Overview

Pilgrimage tour in Nepal has its own significant history. For a very long time, Nepal has served as a destination for various pilgrimage tours for people from various corners of the world. Being a secular country having both the Hindu as well as Buddhist religion, this tour offers a chance to the devotees to witness both religious and spiritual beliefs. People who are interested in ancient Nepalese culture and want to delve into the intricacies of the Hindu and Buddhist religion may also prefer this tour. Thousands of pilgrims enter Nepal every year to wash away their sins in life and purify themselves inside out with the pilgrimage tour. So, if you ever regret having stolen that pencil from your friend back in grade 5 then that could be a great excuse for going on this tour, because once it begins, it will be so beautiful that you will literally forget what you were here for in the first place.

Muktinath is believed that all miseries and sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti = Nirvana, Nath = God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749 mt. (12184 ft.) The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it, are 108 water spouts from which pour holy water. The jwala Mai (goddess of flame) temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. About 16 miles from Muktinath is the Damodara Kundam, the source of Kali Gandaki river. One can find Saligrama stones on the bank of this river. There are accommodation facilities available in Jomsom and Muktinath from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.

Attraction of Muktinath
Kunda: In front of MuktinathTemple there are 2 Kunda (Water pond),name of Laxmi saraswoti kunda, it called also Mukti Kunda. Where holy dip is believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one’s past negative actions.

Mukti Dhara: Around the temple is a wall from the temple which there are 108 waterspouts (Dhara) name of “Muktidhara”. The 108 faucets in the cast in the shape of bulls’ heads, pour fourth-sacred water closely arranged in a semi-circle with a gap of hardly a foot between the faucets, at a height of seven feet. The water from Gandaki River continuously flowing through the mouth of the bull. Pilgrims who visit the temple take a holy bath in each of these spouts. But as the water is ice cold it requires burning desire and courage to take a holy bath here. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” believing that it brings them salvation. It is also believed that the deity was originated from Jumla,far western part of Nepal. It has helped to make this area as center of Tourist attraction. In Janai Purnima Buddhist’s Yar tang Mala celebrated here.

Jwala Mai Temple: Even more sacred is the water that issues from rock inside the ancient Tibetan style “Jwala Mai Temple” sound of flowing river is situated south and a short distance below the of Muktinath Temple. Inside this Gompa, behind a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jest that produce Continuously burning flame, the Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal flames “Holy flame from soil”, “Holy flame from rock” and “Holy flame from water” fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. The Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma himself , (the creator of universe) set water on fire. Hindus worship the fire as Jwala Mai (Lit. Goddess of fire). The Buddhist believe that Padmasambhav, the great Indian master who inducted Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet, meditated at this place. The Buddhist living will show foot prints which they say are those of the great master. They called it Dhola Mebar Gompa.
The holy flame alongside a spring that is the source of the religious importance of Muktinath. It is often possible to see Tibetan woman with elaborate turquoise embedded headdresses, engaged in devotion at these shrine.

Mharme Lha Khang Gompa: After completing prayer and puja at the temple a visit to Mharme Lha Khang Gomba is situated to the North of Muktinath Temple. Mharme Lha Khang is translates as thousand holy lamps. As this monastery dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) with his huge clay image is placed center of altar along with bon deities: red Trakpo at right side and blue singe Doma at left side. Since Singe doma is lion headed deity, Hindu worships as Narasimha and name of monastry Narsingh Gompa.

Gomba Samba, a “newly built monastery”. It is believed that founder of this monastery Syandol Lama came from Tibet. Originally this monastery was a big hostel for monks that later collapsed and people of Khinga and Jharkot jointly reconstructed it. The main deities monastries are Sakyamuni, Chingresig and Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is situated at left from entrance gate of Muktinath temple complex, would be worth it.

Swaminarayan: One Hindu Guru connected to Muktinath is Lord Shri Swaminarayan, Satguru of Sabij Yoga, the goal of which is the realization of and service to God Supreme. At the end of the 18th century this Satguru practiced severe penance in Muktinath for two and a half months and attained the highest degree of proficiency in Nishkamvrat. In 2003 his followers funded the new wall around Muktinath and raised a small monument for him at Muktinath.

Shaligram: Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic park age. One may find a fossil within a few minutes or it may take hours and without success. However, these fossils can be had from the local people at a price. Shaligram, a black stone fossil if found, is considered sacred and is kept in pooja (prayer) room in the house. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu.

Around Places:
The Muktinath valley has seven historic famous places Putak, Jhong, Chhyokhar, Purang Jharkot and Khinga. Ranipauwa (Lit.Queen pilgrims hostel the name of Subarna Prabha Devi) is new settlement village founded by people of Purang. There are many monasteries and Gompa around the Muktinath temple.
Once Pilgrimage journey made to this holy Muktinath, holy dip in the Kunda and bath beneath of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha) and to fulfill your wishes.
We welcome you to visit the highly religious place of Muktinath, where you will enjoy and discover you are on your special journey.

Pashupatinath Temple- the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicaed to lord Shiva, first established in 5th century. The holiest Hindu pilgrimage place in Nepal Pashupati has received the attention of worshippers for at least fifteen hundred years. Dedicated to Shiva the lord of Destruction the temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati river. A circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a sixth century statue of the Buddha an eighth century statue of Brahma the Creator freshly painted skeletal images guarding temple gates, and other magnificent temples dedicates to various deities in the complex.

