Pashupatinath Temple & Boudha Stupa - Private/Small Group
Highlights
Kathmandu
Group Tour
3 Hours
EASY
English
Description
This is a small group tour of max 5 people.
In Pashupatinath our experienced guide will explain the last rites of Hindus along with 16 Samskaras while in Boudhanath travelers will be familiar with Buddhism and the teachings of lord buddha.
Pashupatinath
Located on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, on both banks of the Bagmati River, is the Pashupatinath Temple - one of the holiest temples dedicated to the god Shiva in Nepal.The temple holds great significance for elderly Hindu followers, who make a pilgrimage to the temple each year to seek refuge for their final days, and ultimately, to be cremated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River.Many Hindus from both Nepal and India travel to this site to meet their end, as it is believed that dying at the temple ensures a human rebirth, regardless of one's past actions.Astrologers at the temple even predict the exact day of one's death.For those interested in exploring the aura of death, the Pashupatinath Temple offers a unique atmosphere where death permeates every aspect of the temple, from its rituals to its surroundings.
Among the tourist Pashupatinath Temple is famous as crematoria located at the bank of holy river Bagmati.The cremation process involves washing the body in the river and then placing it on a pyre made of sandalwood, ghee, and other materials.The eldest son of the deceased lights the pyre, and the body is burned while family members mourn and chant hymns.After the cremation is complete, the ashes are scattered into the river.The cremation area at Pashupatinath is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it attracts visitors from all over the world who come to witness this unique and spiritual ritual.
Boudhanath
Boudhanath is one of The largest stupas in Asia and lies 6 km east of central Kathmandu, on the old trade route to Lhasa.A modern Tibetan-style gateway leads to the stupa from the south and separates the settlement from the tempestuous reality of the outside world.Once inside the area has its own characteristic, charm that is deeply imbued with religious spirit.Hundreds of people pour through the gates each day and it Sometimes becomes so crowded that visitors are unintentionally swept along with the circumambulating pilgrims.
A Ring of houses and commercial buildings surrounds the stupa.The Lower floors have been converted into shops and the upper fours serve as residences, hotels and rooftop restaurant.Curios, pashmina, Tibetan carpets, incense sticks, singing/healing bowls, intricate Thangkas (religious scroll paintings), and clothes jostle for space.However, even this area is bustling with activity the atmosphere is invariably peaceful.
This experience allow tourists to observe the scenario of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal and the religious harmony among the peoples and fusion of the cuisine too.
We will explore the following Shrines, Temples and places around the Pashupatinath and Boudhanath
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Aryaghat (crematoria)
- Mrigasthali
- Gorakhnath Peeth
- Guheshwori Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Padmasambhav Monastery
- Making of Thangkas
- Healing with singing bowls
Itinerary
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Meeting Point | Gaushala Bus Park
We will meet at Gaushala Bus Park
Your guide will be available 10 minutes before each meeting time with a sign "Meeting Point - Amazing Kathmandu".
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Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, it is renowned for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
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Aryaghat
Aryaghat, located within the sacred premises of Pashupatinath Temple, is one of the most important cremation ghats in Nepal.Situated along the banks of the Bagmati River, it is a holy site for performing traditional Hindu funeral rites.
Visitors can observe open-fire cremations, a significant practice rooted in Hindu beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.Families bring their loved ones here for the final rituals, which include cremation on the funeral pyres and immersion of the ashes into the river.The Bagmati is considered sacred, and it is believed that these rites help the soul attain liberation (moksha).
This deeply spiritual and culturally significant site offers a unique and solemn glimpse into Nepali traditions.Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully and adhere to the rules of the sacred space.
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Mrigasthali
Mrigasthali, located near the Pashupatinath Temple, is a serene forested area steeped in mythology.According to legend, Lord Shiva took the form of a golden deer here, giving the site its name, which means "Abode of Deer." From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a bird's-eye view of Aryaghat and a clear view of the Pashupatinath Temple, making it a peaceful spot to witness Nepal’s spiritual and natural heritage.
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Guheshwori
Guheshwori, a sacred Hindu temple near Pashupatinath, is dedicated to Goddess Parvati.Entry is restricted to Hindu visitors, so we will continue our journey without stopping here, heading towards Boudhanath.
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BoudhaNath
Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a spiritual hub for Tibetan Buddhism.This iconic site, with its massive white dome and watchful eyes of Buddha, exudes peace and serenity.
We will explore the area and visit a nearby Buddhist monastery, where our guide will share Buddha's universal message to all beings, inspired by the "Wheel of Life Mandala." This symbolic artwork depicts the cycle of existence and serves as a profound teaching tool.
Additionally, we will learn about two significant Buddhist heritage items: Thankas, intricate Tibetan paintings rich in spiritual symbolism, and Healing Bowls, used for meditation and therapeutic practices.These elements offer a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture and its contributions to well-being and mindfulness.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Please Note
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.