Trekking · Kathmandu
Dakshinkali to Pharping Walk
A short pilgrimage walk linking the Dakshinkali Kali temple with Pharping's Asura Cave, Vajrayogini gompa and Sesh Narayan.
The Dakshinkali to Pharping walk links two of the most powerful sacred places on the Kathmandu Valley's southern rim: the fierce Kali temple of Dakshinkali, set in a forested gorge, and the cluster of Buddhist and Hindu shrines around Pharping, including the cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. It is a short, easy pilgrimage walk of under an hour each way, packed with spiritual significance.
The short answer
Drive to Dakshinkali (about 22 km south of Kathmandu), visit the gorge-bound Kali temple — busiest on Tuesdays and Saturdays — then walk roughly 2 to 3 km uphill to Pharping. There, explore the Asura Cave of Guru Rinpoche, the gilded Vajrayogini gompa, the self-arisen Tara rock, and the nearby Sesh Narayan Vishnu temple with its sacred pools. Allow a relaxed half-day for the round of temples and caves.
On the trail
Dakshinkali sits at the meeting of two streams in a wooded ravine, one of Nepal's most important shrines to Kali, the fierce form of the Mother Goddess. The walk up to Pharping follows the road and connecting paths through forest and farmland.
Pharping (Phamting) is among the holiest Buddhist sites in the valley. The Asura Cave is revered as the place where Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) attained realisation, and the surrounding hillside is dotted with monasteries, the Vajrayogini temple and the famous self-arisen Tara image emerging from the rock. Just below lies Sesh Narayan, one of the valley's four sacred Vishnu temples, beside spring-fed pools.
Combine with the Champadevi climb
The same forested ridge above Pharping rises to Champadevi, so energetic walkers can pair this temple circuit with the Pharping to Champadevi pilgrimage hike for a full day. The bolted crags of Hattiban are also close by, and the cave shrine of Bishankhu Narayan lies a short drive east.
Good to know
- Distance & time: ~2–3 km one way; easy half-day round trip.
- Difficulty: Easy, mostly road and gentle paths.
- Best time: October–April; Tuesdays and Saturdays for the Dakshinkali rituals.
- Permit: None required.
- Bring: Water, modest dress, and cash for offerings.
How it fits your trip
This walk delivers more sacred sites per kilometre than almost any other in the valley. Explore the rest of the set in the sacred hikes of the Kathmandu Valley collection, see more routes in the best day hikes near Kathmandu guide, and read about Buddhism in Nepal to understand why Pharping draws pilgrims from across the Himalaya.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Dakshinkali temple?+
Dakshinkali is one of the most important temples in Nepal dedicated to the goddess Kali, set in a forested gorge at the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. It is famous as a site of animal sacrifice, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, when crowds of devotees come to make offerings to the fierce goddess.
What are the sacred sites at Pharping?+
Pharping is a major Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage centre. Its key sites include the Asura Cave, where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is said to have meditated and attained realisation, the gilded Vajrayogini temple, a self-arisen Tara rock image, and the nearby Sesh Narayan Vishnu temple with its sacred pools.
How long is the Dakshinkali to Pharping walk?+
The two sites are only about 2 to 3 kilometres apart, so the walk takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour one way along the road and connecting paths. With time to explore the temples and caves at both ends, it makes a relaxed half-day outing.
How do I get to Dakshinkali from Kathmandu?+
Dakshinkali is about 22 kilometres south of central Kathmandu, around an hour to ninety minutes by taxi or local bus. Many visitors drive to Dakshinkali first, then walk up to Pharping, or combine the two with the Champadevi hike on the same ridge.
