Pashupatinath Temple

Sprawled across both banks of the sacred Bagmati River on the eastern edge of the city, Pashupatinath is Nepal’s largest and most sacred Hindu temple complex. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main gold-roofed pagoda temple serves as a massive spiritual magnet for thousands of pilgrims and colorful sadhus (holy men) traveling from all over the Indian subcontinent.

While the inner temple sanctuary is strictly reserved for practicing Hindus, visitors can fully explore the vast surrounding open-air grounds, stone shrines, and terraces. The site provides a profound, deeply moving cultural experience as you observe the daily Vedic Aarati (fire rituals) and the traditional open-air cremation ceremonies along the river ghats.