Buddism Spiritual Experience: At  Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

"After I am no more, O Ananda! People of belief will visit the place with faith, Curiosity, and devotion… Lumbini, the place where I was born. The path to ultimate peace is a spiritual discipline. “- Sakyamuni Buddha

The birthplace of Lord Buddha is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a pilgrimage to devotees, explorers, wanderers, researchers, and peace lovers from around the world

Lumbini, located at the base of the Chure range in the Tarai region of Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, as testified by the inscription on the pillar erected by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. The erection of this Pillar by Emperor Asoka was also described by early Chinese travelers Hiuen Tsang (636 AD) and Fa-Hsien (399-413 AD). The archaeological remains of the Buddhist Vihar (monasteries) and stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD, provide important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centers from a very early period. 

Mayadevi Temple is the heart of Lumbini, the maker stone points to the exact location of the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Located 25 paces southwest of the Marker Stone is the Sacred Pond, where Mayadevi is believed to have had a bath before giving birth to Prince Siddhartha. The infant prince was also given the first purification bath here. The Sacred Garden is one of the holiest sites with archeological remains and shrines of high religious and spiritual value. Major monuments in Lumbini include age-old religious and spiritual structures, construction of which commenced immediately after the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha and continued over the centuries. 

Among many One of the interesting features of Lumbini and these surrounding villages is that the majority of the population are Hindu and Muslim who are safeguarding and promoting the Buddhist heritage sites. Lumbini is the perfect example of inter-faith tolerance. 

In addition to embracing peace, contemplative values, and spirituality, Lumbini also attracts naturalists, botanists, and zoologists with its rich natural biodiversity. There are 27 species of mammals, 44 types of fish, and herds of blue bulls in the area.  The Important natural landscapes and biodiversity in and around Lumbini include the serene natural environment, Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, which has several natural wetlands, rivers, and farmland for bird watching. The most iconic among them is the Sarus Crane, the tallest flying bird in the world which holds a special place within the ancient culture of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary in Lumbini works as a biodiversity conservation and learning center working with the local communities to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, wetlands, and watersheds, and protect the natural diversity of the Greater Lumbini Area's landscape. 

The sight of the blooming lotus flower is another major attraction linked with Lord Buddha.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 

On the day of your arrival, we will be there to pick you up from the airport and check you into your hotel. After that, you can rest, as you will probably be tired because of the long flight. If you arrive early, after taking some rest, you can walk around the places near your hotel and freshen up, do some last-minute shopping for things that you will need, or buy souvenirs. 

Day 2: Buddhism in Kathmandu

In the morning, we will visit Syambhu Temple. Swayambhu means self-Existent One.' Swayambhu is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. We will explore, interact with, and experience Newa Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism.

After lunch, we will explore different Bahas and Bahis in Patan Darwar Square to understand more about their ways of life. These Bahas and Bahis were the places where monks and nuns used to live and practice Buddhism. Now, along with Buddisum learning centers, these places have become residential areas for household monks Bajracharya and Shakya.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Lumbini (around Sightseeing)

After breakfast, we will travel to Lumbini (either by tourist bus, air, or private vehicle) as per the client’s wishes. Transport by road will take about seven hours, whereas taking a flight will take half an hour to 45 minutes.

At Lumbini, we walk around the Maya Devi temple. Depending on your arrival time, the activities may vary. In the evening after checking in the hotel, we will have a walk around the plane lands of Lumbini and enjoy the different landscape compared to Kathmandu Valley. 

Day 4: Explore Lumbini Pilgrimage Sites (Meditation)

In the morning, we will visit Maya Devi Temple, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Here, within the peaceful surroundings, we will meditate for self-awakening, better health, and world peace.

In the afternoon, we will visit and explore different sites connected with Lord Buddha.

Visit Religious and archaeological sites in Lumbini and Kapilavastu.

(Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihara, Sagarhawa, Peace Pagoda, and International Monastic Zones)

Day 5: Visit Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and Jagadispur Reservoir.

"LIFE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO WISH TO SAVE IT, NOT TO THOSE WHO WISH TO DESTROY IT."

The above words are believed to have been famously uttered in support as young Prince Siddhartha tried to rescue an injured Sarus Crane. Later, as the young prince came to be known as the Buddha, these words became the epitome of the Buddhist viewpoint on nature conservation.

The 256-hectare Lumbini Crane Sanctuary works with local communities as a biodiversity conservation and learning center. The area provides a peaceful environment to witness and enjoy the birds and people working on the farmland. Creating a magical atmosphere.

From Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, we will travel to Jagadispur Reservoir to experience the bird sanctuary.

Day 6: Back to Kathmandu

In the morning, we will visit the Maya Devi temple premises for the final prayer.

In the Afternoon, we will fly back to Kathmandu. From the airport, we will drive to Pharping Monastery to experience monastery life. We will Participate in rituals and interact with monks and teachers on different aspects of life.

Day 7: Buddhism in Kathmandu

In the morning, we will explore the sacred site of Yanglesho, where Guru Padmasambhava has mediated to attain the state of enlightenment. We will visit Asura Cave, Yangleshö Cave, and surrounding temples worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists.

From Pharping, we will drive for around an hour to reach Pashupatinath temple,  the sacred temple for Hindus around the world. 

From Pasupatinathwe, we will reach Boudha Maha Chaitya. Locally known as Khasti Chitya (Boudha), meaning "The Dewdrop Stupa, it is the largest Buddhist temple in Nepal and one of the largest stupas in the world. One of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Nepal, the stupa is a huge dome structure with a gilded spire with Buddha’s eyes painted on the base and a brass canopy on the top. 

At Boudha we will join locals in evening prayers, and encircle the stupa with locals, this process is known as Kora, Kora is a type of pilgrimage walking and meditating around a sacred site.

After Kora, we will enjoy dinner at Boudha.

Day 8: In the morning we will explore the inner city of Kathmandu, the valley, the old market, and the life of Kathmandu Valley.

After noon, there is free time for independent activities.

Day 9: We will take you to the international airport for your departure. Your journey with us ends for now, and hopefully, we can assist you again in the future.

 Things we do in Lumbini

• Explore Maya Devi Temple, Scared Pond, and the surroundings
• Experience meditation and yoga sessions.
• Visit the Peace Pagoda and the International Monastic Zone.
• Explore different historical sites related to Lord Buddha.
• Observe the rural market and hat bazaar.
• Exploring Community living, architecture, lifestyle, and traditions in the surrounding villages
• Exploring agricultural and wetland sites
• Visiting schools and children
• Bird watching
• Temples and Mosques are visited.
• Experience the exceptional cultural beauties,
• A sightseeing tour to Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and nearby wetland sites to observe the natural landscapes and rich biodiversity