Pashupatinath
The most important Shiva temple in Nepal, on the banks of the Bagmati in Kathmandu.
For Indian pilgrims Nepal usually means two names: Pashupatinath, the great Shiva temple on the Bagmati in Kathmandu, and Muktinath, at 3,800 metres in the Mustang valley, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Between them lie the temple squares of the Kathmandu valley and the lakes of Pokhara.
It is the longest journey we plan and the one that needs the most lead time - flights or a road crossing, altitude to allow for at Muktinath, and a weather window that closes in winter. Done properly it is also the most rewarding week on our whole map.
The most important Shiva temple in Nepal, on the banks of the Bagmati in Kathmandu.
At 3,800 metres in Mustang, with 108 water spouts and a flame that burns from natural gas.
One of the largest stupas in the world, ringed by Tibetan monasteries and shops.
The old royal complex, with the Kumari house and centuries of Newari woodwork.
The lakeside town below Annapurna, and the usual overnight stop en route to Muktinath.
Sita's birthplace, close to the Indian border and often added to a Ramayana itinerary.
Arrive, then Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Durbar Square across two unhurried days.
Drive or fly to Pokhara, with Phewa Lake, Bindhyabasini temple and a sunrise at Sarangkot.
Fly Pokhara to Jomsom and drive up to Muktinath, allowing time to acclimatise before the darshan.
Every itinerary is rewritten around your dates, your pace and your group. This is a starting point, not a fixed package.
Held each evening on the ghats opposite the main temple.
A twenty-minute mountain flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge, weather permitting.
Annapurna and Machhapuchhre lighting up from a ridge above Pokhara.
Bathing under the 108 spouts at Muktinath, the traditional completion of the pilgrimage.
Small things that change how a day goes. Our team updates these after every season.
Ask a QuestionIndian nationals do not need a visa, but must carry a passport or voter ID - Aadhaar is not accepted.
Muktinath is at 3,800 metres. Build in a night at Pokhara or Jomsom to acclimatise.
Mountain flights are weather-dependent. Always keep a spare day in the plan.
Non-Hindus may view Pashupatinath from the opposite bank but cannot enter the main temple.
Anything we have not covered? Message us and a planner in Varanasi will reply, usually within the hour.
Message UsNo visa is required, but you must carry a valid passport or voter ID card. Aadhaar and PAN are not accepted at the border or airport.
Roughly March to early December. Heavy snow closes the road and the flights from around late December to February.
Yes - either fly Varanasi to Kathmandu, or drive to the Sonauli border via Gorakhpur. We plan Nepal as a separate five to seven day block.
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