Lumbini is reachable by road from major cities like Bhairahawa, Butwal, or Kathmandu, and transport is usually included in tour packages with hotel transfers.

Climate & weather

General Climate Overview

Nepal's climate is incredibly diverse due to its dramatic range in altitude—from the lowland Terai plains (around 60 meters above sea level) to the Himalayan peaks above 8,000 meters. The country experiences five main seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter.

Lumbini

Climate type: Humid subtropical with hot summers (up to 40 °C pre‑monsoon) and mild winters (~10–20 °C). Best times: Winter (Dec–Feb) with clear skies and comfortable daytime temps, and autumn/spring

Terai Region (Southern Plains)

Climate: Subtropical Summer (May–June): Hot and humid, temperatures often exceed 37°C Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild, temperatures range between 7°C to 23°C Receives significant rainfall during the monsoon (June–September)

Hilly Region (Mid-Hills & Valleys)

Climate: Mild and temperate Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara experience: Summer: 19°C – 35°C Winter: 2°C – 12°C Pleasant weather year-round with occasional winter chills and summer showers

Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different trekking experiences:

Autumn (September–November)

Best trekking season Clear skies, excellent mountain views. Warm days, cold nights (as low as...

Tour permit

Tour entry fees in Lumbini

Maya Devi Temple Complex) Foreign Nationals: NPR 700 SAARC Nationals: NPR 400 Indian Nationals: NPR 16 Nepali Citizens: NPR 20

Lumbini Museum Foreign Nationals: NPR 50 SAARC Nationals: NPR 50 Nepali Citizens: NPR 10

Tour Guide

Asian Hiking Team’s tour Guides are professionals with recognized records of honesty and personal integrity, committed to environmentally responsible trekking practices that minimize ecological impact.

Asian Hiking team tour guide has licensed by the Government of Nepal through the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) and Nepal Mountain Academic. They have several years of experience in the field, especially in cultural, religion, heritage, and adventure tours. Skilled in storytelling, sharing legends, myths, and spiritual meanings behind temples, mountains, and rituals. Experts in UNESCO sites (e.g., Kathmandu, Bhaktapur), fluent in history, architecture, and local customs. All certified guides speak fluent English and additional languages as your request. Friendly, professional, and well-mannered. Our guide are friendly, professional, and well-mannered. Trained in customer service, problem-solving, and group handling. Skilled in storytelling, sharing legends, myths, and spiritual meanings behind temples, mountains, and rituals.

We provide to all tour guide:

Insurance: Mandatory coverage for medical...

Credit cards/foreign currency/ ATM

Credit cards like American Express, Master and Visa are accepted at major hotels, shops, Travel Company and restaurants. 3.5 to 4 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATMs are widely in use such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan-Sauraha, Bhairahawa, Namche, Lukla, Jomsom, Nepaljung, Biratnagar, Lumbini and other major cities and district head office.

All major cities or touristic place have money changer or Exchanger counter or Bank exchange counter. Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) provide service for exchanging foreign currency too.

Responsible tourism

At Asian Hiking Team, we believe that every journey should be both transformative for the traveler and respectful to the host environment and communities. Responsible tourism isn’t just a practice—it’s a core value that shapes how we operate, lead tours, and engage with people and places.

Environmental Responsibility

We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations while encouraging a greener way of traveling.

Our eco-conscious practices include:

  • Limiting group sizes to a maximum of 20 to reduce environmental pressure.
  • Using stainless steel mugs for tea/coffee to reduce single-use waste.
  • Relying on gas for cooking instead of wood fires, preserving forests.
  • Carrying out waste from high altitudes for proper city disposal.
  • Avoiding the use of soap near natural water sources.
  • Using reusable containers and encouraging travelers to bring their own refillable water bottles.
  • Leaving campsites cleaner...
Visa and Documents

On Arrival' visa procedure is very quick and simple. You can expect some queues during peak Tourist season. If you wish to skip those queues, you can also consider getting Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed abroad prior to your arrival. Choice is yours. Visas obtained on Arrival at the Entry and Exit points are 'Tourist Visas'. They bear multiple Re-entry facility. Tourist Visa 'On Arrival' is the only entry visa to Nepal.

For visa information -

Online visa procedure - https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/

Please follow these simple procedures for Tourist Visa on Arrival at the airport (TIA)

1st Step Fill in Online Tourist visa Form http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa (you can fill it up prior to your arrival visiting our official website Department of Immigration / fill it up using Kiosk machines upon your arrival at the airport). If you fill it from the website, you will get submission Receipt with barcode, please print it out and bring...

Checklist

Daypack or backpack : (suitcase for all gears)

Comfortable walking shoes :

Light jacket or sweater :

Some pair of T-shirts and Shirts :

Bathing clothes :

Sun hat or cap :

Lightweight scarf or shawl : (for temple visits)

Sunglasses with UV protection :

Neutral-colored clothing (avoid red/bright) : - if you are planning to do jungle safari trip

Comfortable sandals :

Sunscreen and lip balm :

Water bottle : (refillable)

Travel umbrella or raincoat : (if travel in monsoon)

Power bank and adapters : (Nepal uses 230V, Type C/D/M plugs)

Travel documents : passeport, permit, insurance, visa/master car etc.

Personal medications and first aid kit :

Camera or phone with charger :

Small notebook and pen :

Hand sanitizer and face mask :

Torchlight or headlamp : (if travel in outside of Kathmandu and Bokhara)

Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is Lumbini known for?
2) When was Lumbini rediscovered?
3) What are the main attractions in Lumbini?
4) What is the best time to visit Lumbini?
5) How can I travel to Lumbini from Kathmandu?
6) Are meals included in the tour package?
7) What is the visa process for Nepal?
8) What is Asian Hiking Team's policy on responsible tourism?
9) Can I extend my trip from Lumbini?
View All
USD
BEST DEAL
$299
$373.75Save $74.75
per person
20% OFF
Duration
3 Days
Guaranteed Departures
All-Inclusive Pricing
Customizable Itineraries
Write review ?

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience!