Lumbini Monastic Zone

The Lumbini Development Zone was designed by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange from 1978. A long canal runs north from the sacred garden to an eternal peace flame and the World Peace Pagoda, with the East and West Monastic Zones on either side for Theravada and Mahayana traditions.

Countries including Thailand, Myanmar, China, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, France and Sri Lanka have built monasteries here, each in its own style. Rent a bicycle or e-rickshaw to explore; the Lumbini Museum and the crane sanctuary at the northern end are also worth a stop.

What to see and do

Highlights include the gleaming white Thai monastery, the Myanmar Golden Temple, the Chinese Zhong Hua temple, the Korean temple with its large prayer hall, the German Great Lotus Stupa with its vivid murals, and the Vietnamese Phat Quoc Tu. At the northern end, the World Peace Pagoda built by Japanese Buddhists and the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, home to endangered sarus cranes, are worth the ride.

Good to know

Monasteries have their own opening hours, usually closing at midday for lunch. Hire a bicycle or e-rickshaw — the zone is large. Some monasteries offer simple accommodation and meditation courses.