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Temples & religious sites

Pashupatinath Temple

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Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple

Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this temple complex is one of the most significant religious sites in Nepal, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Travelers visit to observe traditional Hindu rituals, the cremation ceremonies taking place along the river, and the architecture of the main pagoda-style temple.

Getting There

The site is located east of the Kathmandu city center. Most visitors reach the temple via taxi or rickshaw. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes from the central districts.

Time Allocation

Allow approximately 2 to 4 hours to explore the main temple area, walk along the riverbanks, and observe the surrounding shrines. Those interested in the evening Aarti ceremony should plan for additional time.

When to Visit

The site is active throughout the day, but the evening is when the ritual prayers occur. It becomes extremely crowded during the Shivaratri festival, when tens of thousands of pilgrims gather. To avoid the largest crowds, visit during the early morning hours.

Nearby Attractions

The temple is situated close to several other points of interest that can be visited on the same trip:

  • Guhyeshwari Temple: 0.5km
  • Charumati Stupa: 0.7km
  • Chabahil: 0.8km
  • Singha Durbar: 2.7km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Guhyeshwari Temple

Temples & religious sites

Guhyeshwari Temple

A Hindu temple on the southern bank of Nepal's Bagmati River, it is one of the Shakti Peethas. It is regarded as an important pilgrimage site for Tantric practitioners and was extensively rebuilt in the 17th century.

0.5 km away

Charumati Stupa

Temples & religious sites

Charumati Stupa

Charumati Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in Nepal. It's a peaceful place to walk around the stupa and experience Buddhist culture.

0.7 km away

Chabahil

Shopping & districts

Chabahil

Chabahil is an old district in northeastern Kathmandu, home to Dhando Chaitya, considered the oldest Buddhist stupa in the valley. Pashupatinath and Guhyeshwari temples are nearby, making it easy to visit together.

0.8 km away

Singha Durbar

Castles & palaces

Singha Durbar

This former palace, built in 1908, now houses several ministries of the Nepali government. Its main building was destroyed in large-scale protests in 2025, so its current appearance may differ from before.

2.7 km away

Narayanhiti Palace

Museums & galleries

Narayanhiti Palace

Narayanhiti Palace served as the long-time residence of Nepal's royal family and was also the stage for major national events. Its grand halls, gardens and audience chambers still stand, offering a glimpse into the royal way of life.

2.9 km away

Koteshwor

Shopping & districts

Koteshwor

Koteshwor is a sacred area centered on the Mahadev Temple dedicated to Shiva, where worshippers steadily come and go amid a devout atmosphere. Several smaller shrines stand within the temple grounds, offering a glimpse of diverse traditional religious practices in one place.

3.0 km away