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Mountain Kora

Lumbini: The Birthplace of Buddha, a Spiritual Extension to our Himalayan Treks

Lumbini Butter Lamps

Lumbini Butter Lamps

 

When I discovered that Lumbini, Nepal, was listed among the New York Times’ top 52 places to travel in 2025, I immediately reached out to our guide, Tenzing Sherpa, for the inside scoop on this sacred destination. Known as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, Lumbini has long been a pilgrimage site for spiritual seekers. Tenzing, who visits Lumbini every winter, was in Pokhara, Nepal, when I reached him—unwinding after a trek to Mardi Himal and preparing for his next journey to Lumbini.

 

The Charm of Pokhara: Gateway to the Annapurnas

Tenzing and Dadoma by Lake Phewa

Tenzing and Dadoma by Lake Phewa

 

Pokhara, where Tenzing and his wife, Dadoma, often getaway for long weekends, is a stunning lakeside city framed by the Annapurna range, including the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). It’s a natural base for treks in the region and has blossomed into a retreat for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Following our Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek—a quieter, equally breathtaking alternative to the Annapurna and Everest routes—we offer an optional extension to Pokhara. This laid back town offers much more than just a scenic respite. Indulge in its excellent restaurants, boutique accommodations, yoga centers, and museums, or take a ride on the Annapurna Cable Car for breathtaking Himalayan vistas—an experience Tenzing enthusiastically recommends.

 

 

A Modern Pilgrimage Experience

Lumbini Meditation

Lumbini Meditation

 

From Pokhara, it’s a 6 hour drive southwest to Lumbini. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has undergone remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Once a humble pilgrimage destination, Lumbini is now a bustling cultural and spiritual hub. As Tenzing reminisced, his childhood pilgrimages to Lumbini involved camping and simple meals of dal bhaat, the traditional Nepali meal consisting of rice, lentils and curry. Today, Lumbini offers boutique hotels, gourmet dining options, and modern conveniences, making it accessible for discerning travelers.

“Today,” he chuckled, “it is more like DisneyLand!” But he means this in the best possible way.  Lumbini has transformed into a dynamic cultural hub with international Buddhist centers, including the World Peace Pagoda and the Thousand Buddha Temple. The newly expanded Gautam Buddha International Airport now welcomes direct flights from Qatar and beyond, with over 1.17 million visitors arriving in 2024—a 17% increase from the previous year. These additions have elevated Lumbini into a global destination for meditation seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and religious pilgrims.

For Tenzing, these developments are largely positive. He enjoys staying at the  Buddha Maya Gardens Resort, savoring the diverse culinary offerings, and connecting with pilgrims from around the world. As a follower of the Mahayana branch of Buddhism, he appreciates learning prayers from other Buddhist traditions, including Theravada and Vajrayana. His openness to change and his ability to embrace other cultures reflect his exceptional qualities as a guide.

 

Highlights of Lumbini

Lumbini Maya Devi Temple

Lumbini Maya Devi Temple

 

Among Tenzing’s favorite sites in Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact spot of Buddha’s birth. He also recommends visiting Kundan, a serene temple complex and gardens built by Buddha’s parents to welcome their son upon his return from India seven years after enlightenment. Finally he enjoys many of the international Buddhist centers established more recently.

When asked if he meditates or prays, he remarks that “Dadoma prays a lot!” Tenzing expresses his spirituality through action, such as performing koras—circumambulations around sacred sites. They both carry their Tanga beads, the Buddhist equivalent of a rosary. Tenzing is a very active and social man and so this is a fitting response. This is why he mostly sticks to trekking, with a side of Buddhism and a huge dose of compassion. 

 

 

Add Lumbini to Your Nepal Adventure

Lumbini Kundan

Lumbini Kundan

Tenzing said Lumbini is more accessible than ever, and a two-night/three-day extension to a trek either in the Everest or Manaslu regions offers a perfect blend of cultural enrichment and spiritual exploration. Whether you’re drawn by its profound history or the opportunity to connect with Buddhist traditions, Lumbini promises an unforgettable journey. Tenzing and our team can craft a seamless experience that caps off your trekking adventure with a spiritual and cultural retreat.  Are you ready to take the next step in your adventure? Contact us today!

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