Heritage · Pashupatinath
Mrigasthali woods to Guhyeshwari on foot
A quieter walk away from the ghats: up into the Mrigasthali forest, past the Gorakhnath shrine and the deer park, then down to the river and along it to Guhyeshwari, the goddess temple upstream. You can continue on to Boudha.
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From the east bank terraces, stone steps climb into the Mrigasthali woods, where Shiva is said to have roamed as a deer. Monkeys sit in the trees, a small enclosure keeps deer, and old shrines and rest houses are scattered under the canopy. It is much quieter than the riverbank.
At the top stands the Gorakhnath shrine, linked to the yogi of the Nath tradition, with a tall trident and small temples round it. We walk along the ridge and then down to the Bagmati, crossing to the path upstream. Ascetics have small huts along the way.
After about 15 minutes we reach Guhyeshwari, a temple to the goddess counted among the Shakti Peethas. Non-Hindus cannot enter the shrine but can see the golden roof framework from outside. From here, you can walk another 30 minutes north to Boudha for the evening kora, or take a taxi back.
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Questions
What is Mrigasthali at Pashupatinath?
Mrigasthali is the wooded hill on the east bank of the Bagmati at Pashupati, said in legend to be where Shiva roamed as a deer. It has old shrines, the Gorakhnath temple, monkeys and a small deer enclosure. Entry is covered by the Pashupati ticket.
Can I visit Guhyeshwari temple?
Hindus can enter the shrine. Non-Hindus can walk to the temple and see it from outside the gate, but not enter. It is about 15 minutes' walk upstream from Pashupatinath along the Bagmati. Remove leather and dress modestly near the entrance.
How do I walk from Pashupatinath to Boudhanath?
From Guhyeshwari or the main gate at Gaushala, walk north-east through Chabahil to Boudha, about 2 km and 30 to 40 minutes on busy roads and lanes. A guide helps with the route. It is a good way to end a day at the evening kora.
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