Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Treks Planner Nepal
We have listed the top ten must visit sacred places in Nepal. If you are in Nepal or planning to travel to Nepal, this might come in handy.
Table of Contents
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE: THE HOLIEST HINDU TEMPLE
It’s unlikely that any religious Hindu in Nepal has not yet visited this holy place. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath Temple is a famous pilgrimage destination that is highly regarded by Hindus worldwide. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. The idea behind its holiness is that the cosmos is guarded by Pashupatinath, the Lord of Animals.
The temple’s old pagoda-style architecture, which was restored by several reigning kings of Nepal after it was built in the fifth century, is a reflection of the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage. A site of UNESCO World Heritage. The structure is made of exquisite wood carvings of many gods and goddesses, and it features a renowned golden roof and a holy Lingam, representing the divine force that formed the universe.
Non-Hindu tourists can see the temple’s magnificent figure from across the river but are not permitted to enter via the main gates. The temple has a significant, forested area surrounding it. It is one of Nepal’s revered places, drawing both domestic and foreign visitors looking for spiritual healing.
LUMBINI: THE BIRTHPLACE OF LORD BUDDHA
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini is also a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the world. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. For pilgrims who come to its sacred grounds to honor the enlightened, it is quite important. The traditions surrounding the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Buddha have added to the place’s mystical charm.
The historic site is said to have been founded in the third century BCE and is situated in Nepal’s Rupandehi District in the southwest plains. The site is home to several unique temples and structures, the most well-known of which is the Maya Devi temple, which honors the place beneath a sacred sal tree where Queen Mother Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha, who subsequently became Buddha. Ancient monasteries and stupa fragments may be found here because of the place’s archeological significance. The Ashoka Pillar, constructed in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashoka, is another incredible piece of architecture and evidence of the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia.
With its serene gardens, neighboring temples, and ponds, Lumbini’s expansive surroundings offer a spiritual aura for tourists.
MUKTINATH TEMPLE
Known for being one of the highest-located temples, Muktinath Temple is another well-known sanctuary for Buddhists and Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is tucked away in Mustang, a district of western Nepal at 3,710 meters above sea level. Since Muktinath means “Lord of Liberation,” it is a significant destination for pilgrims pursuing enlightenment
Muktinath has a unique pagoda-style architecture and is believed to have been built in the 19th century. The temple’s 108 bull’s-head-shaped water spouts, which are said to represent purity, are another interesting aspect. Additionally, there is a flame made of natural gas that is revered. Additionally, pilgrims go to the temple because they think that redemption is bestowed upon them by Lord Vishnu.
The temple receives a lot of visits from tourists and hikers because of its unique location. Its spiritual appeal is increased by the close-up views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges that surround it. It is undoubtedly a nice place to combine religion with the natural world in the heart of the Himalayas.
JANAKPUR: THE BIRTHPLACE OF SITA
Janakpur is widely recognized for being Sita’s birthplace and for being the site of Lord Ram’s (a manifestation of Lord Vishnu) marriage to Sita. The Hindu epic Ramayana also tells the story of this sacred location on the plains of southeast Nepal.
The magnificent Janaki Mandir, built in 1910 by the Indian Queen, is another reason why Janakpurdham is significant. The shrine is devoted to Goddess Sita and features stunning Rajput and Mughal architecture. The mythical tale of Lord Ram and Sitabegan, as well as the birth of Goddess Sita to King Janak, are both beautifully shown in the museum. The walls also include colorful murals and elaborate sculptures with enthralling spirituality and creativity.
MANAKAMANA TEMPLE
The name Manakamana Temple means “the wish-fulfilling goddess.” It is devoted to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati, who is an incarnation of Parvati. The temple has become extremely important since it is thought that by praying to it, one may be granted their greatest wishes. The temple’s fame is also attributed to its location, which stands on a mountain in Nepal’s Gorkha district and is only accessible by cable cars
The temple is mostly visited by Hindus, but because of its spirituality and beautiful surroundings, it is also frequented by tourists and members of other ethnic groups. The King found a miracle stone that represented the goddess Bhawani in the 17th century, which is when the temple first started to be built. The building has a distinctly pagoda-style construction with fine wood decorations.
For those seeking benefits, the goddess’s distinctive surroundings and ethereal spiritual atmosphere give cultural value.
