Everest Base camp Trek Tips! to success Everest Base camp Trekking

Everest Base Camp Trek Tips! This trek is absolutely an epic adventure, there are no words to describe!

Nepal is one of the best adventure destinations in the world. Trek in Nepal and the Everest Base Camp Trek are the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. Every year hundreds and thousands of trekkers from all around the world journey to the base camp of worlds highest mountain, Mount Everest. Trekking in (Khumbu) Everest region offers wide and stunning mountain ranges including worlds four tallest peaks Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Makalu (8,443m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m).

What is the best time to trek Everest Base Camp? What is the Everest base camp trek weather?

Between February to May and October to December is the best time for trek to Everest Base camp. Mid October to November, weather normally clear and dry and amazing views.

November, December, January, and February: These months are very cold but the sky will be clear. During this time there will be snow and trekkers need to be well prepared.

February, March, and April: These are the end of dry season also a best time of year for trekking.

May to June is the hot (summer) season in Nepal, trekking in mountains will be hot and humid. Mountain views will be fair because of haze.

June to mid September is Monsoon season and less trekker will go to Everest Base camp. During this time the lukla flight mostly cancelled or delayed because of rain and clouds. Its possible to Trek Everest Base camp on these months but you have to be mentally prepared and need extra 2 -3 days to fly from Kathmandu to lukla or from lukla to Kathmandu (in case of flight cancelled).

What are the options if flight cancelled?

1) If the flights cancelled for long then we can fly on helicopter.

2) Walking from lukla to Jiri is another option but you need 3-4 days extra to reach Kathmandu. From Jiri we can take a bus or jeep ride back to Kathmandu. (For strong hikers). This is the original route that Sir Edmund Hilary and his team took on the first ascent of Mt. Everest in history.

3) Another option is walking to the Phaplu airport which is 2-3 days from Lukla. From Phaplu we can fly to Kathmandu or after 1 hour walk with jeep ride back to Kathmandu.

What is the helicopter price from lukla to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to lukla? I dont have enough money, how can I fly on helicopter? Normally helicopter services charges per one way flight maximum 265 USD but there should be minimum 4 people in one helicopter. If you cant afford this much price then contact Rugged Trails Nepal will try to accommodate your budget.

How difficult is to trek Everest Base Camp? This depends on the individual person trekking and their level of fitness and adjustment to high altitudes. Trekking to Everest base camp does not require ropes, ice axe, and it is not a technical climbing peak. However, it does require trekkers to hike for many hours day after day. People think trekking to base camp is technical and need to be super athlete! But normal people can do this trek, and no prior experience is required. All we require is a positive attitude and motivation to reach the top! EBC can be a challenging trek because of extreme altitudes (Highest point 5,500m {18,044ft}) and the air will be thin. No matter how fit you are or how healthy you are, altitude can hit anyone.

I am not hiker, havent trek before, and definitely not a super athlete. Can I go to Everest base camp?

Absolutely! You can do this trek; mostly people remember the word Everest and start thinking about summits, blizzards, and the technical climb. You will be walking in normal trekking path; surely its up downhill also a long walks your ankles might hurts of caution. I would say mentally you have to prepare that you going to do it!

What are the tips to prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Here are some tips to make your trips memorable, enjoyable, and successful on the worlds highest mountain.

1) Train before you come. This is not a technical climbing but remember you have to walk above 2500m from sea level. At least 3 to 4 months before trek you have to train your body to complete this trek. Cycling, running, and stair climbing about 1 hour a few times a week is the best way to train and prepare your legs for trek. Yoga is a great way to stretch and strengthen your muscles.

2) Pack the right gear; this is most important things to what and which are the best gear to pack. There are several brands not matter which brand and cost but you have to carry a right gear. You can see the trekking gear list below. Visit this page to know about everest base camp kit list.

3) Be mentally prepared. Another main thing is you have to mentally prepare for this beautiful yet challenging trip. Trekking in the mountains its not easy and you will not find the comfortable as you are getting in your home and major cities. Nowadays there are nicest hotels in Everest region than before but above Namche there small tea houses run by local Sherpa people. You will find bugs, dirts, and in some lodges smells even Toilets (bathrooms) are not good, small beds. Some hotels and tea houses has western style toilet but mostly there are not, there are options for showers in tea houses but most of trekker use wipes. Be sure that you are ready to explore the true mountain life and immerse yourself in the trekking culture!

