Lumbini Historical Religious Tours(Buddha was Born in Nepal)

Snow Bank Adventure Pvt Ltd

Accommodation: Hotel(4-star) in Kathmandu/Lumbini
Best Season: Spring/ Autumn
Trip Grade: Tour

Trip Duration: 3 Days
Transportation: Car / Flight
Activities: Tour
Start/End Point: Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Trip Overview

Introduction:

Lumbini Historical and religious tour in the land of holiest of all holy place of Buddhism religion, where visit leads to Nepal Far South West at Lumbini the famous and renowned birth place of Lord Buddha known as the Light of Asia.

Much confusion arose past decades regarding the birth site of Lord Buddha, but actual history proves that Buddha was born in Nepal located south west of the country near to India border of UP (Utter Pradesh).

Many discovered sites declares Lord Buddha or prince Siddhartha also known as Gautam Buddha was born in this fertile land of Lumbini of Rupendhi district, close to Bhairwa airport called as Gautam Buddha Airport.

Journey to Lumbini Historical religious tour begins with scenic flight to land at Bhairwa airport and then taking a short drive of less than hour to reach the hotel or resorts for overnight stay close to the premises of Lord Buddha birth sites, which is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Here with time for interesting and impressive tour at places of great interest from the site of birth to holy bathing pond of Lord Buddha with many places to visit equally interesting and fascinating on your two days time in Lumbini.

Lumbini Historical Religious Tour of two days leads you to visit as follows:

Lumbini:
(Sanskrit for “the lovely”) a Buddhist pilgrimage site located at the Nepalese town of Kapilavastu, district Rupandehi.

Lumbini one of four Buddhist pilgrimage sites based on major events in the life of Gautama Buddha. Interestingly, all of the events occurred under trees.

The other three sites are in India: Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment), Sarnath (first Preaching and discourse), and Kushinagar (demise).

History:

Lumbini, traditional birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha took birth in 6^th Century B.C. the founder of Buddhism known as Light of Asia.

According to Buddhist tradition, Maya Devi gave birth to young Buddha on her way to her parent’s home in Devadaha in the month of May around 642 BC.
Feeling onset of labor pains, she grabbed hold the branches of a tree and delivered birth to Siddhartha Gautama, which was to become a Buddha.

Lord Buddha announced, “This is my final rebirth” as he entered the world. Buddhist tradition also has it that he walked immediately after his birth and took seven steps, under each of which a lotus flower bloomed.

In 249 BC, the Buddhist convert Emperor Asoka visited Lumbini and constructed four stupas and a stone pillar. Asoka’s Pillar bears an inscription that translates as: “King Piyadasi (Asoka), beloved of devas, in the 20 year of the coronation, himself made a royal visit, Buddha Sakyamuni having been born here, a stone railing was built and a stone pillar erected to the Bhagavan [“blessed one”] having been born here. Lumbini village was taxed reduced and entitled to the eight parts (only)”.

Monasteries and temples were built at Lumbini until the 9th century, but Buddhism declined in the area after the arrival of Islam and later Hinduism. All that remained was a sculpture, revered by local women as a fertility symbol. The garden of the Buddha’s birth was lost for a thousand years.

The site was rediscovered in 1895, when a German archaeologist came upon Asoka’s Pillar, identified by its inscription. Records made by the Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian were also used in the process of identifying this religiously acclaimed site. Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

What to See:

Lumbini lies in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. The site is a large garden with a grove of pipal trees. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself.

The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which enshrines the traditional site of the Buddha’s birth. The current temple stands on the site of earlier temples and stupas, including the stupa built by Asoka.

The modern temple consists mainly of simple white building that protects ancient ruins, with the exact spot of the Buddha’s birth identified. The delicate sandstone sculptures discovered here are now in the National Museum in Kathmandu.

Atop the temple is a small square tower of the type seen in Kathmandu, with Buddha eyes on each side and a golden pinnacle on top.

On the south side of the temple is a sacred pool (see top photo), where it is said Maya Devi bathed before giving birth, and where the newborn Buddha was washed by two dragons.

