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SACRED PLACES TO VISIT IN NEPAL | RELIGIOUS PLACES IN NEPAL

places to visit in nepal

A secular country, Nepal is home to people following 4 major religions. As the country’s national anthem suggests, Nepal as a garland made up of 100 different flowers, flowers representing different people of different religions and different ethnic groups. Everyone knows that Nepal is naturally diverse but Nepal is also culturally diverse and very rich in traditions. The country is home to over 29.3 million people who speak different languages and have their own unique cultures. This richness in culture is also reflected in Nepal’s heritage. Different people following different religions have different sacred places, making Nepal a hub of sacred places. So, here we have listed down some of the many sacred places to visit in Nepal.

If you are interested in taking a religious tour in Nepal, here are some places you might want to visit:

  1. Pashupatinath Temple: This is one of the most important Hindu temples in the world and is located in Kathmandu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
  2. Boudhanath Stupa: This is one of the largest stupas in the world and is an important site for Tibetan Buddhism. It is located in Kathmandu and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  3. Swayambhunath Stupa: This is another important Buddhist site located in Kathmandu. It is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys that live there.
  4. Lumbini: This is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is located in the southern part of Nepal.
  5. Janakpur: This is an important Hindu pilgrimage site and is dedicated to Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. It is located in the eastern part of Nepal.
  6. Muktinath: This is an important site for both Hindus and Buddhists and is located in the Mustang district of Nepal. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters of Muktinath can cleanse one’s sins.

A few are described below:

Pashupatinath Temple


Shrine for Hindu god Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is the biggest and the most important temple of Lord Shiva not only for Hindus in Nepal but Hindus spread all over the world. Listed as one of the World Heritage Sites of Nepal, Pashupatinath sits beside the holy Bagmati River and holds massive importance among devotees. While only Hindus are allowed to enter the main temple of Pashupatinath, tourists from all over the world can explore the remaining parts of the temple premises by paying a small fee. One of the main attractions of the Pashupatinath Temple is the art and sculptures. The temple is a representation of Nepal’s art as every part of the temple is decorated with carvings on wood, rocks, and much more.

Another attraction of Pashupatinath temple is the open cremation ceremony that takes place in Pashupati every single day. It is believed that people who are cremated on the banks of the Bagmati river beside Pashupatinath Temple go directly to heaven. People from different parts of the world are shocked by the emotional yet mesmerizing ceremony that takes place in the location. Moreover, the temple lights up even more during the evening aarti session. Pashupatinath Temple is indeed one of the sacred places you need to visit in Nepal.

Lumbini

Yes, Lumbini is a sacred destination in Nepal, and it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists around the world. It is located in the southwestern part of Nepal and is considered the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

The site of Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes many ancient ruins, temples, and monasteries that are associated with the life of Buddha. The most significant landmark in Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which is built on the spot where Queen Maya Devi, Buddha’s mother, is believed to have given birth to him.

In addition to the Maya Devi Temple, there are many other important Buddhist sites in Lumbini, such as the Ashoka Pillar, the Sacred Garden, and the Lumbini Museum. The Sacred Garden is a beautiful park that houses many monuments and structures, including the exact spot where Buddha is believed to have taken his first steps.

Lumbini attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, who come to pay their respects to Buddha and learn more about Buddhism. It is considered a peaceful and serene destination, and many visitors describe it as a place of spiritual awakening and introspection.

Muktinath Temple

The Muktinath tour is a pilgrimage to a Hindu and Buddhist temple complex located in the Mustang district of Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is said to be a place of great spiritual power. The tour is a popular destination for both Hindus and Buddhists, and is also a great opportunity to see the stunning scenery of the Mustang region.

An individual has to trek for days from Pokhara through the Annapurna Circuit trail to reach Muktinath. While the trek is quite strenuous, many tourists even visit Muktinath just for the thrill. As you reach Muktinath, you will be awakened by the strong and flora smell of incense and as you walk further you will see both Sadhus and Buddhist Monks in the location. Trekking to Muktinath is a spiritual journey and is one of the best-sacred places in Nepal to visit.

Here are some of the highlights of the Muktinath tour:

  • Visiting the Muktinath temple complex: The temple complex is located at an altitude of 3,800 meters and is made up of a number of temples and shrines. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is said to be a place of great spiritual power.
  • Seeing the stunning scenery of the Mustang region: The Mustang region is located in the far west of Nepal and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The tour takes you through a variety of landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lush valleys.
  • Learning about the culture and history of the Mustang region: The Mustang region is home to a unique culture and history that is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The tour gives you the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the region from your guide.

The Muktinath tour is a great opportunity to experience the spiritual power of the Muktinath temple complex, see the stunning scenery of the Mustang region, and learn about the culture and history of the region.

Here are some additional details about the tour:

  • The tour typically takes 4-5 days and can be started from either Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • The tour includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and a guide.
  • The cost of the tour varies depending on the time of year and the level of accommodation you choose.

If you are interested in taking the Muktinath tour, I recommend that you contact a reputable tour operator. They will be able to help you plan your trip and make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

These are just a few of the many religious sites in Nepal that you can visit. Make sure to research and plan your trip well in advance to make the most of your visit.

About the author

Great Nepal Treks and Expedition welcomes you to the land of the Himalayas, where adventure and surprise await even the most casual traveler. Whether you’re interested in performing adventurous sports, exploring nature, or savoring a local culture, Nepal is a land that will take you there and beyond. Our peculiar traditions, cultures, ethnic groups, nature, biodiversity, flora and fauna, society, and various communities will fill your heart, and the selfless smiles of the Nepali people will warm your soul. At Great Nepal Treks and Expeditions, we have put together customized itineraries, from simple day tours to complex mountain treks for both beginners & professionals. We pride ourselves on being experts at taking the hassle out of traveling in the remote outback of Nepal. Our offerings can be enjoyed as planned, or we can customize any option to fit your time schedule, budget, and particular interest. Please visit our reviews page to see what travelers have had to say about their experience with us. Join us and feel the difference!

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