Kathmandu To Lumbini Tour | 3 Days Luxury Package With Flight

06:00 – 07:00: Hotel Pickup and Transfer to Domestic Terminal

Your private experience begins with a punctual pickup from your Kathmandu hotel. Our professional driver navigates Ring Road through Kalimati and Kalanki areas, avoiding heavy city traffic through optimized routing. 

The transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport’s domestic terminal takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on morning traffic conditions. Our driver remains available if you need anything.

07:00 – 07:45: Premium Check-in, Security, and Boarding

Upon arrival at the domestic terminal, we handle standard procedures efficiently. You proceed to your airline counter with our assistance. Luggage weight allowances are confirmed in advance to prevent issues. Security screening follows international standards but moves quickly for domestic flights. Our team ensures all processes are completed smoothly, allowing you to relax without administrative stress.

08:00 – 08:45: Domestic Flight to Bhairahawa (45 minutes)

Your flight departs precisely at 8:00 AM. 

The westward flight provides breathtaking aerial perspectives. The Himalayan ranges dominate the northern horizon, with snow-capped peaks glowing against morning light. Below, terraced hillsides showcase Nepal’s agricultural heritage, with thousands of small plots creating intricate patterns across the landscape. 

Passengers seated on the right side of the aircraft enjoy superior Himalayan views during westward travel. We try our best to give you the best seating arrangements to maximize your visual experience. 

The morning departure provides optimal visibility, with clear light before the afternoon heat creates atmospheric haze.

09:15 – 09:45: Arrival and Private Transfer

You land at Gautam Buddha Airport by 8:45 AM, though domestic flights occasionally vary by a few minutes. Our driver and guide will meet you at baggage claim with a discreet identification sign. Your luggage transfers directly to the private air-conditioned vehicle.

Route to Lumbini: The transfer covers 22-27 kilometers via a well-maintained highway connecting Bhairahawa city to Lumbini. 

The journey takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, passing through Siddharthanagar (Bhairahawa’s official name) before reaching agricultural areas. The road surfaces remain good throughout, maintained for both local and tourist traffic. En route, the guide may share local stories or point out significant landmarks.

10:00 – 11:00: Guided Tour of Maya Devi Temple (60 minutes)

You arrive at Maya Devi Temple, the spiritual heart of Lumbini. Your guide, fluent in English and trained in Buddhist history and archaeology, leads you through this sacred site with detailed explanations.

The Maya Devi Temple marks the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama in 623 BCE. This location represents the physical origin of Buddhism itself. According to both historical records and Buddhist scriptures, Queen Maya Devi was traveling to her father’s kingdom when she stopped at Lumbini Garden. 

She grasped a branch of a sal tree while going into labor, and Prince Siddhartha was born beneath that tree. Buddhist texts describe that immediately after birth, the Prince walked seven steps northward, looked around, and announced there would be no more rebirth for him.

The temple structure you visit represents continuous construction spanning over 2,200 years. The current protective brick pavilion was constructed to preserve ancient remains while allowing visitor access. 

Beneath this pavilion lies a raised boardwalk providing views into excavated layers, showing the temple’s architectural evolution from the 3rd century BCE through the present day.

Key Artifacts and Features:

• The marker stone, encased in bulletproof glass, marks Buddha’s exact birthplace.
• A 14th-century sandstone carving depicts Maya Devi grasping a tree branch during childbirth.
• Brick structures arranged in cross-wall patterns date from the 3rd century BCE to the contemporary period.
• The ancient well and water management systems visible in excavations showcase sophisticated engineering knowledge.

11:15 – 12:00: Sacred Pond Experience (45 minutes)

Your guide leads you to Puskarni, the Sacred Pond. 

According to Buddhist tradition and local belief, Queen Maya Devi bathed in these waters before giving birth. After Buddha’s birth, he received his first purification bath in the same pond. The water has been maintained as a sacred site for over 2,600 years.

