Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, offers a surprising visual treat: the sight of the Himalayan mountain range. Although it may seem unbelievable to many, the pristine peaks of the Himalayas can be seen from Lumbini during the clear weather of the monsoon months of Ashadh and Shrawan.
In recent days, the clear skies have allowed tourists visiting Lumbini to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Dhammashree Bhante, who brought a group of Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka to Lumbini, expressed his immense joy at witnessing the rare Himalayan vistas firsthand. He remarked that the sight reinforced the belief that Buddha was born in the lap of the Himalayas and urged all followers of Buddhism and nature lovers to visit Lumbini at least once.
The clear monsoon weather has revealed stunning views of the snow-capped mountains to the north of Lumbini, enchanting all who see them. Yogendra Nath Pandey, a long-time priest at the Maya Devi Temple, mentioned that the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, among others, are often visible from Lumbini during the clear weather following rainfall in Ashar and Shrawan.
Dr. Haridhwaj Rai, a tourism expert and the Information and Public Relations Chief at the Lumbini Development Trust, noted that the potential for promoting tourism by highlighting the Himalayan views from Lumbini has not been fully realized. He called for a comprehensive promotion campaign linking Buddha and the Himalayas to enhance the appeal of Lumbini. “We need to effectively market Lumbini, incorporating all aspects, to create a successful and meaningful tourism promotion campaign,” he said.
The ability to see the Himalayas from the sacred plains of Lumbini, near the Maya Devi Temple and Ashoka Pillar, is indeed a unique feature. Residents affirm that many districts in the Terai, including Lumbini, offer spectacular views of the Himalayas and picturesque landscapes during the clear weather of Ashar and Shrawan.
This unique visual experience adds a significant dimension to Lumbini’s appeal, combining spiritual heritage with natural beauty, making it an even more compelling destination for tourists.
