Thousands of Miles from Home, Lumbini—Birthplace of Buddha in Nepal—Sees Rising Interest from American Tourists

Over 7,000 miles away from the United States, Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal, is attracting a growing number of American tourists.

According to statistics from the Lumbini Development Trust’s Information Branch, American tourist arrivals have increased notably in 2023 and 2024 compared to previous years. In 2023, 1,678 American tourists visited Lumbini, and by October 2024, 1,231 Americans had already visited. This shows a rise from 924 American visitors in 2022, 140 in 2021, and 465 in 2020.

Dr. Haridhwaj Rai, Chief Information Officer of the Lumbini Development Trust, mentioned that establishing an American monastery in Lumbini, similar to those built by other countries, could further encourage American visitors. He noted that the Trust could provide land for such a project if American groups showed interest, emphasizing that American tourists are known for seeking quality experiences and tend to be higher spenders.

Lumbini already sees a significant influx of Buddhist visitors from countries like Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, and Myanmar, which have established their own monasteries in the area.

Dr. Rai believes that with effective promotion, better accessibility, and improved local infrastructure, Lumbini could attract even more American tourists. Key attractions in Lumbini include the Maya Devi Temple, marking the Buddha’s birthplace; the Ashoka Pillar; archaeological relics; a museum; library; monasteries from different countries; a canal; and the Peace Lamp.

In 2023, Lumbini welcomed 76,210 international visitors, 266,510 Indian visitors, and 656,218 domestic tourists, with 2024 continuing to show promising tourism growth. Lumbini, located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal, is revered worldwide as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini is not only a place of deep spiritual importance but also a culturally rich destination that draws pilgrims and travelers from across the globe.

The heart of Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, named after Buddha’s mother. Inside, a sacred marker stone designates the exact spot where Siddhartha is believed to have been born in 563 BCE. Around the temple is the Ashoka Pillar, a sandstone column erected by Emperor Ashoka of India in 249 BCE to honor the birthplace of the Buddha. The pillar bears inscriptions that solidify the historic and cultural significance of the site.

Lumbini’s Sacred Garden is a serene, open space designed to reflect the peaceful teachings of Buddhism. The garden is filled with trees and meditation areas where visitors often sit in quiet reflection. Lumbini also hosts a collection of monasteries and meditation centers from around the world, including those built by Japan, China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and South Korea, each offering its unique architectural and cultural style. These monasteries give visitors insight into the global influence and diverse practices within Buddhism.

The Lumbini Museum and Research Institute are further highlights, showcasing a wide array of ancient artifacts, Buddhist manuscripts, and educational materials about Buddhist history and art. There are also art galleries and smaller museums that explore the archeology and legacy of the Buddha.

The Lumbini Development Trust, tasked with managing and preserving the site, has been working to improve the infrastructure, providing smoother access and more facilities for visitors. The Trust’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism has led to initiatives focused on eco-friendly practices, clean energy, and sustainable water resources to ensure Lumbini’s preservation for future generations.

With enhanced amenities, including guided tours, meditation programs, and annual events like Buddha Jayanti, the sacred celebration of Buddha’s birth, Lumbini continues to grow as a significant destination for spiritual and cultural tourism.

To reach Lumbini from the United States, you’ll first need to fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. Book a flight from your nearest U.S. airport to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu’s primary international hub. Although there are no direct flights from the U.S., airlines like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines operate popular routes with layovers in cities such as Doha, Istanbul, or Dubai. Depending on your departure city and chosen airline, the total journey may take anywhere from 20 to 30 hours.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you have a few options to get to Lumbini. The fastest way is to take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Gautam Buddha Airport (BWA) in Bhairahawa, which is the closest airport to Lumbini. Domestic airlines like Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines offer regular flights, taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

After landing in Bhairahawa, you can reach Lumbini by a 30-minute taxi ride, making this route both efficient and convenient for travelers short on time.

If you prefer an overland journey, you can travel from Kathmandu to Lumbini by bus or private car. This road trip takes about 7 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Luxury tourist buses depart daily from Kathmandu, providing an affordable way to travel. Alternatively, if you want a more comfortable and flexible experience, you can arrange a private car rental through a local travel agency.

When you arrive in Bhairahawa, transportation options to Lumbini include taxis or pre-arranged hotel pick-ups. For a seamless journey, it’s wise to check if your hotel offers airport transfers.

Before you travel, remember that U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to enter Nepal. You can get this upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or apply online in advance. Nepal’s currency, the Nepali Rupee (NPR), is essential for most transactions, though some places accept U.S. dollars. For a comfortable experience, visit between October and March, when the weather is mild, making it the best season to explore Lumbini’s spiritual and cultural sites.