Lumbini vs Bhaktapur & Patan
Pick Lumbini for
peace and quiet, tight budgets, family trips, fewer people
Pick Bhaktapur & Patan for
culture and heritage, photography, first-timers
| Lumbini | Bhaktapur & Patan | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Nepal, Rupandehi, Lumbini | Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, Bagmati |
| Highest point | 180 m | 1,400 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | No trek needed |
| Days on the ground | 2–3 | 2–3 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Oct, Nov, Dec, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Snow likely | Rarely | Rarely |
| Crowds in season | Moderate | Busy |
| Daily spend | about ₹2,500 | about ₹2,500 |
| Gateway | Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha Airport) | Kathmandu |
| With kids | Great | Great |
| With seniors | Great | Great |
| Permits | Indian citizens: passport or voter ID; no visa needed. Monastic zone entry is free. | Indian citizens: passport or voter ID. Separate entry fee for each Durbar Square. |
Lumbini: when to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Bhaktapur & Patan: when to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely