Temples in Nepal are its heart and soul. There is a blend of culture, faith, and history here. Most of the temples have the Himalayas in their backdrop. Many of them reflect a good amalgamation of the Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
In this blog, we have jotted down 10 famous temples in Nepal, briefly introducing their events and features. We aim to guide you with a spiritual realm in transforming your Nepal pilgrimage into a successful adventure.
10 Must-Visit Temples in Nepal
The influence of Hinduism is still seen in Nepal. The Hindu temples in Nepal justify the same. These lively temples in Nepal bring the charm alive, attracting many devotees daily. Here are the 10 best temples in Nepal for tourists.
1. Pashupatinath Temple
The world eyes on the Pashupatinath temple to seek blessings of the Lord Shiva, the God of Destruction. And you feel his presence here with the raised vibrations.It will surely make you fall in deeper love with the divine. The temple is quite popular for its religious significance, tantrik activities, and reversal rituals.
- Address: P.O. Box- 11018 Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel: 977.1.4256909. Fax: 977.1.4256910
- Timings: 4:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Events:
- Shivratri
- Sandhya Aarti
- Teej
- How to Reach: It takes just a 4 km drive to reach Pashupatinath temple from Kathmandu. The best option to reach the temple is via roadways in a private car. You also have buses available.
Features:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Attractive temple architecture
- The Cremation ghats
- The Religion market
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2. Janaki Temple
Janaki temple is the next most popular temple in Nepal. This southeastern temple in Nepal has a high spiritual aura and is dedicated to the local religion. The architecture is simply beautiful. Goddess Sita is worshipped here with great respect and honor. Locals call the temple Nau Lakha Mandir.
- Address: Janaki Chok, Janakpur 45600, Nepal
- Timings: 5:30 am – 11:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- Events:
- Vivaha Panchami
- Tihar
- Dashain
- Ram Navami
- How to Reach: Kathmandu has regular bus services to the Janaki temple. Otherwise, if you wish to go privately, you can use taxis and cabs.
Features:
- Vivaha Mandap
- Dhanush Sagar
- Ganga Sagar
- Ram Mandir
- Mithila Paintings
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3. Guhyeshwari Temple
Guhyeshwari temple is one of the best places for your Nepal tour. The temple’s construction dates back to somewhere between the 4th and 17th centuries. It is named after the name of the deity Guhyeshwari being worshipped here.
- Address: P963+G93, Kathmandu 44621, Nepal
- Timings: 7:30 am to 7:30 pm
- Events: Check if it is possible to be here for either of its festivals, Shivaratiri, Dashain, or Guhyeshwari Jatra.
- How to Reach: The temple is at a distance of 3.9 km from Kathmandu, and it will take you only 15 minutes to reach there.
Features:
- Temple’s Nepal-style architecture
- River Bagmati
- Garbagriha
- Mandapa
- Shikhara
- Vaahan
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4. Sheshnarayan Temple
Sheshnarayan temple is present in the Pharping region of Nepal. The temple’s architecture is really spirit-evoking. The historical and cultural influence of Nepal is still seen here. Talk with the officials there to understand their long-standing history. This temple in Nepal is one of the key temples known for its religious significance.
- Address: J787+GPH, Shes Narayan Than Bus Stop, Dakshinkali 44600, Nepal
- Timings: 24 hours
- Events: Haribodhini Ekadashi and Madhav Narayan festivals are celebrated here.
- How to Reach: Many rental or private cabs, taxis, and minibusses are available from Kathmandu to take you to the Sheshnarayan temple.
Features:
- Temple’s Nepal-style architecture
- Sacred pond with healing properties
- Semi-submerged Lord Vishnu carvings
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5. Dakshinkali Temple
The Dakshinkali temple in Nepal is around 22 km from the city center, Kathmandu. Maa Kali is worshipped here. The temple witnesses a lot of unusual and unpleasant rituals. Yet, locals believe the Goddess resides in one of the most well-manifested forms.
- Address: Pharping-Kulekhani Road, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Events: Kali puja, Dashain, Nepal New Year, and Shivaratri are celebrated here.
- How to Reach: From Kathmandu, the Dakshinkali temple is around 22 km away and is easily accessible via cabs, taxis, and minibusses. There are routinely running public buses as well.
Features:
- Temple’s architecture
- Main Kali idol
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6. Budhanilkantha Temple
Budhanilkantha Temple is equally known for its magical power and peace. If you are in Kathmandu, this temple is around 10 km away. Non-Hindus may not be welcomed here as the entry is strictly restricted to the Hindus. The Lord Vishnu residing over his Sheshnag here makes this temple more endearing.
- Address: Nepal Vipassana Meditation Center Rd 44600, Budhanilkantha 44600, Nepal
- Timings: 5 am to 7 pm
- Events: Guhyeshwari Temple, Dashain, Shivaratri, and Chaitey Dashain are celebrated here.
- How to Reach: Regular buses are plying between Kathmandu and Budhanilkantha temples. If you are visiting the Pashupatinath temple, this temple is just 1 km away. So, do not miss it.
Features:
- Guhyeshwari Jatra
- Dashain
- Shivaratri
- Chaitey Dashain
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7. Jal Narayan Temple
If you plan to visit Shivapuri, add the Jal Narayan temple in Nepal to your bucket list. It is one of the four famous Narayan temples around. This temple, too, is a blissful representation of the Hindu and Buddhist cultural influences.
- Address: Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu
- Timings: 04:00 am – 07:30 pm
- Events: Haribodhini Ekadashi, Haribodhini Mela, and Ram Navami are celebrated here.
- How to Reach: Jal Narayan temple is 8km away from Kathmandu. You can select cabs, taxes, and minibusses as your commutation partner.
Features:
- Sacred Pond
- Reclinical Vishnu
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8. Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan temple is the next Lord Vishnu temple in Nepal. It is one of the oldest and is listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
- Address: PC8H+H38, Changunarayan 44600, Nepal
- Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
- Events: The temple is popular for celebrating the Kalash Yatra, Nag Panchami, and Haribodhini Ekadashi.
- How to Reach: There are cabs, taxis, and buses to take you to the Changu Narayan temple from any major location in Nepal. If you are traveling specifically from Kathmandu, be prepared for a journey of 1 hour. Once you reach Changu, you must hike for 15-20 minutes to get to the temple.
Features:
- Temple architecture
- Vishnu Vishwarup idol
- Historical Pillars Constructed by Mandela
- Changu Museum
- Living Traditions Museum
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9. Doleshwar Mahadev Temple
One of the most ancient Nepal temple locations dedicated to Lord Shiva is the Doleshwar Mahadev temple. The temple has the highest regard and has been there since the Mahabharat times.
- Address: JCQQ+G9V, Suryebinayak – Doleswor Rd, Suryabinayak 45200, Nepal
- Timings: 5:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Events: Sharavan Mela, Shivaratri, Janai Pooja, Teej, and Bala Chaturdashi are celebrated here.
- How to Reach: This is another temple worth visiting while you are in Kathmandu. As it is just 20 km, you will reach it within an hour. There are quite a good number of buses and taxis here.
Features:
- Temple’s architecture
- Statue of Nandi
- The main Shivalingam
- Huge Trishula
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10. Patan Area
Patan Area is also popular as Lalitpur and is amongst the best temples in Nepal. It has a rich reserve of cultural and spiritual significance. What makes it more astounding is its popularity for its ancient style of architecture. The local culture intertwining with Hinduism is quite evidently reflected here. Lord Krishna temple is the most revered here.
- Address: Patan (Lalitpur), 44700, Nepal
- Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
- Events: Rato Machindranath Jatra, Krishna Janmashtami, and Janai Purnima are celebrated here.
- How to Reach: Do not miss this temple if you are in Kathmandu. It’s just a 7 km drive from the city center. Taxis and cabs are available to drop you between Patan Area and Kathmandu.
Features:
- Taleju temple
- Kumbheshwar temple
- Bagalamukhi temple
- Patan Krishna temple
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FAQs
Q1. When should you plan your visit to the temples in Nepal?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to explore temples in Nepal. These are pleasant seasons with clearer skies against a perfect environment to explore the temples.
Q2. What makes the Hindu temple unique?
The Nepal temple locations are unique for their architecture, spiritual relevance, and cultural symbolism.
Q3. Does the temple allow photography?
You cannot click pictures within the temple complexes. However, clicking pictures of the temple’s exterior is fine.
Q4. Do Hindu temples have a dress code?
There is no such strict dress code in Hindu temples in Nepal. However, as a basic dressing sense, you should cover your knees and shoulders aptly while visiting the temples.
Q5. Are there any famous temples in Nepal?
Yes, there are! Dakshinkali Temple, Guhyeshwari Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and Janaki Temple are top-rated.
Q6. What can you do freely near the temples in Nepal?
While the other sightseeing might ask you to shell out from your wallet, you can always go on clicking pictures. The local culture experience is something new to do if you haven’t tried it before. You can even spend some moments with the locals and have exchanges on the culture and traditions.
Q7. How many days do you need to explore the famous temples in Nepal?
You just need a 3 day Nepal itinerary to cover all the temples.
Q8. What are some popular temples in Nepal that are near transportation hubs?
Pashupathinath Temple, Budhanilkantha Temple, Patan Area, and Doleshwar Mahadev Temple are popular temples in Nepal that are near transportation hubs.