4) Drink plenty of water; your body will be dehydrate faster in high altitudes than at sea level so it is very important to drink water throughout the day. Water can be purified from mountain streams, boiled in tea houses, or our less favorite and not environmentally conscious way is to buy bottled water along the way.

5) Slowly but Surely! Do not walk fast; always maintain your walking pace. Dont run if the trail is flat and easy! Remember you are in marathon! The more you push yourself, the more difficult the days will be ahead, and the more difficult it will be to adjust to the altitude. Follow your guides instructions, they are the experts.

6) Dont forget, you are on Holiday, make it memorable! This is the most important thing to keep in your mind that you are on vacation and another main thing to have an open mind. Being nervous and tense will not make your vacation memorable so chit chats with your guides, porters, and there will be many other fellow trekkers from around the world. Be friendly with your guide and porters then they can share you and give you more information about the places, cultures, and people.

What are the Everest base camp trek reviews? Everest base camp trek reviews!! Everest Base camp trek is highly recommended on TripAdvisor, Lonely planet, and many other travelers blog, and forums. Thousands of trekkers has posted pictures, written books, and reviews on their personal blogs or in different social media such like Facebook, Instagram, Google +, Pinterest, Stumbleupon, Getyourguide and many others...

What is the Everest base camp trek cost?
There are many different trekking prices for Everest base camp we have seen around the market, starting from 699 USD to 5000 USD or above. Everest base camp tours normal or standard trek price is 1295 USD per person. But if there will be groups more than 5-6 person then the Everest base camp trek price will be 900 to 1000 USD per person. But, be aware that some companies does cheap marketing to get customers like 699 USD, which is not believable and not reliable. 15- 16 days Everest base camp trek generally on standard price will includes: 3 Nights in Kathmandu hotels on b/b. Permits, roundtrip flight tickets to lukla, accommodation with 3 meals in trek, guide, porters, etc.. But your personal travel insurance, visa fees, trekking equipment and other personal expenses are not included. For Indian Nationality (citizen holders) the Everest base camp trek price will be in 55,000 to 60,000 INR per person.

Hiring just a guide or porter to Everest base camp trek cost 25 to 30 USD per day. IF you hire a guide from Kathmandu then you have to pay Guide airfare which will be about 100 USD for both ways. Make sure and ask with the company that the guide is experienced with Nepal Government license.

Is it cheaper and trustable to book trek and tour with local agency in Nepal versus a company from my home country?

Booking your trek through local agency will be much cheaper and also you are helping sustain the local people by supporting our economy. Read this.

Where can I buy Everest base camp trek map? Normally once you book your trip with local agency they will provide trekking map for each member. You can buy in Kathmandu trekking shop or in any bookstore in Thamel, the popular tourist area. You can also buy trekking maps online Amazon.

What is the best and normal Everest base camp trek itinerary?

Average and normal trekking itinerary for Everest base camp trek is 15 Nights 16 days including stay in Kathmandu. 13 Nights 14 days itinerary is the minimum days itinerary for Everest base camp trek. If you cannot hike up to Everest base camp whether due to time constraints or physical limitations, then there is a short and easy Everest view trek up Namche, which offers stunning views with a smaller time commitment.

- See more at: http://ruggedtrailsnepal.com/blog/everest-base-camp-trek-tips-know-before-trek.html#sthash.nqnrGa9r.dpuf

Everest High Passes Trek

Trekking in Nepal Himalayas is the most amazing adventure sport in the world. Trekking in Everest region “land of yeti” is another dream of travelers. Everest three high passes trek or Everest circuit trek is the ultimate Everest trekking experience. Three passes trek is longer than Everest base camp trek, 3 passes trek itinerary is about 19 nights 20 days but Ebc trek itinerary is 15 nights 16 days.  3 passes trek is challenging trek this trek cross three high passes which are not standard Everest trail. Crossing via Renjo la Pass (5,388m), Cho La Pass (5,380m), and KongMa La pass (5,535m) are the amazing vista of the world’s highest mountain. If you love photography and willing to take an excellent shots of High Mountains in the world then 3 passes trek Everest region is best place.

