Tourist arrivals at Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, increased by 54 percent during this year’s Dashain holiday period compared with the same period last year, according to data from the Lumbini Development Trust. The increase was recorded among domestic visitors, Indian tourists, and visitors from other countries, highlighting Lumbini’s growing appeal as a religious and cultural tourism destination.
A total of 45,934 tourists visited Lumbini between October 11 and 25, 2026, compared with 29,787 visitors during the corresponding period from September 22 to October 7, 2025. The figures show an increase of 16,147 visitors over the comparative period. Indian tourists accounted for the largest number of arrivals, while domestic tourism also recorded substantial growth.
Tourist Arrivals Increase During Dashain
According to comparative statistics released by the Information, Public Relations and Hospitality Branch of the Lumbini Development Trust, the number of visitors rose significantly during this year’s Dashain holiday period. The data covers the period from Ghatasthapana to the full moon in both years, providing a comparison of tourist arrivals during the main festive season.
The growth suggests that the holiday period continues to provide an important opportunity for people to visit religious and cultural destinations across Nepal. Lumbini’s importance as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha makes it a major destination for pilgrims, domestic travellers, and international visitors. The increase in arrivals during Dashain further highlights the role of religious tourism in attracting visitors during Nepal’s major festivals.
Indian Tourists Account for the Largest Increase
Indian visitors represented the largest group contributing to the overall rise in tourist arrivals at Lumbini. During the comparable period in 2025, the place received 15,266 Indian tourists. The figure increased to 24,557 in 2026, representing an additional 9,291 visitors, or growth of 60.86 percent.
The rise highlights Lumbini’s importance as a cross-border religious tourism destination for visitors from India. Its spiritual significance, geographical proximity, and established position on Buddhist pilgrimage routes make it an attractive destination for Indian travellers. The increase in Indian arrivals also points to the importance of cross-border tourism in supporting Nepal’s tourism sector, particularly at destinations with strong religious and cultural connections.
Domestic Tourism Also Shows Strong Growth
The number of Nepali visitors to Lumbini increased considerably during the same period. According to the data, 7,656 Nepali tourists visited Lumbini during the comparative period in 2025. This number rose to 13,700 in 2026, an increase of 6,044 visitors, or 78.94 percent. The growth indicates stronger domestic interest in visiting Lumbini during the Dashain holidays.
Festive breaks often provide families and individuals with opportunities to travel, visit religious sites, and explore destinations within the country. The increase in domestic arrivals also demonstrates the importance of promoting religious and cultural destinations among Nepali travellers. Encouraging domestic tourism can support local businesses and help distribute tourism-related economic benefits within the country.
Arrivals from Other Countries Rise by 16.76 Percent
Lumbini also welcomed more tourists from countries other than Nepal and India during the comparative period. The number of visitors from third countries increased from 4,840 in 2025 to 5,651 in 2026. This represents an increase of 811 visitors, or 16.76 percent.
Although the growth rate was lower than that recorded among domestic and Indian tourists, the increase indicates continued international interest in Lumbini. As an internationally significant Buddhist heritage destination, Lumbini attracts visitors interested in Buddhism, spirituality, history, architecture, and cultural heritage. Continued promotion and improvements in visitor services could help strengthen its appeal to international travellers.
Safe Travel Conditions Contribute to Visitor Growth
Dr. Haridhwaj Rai, information officer at the Lumbini Development Trust, attributed the increase in tourist arrivals partly to the growing tradition of travelling during holidays in both Nepal and India. He also explained that Lumbini’s reputation as a safe destination may have encouraged more people to visit during the festive period. While some other areas faced risks associated with floods and landslides, Lumbini remained an attractive option for travellers seeking a holiday destination.
According to Rai, the combination of Dashain holidays and the comparatively safe environment helped draw visitors to the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Travel conditions can play an important role in tourists’ destination choices, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods when weather-related disruptions may affect transportation and access to some parts of the country.
Lumbini’s Religious and Cultural Tourism Potential
The increase in visitors during Dashain highlights Lumbini’s continuing potential as a centre for religious, cultural, and heritage tourism. As the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Lumbini holds special significance for Buddhists worldwide and remains an important destination for pilgrims and people interested in Buddhist philosophy and history.
Its religious importance also provides opportunities to attract travellers seeking cultural experiences and peaceful spiritual environments. The latest figures show that Lumbini appeals to a diverse range of visitors, from domestic tourists and Indian pilgrims to travellers from other countries. This diversity provides an opportunity to strengthen tourism services and develop experiences suited to different visitor groups.
The growth in arrivals may also benefit hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, guides, and other businesses serving tourists. Sustaining these benefits will depend on maintaining a safe environment, improving visitor facilities, and ensuring that tourism growth is managed effectively.
With domestic and cross-border travel continuing to support visitor numbers, Lumbini remains an important destination for Nepal’s religious and cultural tourism sector. The substantial rise recorded during this year’s Dashain period highlights the value of promoting the site while preserving its spiritual significance and cultural heritage.
