Located outside the main compound, but easily accessible by bike, the impressive gleaming-white World Peace Pagoda, one of the world's greatest stupas, was constructed by Japanese Buddhists at a cost of US$1 million. The shining golden statue depicts the Buddha in the posture he assumed when he was born. Near the base of the stupa is the grave of a Japanese monk murdered by anti-Buddhist extremists during the construction of the monument.
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.02 MILES
The spiritual heart of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563BC. In the adjoining…
1.46 MILES
With strong touches of Angkor Wat, this colourful fantasy due for completion in 2018 is already one of the most fascinating temples in Lumbini. The temple…
1.15 MILES
Close to the north end of the pond, this stunning and imposing wat (Thai-style monastery) is built from gleaming white marble. The blue-roofed meditation…
Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery
1.31 MILES
This elegant monastery is one of the most impressive structures at Lumbini. Reached through a gateway flanked by dogs of Fo, the elegant pagoda-style…
1.49 MILES
The Myanmar Golden Temple is one of the oldest structures in the compound. There are three prayer halls – the most impressive is topped by a corncob…
1.42 MILES
At the time of research, the government of South Korea was finishing up this massive temple. The interior is magnificent; you might find workers still…
Nepal Vajrayana Mahavihara Temple
1.08 MILES
This beautiful Newari temple with central courtyard was nearing completion at time of research.
Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa
1.01 MILES
This truly extravagant stupa, constructed by the German Tara Foundation, contains a hollow crown partly covered in glass, revealing a small Buddha within…
Nearby Lumbini attractions
0.21 MILES
The wetlands surrounding the World Peace Pagoda are protected as a crane sanctuary and you stand a good chance of seeing rare sarus cranes stalking…
0.64 MILES
Tucked away at the northern end of the compound, this museum is devoted to the life of the Buddha, with a nice collection of artefacts and photos from…
3. Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa
1.01 MILES
This truly extravagant stupa, constructed by the German Tara Foundation, contains a hollow crown partly covered in glass, revealing a small Buddha within…
4. Nepal Vajrayana Mahavihara Temple
1.08 MILES
This beautiful Newari temple with central courtyard was nearing completion at time of research.
5. Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery
1.15 MILES
Close to the north end of the pond, this stunning and imposing wat (Thai-style monastery) is built from gleaming white marble. The blue-roofed meditation…
6. Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu Temple
1.21 MILES
Vietnam's contribution has a grand roof but one kitschy lawn: its fake mountains resemble a minigolf hole. The faded grandeur is also a reminder that…
7. Thrangu Vajra Vidhya Monastery
1.22 MILES
This monastic temple funded by Canadians opened in 2014; 80% of the residents are nuns. The temple is noted for the nearly three thousand Buddha statues…
8. Mother Temple of the Graduated Path to Enlightenment
1.29 MILES
The Austrian Geden International Foundation constructed this complex of stupas and monastery buildings, the latter in classical Greek style.