Nepal Holi Tour 11 days

According to Hindus religious book Himalaya is home of Lord Shiva and Parbati. Hence there are many Pilgrimage sites related to Lord Shiva in Nepal. Pashupati Nath Temple is the Holiest pilgrimage of Lord Shiva. Mt. Kailash is the mountain of Lord Shiva and it is considered holiest of all holy mountains. Mt. Kailash is to the northern Himalayan range nearby Nepal/Tibet border. A mountain with a Temple on its top is also considered Holy Mountain.

There are several Shakti-peeths related to Goddess Durga throughout Nepal. Dakhinkali and Guheswori are most famous Shakti-peeths of Kathmandu valley. Other important Shakti-peeths are Pathibhara, Shaileswori, Vindyavashini, Mankamana, Jogeshwori, etc. Such Shakti-peeths are usually situated on the top of a mountain. The confluence of rivers, which are major tributaries of the holy river Ganga, is always regarded as religiously significant by Hindus.

Pashupatinath:
The temple of Pashupatinath is 6 Km east of Kathmandu. Pasupat-Chhetra (site of Pashupatinath) is one of the holiest places for hindu religion in Nepal. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Pashupati, which means Lord of all living creatures.

Hundreds of thousands of Hindus from all over the World make Pilgrimage visit on the day of Shivaratri (Night of Shiva, one day before black moon in February). There are others various temples that are visited by the pilgrims. Guheswori temple is the most important among other temples. The site is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bouddhanath
The religious places for Buddhist pilgrims Lies about 6 km east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the Valley and one of the largest in the world. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design with hundreds of prayer wheels and 108 small images of Buddha all around. Just like the Swayambhunath, the stupa here is too has four sides with the watchful eyes of Lord Buddha. All the Buddhist throng to this stupa to take part in the sacred rituals during the Buddhist festivals. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area.

Changu Narayan Temple 
It is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 km to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu God Bishnu – the Preserver. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings and is said to be the oldest pagoda style temple in Nepal built sometime back in 323 A.D. The sacred complex is a World Heritage Site and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding at 125 meters.

Ichangu Narayan
An about 3km northwest of Swayambhunath, Ichangu Narayan is one of several important temples dedicated to Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan, the ‘eternal man’. Built in the two-tiered pagoda style, the temple was founded in around 1200 and its courtyard is dotted with ancient Garuda statues and other Vaishnavite symbols.

Sekhnarayan temple
Religious story of Hindus consider the reincarnation, though it isn’t one of the original four main Vishnu Narayan Temples in the Kathmandu valley, Sekh Narayan is now considered to be one of the four since the old one, called Lokapalasvamin, has been essentially lost. The Sekh temple is located along the road to Dakshinkali and Pharping in the mountains south of the Valley. It is situated above several pools at the top of a flight of stairs and sheltered under an overhanging cliff. The standing temple was built in the 17th century, but the cave has been a pilgrimage location for much longer. Next to the shrine is a bas relief of Vishnu Vikranth that dates to the Licchavi period around the 5th or 6th centuries.

BISHANKHU NARAYAN: 
Is one of the most celebrated Bishnu shrines in the valley. His image is enshrined a cave which is reached through a rock fissure. It is said sinners cannot squeeze through this opening. On the ground level of the cave, down a narrow spiral stairway, is a statue of the Hindu god Hunuman. Bishankhu Narayan is situated on a hill 12 km south of Kathmandu. It lies at the end of a dirt road that branches off at Baregaon on the way to Godavari.

Dakshinkali:
Kali and is one of the most popular places of worship in Kathmandu The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to one of the most important Hindu Goddess. Located 22 km from the city center on the southern rim of the Valley past Pharping village, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity. On the way back, stop at Chobhar, the famous gorge, just 8 km south west of Kathmandu. The narrow gash in the hills was made by Lord Manjushree to drain out the lake which once covered the Valley. A majestic view of snow clad mountain can be viewed from the hilltop close by.

Palanchok Bhagawati:
Palanchok temple is located at Kavrepalanchok in Nepal. Palanchok Vegwati was lovely Devi. It is 55km from Dhulikhel Bus Park; It located village area in Kavre. Palanchok Vegwati Devi was many scholars believe that the Palanchowk Bhagwati temple was constructed during the Lichhavi king Mandev. The temple houses a three-foot long beautiful.The trail to Namobuddha passes by it, Palanchowk Bhagwati is on the north east and the settlement of Panauti is on southwest. It’s an enchanting nature.

