Just 22 km south of Kathmandu, the forested ravine of Dakshinkali and the hillside village of Pharping hold some of the valley’s most powerful sacred sites, both Hindu and Buddhist. Our Dakshinkali & Pharping Day Tour (about 4 hours) is a private half-day trip with an English-speaking guide, hotel pick-up and entrance fees included – a big dose of spirituality and countryside, with fine views of the valley on the drive.
On the way you pass the Chobhar Gorge, where, according to legend, the bodhisattva Manjushri sliced the hill with his sword to drain the lake that once filled the Kathmandu Valley. Dakshinkali Temple, built in the 17th century, sits at the bottom of a wooded gorge where two streams meet and is dedicated to Kali, the fierce form of Shiva’s consort Parvati; on Tuesdays and Saturdays hundreds of devotees gather with flowers and offerings, and animal sacrifices are made. Above it, Pharping is a centre of Vajrayana Buddhism, where the 8th-century master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated in caves and attained enlightenment before carrying Buddhism to Tibet; today the hillside is ringed with monasteries and prayer flags.
The tour also visits Shesh Narayan Temple, a highly revered Vishnu shrine tucked beneath a rocky cliff wall, surrounded by sacred ponds and ancient stone carvings – a quiet place where Hindu and Buddhist traditions meet.
Why choose this tour?
- Hindu and Buddhist sacred sites in one easy half day.
- Private vehicle, English-speaking guide and entrance fees included.
- Instant confirmation; small private group.
Who is it for?
Spiritual travellers, culture lovers and photographers. The grade is easy, with stairs down to Dakshinkali and short uphill walks in Pharping. Please note that the animal sacrifices at Dakshinkali may be upsetting for some visitors.
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