Wellness · Nepal
Major Hindu and Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites of Nepal
Nepal's holiest pilgrimage sites — Pashupatinath, Muktinath, Devghat, Barahakshetra, Swargadwari and Gadhimai — gathered in one guide.
Nepal is one of the great pilgrimage lands of Asia, threaded with temples, sacred rivers and high mountain lakes that draw millions of devotees each year. This collection gathers the country's famous Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in one place — the renowned valley temples, the high Himalayan shrines and a set of lesser-known but deeply revered destinations in the hills and plains that reward the curious traveller.
The short answer
Nepal's best-known pilgrimage is Pashupatinath, the great Shiva temple in Kathmandu, alongside Muktinath in Mustang, the sacred lake of Gosaikunda, Pathibhara Devi in the far east and Janaki Mandir in Janakpur. Beyond these famous names lie four remarkable sites this collection covers in detail: the riverside Devghat Dham, Barahakshetra on the Koshi, the hilltop Swargadwari and the Gadhimai temple in Bara.
Sacred rivers and confluences
Some of Nepal's holiest places sit where rivers meet. Devghat Dham, at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli on the Tanahun–Chitwan border, is a celebrated site of pilgrimage, cremation and ascetic retreat, thronged at Maghe Sankranti when thousands bathe at the sangam. Far to the east, Barahakshetra stands above the Koshi River in Sunsari, dedicated to Vishnu in his boar incarnation and counted among the four great kshetras of Hindu tradition. Both belong to the wider pattern of river worship explored in our guide to Hinduism in Nepal.
Hilltop and plains shrines
Other pilgrimages climb into the hills or stretch across the southern plains. Swargadwari, perched on a high ridge in Pyuthan in western Nepal, is a renowned ashram and temple complex whose name means "gateway to heaven," reached after a long journey into the mid-hills. Down in the Terai, the Gadhimai temple at Bariyarpur in Bara district hosts one of the largest religious gatherings in South Asia, drawing devotees from Nepal and northern India for the great Gadhimai fair held roughly every five years.
High mountain pilgrimages
Several of Nepal's holiest journeys lead into the high Himalaya. Muktinath, at around 3,800 metres in Mustang, is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, with its 108 water spouts and eternal flame. The alpine lake of Gosaikunda in Langtang draws pilgrims at Janai Purnima to bathe in its sacred waters, while Pathibhara Devi crowns a ridge in remote Taplejung. These high shrines double as spectacular treks — see our best time to visit Nepal guide before planning the climb.
How the sites connect
Pilgrims have long travelled between these places along ancient routes, and many are linked by faith as much as geography. Devghat and Barahakshetra share the tradition of confluence worship; Swargadwari and Gadhimai anchor pilgrimage in the western hills and central Terai respectively. For the broader spiritual landscape — the great valley temples, the Buddha's birthplace at Lumbini and the shared Hindu-Buddhist sites — see our complete guide to the sacred sites and pilgrimages of Nepal and our overview of Buddhism in Nepal.
Visiting respectfully
Every site here is a working place of worship. Dress modestly, remove shoes where asked, and respect signs restricting some inner sanctums to Hindus. Crowds swell enormously around major festivals, so plan transport and lodging early. Begin planning from the Nepal travel hub, and time your journey with our advice on when to visit Nepal.
Our top picks
Frequently asked questions
What are the most famous pilgrimage sites in Nepal?+
Nepal's most famous pilgrimages lead to Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, Muktinath in Mustang, Janaki Mandir in Janakpur and the sacred lake of Gosaikunda. Beyond these, riverside sites such as Devghat Dham and Barahakshetra in the east, the hilltop Swargadwari in Pyuthan and the Gadhimai temple in Bara draw enormous crowds of devotees.
Are Nepal's pilgrimage sites Hindu or Buddhist?+
Both. Nepal is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike, and many sites are shared by the two faiths. Muktinath and Gosaikunda are revered by both, while Pashupatinath, Devghat, Barahakshetra and Swargadwari are primarily Hindu and the great stupas of the valley are Buddhist.
When is the best time to make a pilgrimage in Nepal?+
Pilgrimage often peaks around festivals — Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath, Janai Purnima at Gosaikunda and Maghe Sankranti at riverside sites such as Devghat and Barahakshetra. The autumn and spring months offer the most comfortable weather for travel and high-altitude shrines.
Can foreign visitors enter Nepal's temples?+
Most pilgrimage sites welcome respectful visitors of any faith, though some inner sanctums — including the main shrine at Pashupatinath — admit only Hindus. Dress modestly, remove shoes where required and follow local custom at every shrine.