BOUDHANATH STUPA:
As a liberal nation with a healthy mix of religions, Nepal is also home to the most admired Buddhist temple. The Boudhanath Stupa is a famous representation of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and a work of spiritual beauty. Situated in the eastern suburbs of Kathmandu, this stupa dome is among the biggest in the world. The governing Licchavidynasty constructed the stupa in the fifth century. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a center for Tibetan Buddhist traditions in the Kathmandu Valley.
The building’s dome is adorned with a large mandala that depicts the Buddha’s attentive eyes, which stand for compassion and wisdom. The Stupa is surrounded by prayer wheels and has prayer flags flying in the breeze. According to mythology, the Stupa holds the bones of Kassapa Buddha, connecting it to the prehistoric past and enhancing its ethereal appeal.
It’s one of the calmest retreats, with worshippers making a circular round in the morning and evening as soft hymns play. The place attracts a lot of visitors, photographers, and believers due to its beauty and spiritual aura.
SWYAMBHUNATH STUPA: THE MONKEY TEMPLE
The Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the most popular sacred tourist destinations. Situated atop a hill with an outstanding view of the Kathmandu Valley, the Stupa symbolizes the Buddha’s timeless knowledge. For pilgrims who practice Buddhism and Hinduism, it is a spiritual paradise.
This UNESCO World Heritage monument is believed to have existed for more than 2,500 years, while an exact timeline is unknown. Legend has it that the Stupa sprang up out of the earth, earning the moniker “self-arisen.” It stands for both the voice of Buddhism and the primal Buddha.
The whitewashed dome adorned with the “eyes of Buddha,” prayer flags, prayer wheels, and amusing monkeys playing in the background are all parts of the Stupa’s structure. The breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley from the top add to the temple’s unique attractiveness. Pilgrims and tourists both come here in search of serenity and spirituality.
TENGBOCHE MONASTERY
Tengboche Monastery is undoubtedly one of the holy places on the list of the most peculiar sites. The Buddhist temple is a fascinating visit, tucked away in Nepal’s Everest region. Built in 1916, the monastery has undergone renovations following significant earthquakes that have struck Nepal. For Tibetan Buddhists, it is among the most sacred places to be venerated. According to legend, Sangwa Dorge, one of the Lama, designated this location as a holy site after seeing visions of it.
Tengoche has elaborate wood carvings, vibrant murals, and a huge prayer wheel, all characteristic of traditional Tibetan architecture. Large crowds of pilgrims visit the monastery during the yearly celebrations. The area around the temple provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world.
As a significant religious center for the ethnic indigenous community in the Everest area, you can watch monks and Sherpas going about their routine of praying and participating in religious rites within the monastery. On their way to the summit of Everest, you may see mountain climbers, trekkers, and hikers receiving blessings at the monastery. It provides an amazing perspective of how culture and environment meet when trekking Mount Everest.
GOSAIKUNDA LAKE
Gosaikunda, a holy lake, is one of a kind on the list. It is thought that Lord Shiva resides in this immaculate alpine lake, which is tucked away in Nepal’s Langtang National Park. The lake is important to both Hindus and Buddhists because legend has it that Lord Shiva drank from it to soothe his sore throat after swallowing poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean.
At 4,380 meters above sea level, Gosaikunda is a glacial lake where pilgrims are said to have washed away their sins by immersing themselves in the freezing water and praying.
Even though the lake is associated with a variety of religions, it is an incredible spiritual location with views of the Himalayas in addition to being a center of spiritual pilgrimage. Several lakes and ponds, as well as snow-capped mountains, are seen in this region.
Every year, during a festival, pilgrims swarm to the place, and travelers frequently stop by while trekking through the Langtang Valley. A serene atmosphere is created by the calm of the blue water and the prayer flags waving in the breeze.
BUDANILKANTHA TEMPLE
There is a mythology associated with the Budanilkantha temple that describes how the statue of Lord Vishnu appeared during the Lichchhavi reign. The monument is five meters long and exquisitely carved from stone. It depicts Lord Vishnu dozing off in a cosmic sleep atop the coils of the Shesha snake. Then, to further enhance the attraction of the holy place, the temple was built around the area where the statue was first observed in the fifth century. The magnificent figure of Vishnu dozing on a watery bed is currently housed at the temple.
Devotees from a variety of ethnic origins, including Brahmins and Newars, assemble at this unique temple on the northern border of the Kathmandu Valley to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Vishnu.