In Nepal, religion permeates every facet of life, from festivals and rituals to family celebrations and observances. Discover the country's spiritual tapestry through its renowned temples, shrines, and pilgrimage sites.
In Nepal, religion permeates every facet of life with festivals, daily rituals, family celebrations and religious observances. At every step one can see temples and shrines, processions and devotional music. Although Nepal is famous as the world's only Hindu Nation, it is an intricate and beautiful tapestry woven of Hinduism, Buddhism and other faiths living together in tolerance and harmony. Below is a list of the most significant religious and touristic sites of Nepal.
Shiva, the destroyer, is historically the god most worshipped in the country. He may be worshipped as the holy ascetic, depicted with his consort Parvati and holding a trident and a small drum or more often in the form of the linga, an elongated stone representing his generative powers. The most important linga is situated in the holy shrine of Pashupatinath to the west of Kathmandu. In front of Shiva temples one usually sees a statue of Nandi, the divine bull that serves as Shiva's vehicle. Another popular form of Shiva in Nepal is the terrifying Bhairav, with different aspects playing major roles in many of the Valley's festivals.
Vishnu, whose primary duty is to assure the preservation of the world and all living forms, is believed to have visited the earth ten times, each as a different incarnation or avatar. He is often depicted as a boar, a tortoise, a man-lion, or a fish — his four animal incarnations. Throughout South Asia he is most often worshipped in human forms: Prince Ram, the hero of the epic Ramayana, and the pastoral god Krishna. In Nepal, he is often worshipped in his omnipotent form of Narayan, sometimes seen astride his man-bird vehicle, Garuda.
The archetypal mother goddess holds particular importance in Nepal and is worshipped in many aspects: Durga (protector and slayer of the buffalo demon), Taleju (patron deity of the Valley rulers), and Kumari (the living virgin goddess). Other female goddesses include Laxmi, goddess of wealth, and Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and arts. Elephant-headed Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and the source of good fortune, is also widely venerated. Deities such as Red Machhendranath are unique to Nepal and are celebrated with special local festivals.
There is a variety of Buddhist practices in Nepal, including the traditions of the endemic Newar people, the Sherpa, Tamang, Tibetan communities, and the relatively modern incursion of Theravada Buddhism. Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple, stands as a symbol of this diversity and offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.
The central beliefs and practices date back to Prince Siddhartha Gautam, born in Lumbini around 534 B.C. After witnessing suffering—old age, sickness, death, and ascetic life—he renounced luxury and sought enlightenment. Under a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya, he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, the 'enlightened one,' teaching the Middle Path throughout northern India and southern Nepal until his passing at age eighty.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the ultimate Buddha, is a pilgrimage destination recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Identified by Emperor Ashoka's commemorative pillar, the Sacred Garden spans over 8 sq km and contains the Mayadevi Temple, where a bas-relief depicts Queen Mayadevi giving birth to the prince.
Standing west of the Mayadevi Shrine is Nepal's oldest monument, the Ashoka Pillar, erected in 249 B.C. Nearby lies the Puskarni pond, where Queen Mayadevi bathed before childbirth. Lumbini is accessible by air via Bhairahawa from Kathmandu or by an eight-hour bus or car journey.
It is believed that all miseries and sorrows are relieved once you visit Muktinath (Mukti = Nirvana, Nath = God). Located in Mustang district at 3,749 m altitude, the pagoda-shaped temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is ringed by 108 water spouts pouring holy water.
The temple is reached via a direct flight from Kathmandu through Pokhara to Jomsom followed by a 7–8 hour hike via Kagbeni, or by trekking from Pokhara over 7–8 days. Pilgrims often visit Muktinath after completing the four Dhams pilgrimage in India. The nearby Jwala Mai temple features a natural spring and an eternal flame fed by underground gas.
Jomsom serves as a hub in the Annapurna region with world-class accommodations and stunning natural beauty.
One of Nepal's most famous pilgrimage destinations is Gosainkunda Lake at 4,360 m altitude. Accessed via Dhunche (132 km northeast of Kathmandu), the lake is surrounded by towering mountains and serene wilderness.
Nearby are nine other sacred lakes—including Saraswati, Bhairav, Suryakunda, and Ganesh Kunda—each revered for its own spiritual significance.
Devghat, at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Trisuli rivers just north of Chitwan National Park, is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. During the Maghe Sankranti festival in January, devotees take holy dips in the river.
Nearby attractions include the Triveni Temple, Balmiki Ashram, Someswar Kalika Temple and Fort, Pandavanag associated with the Mahabharata heroes, and the Kabilaspur Fort of the old Palpa kings.
Perched at 3,900 ft, Manakamana Temple offers panoramic views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the Annapurna range, set against traditional village architecture. Hundreds journey daily to worship at the Bhagwati Mandir.
During Nag Panchami in July or August, celebrants construct elaborate shrines from flowers and foliage, making the visit a profound cultural experience.
Pathibhara, atop Kuti Danda near Haaspokhari on the Mechi Highway, is known as the 'younger sister' of Pathibhara in Taplejung. Enveloped in lush forest, it offers breathtaking views of the Terai plains, the Mahabharat Range, and Mount Kanchenjunga.
With strong transport links and favorable terrain for paragliding, thousands of devotees visit daily to pay homage to the goddess Pathibhara.
Jaleshwar Mahadev, in the city of Jaleshwar—the headquarters of Janakpur Zone—is a historic site mentioned in the Padma Purana. Legend tells of a hermit named Jagadish who, guided by a dream, excavated an image of Jaleshwar Mahadev and built a temple using gold from Sunukhadagarh.
In front of the temple lie two sacred ponds, Barunsar and Kshiresar. During Ram Navami and Bivaha Panchami festivals, thousands of pilgrims gather to perform rituals at these water bodies.
In upper Dolakha Township stands the Dolakha Bhimsen temple, dedicated to Bhimsen and revered as the supreme lord by locals. The roofless shrine houses a Shiva Linga above a sacred pond. Fairs occur during Bala Chaturdashi, Ram Navami, Chaitra Astami, and Bhim Ekadashi, and goats are sacrificed during Dashain.
About 200 m from the Bhimsen temple lies the Tripurasundari temple, where devotees gather during Chaitra Astami and Dashain festivals. Only the temple priest may view the enshrined image.
Swargadwari, located in Pyuthan District (Rapti Zone) about 26 km south of Khalanga Bazar, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Pilgrims from Nepal and India converge during Baisakh Purnima and Kartik Purnima festivals to pay homage.