For Everest base camp trek (classic trek) you don’t need to be super athletic but for high passes trek Nepal you need to be athletic, healthy, physical fitness, and hiking experience above 3000meter. If you are looking less adventure and less days then Gokyo Valley Trek with Everest base camp can be another option. You will be provided three passes trek map once you book trip with trekking agencies or you can buy maps online. There are fixed departure dates for high passes trek and other treks in Nepal; please visit or contact rugged trails nepal. Check three passes trek cost and compare.

TRIP FACTS OF 3 High Passes Trek

Duration: 20 Day(s)

Trip Grade: Strenous
Duration: 19 Nights 20 days
Trip Cost: $ 1785
Max Elevation: 5555 M.
Trip start from: Kathmandu
Trip end at: Kathmandu
Style of trek: Tea House
Minimum group size: 1 pax

High Passes Trek Itinerary

Day 1 :Arrival, Check in Hotel. Evening Welcome Dinner. Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.

Day 2 :Full Day Kathmandu Sightseeing. Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.

Day 3 :Kathmandu to Lukla and then Phakding (2610m, 3hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 4 :Trek from Phakding to Namche (3440, 5hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 5 :Rest day
(Hike to Khumung village,Everest View Hotel which is best of Mt.Everest) 4 hours round trip and then overnight at same place.

Day 6 :Trek from Namche to Thame (3800m, 4 hours walking).
We explore to Thame Monastery in the afternoon. This village is well known by all Everest climbers, overnight at Lodge.

Day 7 :Trek from Thame to Lungdeng (4380m) 5/6 hours walking) and then stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 8 :Trek from Lungdeng to Gokyo (4790 m.) via Renjo La Pass (5338m, 6 hours walking) and then overnight at Gokyo.

Day 9 :Visiting 5th Lake
Explore fifth lake (4/5 hours walking) for view of Mt.Everest and close view of Cho oyu back to Gokyo and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 10 :Early morning Gokyo Peak (5360m) and trek to Dragnag (4700m)
Visit to Gokyo Peak (5360 mtr.) in the morning (4 ½ hours walking) for sun rise view and all mountain views, from here we able to see 4 highest Mountain which more than eight thousand meters high, and trek to Dragnag (4700m, 3/4 hours walking) overnight at Lodge.

Day 11 :Trek from Dragnag to Zhonglha (4830m, 6/7 hours walking) via Chola Pass (5368m) and overnight at Lodge.

Day 12 :Trek from Zhonglha to Lobuche (4910m, 3/4 hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 13 :Trek from Lobuche to Ghorakshep (5140m,3/4 hours walking).
Same day visit to Everest Base Camp (5364m,5 hours walking) and back to Gorakshep, over night at Lodge.

Day 14 :Visiting Kalapattar (5555m,3/4 hours walking) and trek back to Lobuche (4910m)
Early in the morning for the best Everest view) trek back to Ghorakshep and the trek down to Lobuche (4910m,2 hours walking) and then Overnight at Lodge.

Day 15 :Lobuche Trek to Dingboche (4410m) via Kongma-La Pass (5535m)
Trek from Lobuche to Dhingboche (4410m, 7/8 hours walking) via Cross to Kongma-La Pass (5535m) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 16 :Dingboche trek to Tengboche (3860m)
Trek from Dingboche to Tengboche (3860m, 4/5 hours walking) rest of the explore Tengboche Monastery and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 17 :Trek from Tengboche to Jorsalle (2740m, 5/6 hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 18 :Trek from Jorsalle to Lukla (2853m, 5/6 hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 19 :Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning (30 minutes) overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.

Day 20 :Departure your home country.

Island Peak

The world’s best climbing peak, Island peak is located on top of the Chukung glacier between Ama Dablam and Lhotse Mountains. Island Peak is the most popular peak to climb after trekking to Everest Base camp Trek because of its challenging geographical conditions. Each year more than 300 to 350 groups attempt to scale the summit of Island peak. This trekking peak in Everest region offers an excellent opportunity to climb a Himalayan Summit [Island peak height 6189m] together with an exciting Trek to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar.