In fact, the pond represents the physical continuity of Lumbini. While temples were rebuilt, destroyed, and rebuilt again, this water source remained constant. 

Furthermore, Pilgrims across centuries have visited this same pond, creating an unbroken spiritual lineage spanning millennia. For Buddhists, the pond’s significance connects to ritual purification, meditation practice, and a direct connection to Buddha’s historical presence.

During the journey, your guide suggests a quiet sitting period by the pond. If you practice meditation, this becomes a powerful place to meditate. 

However, if you prefer simple observation, the peaceful atmosphere invites natural reflection. 

Many visitors describe sitting by this pond as their most profound moment at Lumbini.

12:15 – 13:30: Lunch (75 minutes)

You transfer to a nearby restaurant, where you can enjoy the view. 

Our guide will take you to the place that balances Nepali aesthetics with international comfort standards. 

While most of the western cuisine is available, we try to provide you the authentic experience by suggesting you try local food. 

13:45 – 15:00: Monastic Zone East Tour (75 minutes)

Your private vehicle transfers you to the East Monastic Zone. This section of the Lumbini Master Plan features monasteries following Theravada Buddhist traditions from South and Southeast Asia.

Moreover, the East zone showcases distinct architectural styles reflecting each monastery’s country of origin while maintaining harmony within the sacred landscape. 

Construction demonstrates how Buddhism adapted to different cultural contexts while maintaining core spiritual principles.

Then we will visit the Royal Thai Monastery. This structure stands as the zone’s most visually distinctive element. The white marble exterior catches light dramatically at different times of day. 

As a matter of fact, the architecture follows traditional Thai wat design, featuring multi-tiered roofs with characteristic upturned eaves, ornamental finials, and intricate detailing. Inside and outside, decorative elements showcase Thai Buddhist artistry. 

Talking about its origin, Thai temple design originated in the Siamese kingdoms, evolving over centuries to reflect both Hindu and Buddhist influences.

Then we will head towards the Chinese Buddhist Monastery. This structure represents Mahāyāna Buddhist traditions as practiced in China. The architectural style differs from Thai design, as it features characteristic roof forms with distinct curves and decorative elements specific to Chinese aesthetic traditions.

Furthermore, its vibrant colors reflect Chinese artistic preferences, and ornamental details such as dragons and celestial beings. Inside spaces include meditation halls, Buddha statue altars, and areas for Buddhist study and practice. 

During this tour, your guide explains monastic life, daily schedules, meditation practices, and the role of monasteries in Buddhist societies. 

If monks are available, respectful interactions may be arranged, providing an opportunity to ask questions about Buddhist practice and contemporary monastic life.

15:15 – 16:30: Monastic Zone West Tour (75 minutes)

Your vehicle transfers to the West Monastic Zone, featuring Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions primarily from East Asia and the Himalayan regions.

First, we will go to the World Peace Pagoda. This structure dominates the western landscape. 

Built by Japanese Buddhists from the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order, the pagoda was constructed at a cost of approximately one million US dollars. 

Structurally, it features four large golden Buddha statues face the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), representing Buddha’s universal compassion reaching all beings regardless of geographic location. 

Multiple levels are accessible by stairs, with each level offering different perspectives. The interior shelters a central Buddha statue. 

As a matter of fact, climbing to the pagoda’s upper levels rewards you with expansive views of the Maya Devi Temple, the Monastic Zone, the Sacred Garden’s trees and walkways through the center. 

Afterwards, you will visit a Japanese monastery, featuring architecture distinct from Thai or Chinese styles. The design represents Japanese Buddhist traditions while maintaining visual harmony within the Lumbini landscape. 

Then you will visit different European-Austrian Temples, like The Great Drigung Lotus Stupa, built by the German Tara Foundation, which represents Western engagement with Tibetan Buddhist traditions. 