The Maha Devi temple is surrounded by the brick foundations of ancient temples and monasteries. All around Lumbini, long lines of colorful prayer flags are strung between trees. They carry prayers and mantras heavenward as they flap on the breeze.

The other main sight of interest at Lumbini is Asoka’s Pillar, near the temple. It is protected by a small fence, which is decorated with prayer flags and banners from the faithful. Around the courtyard containing the pillar are bowls for incense sticks, and there is room to sit in front of the pillar for contemplation.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/2,464ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu to Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha International Airport ) by flight

Day 03: Lumbini (bouddha Birth Place) Tour

Day 04: Bhairahawa to Kathmandu by Flight

Day 05: Final Departure

Details Itinerary

Cost Details

Cost Includes

Airport pick up and Drop
Farewell dinner at Nepali cultural restaurant
2-night Kathmandu hotel and 2-night Bhairahawa hotel bed and breakfast basis
Kathmandu and Bhairahawa sightseeing by private vehicle
Kathmandu-Bhairahawa-Kathmandu Flight Fare
Professional government registered tourist guide
All types of necessary government paperwork and government taxes

Cost Excludes

Personal expenses
Travel insurance and evacuation
Kathmandu city tour monument fees
Beverage and Bar bills( soft drinks, hard drinks, and mineral water)
Lunch and dinner
Tips for Guide

FAQ

Some brief statistics related to Nepal

The country Nepal spread east to west. It lies between Chain and India. The land area of Nepal is 1,47,512km2. It is the second biggest country in water sources. The current population of Nepal is 2,90,00,000. Among them 34% < 15yrs, 61% from 15-64yrs, 5% > 64yrs & 1,800 births/day. More than 125 languages and local dialects are spoken but Nepali is the most speaking language in Nepal. English is understood in tourist and trekking areas. Many trekking and tour guides can speak other western and eastern languages. Religions: Hindus are 81%, Buddhists are 9%(especially living in high Northern regions), Muslims are 4.5%, and Christians are1.4%. Land area:-1,47,181km2 Low Terai 20.1%, Middle Hills 56.2%, High Himalaya 23.7%, Arable land 16.8%, Forest 25.4% Time Zone: Nepal is 5’45” ahead from GMT and 15 minutes faster than Indian Time.

When is the best season of the year to visit Nepal?

There are two main trekking seasons in Nepal. Spring (From 3rd week of February to 1st week of May) and autumn(From 3rd week of September to 1st week of December ). These seasons are common to all trekking routes. The Everest and Annapurna regions are very crowded during march-April and mid-October to the end of November. The weather is warm with flowers in rain shadow areas during the monsoon seasons. But the flooding and landslide can be damaged to the mountain road which can make major delay in time schedule. Leeches also found in lower trails during the monsoon that can make uncomfortable while walking. The trekkers can explore all year round in Mustang but are cold from December to the beginning of March. Likewise, Dolpo can be visited from mid of August to the first week of October. Poon Hill and Helambu like short treks can do during the winter( December to February) but it is cold at night. It is also possible for Annapurna, Manaslu, and Everest Base camp treks but the weather is very cold which makes the treks to tough. The biggest season of tourist from October to December which is the best time to capture mountain views. There is also good temperature and clear sky after the monsoon. The Middle Hills and Terai region ( Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha) is the best time to explore in winter.

Culture and Festivals in Nepal

There are different races of people inhabitant in Nepal. So that they are having different culture and also celebrating different festivals throughout the country. You can found differ in culture and festivals by their religion too. The Hindu celebrates Dashain and Tihar which is held in October and November. Likewise, Buddist celebrates Loshar at different times. Gurungs and Tamangs are enjoying January and Sherpas are celebrating the month of February. But you can found some common festivals like holly(color’s festival) celebrating in every religion which held at end of February and March. You can get a chance to observe some cultural festivals like Indrejatra and Janai Purnima in August and Shiva Ratri in February. So many other festivals are celebrating throughout the country.

What types of travel documents are required for Nepal?