Dolakha Bhimsen:
In the upper part of Dolakha Township lies the temple of Bhimeshwar, popularly known as Dolakha Bhimsen. The people of Dolakha regard Bhimeswar as their supreme lord. The roofless temple houses a Shiva Linga, underneath which is a holy pond. Fairs are held at this temple on such occasions as Bala Chaturdashi, Ram Nava, Chaitra Astami and Bhima Ekadashi. During the Dashain festival, goats are sacrificed here.

Approximately 200 meter from the Bhimeshwar temple is the temple of Tripurasundari where devotees assemble during the festivals of Chaitrastami and Dashian. Only the priest of this temple is allowed a glimpse of the image enshrined within.

Pathibhar:
The Goddess of Pathibhar is believed to fulfill the long cherished dreams of her devotees. Pathibhara Devi Shrine situated at 3,794 m is a popular pilgrimage destination. The deity at Pathbhara is worshipped with equal reverence by both Hindus and Buddhist. The temple is thronged with Hindus during special celebrations, while Buddhists visit the temple to light lamps on full-moon night.

Pathibhara is in Tapethok VDC, 19 km from Phungling, the district headquarters of Kanchenjunga. You can enjoy beautiful views of Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna. The forest along the trail offers diversity of wildlife, birds, flowers and butterflies are major attraction of the place.

BarahaChhetra
Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe, has incarnated as Baraha (Boar) in this region and hence it is called Barahachhetra. It is one of the four holy places in Nepal. According to Puran that Lord Vishnu came down to earth in the form of a boar and destroyed Hiranyakashyapu, an evil demon, at this very spot. It is on the bank of Saptakoshi. This pilgrimage is accessed through Dharan. Since the site is related to Lord Vishnu it is assumed as sacred as Gaya for Shraddha (Offering to ancestors). The Pilgrimage is at a confluence of tributaries of river Koshi and hence many pilgrims around Nepal and India come here for dip at the day of Makar Shankrati.

Haleshi Mahadev
Among the generally ancient and holiest seats of Nepal, The Haleshi is lone of them. It is very standard as The Pashupatinath of the eastern Nepal. There tall tale other numerous small beautiful caves. Everybody, who reaches here, can’t resist themselves lacking appreciating its location,beauty as well as its natural inheritance. This is the place, which is famous pro its historical, religious, cultural and visiting the attractions substance. Here, the image of the god is inside the cave, which is satiated of natural beauty. It is furthermore a kind of pride pro the public living here, as it is as famous as other temples like the Pashupatinath, the Lumbini and that. Even globally. It is the natural cave, which fabrication in 4th remote hilly region and is said to be in existence since 6000 years. It is the place satiated of natural beauty and cultural inheritance.

Janakpur Dham:
Janakpur is in 375 Km south east of Kathmandu and is famous Hindu pilgrimage site. Janakpur is a birthplace of Janaki Sita. Janaki Sita was married to Lord Ram the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Places of interest are: Janaki Temple, Biwah Mandap, and numerous beautiful ponds. The most auspicious day for the Pilgrimage is Biwah Panchami (November). It is day of celebration of the wedding of the Goddess Sita and the God Ram with mock wedding processions. Many pilgrims from Nepal and India attend the celebration. A holy saint Sri Shurkiswor Das discovers the ruins of the ancient capital Mithila King and the birth place of Sita. The present temple was built by Queen Brishabhanu of Tikramgarh of India. 

Jaleshwar Mahadev:
This historic of Jaleshwar lies in the city of Jaleswar, the headquaters of Janakpur zone. Jaleswar Mahadev is one of Nepal’s prominent places of pilgrimage and is mentioned in the Hindu epic, Padam Purana.

According to legend, a hermit named Jagadish arrived in the lonesome forest of Jaleshwar and had a dream in which he was directed to conduct excavation at the spot. In accordance with the dream, he began digging and soon found an image of Jaleshwar Mahadev. He then built a temple with some gold, which he brought from a place called Sunukhadagarh.

Just in front of Jaleshwar Mahadev temple there are two sacred ponds, called Barunsar and Kshiresar. During the Ram Navami Bivaha Panchami feativals, thousands of pilgrims assemble at these ponds.

