TOURISM IN AND AROUND LUMBINI
Before or after the Summit, participants can take the opportunity to organise personal visits to some of Nepal's historic and natural sights. This guide includes recommendations from our co-hosts, the Government of Lumbini Province.
ABOUT LUMBINI PROVINCE
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and renowned for its world-class monasteries, is the third-largest province in Nepal. Named after the sacred pilgrimage site of Lumbini in the Rupandehi District, the province spans an extensive 22,288 square kilometres (8,605.44 sq. miles), accounting for approximately 15.1% of the country's total area. Lumbini province is located in the south-central Terai of Nepal, in the foothills of the Himalayas.
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The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. During the Summit, the average temperature for a typical day ranges from a high of 33°C (92°F) to a low of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 12 hours of daylight and a very low chance of rain.
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Along with numerous sites of pilgrimage related to the life of Lord Buddha, Lumbini province has a variety of historic and natural sights. Notably, Bardiya National Park, the largest national park in the Terai, lies within Lumbini province, boasting an untouched wilderness adorned with Sal forests, diverse flora and fauna, and the alluvial plains of the Karnali River. Additionally, the historic Rani Mahal, a palace constructed in Palpa in 1893, still stands gracefully alongside the Gandaki River.
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LUMBINI, RUPANDEHI
Lumbini is the sacred pilgrimage site from which the province derives its name. It is a UN World Heritage Site and is an integral part of the Greater Lumbini Buddhist Circuit (GLBC), and is home to the birthplace of Lord Buddha at the Maya Devi Temple, as well as the Asoka Pillar, erected by the Emperor Asoka in 249 BC to mark the birthplace.
Participants will visit Lumbini as part of the Summit itinerary.
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TILAURAKOT, KAPILVASTU
Another important pilgrimage site in the Greater Lumbini Buddha Circuit is Tilaurakot. Situated 29km west of Lumbini, Tilaurakot was rediscovered in 1899 by P. C. Mukherji and is recognised by many scholars as the ancient capital city of the Kapilavastu, the Sakya kingdom where Prince Siddhartha spent his early life. The site includes Prince Suddhodhan's Palace, where Siddhartha Gautama spent 29 years.
The Greater Lumbini Buddha Circuit also includes Gottihawa (Birthplace of Krakuchanda Buddha); Niglihawa (Birthplace of Kanakmuni Buddha); Kudan (the Vihara where Lord Buddha met his father for the first time after enlightenment); Sagarhawa (where Shakyas were mass slaughtered); Ramagram, Nawalparasi district (the stupa beneath which only remaining relic - the ashes - of Lord Buddha still preserved); and Devadaha (Lord Buddha's Maternal Uncle's home).
TANSEN, PALPA AND RIDI
Tansen is a vibrant Hill Station, less than two hours from the main Summit location. It is the headquarters of Palpa District and the hub of the culture of the mid-west. Historical architecture includes the Rani Mahal.
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Just north of Tansen is Ridi, a holy site in Gulmi District. The holy river, Kali Gandaki, flows downstream, where thousands of Hindus visit for rituals, and where shaligrams (holy stones believed to be incarnation of Lord Vishnu) are found. It is believed that one can access Heaven if they have a holy dip at the river.
FURTHER AFIELD IN LUMBINI PROVINCE
BARDIYA NATIONAL PARK
Situated in Nepal's Western Terai, Bardiya National Park was established to protect ecosystems and to conserve the habitat of the tiger and its prey species. As a result, the tiger population was tripled within a decade. In the park, experiences include a jungle safari, elephant rides, jungle walks, nature walks, canoeing, and camping. As well as the Royal Bengal tiger, the park is home to rhinos, wild boars, antelopes, bears, gharials, and many endangered species of flora and fauna.
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Bardiya National Park is approximately 7 hours drive west of the Summit location, and 15 hours from Kathmandu.
BANKE NATIONAL PARK
Banke National Park is the newest of Nepal's parks, and is home to an array of ecosystem types, such as Sal forest, deciduous Riverine forest, savannahs and grasslands, mixed hardwood forest, and flood plains community. Banke is home to the endangered striped hyena, as well as many other mammals and birds.
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​Banke National Park is approximately 5 hours drive west of the Summit location, en route to Bardiya National Park.
SWARGADWARI, PYUTHAN
Swargadwari is home to a holy Hindu shrine, sitting atop a hill commanding a panoramic view of mountains and plains. It has preserved an uninterrupted tradition over 150 years of Hom, a Hindu ritual offering barley, ghee, sesame seeds, and other holy cereals to Agni, the Fire God). Hindu holy scriptures are taught to students from around the country. Hymns, shlokas, and mantras are chanted for hours creating a reverberating atmosphere. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit this temple from across Nepal and India.
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Swargadwari is approximately 5 hours drive north west of the Summit location.
GUERILLA TREK
The guerilla war took place for a decade in Nepal, from 1996 to 2006. The Guerilla Trek route covers at least two districts, Rolpa and Rukum East, and offers an opportunity to learn how the war permeated Nepalese society, and see the evidence of guerilla warfare. In Rolpa and Rukum, the traditional culture of the Magar community can be experienced. In particular, Thabang in Rolpa is a unique village which offers a rich experience of the Magar community.
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Rukum East is a day's drive from the Summit location.
THARU CULTURAL VILLAGE AND MUSEUM, DANG
Tharu is an indigenous community of Nepal, living primarily in the South plains of the country. Dang is said to be the origin of rich and vibrant Tharu history, culture, tradition, cuisine, festivals, and much. To enjoy and experience Tharu culture, homestays are available in Dang.
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Dang is approximately 5 hours drive north west of the Summit location.
OUTSIDE LUMBINI PROVINCE
KATHMANDU VALLEY
Kathmandu Valley comprises the three ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, which were once independent states ruled by the Malla kings from the 12th to the 18th centuries. The three cities house seven UNESCO World Heritage shrines which are together listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture). The valley is also home to hundreds of other exquisite monuments, sculptures, artistic temples, and magnificent art - reminders of the golden era in Nepal’s architecture.
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All Summit participants arriving in Nepal by air will fly via Kathmandu, offering the opportunity to visit the sights before or after the Summit.
