Varanasi–Lumbini FAM Trip | 6-8 July 2026
The Lumbini–Varanasi Familiarization (FAM) – Buddhist Tour Operators B2B Program, held from July 6–8, 2026 at Buddha Maya Gardens, Lumbini, marked an important step towards strengthening religious and Buddhist tourism between India and Nepal.
The programme was organised by Lumbini Hotel Association Nepal, with Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality and Lumbini Development Trust as co-organisers, bringing together tourism stakeholders and Buddhist tour operators from the region.
During the programme, the Lumbini Hotel Association and Varanasi Tourism Guild (VTG) signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation and promote greater tourism exchange between Lumbini and Varanasi.
Key areas of collaboration include:
- Promoting Kakarhawa Border as a major gateway to the Buddhist Circuit
- Exploring the revival of direct bus connectivity between Lumbini and Varanasi
- Developing joint Buddhist and religious tourism packages
- Encouraging visitors to spend at least one night in Lumbini
- Strengthening cooperation among tourism professionals, hotels and travel businesses in India and Nepal
The initiative aims to create stronger tourism linkages between Varanasi and Lumbini while giving fresh momentum to the wider Buddhist Circuit and spiritual tourism.
The Varanasi Tourism Guild is proud to be part of this meaningful initiative and looks forward to strengthening the bond between the tourism communities of India and Nepal.