Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is one of the most important Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located by the Bagmati River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is famous for its beautiful pagoda-style architecture and detailed wood carvings. Every evening, a special Aarati (prayer ceremony) takes place by the river, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. The temple is also known for its cremation ghats where traditional Hindu last rites are performed. During festivals like Maha Shivaratri, thousands of devotees visit to celebrate. Pashupatinath is a must-visit place to experience Nepal’s rich culture and religious traditions. Read Less

Visiting Pashupatinath Mandir was an experience that left a deep impression on me. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is not just a place of worship but a site that radiates centuries of devotion, spirituality, and cultural richness. From the moment I stepped into the temple premises, the aura of the place was undeniable—smoke from incense sticks lingered in the air, the rhythmic chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” echoed, and the sight of saffron-clad sadhus meditating along the banks of the Bagmati River added to the temple’s mystique. One of the most striking aspects of the visit was the main sanctum, where the sacred Shiva Lingam is enshrined. The energy around the sanctum was intense, with devotees deeply immersed in prayers. Although the inner sanctum is accessible only to Hindus, just being near it was an overwhelming experience. The temple’s architecture, with its intricate wood carvings and golden pagoda-style roofs, is stunning and speaks of Nepal’s rich heritage. A significant part of the temple complex is the Bagmati River, flowing alongside the mandir. Here, rituals for the departed take place, similar to those in Varanasi. Witnessing these ceremonies was a sobering reminder of life’s transient nature, a contrast to the vibrant devotion seen inside the temple. It’s a place that makes you reflect—not just on faith but on the cycle of life and death itself. Beyond the religious aspect, I enjoyed observing the lively atmosphere around the temple. Monkeys playfully darted across the temple grounds, devotees fed pigeons, and the sadhus with their ash-smeared faces offered blessings to visitors. The spiritual and cultural energy here is unique; it’s not just a temple but a living, breathing symbol of devotion. Pashupatinath Mandir is a place that makes you pause, reflect, and connect—whether with your faith, the universe, or simply the moment. The experience was humbling, reminding me of the power of devotion and the rich traditions that have kept this sacred place alive for centuries. Read Less

Visiting this temple was one of the highlights of my trip in Kathmandu! Here you will find many people praying and enjoying the temple grounds, as well as a lot of cremations happening! While we were here we easily saw about 15 bodies being cremated and we also watched the evening light ceremony that was beautiful to see! This was a real eye opening experience for me, but please do bring a scarf/ mask to wear while walking around! We didn’t do that and spent about a week seriously congested due to all the ash and smoke that we inhaled during our trip! I also recommend coming here with a tour guide to fully understand everything that you will see! Read Less

Pashupatinath Temple is not a place for the faint-hearted, especially for Western visitors with a sensitive nervous system. Here, cremation ceremonies are ongoing, and the smoke from the funeral pyres fills the air—a powerful and raw reminder of impermanence. Many tourists find it difficult to stay long, even though similar traditions were once part of our own ancestral heritage. Surrounded by ancient temples, Shiva lingams, and yogis offering to take photos with you, it’s a deeply spiritual and intense place—one that invites reflection on the meaning of life and death. At the same time, it’s a sobering reminder of ecological decline. The Bagmati River, the most sacred in Nepal, has turned into a polluted, lifeless stream over the last 50 years. No more fish—just dirty, dead water flowing through a place of deep spiritual importance. Read Less

Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is a truly mesmerizing spiritual site. As one of the holiest temples for Hindus, it exudes a serene and sacred atmosphere. The intricate architecture, set against the serene Bagmati River, offers a peaceful retreat for both worshippers and visitors. The scent of incense and the sound of chanting create an immersive experience that connects you to the divine. A must-visit for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and spirituality. Read Less