Hindus and Buddhists worldwide, including many from neighbouring India, come to pay homage at Nepal’s numerous places of pilgrimage. Besides the famous shrine of Pashupati and the historical sites of Lumbini and Janakpur, several other popular pilgrimage destinations are scattered across the country. Some are beautiful and intricately designed temples built by anonymous artisans of bygone days, while others are renowned for their fairs and festivals or are holy bathing spots revered by generations of worshipers.

These various Places of Pilgrimage in Nepal fascinate religious tourists, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

Dolakha Bhimsen

In the upper part of Dolakha Township lies the temple of Bhimeshwar, popularly known as Dolakha Bhimsen. The people of Dolakha regard Bhimeshwar as their supreme Lord. The roofless temple houses a Shiva Linga, underneath which is a holy pond. Fairs are held at this temple on occasions such as Bala Chaturdashi, Ram Navami, Chaitra-Ashtami, and Bhima Ekadashi. During the Dashain festival, goats are sacrificed here.

Approximately 200 meters from the Bhimeshwar temple is the temple of Tripurasundari, where devotees gather during the festivals of Chaitrastami and Dashain. Only the priest of this temple is allowed to glimpse the image enshrined within.

Devghat

Devghat is a famous pilgrimage spot located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Trisuli rivers. It lies just north of the Royal Chitwan National Park, a popular jungle safari destination. During the Makar Sankranti festival in January, Hindu devotees gather here to take holy dips in the river. Several sacred and historical sites are nearby, offering exciting side-trips: the Triveni temple, Balmiki Ashram (where the sage Balmiki once retreated), Someswar Kalika temple and fort, Pandavanagar (the ancient dwelling of the Mahabharata protagonists), and Kabilaspur fort built by the old kings of Palpa.

Kamala Maisthan

Kamala Maisthan is one of the most important religious spots in the Sindhuli district, situated at the confluence of the Kamala and Gwang streams. Located at 610 meters above sea level and 11 kilometers from Sindhulimadi, it is accessible by jeep to Janakpur. On the first day of the Nepalese month of Magh (January–February), a grand fair is held here. Thousands of pilgrims come to sacrifice goats and pigeons, after which they sing and dance throughout the night.

Dhanusha

About twenty kilometers northeast of Janakpur lies Dhanusha. According to legend, the Great Shiva Dhanu (the Great Bow of Lord Shiva), broken into pieces by Rama—the hero of the Ramayana epic—fell here. The name Dhanusha is derived from this bow. Every Sunday of the month of Magh, devotees take a dip in the holy waters and worship at this site. Fairs are held during Ram Navami and Bibaha Panchami festivals.

Jaleshwar Mahadev

Jaleshwar Mahadev is located in the city of Jaleswar, headquarters of the Janakpur zone. It is one of Nepal’s prominent pilgrimage sites, popular in the Hindu epic Padma Purana. Legend has it that a hermit named Jagadish arrived in the forest of Jaleshwar and, following a dream, excavated an image of Jaleshwar Mahadev and built a temple with gold brought from Sunukhadagarh.

In front of the temple lie two sacred ponds called Barunsar and Kshiresar, where thousands of pilgrims gather during Ram Navami and Bibaha Panchami festivals.

Gosainkunda

Gosainkunda is one of Nepal’s most famous pilgrimage sites, a holy lake at 4,380 meters above sea level. Surrounded by higher terrain to the east and north, the lake is grand and picturesque. Nearby are nine other lakes, including Saraswatikunda, Bhairavkunda, Sooryakunda, and Ganeshkunda. Each year during Janai Poornima in August, thousands of Hindu pilgrims trek here to bathe and participate in the fair.

Muktinath

The famous Muktinath temple lies in Mustang district on a high mountainside. During Janai Poornima, Hindu devotees gather here to pay homage to Lord Muktinath. Dharmashala and Maharani Powa (resting places for pilgrims) provide lodging. About 100 meters south of the temple, statues of various gods and goddesses are enshrined. Three holes on the temple grounds emit continual flames, worshipped as Jwaladevi (the goddess of love) since ancient times.

Swargadwari

Located in western Pyuthan district (Rapti Zone), Swargadwari is a Hindu pilgrimage site about 26 kilometers south of Khalanga Bazar, the district headquarters. According to legend, the holy place is named after ancient sages who performed penance here, especially a hermit named Padma Giri, who attained enlightenment and served the local people. He built a holy pond and started the system of Akhanda Hom (Eternal Fire). After his passing, he was buried there, and a temple was built over the site.

The temple trust manages hundreds of cows and pilgrims’ accommodations. On Swargadwari peak is a picturesque cave where the sage meditated. Annual fairs are held during Baisakh Poornima and Kartik Poornima, attracting pilgrims from Nepal and India.

Jaljaladhuri, Rolpa

In Rolpa district (Rapti Zone), about 70 kilometers north of Libang, is Parbat Dhuri (Mountain Top) at 3,494 meters above sea level. On this peak are three temples dedicated to Baju, Varah, and Kaile Varah. Legend tells of two Magar youths, Karmapal and Dharmapal, who were guided by gods in their dreams to change the direction of the Jhyrabi River by shooting arrows. Baju and Varah are revered as guardian deities of the Magar in Rolpa. Annual three-day fairs with sheep and goat sacrifices take place during Jestha Poomima and Janai Poomima.

Mai Pokhari, Ilam

Located 13 kilometers north of Ilam Bazaar, Mai Pokhari is a pilgrimage pond at 2,438 meters above sea level. The pond’s circumference exceeds one kilometer, with nine other ponds nearby, some large enough for boats. During Harisyani Ekadasi, a one-night fair is held here without animal sacrifices. The area is also a picnic spot with a temple and a hermit’s cottage. Local belief holds that Mai Pokhari is gradually moving. From Ilam Bazaar, it takes about four hours by jeep to reach Mai Pokhari, passing through scenic locations like Chure Ghanti, Bakhaute, Dharapani, and Jasbire Bahanjyang, offering views of snowy peaks to the north.

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