A six-month valid passport with some blank pages for a stamping visa is required. Do not forget to check your passport where correctly stamped arrival, departure, passport number, and visa date to avoid the possibility of complications. VISA Nepal provides an arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport. But you should complete the visa form with a recent passport size photo and pay the visa fee in foreign currency, preferably USD. Other major currencies are also acceptable. A single entry visa fee cost is 15 days USD 25.00 30 days USD 40.00 90 days USD 100.00 A foreigner can stay a maximum of 150 days in a calendar year. They can be extended visa from the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. A minimum extension is USD 30.00(to be paid in Nepalese rupees) for 15 days. Visa applications can be pre-registered online. Read the requirements and have a photo and all requested details available before starting the process. http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa Spare passport size photos and Document copies Better to bring 6-8 recent passport size photos and some copies of your passport for use on the visa application, visa extensions, and Trekking permits.

Is Insurance necessary?

Our guides are trained in first aid, carry a comprehensive medical kit, and can deal with most of the problems encountered on treks. However, in the case of a serious accident outside help needs to be available. That’s why comprehensive insurance is essential. Trekking is not possible without full insurance cover, which you can purchase in your home country. You need to have full, personal, travel insurance that covers personal belongings, trip cancellation plus medical, rescue, and evacuation insurance(for air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). You must carry the company’s insurance policy certificate with you, it must include your name, address, policy number, contact numbers, and procedure for the company’s rescue department.

What types of trekking Documents need to trekking in Nepal?

Trekking entry permits are required to each of Nepal’s National Parks and Conservation Areas. The entry permits cost range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3000 per entry and additional permits are required for Restricted Region Treks. We can manage all types of permits. There are five Restricted Regions which are close to the Tibetan border were opened for outside in 1990. The treks only can do with a professional guide and minimum of two trekkers. Your original passport and extra photos are required to make permits for Upper Dolpo, Mustang, Nar-Phu, Tsum Valley, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga trekking. The fees are according high and range from USD 90.00 - USD 500.00 for a week or 10 days then stiff daily amounts.

Can I used credit cards in trekking?

Credit cards are only accepted in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. You have to make ready Nepalese Rupees to spend during the trek. That’s why you have to take a sufficient amount of Nepali Rupees on your trek. Your personal expenses should be only for hot showers, charging batteries, additional drinks, and snacks, the cost rising with altitude. You can make a ceremony with your trekking team at the end of the trek.

How fit do I need to be to trek in Nepal?

Regular walking or jogging activities for a few months before your trip will ensure high altitude trekking. People who trek so quickly and climb too high in a day may suffer Acute Mountain Sickness( AMS) so we call trekkers slow and steady walking. Stops for rests and do not carry more than 5 kg with you. Pre-fitness and stamina are required for trekking in Nepal. Spend at least two nights in the city before going to the trekking destination which gives time for acclimatization as well as easy to arrange necessary trekking permits.

What is the size of a trekking group ?

We prefer the group size from 1-10 pax but more can be accommodated on request. There must be 2 persons accompanied by a registered guide in the Restrict Regions( Upper Dolpo, Mustang, Nar-Phu, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga). Anyone who is reasonably fit and can walk for 5-6 hours a day in a hilly country can trek in Nepal. We suggest children up to 15 years stay below 3500m and above 15 years can tackle the higher routes.

Will someone meet me at the airport?

A delegate from Snow Bank Adventure will meet you outside the terminal building and pick you up and take you to your hotel. We use cars or minibusses as the means of transportation in cities. For trekking, we use flights, local buses, minibusses or jeeps depends on the distance, terrain, and size of the group. There is a limitation on luggage up to 15 kg per person on small planes.

Client Reviews

Piter Dolison

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a ‘must-do’ trek for all trekkers. Walk on Nepal’s oldest trekking trail and arrive at the heart of Annapurna Region. Trek through a typical Nepalese mountain…

Thomas Kevin

Nice Trip Organized By Snow Bank Adventure Pvt Ltd. We had a very great experience of Everest base camp trek. The cost offered by them was also very reasonable than other company…

Mark Newman

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that delivers on every front—stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a profound sense of accomplishment.