Island peak itinerary starts from lukla, after a challenging flight to lukla, which is known as world’s dangerous airport. Passing through Dudh Koshi valley from Lukla, we will be heading up to Namche, Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Everest base camp. Some travelers called this trip as “Island peak trek” because normally people who head up to Everest base camp they put island peak on their bucket list. Rugged trails Nepal climbing guides, who had summit Mt. Everest; those Sherpas will lead your trip from Kathmandu, Island peak summit is like normal hike up Everest base camp “you will hear this from our sherpas”.  We combined this trip with Everest base camp island peak and this island peak cost about 1650 usd per person to 1900 usd per person.

Most of the travelers has question regarding the Island Peak, here the below you can see FAQ of island peak.

1)      How many days is the island peak climbing itinerary?

a.       Normally island peak itinerary is about 18 Nights 19 days with Everest Base camp Trek.

b.      Just Straight up to island peak without everest base camp itinerary is about 11 Nights 12 days

2)      How many days for island peak summit?

a.       Within 1 day you will be summit island peak and return but we will be staying in island peak base camp.

For more details about the island peak, pisang peak climbing, mera peak climbing contact rugged trails Nepal team. 

Trip facts of Island Peak

Trip duration: 19 Days
Grade: Strenuous - Peak Climbing - Alpine grade: PD+
Activity: Sightseeing and trekking
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel, camping or lodge (tea house)
Transportation: Flights, private car or tourist bus
Maximum altitude: 6189m

Island Peak Itinerary

Day 1 :Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m)

Day 2 :Rock climbing course at Kathmandu or Half day guided city tours of Kathmandu.

Day 3 :Kathmandu- Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) & trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), 3-4 hrs

Day 4 :Phakding- Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 5-6 hrs

Day 5 :Acclimatize day & Excursion

Day 6 :Namche Bazaar - Tyangboche (3870m) 5-6 hours

Day 7 :Tyangboche- Pheriche

Day 8 :Pheriche- Lobuche (4,928m/16164 ft), 5-6 hrs

Day 9 :Lobuche- Gorekshep (5,160m/16,929ft) - Everest Base Camp Excursion (5,320m/17,450ft), 5-7 hrs

Day 10 :Gorak Shep - Kala Pattar - Pheriche: 7-8 hours

Day 11 :Pheriche- Chhukung

Day 12 :Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft), 3-4 hrs 

Day 13 :Island High Camp (5,600m/18,372ft), 2-3 hrs

Day 14 :Island Peak summit (6,189m/20,305ft) & return back to Chhukung, 8-10 hours

Day 15 :Chhukung to Tyangboche (3,867m/12684ft), 4-5 hrs 

Day 16 :Tyangboche- Namche (3,440m/11,283ft), 4-5 hrs 

Day 17 :Namche to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), 6-7 hrs

Day 18 :Lukla- Kathmandu

Day 19 :Final Departure.

Tukuche Peak Expedition

Tukuche is a spectacular peak situated in front of Dhaulagiri 1 and the Annapurna Range. Tukuche was first climbed by a Swiss team in 1969. Due to its remote location and the seriousness of the terrain, the area is seldom visited by commercial trekking groups. As far ...as risk factor is concerned, the expedition to Tukuche Peak Expedition is regarded as ‘low risk’.

Our summit attempt for Tukuche Peak begins once we reach Hidden Valley BC. Having set up Base Camp we will begin pushing out the route and acclimatizing. Once the climbing phase is, over we will descend to Jomsom for a flight out to Pokhara and then on to Kathmandu.

Tuckche peak trip fact

Trip length: 25 Days
Grade: Extremely Strenuous
Mode of Trek: Camping
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Season: Autumn
Accommodation: Hotel and camping 
Transportation: Flights, bus
Altitude maximum: 6920m / 22,703ft

Tukuche peak Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu – Free day
Day 03: Fly Pokhara
Day 04: Fly jomsom / Trek to Marpha (2670m)
Day 05: Trek shelters (3720m)
Day 06: Trek to Yak Kharka (4200m)
Day 07: Rest day - Yak Kharka
Day 08: Trek to Hidden Valley/ Kalopani (5100m)
Day 09: Hidden Valley BC (5100m)
Day 10: At Hidden valley BC
Day 11-21: Climbing period of Tukuche Peak (6920m)
Day 22: Back to BC
Day 23: Trek to Jomsom
Day 24: Fly- Jomsom / Pokhara / Kathmandu
Day 25: Depart Kathmandu

Eco Tourism

Ecotourism,a concept in tourism sectors which is getting momentum – enjoying the natural beauty and keeping intact and protecting surrounding environment for the use of future generation. Tourist will get the chances of first hand experience of nature and its beauty while people will get opportunities to earn for their living from it. 

