BUTWAL, March 24: Visitors can now book tickets online to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) has launched an online ticketing system for visitors planning a trip to Lumbini.
The implementation of the online ticketing system is expected to make it easier for both domestic and foreign tourists to visit Lumbini by eliminating long queues.
During a program on Saturday, LDT Chairman and Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, inaugurated the online ticketing system. In his address, Minister Tamang emphasized that in this era of advancing information technology, online ticketing will provide convenience for tourists. He mentioned that the labeling system will enhance transparency and prevent irregularities in related areas, benefiting both the organization and the tourists.
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Dr Lharkyal Lama, the vice president of the LDT, expressed confidence that online ticketing will attract more tourists to Lumbini by eliminating the need to stand in line to purchase tickets. He stressed the importance of promoting Lumbini not only as a destination for Buddhist pilgrims but also for followers of all religious sects worldwide.
Dhundi Raj Bhattarai, the treasurer of the LDT, highlighted the benefits of transitioning the organization to a digital system, which will improve governance and transparency. He mentioned that online ticketing will also boost the Trust’s revenue.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting the LDT website and navigating to the E-tickets section. Bhim Basnet, the Head of Accounts at the Trust, explained that visitors can select their nationality, number of people, vehicle type (if applicable), camera permissions, and film shooting options before making the payment through Visa card, banks, eSewa, or the Khalti app.
Currently, fees for entering the Mayadevi temple and other designated services are specified within the online ticketing system.