Kathmandu to Lumbini By Bus/Jeep/Flight

Eco Nepal Trekkers

Kathmandu to Lumbini: Transportation Overview

Lumbini, recognized as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal. It attracts Hindu pilgrims, Buddhist pilgrims, tourists, and scholars from around the globe. 

If you are among the travelers who want to visit Lumbini and want to know what are the various ways to reach then this blog is absolutely for you. 

Major attractions or places you must visit after arriving in Lumbini include:

  1. Maya Devi Temple
  2. Sacred Garden
  3. Ashoka Pillar
  4. World Peace Pagoda
  5. Monastic Zone
  6. Lumbini Museum
  7. Chinese Temple (Lumbini Buddhist Temple)
  8. Japanese Temple

Here you will understand various modes of transportation available for the Lumbini including cost and helpful details to help you choose the best option for you.

Option 1: Kathmandu to Lumbini By Bus

Traveling by bus is the most economical way to reach Lumbini from Kathmandu. Visitors can find the bus from the Gongabu bus station. Bus normally depart early in the morning, around 6:30 am, so make sure to arrive at least half an hour before the bus leaves. It takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to reach Lumbini by bus.

Types of Bus

Tourist Bus: Tourist bus are more comfortable compared to the local bus as it is equipped with facilities like reclining seats, air conditioning, and sometimes snacks provided. 

Local Bus: Local bus are less comfortable compared to the tourist bus but it cost less than the tourist bus . Local bus are crowded and they stop at various points frequently.

Cost

If you take the tourist bus from Kathmandu to Lumbini, the ticket price will be between NPR 1,500 and NPR 2,500 (about USD 12 to USD 20). The local bus from Kathmandu to Lumbini cost between NPR 600 and NPR 1,000 (about USD 5 to USD 8).

Booking

The local bus to Lumbini departs from the Gongabu bus stop. Tourist bus can be booked through a variety of travel agents or online. It is best to reserve your seat in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Cost-effective, scenic journey, opportunity to mingle with locals.

Cons: Takes longer, less comfortable on local bus, the potential for delays.

Option 2: Kathmandu to Lumbini By Private Jeep

If you are in a group of 5-6 people and want to be more comfortable. Convenience and a flexible journey than hiring the private jeep will be the best options for you. This option is suitable, especially for those who are traveling with family and friends.

Cost

The cost of hiring a private jeep from Kathmandu to Lumbini ranges between NPR 15,000 to NPR 25,000 (approximately USD 125 to USD 210), depending on the type of vehicle and the number of passengers.

Journey Duration

Traveling in a private jeep means you will reach the Lumbini in 1-2 hours earlier than the regular bus. The best part of traveling on a bus is you will have the chance to stop along the way for refreshments or sightseeing.

Booking

Travelers can reserve private jeeps from Kathmandu to Lumbini through travel agencies, online platforms, and vehicle rental companies. It is best to negotiate the pricing before booking the vehicle. Also, while booking, confirm what is included (such as fuel, group discount, etc.).

Pros and Cons

Pros: Comfort, flexibility in scheduling, no waiting for other passengers.

Cons: More expensive than bus travel, requires negotiation for fair price.

Option 3: Kathmandu to Bhairahawa By Flight

Another option to reach Lumbini is by taking the domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and then taking road transportation. After you land in the Bhairahawa you can take either bus or taxi which are easily available outside the airport.

Cost

The cost of flights varies greatly depending on the booking time and carrier. A one-way flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa usually cost between NPR 15,000 and NPR 20,000 (about USD 100 to USD 200).

Journey Duration

The flight duration from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa is around 35 minutes. However, make sure to arrive early for the check-in process. Also, check the weight limit for the luggage if it weighs more then you need to pay extra cost.

Booking

Kathmanu to Bhairahawa flights can be booked through airline websites or with the assistance of travel agencies. It’s advisable to book Kathmandu to Bhairahawa flight ticket in advance to secure the best price and flight times. The top airlines that operate the Kathmandu to Bhairahawa flights are Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines. 

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Quickest travel time, scenic aerial views of the Himalayas.
  • Cons: Higher cost, limited flight availability, and potential delays.

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Final Say

Lumbini is one of the best tourist destinations and every year thousands of visitors travel to this palace. You can reach Lumbini by various modes of transportation such as local bus, tourist bus, private vehicle, or taking flight. Depending upon the budget and your preference you can choose any as you like.

No matter which transportation you choose, Lumbini is a must-visit destination for travelers. Once you reach Lumbini, you will experience both history and spirituality. If you want to know more in detail then you can mail us at [email protected] or contact us at +977-9813322433.

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