Nepal has wide varieties geographically from low plain as much as 70m from sea level to highest peak of the world Mt Everest. Plain, hills and mountain combination of these where many species of flora and fauna, flowers, exotic orchids, butterflies, birds, mammals were found in Nepal and it has huge potentiality in ecotourism or nature tourism.

Nepal is known around world as a land of Protected Areas with National Parks, Hunting Reserve, Wildlife Reserve, Buffer Zone and Conservation Area. Worldwide renown Annapurna, Chitawan, Sagarmatah, Langtang regions, Gaurishanker are protected area where tourist come each year for trekking, safari and sporting activities. So ecotourism will become main income source of surrounding area while protecting natural environment.

Definition of Ecotourism

Eco-tourism is now a popular term that most of resort, hotel and travel agency operators use to promote their products and services. But what does it really mean? Well, the word eco-tourism comes from two words, ecology and tourism. In Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary it says that ecology is the relation of plants and living creatures to each other and to their environment, or the study of this. Well, it is easy to understand the terminology of eco-tourism but it is difficult to implement it. As different geographical places have their own ecological conditions, those who promote tour packages under the banner of eco-tourism have to be aware whether such tourism activities will support the preservation of the environment or not.

General Perception and Impact to Local Communities

Sometimes people think that eco-tourism means going to the beach or traveling around the tropical island instead of embark on a city tour. As a matter of fact, it is more complicated than just sun bathing at a white sandy beach. Eco-tourists are encouraged to interact with the natural environments which they visit to understand their values. For instance, when I guide tourists to a hiking destination in the Nepal mountains that are covered with green plants, I will always try to explain the medicinal functions of certain herbs there and the roles of tropical rainforest in absorbing CO2 gases that we emit everyday and in releasing Oxygen gas that most living matters need. Small scale tours to coral reef and tropical rainforest will not cause negative impacts on the environment where travelers visit. They also have to be smart tourists who see this travel industry as a way to empower the economic livelihood of the villagers whom they meet on the way. These can include boat owner, guesthouse owner or just a local guide.

Hotel owners pay attention to these environmental issues

For instance, I live in Kathmandu, a capital of Nepal where the surrounding environment is hot (around 35 degrees celcius, has a lot of rain all year round and high humidity. Most of the island is still covered with dense tropical rainforest. Tourists who come to this tropical coastal town must understand that they have to adapt with the tropical climate. If there are hotels in town that offer eco-tourism package to foreign tourists but at the same time install huge Air Conditioning installation in their buildings then their promotion is only empty words. Hotel owners must provide enough green areas around their hotel buildings to be planted with trees so that the surrounding atmosphere will be cooler and healthier. Dirty air that has been polluted with smokes and dust can be filtered by the plants that grow around the hotels. When the temperature near the hotel is not high, the electrical consumption to run AC machines will be lower.

If they really know how to implement eco-tourism principles in their accomodation or hotels, they should design rooms that have high walls with openings for air ventilation and plant green plants in their yard as well as construct swimming pool and water fountain in the building of the hotels. This will reduce much of the electricity consumption and preserve the environment.

My personal experience in implementing principles of ecotourism

I always escort the tourists to the mountain where they can see various species of trees, orchids, mushrooms, and animals live there. Some local indigenous people are also involved in this tour as guides. This is a simple instruction which all the tourists and guides must know if they really want to implement eco-tourism. Tourists are also told not to throw plastic bottles anywhere inside the jungles or in the rivers, must bring all their trash back to the hostel where they can dispose them off into the garbage beans.

Public Education about Environmental Protection

Actually the best way to implement eco-tourism practices is to educate all the city or town dwellers to be more friendly to their surrounding environment by not throwing garbage along the street, or drainage tunnels (which most of them will end up at sea polluting the marine environment), by traveling more with bicycle, by not walking on the corals when swimming at the beach and by encouraging their friends to do the same. When all of the citizens have changed their lifestyle, then the term eco-tourism which we want to realize in our town or city can effectively be implemented and really bring positive impact to the surrounding environment and to the economic livelihood of the whole community.

