Welcome to the serene and spiritual landscape of Lumbini, where the Royal Thai Monastery stands as a magnificent representation of Thai architecture and craftsmanship. Here is how you can reach this majestic site:
Nearest Airport: The closest international airport is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. For those traveling from international destinations, you will most likely land in Kathmandu first.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you have the option to take a domestic flight to the Gautam Buddha Airport, also known as Bhairahawa Airport. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Lumbini, which is about 22 kilometers from the airport.
From Kathmandu: Lumbini is about 250 kilometers from Kathmandu. Tourist buses are available from Kathmandu to Lumbini, which may take around 7-9 hours depending on the road conditions.
From Pokhara: If you are coming from Pokhara, you can take a tourist bus to Lumbini, which is around 200 kilometers away and takes approximately 6-8 hours of travel time.
There is no direct train service to Lumburni as of the last update. If you prefer trains, you’ll have to take a combination of train to Gorakhpur (India) and then switch to road transport to reach Lumbini.
Travelers will require a Nepali visa to visit Lumbini, which can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport for most nationalities, or at the Nepal border if entering overland.
Once in Lumburini, the Royal Thai Monastery is easily accessible by local rickshaws, taxis, or even by foot if you're staying nearby, as Lumbini is designed to be a pedestrian-friendly area.
Within Lumbini, battery-operated rickshaws and bicycles are available for hire to explore the area, which can take you to the Royal Thai Monastery and various other monasteries and temples in the vicinity.
Do check the local weather and road conditions before planning your trip, and make provisions for local transportation in Lumbini to make your journey smooth and comfortable.