Nepal7 days
Nepal: Maha Shivratri Pilgrimage — 7 Days
Pashupatinath Temple darshan, Muktinath shrine at 3,710 metres, and sacred sites across the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara
This seven-day itinerary is structured around the Maha Shivratri festival at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, one of Hinduism's most significant observances. The trip combines the main pilgrimage event—including Rudrabhishekham (ritual bathing of the Shiva lingam) performed on festival day—with visits to secondary shrine sites sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist practitioners. The route moves between Kathmandu (at 1,400 metres), the lakeside city of Pokhara, and Muktinath Temple, positioned at 3,710 metres near the Thorong La Pass in the Mustang region. Domestic flights connect Pokhara to Jomsom, reducing trekking time to the high-altitude shrine. The itinerary incorporates UNESCO-listed sites in the Kathmandu Valley and includes time in Pokhara for visits to temple caves, waterfalls, and the Phewa Lake shore.
Highlights
- Pashupatinath Temple darshan on Maha Shivratri festival day, including Rudrabhishekham ceremony
- Muktinath Temple at 3,710 metres — pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees
- Manakamana Devi Temple via cable car
- Swayambhunath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square — UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Phewa Lake boat excursion and Tal Barahi Temple in Pokhara
- Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple (cave complex) and David's Fall near Pokhara
- Scenic domestic flights between Pokhara, Jomsom, and Kathmandu with Himalayan views
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu airport · the hotel
Ground transfer from Kathmandu airport to the hotel at 1,400 metres. Check-in, refreshments, and rest. The evening remains unscheduled, permitting adjustment to local time and surroundings before the tour begins. Overnight in Kathmandu.
2Kathmandu to Pokhara via Manakamana Devi TempleManakamana Devi Temple · Kathmandu to Manakamana Devi Temple · Manakamana Devi Temple to Pokhara · Pokhara hotel
Early departure from Kathmandu, driving three hours northwestward to Manakamana Devi Temple. The final ascent occurs via cable car. Darshan and midday meal at the temple premises, which sits above the Kathmandu Valley. The return descent by cable car is followed by a three-hour drive southward to Pokhara. Check-in at the hotel, refreshments, and overnight in Pokhara.
3Scenic Flight to Jomsom and Muktinath DarshanJomsom · Pokhara to Jomsom · Muktinath Temple
Early-morning domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom with views of the Annapurna Massif. From Jomsom, a three-hour mountain road transfer leads to Muktinath Temple at 3,710 metres, positioned at the base of Thorong La Pass. Darshan and puja performed at the shrine. Return transfer to Jomsom for overnight accommodation.
4Return to Pokhara: Phewa Lake and Cave TemplesPokhara · Phewa Lake · Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple · David's Fall · Tal Barahi Temple
Morning domestic flight back to Pokhara. After hotel check-in and refreshments, the itinerary includes visits to Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple (a cave shrine), David's Fall, and Tal Barahi Temple accessible by boat on Phewa Lake. The afternoon and evening remain in Pokhara for rest or further lake-side exploration. Overnight in Pokhara.
5Return to Kathmandu: Valley UNESCO SitesPokhara to Kathmandu · Jalnarayan Temple · Swayambhunath Stupa · Kathmandu Durbar Square · Kumari Bahal
Morning domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. After hotel check-in and refreshments, visits are made to Jalnarayan Temple (the Sleeping Vishnu sculpture) and Swayambhunath Stupa. An evening walk through Kathmandu Durbar Square includes views of local bazaars and, weather permitting, a sight of the living Kumari (the child deity housed in the Kumari Bahal). Return to the hotel for overnight rest.
6Maha Shivratri Festival at PashupatinathGuheshwori Shaktipeetham · Pashupatinath Temple
The main festival day. A free morning remains for preparation and rest at the hotel. Afternoon excursion to Guheshwori Shaktipeetham. By evening, transfer to Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River, where the Maha Shivratri celebration is underway. The day's central observance includes darshan of the main Shiva lingam and participation in the Rudrabhishekham ritual. After the evening aarati (ritual of worship with lamp offerings), return transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
7Departure from KathmanduKathmandu airport
Transfer to Kathmandu airport according to flight scheduling. The tour concludes.
Where you go
- 1Manakamana Devi Temple
- 2Jomsom
- 3Muktinath Temple
- 4Pokhara
- 5David's Fall
- 6Swayambhunath Stupa
- 7Pashupatinath Temple
Included
- Included
- Ground transportation on Private A/C Vehicles
- ACAP and TIMS permits
- Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
- Tour Guide
- Domestic Flights (PKR-JOM-PKR-KTM)
- Meals (B, L, D)
- Sightseeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- Road tax
- Government taxes and fees
- One guide fluent in English and Hindi
Not included
- Excluded
- Any extra activities like Mountain Flights
- Any extra nights stayed due to unforeseen circumstances
- Emergency Evacuation
- Any medical bills, bar bills, room bills, etc.
- Accommodation and transportation to/from Kathmandu
- Any insurance
Activities: Sightseeing