Devghat Dham
Devghat is a confluence of river Trishuli and river Kaligandaki and is very significant religious Triveni. It is 6 Km north of Narayanghat. Here all 7 holy Gandaki Rivers meet together to form a Narayani River. Like Triveni of Ganges and Yamuna at Alahabad in India Devghat is one of the main sites for the festival of Makar Shankranti in Nepal. Many pilgrims from around Nepal and India to immerse themselves in the river. Makar Shankrati is also popularly known as Maghe Shankranti. It is first day of Nepali month Magh (Mid January). In this place the demigods came to honor Lord Vishnu when he saved Gajendra, an elephant from the attack of a crocodile after hearing his prayers of devotion.

Manakamana Tample:
The temple of Manakamana lies atop a 1,302-m hill. The deity is one of the manifestations of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati who is believed to have the power to fulfill wishes. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Manakamana is situated 125 km to the west of Kathmandu. It is a steep three-hour hike to the hilltop from Abu Khaireni on the Kathmandu-Gorkha highway. Or you can take the cable car at Cheres, 104 km from Kathmandu on the highway to Pokhara.

Barahi Temple
On this pleasant, lush island you will discover the 2 story pagoda of Barahi Temple. It in the heart beautiful Pokhara valley. This Hindu temple in Nepal is dedicated to Ajima in the boar manifestation, representative of the force of Shakti. Shakti is the Hindu mother goddess who is the origin of universal creativity and power. Shakti as a feminine power assumes several roles. In the form of Durga, Shakti protects the gods from demons. Durga takes on the manifestation of Ajima in the form of a boar called Barahi to pierce her evil enemies with her pointed tusks. Barahi is pictured with the face of a boar with a cup in one hand and fish in the other. As such, Barahi Temple is a very important center of worship for the Hindu devotees. Tourists are likely to see worshipers making their way to the temple on Saturdays carrying male animals for sacrifice

Both local inhabitants of Pokhara and tourist alike flock to the Barahi temple regularly. If you plan on visiting the temple aboard your own hired boat, be sure to take a picnic along as the island in Phewa Lake is a lovely spot for relaxing, whilst surrounded by marvelous views.

Bindabasini temple:
Bindhyabasini Mandir is of great religious importance to Hindus living in the Pokhara region. It is a vital hub of religious fervor. The temple itself is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, who is Pokhara’s chosen guardian deity. It is said that the temple was created after the goddess ordered king Khadag Bum Malla to set up her statue here. The Bindabasini temple was then founded in BS 1845. Since its establishment, Bhagwati has been an object of worship here on a daily basis

The ornate structure of Bindabasini Temple is surrounded by a park-like landscape. Many come here to enjoy pleasant picnics whilst enjoying the amazing panorama. Spectacular views can be absorbed from this marvelous vantage point which looks out over the town of Pokhara and takes in some of the impressive Himalayas. Adding to the peaceful atmosphere is the fresh scent of “Dhup”.

Muktinath Darshan
Muktinath in Nepal is an important pilgrimage site for the devotees of Lord Vishnu as well as to Buddhists offering transcendental liberation from this world. There is a spot with burning natural gas. Muktinath is surrounded by two rivers – the Marshyangadi in the East and the Kali Gandaki in the West. The Kali Gandaki is famous for the shaligram shilas as well as the world’s deepest gorge.Promote Nepal as a desirable tourist destination. Build Nepal Visitors as the strongest brand in south Asia and International market. Work together with the tourism entrepreneurs in Nepal and abroad for greater collective goal. Encourage Nepalese entrepreneurs to advertise their services on nepalvisitors.com and benefit by becoming a partner of larger network.

 Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa is a sacred place for both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists at 3750 meters (12,300 feet) at the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is a great example of how two religions can share the same holy spot with mutual respect and support. Attributes. In Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa all the elements are represented, not only earth, air and holy water, but also fire. Beside trees are growing at an unusual altitude. For this and reasons unseen yogis from both religions do their meditation at Muktinath. Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.

Attraction of Muktinath
Padmasambhava & Dakinis: The local name for Muktinath is Chumig Gyatsa (Hundred Waters). The tradional caretakers of Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa are the Tibetan Buddhist Chumig Gyatsa (‘Muktinath’) nuns with the head of the Gye Lhaki Dung as their abbot. This family is popularly known as the Lama Domar family, an unbroken lineage of Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma lamas from Muktinath Valley, which has Chumig Gyatsa as its religious seat for centuries.

Saligrama: The Purana legends (300-1000 AD) mention Salagrama being the most holy spot connected to the Gandaki River. Salagrama is one of The 108 Temples & Celestial Abodes of Vishnu referred by the Tamil hymns of the Alwars of the 1st millennium CE. Although the veneration of Vishnu is central nowadays, there is also a connection with Krishna as well as with Shiva.