What to See
» Gold-painted images of guardian deities
» Chaturmukha (four-faced statue)
» Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century
» Brahma Temple
» Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken
» Arya Ghat
» Gauri Ghat (holy bath)
» Pandra Shivalaya (15 shrines)
» Gorakhnath and Vishwarup Temples
» Guhyeshwari (Guhjeshwari) Temple
» Kirateshwar Mahadeva Mandir and Surya Ghat

Pashupati Temple stands in the center of the town of Deopatan, in the middle of an open courtyard. It is a square, two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth, and it stands 23.6 meters above the ground. Richly ornamented gilt and silver-plated doors are on all sides.
On both sides of each door are niches of various sizes containing gold-painted images of guardian deities. Inside the temple itself is a narrow ambulatory around the sanctum. The sanctum contains a one-meter high linga with four faces (chaturmukha) representing Pashupati, as well as images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh.
The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis.
The struts under the roofs, dating from the late 17th century, are decorated with wood carvings of members of Shiva’s family such as Parvati, Ganesh, Kumar or the Yoginis, as well as Hanuman, Rama, Sita, Lakshman and other gods and goddesses from the Ramayana.
Pashaputi Temple’s extensive grounds include many other old and important temples, shrines and statues. South of the temple, for instance, is Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century, and north of the temple is a 9th-century temple of Brahma. On the south side of Pashupati temple is the Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken, and pillars with statues of various Shah kings.
In the northeast corner of the temple courtyard is the small pagoda temple of Vasuki, the King of the Nagas. Vasuki has the form of a Naga (mythical snake) from the waist upwards, while the lower parts are an intricate tangle of snakes’ bodies. According to local belief, Vasuki took up residence here in order to protect Pashupati. One can often see devotees circumambulating and worshipping Vasuki before entering the main sanctum.
The Bagmati River, which runs next to Pashaputinath Temple, has highly sacred properties. Thus the banks are lined with many ghats (bathing spots) for use by pilgrims. Renovating or furnishing these sites has always been regarded as meritorious.
Arya Ghat, dating from the early 1900s, is of special importance because it is the only place where lustral water for Pashupatinath Temple can be obtained and it is where members of the royal family are cremated. The main cremation site is Bhasmeshvar Ghat, which is the most-used cremation site in the Kathmandu Valley. The preferred bathing spot for women is the Gauri Ghat, to the north.
Across the Bagmati River are 15 votive shrines, the Pandra Shivalaya, which were built to enshrine lingas in memory of deceased persons between 1859 and 1869.
Dhulukhel- A fascinating old Newar town at the foot of a nearby hill, some 32 kms east of Kathmandu. Many of the houses in the old part of the town suffered serious damage in an earthquake in 1934. For the most part they haven’t been repaired and they’re still lived in as damaged. Dhulikhel is rightly famous as a mountain viewpoint and for excellent day walks. At 1450 metres above sea level, it is a little cooler than Kathmandu but not as cold as Nagarkot. The Narayan and Harisiddhi temples in the old part of town are both beautifully adorned with intricate wood carvings. Because the tracks linking Dhulikhel with other towns are not paved but still well defined, this town would be an excellent place to spend a few days mountain cycling.

Saga Mahadev: Located in Saanga, the border of Bhaktapur and Kavre districts, this 108 ft tall statue of Lord Shiva is supposedly the tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. The combined height along with the base is about 144ft. There is a children’s park and other recreational features around the statue that makes it a popular destination for visitors. About half an hour from Kathmandu, it boasts amazing views of the valley along with the mountains and lush green Bhaktapur fields.
Apart from the primary Shiva statue, there is a good-looking statue of the whole family (Shiva, Parvati, Kumar and Ganesh). The stairs leading to the main statue have Shiva-lingas of 12 different forms of Lord Shiva.
There is an entrance fee if you choose to enter through the Hilltake Health and Homes facility. But there is a slightly longer trail that can bring you straight in front of the Shiva Statue for free. That being said, the Hilltake facility does provide you with a great environment and amenities to enjoy and relax after the 20 some kilometers ride from the capital.

Doleshwore Mahadev
For 4000 years people have been searching for the head of (Hindu deity) Kedarnath who assumed the shape of a bull to avoid the five Pandava brothers,the heroes of the Mahabharat. The legend goes back to the fabled battle of Kurukshetra fought between the five Pandava brothers and their cousins, the 100 Kaurava brothers, which is the pivot of the Mahabharata. The Pandavas won, but sorrowed by the loss of lives, they renounced the kingdom they had wrested back and headed for the heavenly abode of the gods, believed to be atop the mighty Himalayan Mountains. The Pandavas reached the Kedarnath region to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the loss of lives during the 18-day Mahabharata war. But Lord Shiva was not ready to forgive them and he took the form of a bull to avoid them. The Pandavas soon realized that the bull was Lord Shiva and tried to stop it by pulling its tail. Suddenly the head got separated from the body of the bull and the Pandavas could not locate it. The hump-backed structure at Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath temple is worshipped as the torso of the holy bull.
In August 22, 2009 the head priest of Kedarpeeth Shree 1008 Jagat Guru Bheemashankarling Shivacharya unveiled the plaque claiming that Doleswore Mahadev, located in Jangam math Bhaktapur, is the head part of Shri Kedarnath. He performed Rudra Abhishek, a special worshipping at the Doleshwor temple situated in Sipadol village of Bhaktapur district. This is also mentioned in the inscription (Sheela Lekh) at Doleshwar Mahadev. Thousands of devotees have been thronging in the Doleswor Mahadev Temple.

Janakpur is best known as an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, due to its connection with the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Legend has it that it’s where Sita was born and married Rama. This gives the city a heady religious atmosphere, in which the residents often speak of the characters in the Ramayana as if they were walking the streets today. While Janakpur’s culture is primarily Indian, it was also once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mithila, a territory now divided between Nepal and India. More than two million people here still speak Maithili. The Maithili people are famous for their wildly colorful paintings.