In the flat farmland of the western Terai, close to the Indian border, lies one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. Lumbini is where, according to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha, was born to Queen Maya Devi in the 6th century BCE. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Today Lumbini is a peaceful place of gardens, pools and monasteries built by Buddhist communities from around the world.
Quick answer: Lumbini (about 150 m) is in the western Terai, about 30 minutes from Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha International Airport). See the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, the sacred pool and the monastic zone. Best time: October–March. Allow 1–2 days.
Lumbini at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Significance | Birthplace of the Buddha |
| UNESCO | World Heritage Site, 1997 |
| Nearest airport | Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha International Airport) |
| From Kathmandu | About 1 hour by air plus 30 minutes by road, or 8–10 hours by road |
| Best time | October–March |
| Time needed | 1–2 days |
What to see
- Maya Devi Temple, protecting the marker stone said to show the exact spot of the Buddha's birth.
- Ashoka Pillar, erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, with an inscription recording his visit.
- Puskarini, the sacred pool where Maya Devi is said to have bathed.
- The monastic zone, with monasteries built by countries including China, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Germany and others.
- World Peace Pagoda and the long central canal.
Best time to visit
October–March is pleasant, though December and January bring morning fog. April–June is very hot. Buddha Jayanti, the Buddha's birthday in April or May, draws many pilgrims.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Lumbini combines well with Chitwan or a journey to western Nepal. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.