16:45 – 17:30: Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and Bird-watching (45 minutes)

Your vehicle transfers to the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, located in the northern section of the Lumbini Master Plan area. The 256-hectare sanctuary protects critical wetland habitat.

In fact, the first bird you might see might be the Sarus Crane.

Standing up to 1.8 meters tall, these are the world’s tallest flying birds. Locally, they’re known as “Siwan ka Raja” (Royals of the Wetlands), reflecting their stature and significance. 

Note: Sarus Cranes are monogamous birds symbolizing loyalty and partnership, maintaining pair bonds for years.

Furthermore, the sanctuary records over 210 bird species. Beyond Sarus Cranes, you may observe White-rumped Vultures, Slender-billed Vultures (both globally threatened), Indian Spotted Eagles, Cinereous Vultures, Lesser Adjutants, and numerous waterfowl and forest birds. 

17:45: Check-in at 4-star Hotel and Evening at Leisure

Your vehicle transfers you to your hotel, a luxury 4-star property specifically selected for its views, service quality, and cultural sensitivity to Lumbini’s sacred atmosphere.

You have complete flexibility for the evening. Options include:

Relaxing in your room after travel and tourism activities, allowing your body and mind to process the morning’s arrival and initial Lumbini experiences.

Sitting on the rooftop, observing how evening light transforms the sacred garden, watching prayer flags and architectural details shift appearance as sunset progresses.

Taking a solo walk through the immediate hotel grounds or nearby sacred garden areas, allowing personal exploration and meditation.

Enjoying dinner at the hotel restaurant or requesting room service, with menu options including Nepali or international cuisine based on your preferences.

Conversing with your guide about the day’s experiences, asking questions about Buddhist philosophy, Lumbini’s history, or spiritual practices.

Preparing for the following day’s early morning meditation by resting and adjusting to local time.

07:30 – 08:30: Breakfast at the Hotel

09:00 – 10:30: Archaeological Tour with Guide (90 minutes)

Your guide will now lead you to visible excavation areas where professional digs have uncovered structural remains. You observe stratigraphic layers, where multiple construction periods sit one atop another, each revealing information about that historical era.

Then your guide will explain one of Lumbini’s most significant recent discoveries, Timber Structure.

This wooden shrine dates to the 6th century BCE, coincident with Buddha’s actual lifetime. The structure contains an open central space, suggesting it marked a significant location, possibly a shrine to Buddha’s birthplace. This discovery provides the earliest physical evidence of Buddhist shrine architecture anywhere in South Asia.

Besides that, you will also find other recent discoveries like Northern black polished ware ceramics from 700-200 BCE, brick structures and pottery fragments along the Danab River, and well rings and water management systems.

After the excavation tour, your guide leads you to the Lumbini Museum. Artifacts and sculptures recovered from excavations are displayed with explanatory panels. Timeline displays show how Lumbini evolved from a pre-Buddhist settlement to a modern pilgrimage destination. 

10:45 – 12:00: Village Walk and Artisan Cooperative Visit (75 minutes)

Your vehicle transfers you from the main sacred site to the surrounding villages. This represents a shift from historical monuments to contemporary living culture.

Villages surrounding Lumbini have maintained traditions for centuries while adapting to modern realities. Just like Chitlang Village and Kulekhani Markhu Village, this village is also unique in its own right.

During this tour, you will visit family-run or community-based workshops where craftspeople create traditional handicrafts using inherited techniques. 

If possible, your guide will facilitate conversations with craftspeople. 

This simple conversation will allow you to learn how they learned their craft, often from family members who learned from their ancestors. 

12:00 – 13:30: Traditional Nepali Thali Lunch (90 minutes)

You return to a different restaurant, this one positioned within the village setting. Lunch represents the day’s most substantial meal, following Nepali tradition where dal bhat serves as the meal foundation.

13:45 – 15:00: Return to Maya Devi Temple (75 minutes)

You return to the sacred temple complex in the afternoon, away from the morning crowds. 

