Lumbini ranked 9th among 52 top tourist destinations in 2025

KATHMANDU, JANUARY 12: Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, has been ranked 9th among the "52 Places to Go in 2025" by the New York Times, a significant achievement expected to further boost domestic and international tourism.

Tourism entrepreneurs in Lumbini are confident that this recognition will send a strong positive message to the global travel community. The region has witnessed a steady increase in visitor numbers, with over 1.1 million tourists visiting in 2024 alone, according to the Lumbini Development Trust.

"The inclusion of Lumbini in this prestigious list not only underscores the importance of Nepal's cultural tourism on the international stage but also showcases our rich ancient history to the world," stated a tourism entrepreneur.

Sanuraja Shakya, Member-Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, remarked that this recognition is a "huge" achievement for Nepal's tourism sector.

Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its numerous historical monuments and holy sites.