Kathmandu Valley · Experiences
Spiritual in Kathmandu Valley
Stupas, temples, gompas and ghats. Rituals at their own hours, explained by people who keep them, with the etiquette briefed before you go.
SpiritualDawn kora with the pilgrims of Boudha
Walk three slow circuits round the great stupa at first light with Tibetan families, monks and neighbours. We explain the …
SpiritualSit in on a Tibetan monastery puja
Visit two of Boudha's monasteries during prayers: deep chanting, long horns, drums and butter lamps. We explain the main images, …
SpiritualWalk down to Sankhu and Bajrayogini
Walk north-west from Nagarkot down through forest and villages to Sankhu, an old Newar town on the trade route to …
SpiritualMaghe Sankranti bathing at Panauti's triveni
On Maghe Sankranti, the first day of Magh in mid-January, pilgrims come to bathe at Panauti's triveni ghat, and families …
SpiritualPashupatinath with a guide who explains the rites
A guided visit to the Pashupati complex: the main temple seen from outside, the ghats, the east-bank shrines and Mrigasthali. …
SpiritualEvening aarti on the Bagmati at Pashupati
Join the crowds on the riverbank as priests perform the evening aarti with lamps, bells, conch shells and hymns to …
SpiritualMaha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath
On the great night of Shiva, Pashupati fills with sadhus from Nepal and India, fires burn on the riverbank, and …
SpiritualGolden Temple and Patan's hidden bahals
A morning walk through Patan's Buddhist courtyards: the gilded Kwa Bahal, the terracotta Mahabouddha, Uku Bahal's crowded shrines and Kumbheshwar's …
SpiritualGuru Rinpoche's caves with Tibetan pilgrims
A morning visiting the caves where Padmasambhava is said to have meditated: the Asura Cave on the hillside above Pharping …
SpiritualDakshinkali, the Kali temple in the gorge
Walk down into the forested gorge where the goddess Kali is worshipped at Dakshinkali. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, families bring …
SpiritualClimb the 365 steps with Kathmandu at dawn
Climb the old eastern stairway at first light with locals heading to prayers and exercise. Reach the summit as butter …