Having learned the archaeological history, visited villages, understood artisan traditions, and gained context for Lumbini’s development, you now view the temple with greater understanding. What appeared as ruins this morning now tells multidimensional stories. 

Many travelers describe this afternoon return visit as crucial for processing the journey. While morning exploration provides information, Afternoon quiet allows integration. 

15:15 – 16:30: World Peace Pagoda Sunset Viewing and Reflection (75 minutes)

Your vehicle returns you to the World Peace Pagoda. Afternoon light transforms the landscape. As your visit progresses, sunset approaches.

You ascend to the pagoda’s upper levels. The panoramic views from morning take on a different character in the afternoon light. Shadows lengthen. Colors become warmer. 

The architectural details of monasteries and gardens become more dramatic in the last of the day’s light.

If timing works, you witness sunset from the pagoda’s upper level. The sky transitions from blue through orange, pink, purple, to deeper colors. 

Photography Opportunities: If photography interests you, sunset light provides optimal conditions. The golden hour before sunset creates flattering light. 

17:00 – 17:45: Transfer and Evening at Leisure

Your vehicle returns you to the hotel. The evening is completely unstructured. You have complete flexibility for rest, dinner, reflection, or any other preference.

07:00 – 08:00: Final Breakfast and Reflection

Your last morning begins with breakfast at the hotel. This meal carries a different feeling from previous mornings. You’ve been in Lumbini for nearly three days. The site has affected you in ways both apparent and subtle.

Packing and Checkout: While breakfast occurs, hotel staff handles luggage preparation. You provide any items needed for checkout. The hotel bills any incidental charges not included in the tour package. By 8:30 AM, you’re ready for departure.

Conversation with Guide: Your guide joins you for breakfast if they haven’t already eaten. This quiet time allows reflection on the experience. You discuss moments that moved you, questions that emerged, and how Lumbini affected you. The guide shares observations from watching your journey unfold. These final conversations often become meaningful, creating closure to the shared experience.

08:45 – 09:45: Bhakti Chanting Workshop at Monastery (60 minutes)

Before leaving Lumbini, you participate in a session learning bhakti chanting with resident monks. 

The monks teach specific Buddhist mantras or chants, explaining their meanings and purposes. They guide your pronunciation of Sanskrit or Pali texts.

In fact, if possible, they will also try to teach breathing techniques supporting sustained chanting.

10:00 – 10:45: Transfer to Bhairahawa Airport

Your private vehicle departs the hotel by 10:00 AM, covering the 22-27 kilometer route to Gautam Buddha Airport. The 30-45 minute drive returns you through the Terai agricultural landscape.

Reverse Journey Perspective: This return journey feels different from your arrival drive. You now understand what you’re seeing. The agricultural fields represent the Terai economy. The villages represent communities you’ve met. The flat landscape connects to Buddhist history in new ways.

Airport Arrival: You arrive at the airport with ample time before your 11:30 AM departure. Our team manages check-in procedures. You proceed through security with your luggage, which has been efficiently processed.

11:30 – 12:15: Return Flight to Kathmandu (45 minutes)

Your flight departs on schedule, retracing the journey route eastward. The daytime flight provides different perspectives than the morning arrival. Afternoon light transforms the landscape. You see terraced hillsides, river valleys, and mountain ranges from this new angle.

12:30 – 13:30: Farewell Lunch in Kathmandu

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be waiting for you for the farewell dinner. 

The meal emphasizes authentic Nepali culinary traditions. Nepali thali, momo varieties, Newari specialties like bara and choila, traditional desserts such as sikarni or juju dhau. Nepali beverages, including chiya or traditional raksi (rice wine), complement the meal.

13:45 – 14:30: Transfer to Hotel or International Airport

Your vehicle provides the final transfer. If you’re continuing in Nepal, you transfer to your next hotel. If departing Nepal, you transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport with enough time before your flight.