Environmentally Friendly Souvenirs

And the last but not the least, the souvenirs that are made by artists or handicraft makers must not be made of skins, fur, or plumage of threatened animals such as birds of paradise, kuskus, and soa-soa. Bracelets and necklaces must not be made of fragments of corals either. 

CHITWAN

Asia’s most well-preserved conservation area is the Chitwan National Park, where wildlife thrives and habitats remain intact. Only a half-hour flight away from Kathmandu, the park lies in the 'Tarai' region (plains) and is home to a range of wildlife including endangered species like the Greater One-horned rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park has a particularly rich flora and fauna boasting more than 450 species of birds. Resorts within the park facilitate safaris on elephant back, boat ride or jeep drives.

Jaunty rides on elephant back, crossing rivers on dug-out canoes and catching unsuspecting wildlife in their natural habitat; these are thrills one is not likely to forget even years after the mystical holiday in Nepal. Chitwan owes its fame to Chitwan National Park, the most well-preserved conservation area in all of Asia. The park is home to a large variety of wildlife including the endangered Greater One-horned rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Chitwan, only a 30 minute flight away in southern Nepal, has a sub-tropical climate. Resorts both inside and outside the national park cater to the needs of tourists who come down for safari adventure in the jungles. Chitwan is easy to reach both by road and by air. The nearest airports are in Meghauli and Bharatpur and flights leave for these airports on a regular basis. 

Chitwan National Park is the favorite destination of tourists looking for an enduring safari experience. Once this large tract of land was declared a national park, illegal settlements were halted and deforestation brought under control within its boundaries. At the same time poaching was controlled to some extent. The natural habitat of wildlife was preserved and they flourished. Major Projects were initiated to save the tiger and rhinoceros with the help of friendly nations and foreign institutions. As a result rhinos are quite commonly seen in Chitwan and occasionally the Bengal tiger can be spied well camouflaged among the tall grass. The Rapti River has been dammed to create a man-made lake called Lamital where waterfowl and many other exotic birds are found in abundance. Elephant grass that are five to six feet tall, provide excellent cover for animals. 

Accomodation: 
There are resorts and lodges of varying standards that cater to the needs of tourists both inside and outside the national park. Most include elephant safaris, jungle walks, canoeing and a variety of cultural activities in their programs. Reservations can be made at the Kathmandu offices of the various resorts and lodges. Accommodations range from the luxurious to some that offer simple food and shelter. The rich culture of the indigenous Tharu people of Chitwan can be observed first hand during village walks. Tharu cultural dance are performances to the delight of tourists who sometimes join in. There’s never a dull moment in Chitwan with a choice of activities to fill your day, whether you stay two days or a week.

Wildlife and Breeding centers

Besides the rhinos and tigers there are sloth bears, wild boar, gaur (bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodiles, leopard, wild cats; a large variety of reptiles and over 500 species of birds. Apart from jungle safari, there are many places of interest within the park such as the Elephant Breeding Centre and Crocodile Farm where these animals have been successfully breeding in captivity. 

LUMBINI

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a World Heritage Site. This pilgrimage site in southwest Nepal attracts devout Buddhists from around the world, who arrive to pay homage at the Sacred Garden where the ‘Enlightened One’ was born. A famous landmark is the Ashoka Pillar raised by the great Emperor who converted to Buddhism. Today Lumbini has been enlivened by the multitude of architecturally beautiful temples, stupas and monasteries built by various international Buddhist communities.  

Birth place of Lord Buddha

Lumbini is hallowed ground as Shakyamuni Buddha was born here in southern Nepal more than twenty-five hundred years ago. As a sacred birthplace, it is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the globe. Many excavations have taken place here around this small town in the southern Terai plains of Nepal. Ruins of the old city are clearly visible and many artifacts were unearthed during the excavation. Shakyamuni Buddha was born a prince to the ruler of the little principality. Important landmarks are the Maya Devi temple and the Ashoka pillar. The remains of many ancient stupas and monasteries can be found in the surroundings of Lumbini The Ashoka pillar is said to have been erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC and bears an inscription confirming this as the birth place of the Buddha. A stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch is seen in the Maya Devi temple. The belief that touching it will render a woman fertile has led to erosion as thousands of hands have stroked it.

