Lumbini Tour is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha – Messenger of Peace. Lord Buddha was born in Nepal in 623 B.C. As a prince, his mother, Maya Devi, was going to her maternal town. The Lumbini tour is one of the four holy places of Buddhism.
It is located in the Kapilvastu district of Nepal, about 306 km west of Kathmandu. The Lumbini is a pilgrimage tour that also displays the tremendous archaeological triumph of humanity.
Lumbini contains 62 archaeological sites that exhibit different events during and after Buddha’s life. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. However, The Mayadevi temple is a significant ancient heritage that houses the old idol of Mayadevi, the Birthmarker stone, and the ruins from the 3rd century B.C. to the 7th century B.C.
The Birth Marker stone precisely marks the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Emperor Ashoka inscribed and erected the Ashoka Pillar in 249 BC behind and to the west of the Mayadevi Temple.
The pillar and inscription are the testaments of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The holy and ancient Pushkirini Lake is situated near the Ashoka Pillar. It is believed that Mayadevi had bathed in the lake before giving birth to Lord Buddha.
The Lumbini Museum preserves historical artifacts and has an extensive collection of Mauryan and Kushana coins, religious manuscripts, terracotta fragments, and stone and metal sculptures related to Buddhism.
The eternal World Peace flame in the center of the Lumbini garden, which flows continuously 24 hours a day, is also a significant attraction. During the Lumbini Tour, Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihara, Devdaha, and Sagarhawa are other famous religious and archaeological sites.
Lumbini Tour Cost
Various factors cause fluctuation in the Lumbini tour cost. One of the major factors that affect the cost of a tour is the size of the group. We are providing discounts in large numbers to groups. Even if you are solo we still manage our best to provide you a discount. But a large number of groups get more discounts than small groups or solo travelers.
Another factor that varies overall cost is the duration of the trip. Generally, the tour is completed within 3 days including the drive and exploration of Lumbini, and then return to Kathmandu. But if you want to extend your package by adding some activities and exploration areas, we are ready for that too. In such cases, the cost increases, and fluctuation in cost arises.
Your preference for transportation also determines your price for the Lumbini Tour. you have the option to travel either by airplane, bus or by car. If you choose to travel by airplane the cost increases as it is an expensive mode of transportation. If you choose a bus it is the most budget friendly. And cars are also expensive but not more expensive than airplanes.
We provide you with accommodation at the finest hotel in Lumbini. Still, if you prefer to stay in a more luxurious one your cost increases. Generally, we include your accommodation on your trekking package but if you desire a luxurious one the cost increases.
For the exact cost of a customized itinerary, contact Boundless Adventure at +977 9851103819.
Gautam Buddha
Siddhartha Gautman, commonly known as Lord Gautamn Buddha is a leader of spirituality and founder of the religion of Buddhism. The exact birthdate of Lord Buddha is still unknown but the people celebrate his birth date on Buddha Purnima which falls in April or May and there is a belief that he was born in the 5th century BCE in Lumbini Nepal.
Siddhartha Gautama was born into a Royal family and his father, Śuddhodana was a King. According to the traditional belief Siddhartha Guatman Buddha lived a sheltered life, to escape from the miseries of the world. After dissatisfaction with his luxurious lifestyle, he began on a spiritual journey to better understand the essence of suffering and discover a way to overcome it.
At the age of 29, Lord Buddha sacrificed his imperial status and began a spiritual journey in search of enlightenment. After years of meditation and spiritual practice under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, Buddha attained enlightenment at the age of 35. The incident reflected his awakening to the truth of life, and he became known as the Buddha, which signifies “the awakened one.”
After getting enlightenment, the Lord spends his remaining life on the path of Dharma or the path of freedom from suffering. His teaching pointed our four valuable truths:
- The truth of suffering (dukkha)
- The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
- The truth of the end of suffering (nirodha)
- The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering (magga)
The philosophy of the Buddha highlighted kindness, mindfulness, and the growth of wisdom. He encouraged his followers to question and investigate his teachings rather than accepting them blindly.
The Guatman Buddha has directed the eightfold noble paths including right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The philosophy of Lord Buddha has made a deep impact on the world by inspiring millions of people to seek inner peace, freedom from suffering, and spiritual awakening. For this reason, Buddhism is the major religion with a large number of followers throughout Asia and around the world.
Kathmandu Valley UNESCO Sightseeing
On your first day of itinerary, you’ll have a visit to the Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO sightseeing. On the Kathmandu exploration day, You’ll explore some of the famous and significant sites. First, you’ll explore Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Durbar Square is a significant site for cultural and historical aspects and a part of a world UNESCO heritage site.
The Durbar is home to more than 50 temples which is why it is known as the “museum of temple”. It is one of the oldest durbar squares which used to be a royal place of Malla kings in ancient times of Nepal and was built between the 4th to 8th centuries in a Nepalese architectural style. Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Taleju Temple, the Kumari Ghar (residence of the Living Goddess), and the Kal Bhairav Temple are some prominent structures, you’ll get sightseeing at the time of exploration.
