Sightseeing · Pokhara
Bindhyabasini Temple
Pokhara's oldest and most revered Hindu temple, set on a hill above the old bazaar.
Bindhyabasini Temple is the spiritual heart of old Pokhara — the city's oldest and most revered Hindu shrine, set on a small hill above the historic bazaar. Dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, a form of Durga, it offers a glimpse of traditional Pokhara far from the Lakeside tourist strip.
Overview
The temple is built around a white, dome-topped shrine to Bindhyabasini, regarded as a protective deity of the city. Its origins are tied to the rule of the old kingdom of Kaski, and for centuries it has been the focus of religious life in the surrounding bazaar. The hilltop setting gives the complex a calm, slightly elevated feel, with smaller shrines, sacred trees and resting spots scattered across the grounds. On clear mornings there are views over the tiled roofs of the old town and, sometimes, the Annapurna foothills beyond.
What to see and do
Climb the stone steps to the main shrine, watch priests and devotees make offerings of flowers, vermilion and incense, and walk the grounds among the secondary shrines. The atmosphere shifts with the calendar: ordinary days are quiet and contemplative, while Saturdays, Tuesdays and major festivals such as Dashain fill the temple with worshippers and ceremonies, including animal sacrifices that some travellers may prefer to avoid. The surrounding old bazaar, with its older shopfronts and markets, is worth a wander to see a side of Pokhara that the lakefront does not show.
How to visit
The temple is open through the day and entry is free. It sits in the northern, historic part of the city, about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from Lakeside. There is no fixed length of visit — 30 minutes is enough for most, but it pairs well with a stroll through the old bazaar.
Tips
- Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering inner shrine areas.
- Visit in the morning for cooler air and clearer views.
- Ask permission before photographing people at worship.
- Combine with the old bazaar for a half-day of traditional Pokhara.
Nearby
The northern caves — Mahendra Cave and the nearby Bat Cave — are a short ride further out. For more religious sites, the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and the giant Shiva statue at Pumdikot complete a temple-and-cave theme. See the top things to do in Pokhara or plan with the Pokhara hub.
Featured in
More sights & attractions in Pokhara
Frequently asked questions
Who is Bindhyabasini Temple dedicated to?+
It is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, a form of Durga, worshipped here as Bindhyabasini. She is regarded as a guardian deity of Pokhara, and the temple is the city's most important Hindu shrine.
Where is Bindhyabasini Temple?+
It stands on a small hill in the old bazaar in the northern, historic part of Pokhara, well away from the Lakeside tourist strip — about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from Lakeside.
Is there an entry fee?+
No, entry to the temple is free, as at most Hindu shrines in Nepal. It is an active place of worship rather than a ticketed attraction.
What should I wear and how should I behave?+
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove your shoes before entering inner shrine areas, and ask before photographing worshippers or rituals. Saturdays and festival days see animal sacrifices, which some visitors may prefer to avoid.
When is the best time to visit?+
Mornings are peaceful and good for views over the old town and, on clear days, the mountains. Saturdays, Tuesdays and festivals such as Dashain are busiest with devotees and ceremonies.