Complete Guideline for Kathmandu Pashupatinath Tour

Overview

Pashupatinath temple is located along the bank of sacred Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu city, close to Kathmandu airport. The Pashupatinath complex houses popular Pashupatinath temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal dating back to 5th century.

The entrance to the major Pashupatinath complex is restricted for non-Hindus (foreigners/tourists); however there are lots of thing s to see and experience around the rest of the area. Travelers can observe daily cremation rituals alongside the river. It can be the sight for those who have preserve the Hindu Cremations before. The opposite side of river has many small stupas and temples where many mystic Sadhus gather.

The area of Pashupatinath covers 264 hectares of land including 518 temples and monuments. The main pagoda style temple is placed inside the fortified courtyard within the complex guarded by Semi-Military Nepal Police and Military Force Nepal Army. You can be huge statue of Nandi bull in bronze color in the front of the western door.

History of Pashupatinath Temple

Legend has it that Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi once took the form of an antelope and sported unknown in the Forest of Bagmati River’s east bank. Other gods who were in search of Lord Shiva, found him and grab him by the horn. They forced him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a Linga but over time it was buried and lost. After many centuries, a cow herdsmen found one of his cow milking the earth in the very location where the horn was buried. Digging deep at this site, he discovered the divine Linga of Pashupatinath.

Highlights of Pahsupatinath Tour

During Kathmandu Pashupatinath tour, it is very important to know that Pashupatinath is a complex and not a single temple. The Pashupatinath tour is not just about touring the Pashupatinath temple and the ghats or cremation area. It’s huge, there are lots of things to do around Pashupatinath.

Highlights:

• Explore Pashupatinath Ghats to discover Hindu Cremations process
• Explore Arya Ghat where the members of the royal family are cremated
• Enjoy the view of Pashupatinath temple from the viewpoint located at the opposite of Bagmati River
• Visit the Votive Shrines, the Pandra Shivalaya and the Ram temple across the river along the terraces
• Interact with mysterious Sadhus who often gather and meditate here
• Hike up the Guwyashowri temple via stone stair and through the forest

Be aware of monkeys – they will steal your food, shiny object and bag! You can feed them food but don’t tease them.