Swayambhunath monastery/ Stupa is another site of UNESCO you’ll have exploration after Kathmandu Durbar Square. Swayambhunath, the Buddhist religious site located at the top of the hill at Swayambhu. The monastery is also known as a monkey temple as several monkeys are there all around the stupa’s areas.
The monastery is on top of the hill with a big white stupa golden spires, prayer flags, and beautiful decorations. One of the most notable features of the stupa is the pair of eyes on both sides of the main stupa. The eyes are also known as the “Eyes of Buddha” or the “Wisdom Eyes,” which are on all four sides of the stupa signifying the Buddha’s all-seeing wisdom and enlightenment. Besides the main stupa, you can visit the other shrines, temples, statues, and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries at the complex of Swayambhunath stupa.
Boudhanath stupa is another significant site for the Buddhist religion you’ll get insight into on Kathmandu sightseeing day. The Boudhanath stupa is a famous tourist destination in Kathmandu. The stupa is in dome shape with a massive hemisphere and decorated with prayer flags, prayer wheels, and intricate carvings. You can get involved in various activities on the stupa including spinning prayer wheels and lighting butter lamps.
Your last sightseeing at Kathmandu on the day is Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple and a UNESCO heritage site. At the Gaushala, Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath temple is on the bank of the Bagmati river. The temple is the holiest place in Nepal and a pilgrimage site for Hindus around the world. The temple is in pagoda style with wood carvings, golden spires, and fancy decorations. Furthermore, the temple is not only a place to worship but also a cultural landmark and a symbol of Nepal’s religious identity.
Visiting all of these UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu provides you with a sense of spirituality and peacefulness of mind and body.
Aerial View Option From Kathmandu to Lumbini
For the aerial view option from Kathmandu to Lumbini, you have the option to go by airplane. While choosing an airplane service you’ll take a flight from the domestic airport of Kathmandu and land at the nearest airport of Lumbini, Bhairahawa. The flight takes 30 minutes.
The airplane flight takes you through the aerial view with a bird’s gaze of Nepal’s distinct landscape. As you take off from Kathmandu you’ll see the beauty of Kathmandu Valley with big buildings, temples, and dense forests in some areas. As you get closer to Lumbini the landscape changes showcasing the fertile plains of the Terai extending below. Rivers flow through the lush greenery and agricultural land surrounding the landscape, providing you with a glimpse into the region’s agricultural cultivation.
As you get to Lumbini, you’ll see the sacred area from above with clear temple spires standing within the calm surroundings. The aerial view provides a unique perspective to appreciate the beauty of the Lumbini complex along with the Maya Devi temple and peaceful surrounding areas.
Exploration Day at Lumbini
Exploration Day at Lumbini provides you with a sense of spirituality and profoundness. On the Lumbini exploration day, you’ll move to Tilaurakot, early in the morning. It is a historical site of Kapilvastu and lord Siddhartha Gautam Buddha.
After returning from Tilaurakot you’ll visit prominent sites of Lumbini including Maya Devi temple, Ashoka pillar, monasteries, garden, sacred pond, and meditation centre.
At Mayadevi temple you can explore the area where queen Mayadevi gave birth to lord Siddhartha Gautam Buddha and can see devotees praying. Visiting the temple provides you with a calm atmosphere. Exploring the Ashoka pillar provides you insight into historical artifacts and their significance in spreading Buddhist teachings.
Lumbini is the home of several monasteries that were built by various Buddhist communities from around the world. Exploration of the monasteries provides you insight and understanding of different cultures of Buddhism through their unique architectural styles and spiritual practices.
Tilaurakot
Tilaurakot is the area of Kapilvastu Municipality in Kapilvastu district in the Lumbini province. The village lies in southern Nepal and used to be the village development committee. The village is 25 km northwest of Maya Devi temple and holds great significance in cultural and historical significance in the context of Buddha’s life and Philosophy.
People believe that Tilaurakot used to be the capital city of the Shakya Kingdom where lord Buddha spent his early prince’s life. Siddhartha Gautama Buddha spent his life in Tilaurakot for 29 years and lived a sheltered life within the palace before starting his spiritual journey.
Archaeological excavations at Tilaurakot have found several artifacts and structures which are about of sixth century BCE, providing a unique glimpse into ancient architectural styles. During your exploration time at Tilaurakot, you can get insight into ancient architectural styles by looking at buildings, walls, and gates in the area.
The remains of the palace of King Suddhonath, father of Lord Buddha is the major attraction of Tilaurakot. Although the Palace is destructed now, the remaining objects provide insight into the royal family’s luxurious way of living and the social structure of the Sakyan family during the ancient era.
Travel in Lumbini
Lumbini is the Birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal, and Buddha was born in Nepal. Lord Buddha was born into the royal place in the 7th century but was enlightened in Gowa.
However, His name was Siddhartha Gautam; he became famous as Lord Buddha. Many Buddhist pilgrimages travel to the Lumbini every year around the world. Lumbini is 255 Km west of Kathmandu but near the border of India.