BUTWAL: Tourist arrivals at the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, increased by 54 percent during this year’s Dashain festival compared to the same period last year. Data from the Lumbini Development Trust shows a significant rise in visitors from Nepal, India, and third countries.
According to the trust’s information, public relations, and hospitality branch, 29,787 tourists visited Lumbini between Sept. 22 and Oct. 7 in 2025. During the corresponding Dashain period from Oct. 11 to 25 in 2026, the number of visitors reached 45,934, marking an increase of 16,147 arrivals.
Indian tourist numbers saw a 60.86 percent increase, rising from 15,266 last year to 24,557 this year. Domestic tourist numbers also grew by 78.94 percent, increasing from 7,656 to 13,700. Additionally, the number of visitors from third countries rose by 16.76 percent, reaching 5,651.
Dr. Hari Dhwaj Rai, information officer at the Lumbini Development Trust, attributed the surge to the growing trend of holiday travel in both Nepal and India. He noted that while other regions faced risks from floods and landslides, Lumbini remained a safe destination for travelers. According to Rai, the combination of the Dashain holidays and the secure environment in Lumbini attracted a higher number of tourists this year.