South of the temple is the sacred pool where Maya Devi is said to have given her son his first purification bath. Shaded by the leafy Bo tree (the type of tree under which Buddha received enlightenment), it is a quiet garden and a newly planted forest nearby brings an atmosphere of tranquility to it. A Master Plan of the Lumbini Development Trust was drawn up decades ago and development is finally under way. The plan, completed in 1978 by the renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, will transform three square miles of land into a sacred place of gardens, pools, buildings, and groves. The development will include a Monastic Zone, the circular sacred Garden surrounding the Ashoka pillar and Maya Devi temple, and Lumbini Village, comprising lodges, restaurants, a cultural center and tourist facilities. Over the years, many stupas and monasteries have been built representing Buddhist communities of numerous countries from around the world. In Kapilvastu near Lumbini, is an excavation site that evokes the ancient palace where Lord Buddha spent his formative years. The ruins include scattered foundations of the palace and thirteen successive layers of human habitation dating back to the 8th Century BC; a must see for students of archeology and history. 


Access: Nepal Airlines along with other airlines fly regularly to Bhairahawa airport near Lumbini, and there are regular bus services from Pokhara and Kathmandu. Accommodation: There are several good hotels and lodges in Lumbini, but accommodation is also available in monasteries of the various countries.


Places to see

Maya Devi temple, Ashoka pillar, Pushkarni pond 

Maya Devi temple is one of the important sites as the place of birth of Lord Buddha. Inscriptions on the Ashoka pillar confirm the spot as the birthplace. Of special interest are several ruins of ancient stupas and monasteries. Recent excavations have unearthed a stone bearing a "footprint" indicating the exact location of the Buddha’s birth. Pushkarni pond is of special significance as Queen Maya Devi is said to have taken a bath here before giving birth. The International Gautami Nuns temple found here is a replica of the Swoyambhunath stupa in Kathmandu. 

Lumbini Museum 

Other places of interest are the Lumbini Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, and Kapilvastu Museum situated 27 km west of Lumbini in Tilaurakot. In the Kapilvastu museum can be seen ruins of the ancient capital of the Sakya kingdom where the Buddha grew up as Prince Siddhartha. 

The Sacred Garden is best visited in the morning. Spread over 8 sq. km., it possesses treasures from the past. Today as part of the global initiative to promote Lumbini, many Buddhist communities from various countries have built or are building temples, monasteries or stupas near the Sacred Garden in the International Monastery Zone. Monasteries built by these communities showcase the architecture and culture of their respective nations and are part of the attraction of Lumbini today. The Monastery of Royal Thai (Thailand), Chinese Monastery (China), Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu (Vietnam), Mahabodhi Society of Kolkotta (India), International Nun's Society (Nepal), The Great Lotus Stupa (Tara Foundation, Germany), Myanmar Monastery (Myanmar), Manang Sewa Samaj (Nepal), Linhson Monastery (France), Sokyao Temple (Japan), Geden International (Austria), Sri Lankan Monastery (Sri-Lanka), Korean Mahabodhi Society (South Korea), Dharmodhaya Sabha (Nepal), Drigung Kagyud Meditation Center (India), Cambodian Monastery (Cambodia) Panditarama Meditation Center (Myanmar), Vipasana Mediation Center (Nepal), Lumbini Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, World Peace Pagoda, Eternal Peace Flame, Peace Bell and Crane Sanctuary add beauty and serenity to Lumbini.

About 31 kilometers west of Lumbini is Gotihawa in the Kapilvastu district. It is considered a very important religious site for Buddhists from around the world. It is revered as the spot where the Krakuchanda Buddha, who came before Sakyamuni Buddha, was born and attained nirvana. 

Another spot if significance is Kudan where King Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha. It is about 4 ½ km south of Tilaurakot. 

Niglihawa is situated about 32 kilometers northwest of Lumbini. Emperor Ashoka visited Niglisagar during his pilgrimage, built a stupa and set up a pillar. It is believed that the Kanakmuni Buddha, who came earlier than Shakyamuni Buddha, was born, enlightened, and met his father in this place. 

Getting there

Take a 45-minute flight from TIA in Kathmandu to Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa or catch a bus that leaves from the Gongabu Bus Park. Bhairahawa can also be reached by bus from other parts of the country. Buses to Lumbiini leave every hour or so from 6 am to 5 pm from Bhairahawa.