Tour Code: IH/HC/01
Trip Duration: 6 Days & 5 Nights
Destination: Kathmandu-Halesi
Activities: Hindu Pilgrimage Tour
Hotel Category: Standard/ Superior Standard/ Deluxe
Transportation: A/C Private Transfer
Starts & Ends in: Kathmandu
In quest of Mahadev, the God of all Gods….
Since time immemorial, Nepal has been an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Many saints and ascetics have travelled to this holy land in quest of spiritual bliss or to attain moksha. Nestled under the shadows of the mighty Himalayas, the country is hallowed ground for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
This pilgrimage tour takes you to important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Kathmandu, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Mahadev. Here he is revered as the guardian of the ‘Pashus’ or animals. Pay obeisance to Kailashnath Mahadev, the tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world and offer prayers at Bhadrakali, the shrine of Goddess Kali and one of the important ‘Shaktipeeths’ in Nepal.
The highlight of this pilgrimage tour is the trip to Halesi Mahadev’s shrine in eastern Nepal. Lying between the rivers of Dudh Kosi and Sun Kosi, Halesi Mahadev’s shrine lies deep within a cave. Hindu scriptures describe the place as the cave where Lord Shiva hid from the demon Bashmasur, after granting him a boon by mistake. Set in a scenic location, the Halesi Mahadev’s cave is surrounded by other Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
Note: Rates are valid for Indian Nationals only. For other Nationalities, contact us at info@everestnepal.com
Kathmandu
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Note: If there will be any changes in the schedule due to natural disaster (force majeure), Everest Nepal will not be responsible for any extra expenses incurred.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Visit Pashupatinath, Bhadrakali, Kailashnath Mahadev Statue
Day 3: Drive to Halesi (8-9 hours drive)
Day 4: Morning visit Halesi temple & other Hindu & Buddhist shrines
Day 5: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 6: Depart Kathmandu
Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu
Transfer from airport to hotel. A representative from our office will be there to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. At the hotel, you will be briefed on your itinerary.
Day 2: Kathmandu – Visit Pashupatinath, Bhadrakali, Kailashnath Mahadev Statue
We begin our pilgrimage tour with a visit to one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva Pashupatinath Temple. Lying on the banks of the holy river Bagmati, Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s incarnation as the protector of all living beings or ‘pashus’. Pay obeisance at His shrine and ask for His blessings. Next we proceed to Bhadrakali, a shrine dedicated to goddess Kali. This temple is one of the most important shatipeeths in Nepal. After seeking her blessings, we drive to the eastern part of the valley to Sanga. Here we find the imposing statue of Kailashnath Mahadev. Standing at a height of 144 feet/ 44 metres, this is the tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. Surrounded by verdant hills and quaint Nepali villages, the statue of Kailashnath Mahadev is a popular pilgrimage and sightseeing destination.
Day3: Drive to Halesi (8-9 hours drive)
We drive to Halesi from Kathmandu on the newly constructed Dhulikhel-Sindhuli-Diktel Highway. The journey will be a little rough owing to the ongoing highway construction. After reaching Halesi, we rest overnight at our hotel.
Day 4: Morning visit Halesi Temple & other Hindu & Buddhist shrines
Early in the morning we head to the shrine of Halesi Mahadev. Flanked by Dudhkoshi and Sunkoshi rivers, the cave-temple of Halesi Mahadev lies in an idyllic setting. Surrounded by green hills and other Buddhist and Hindu shrines, the shrine of Halesi Mahadev is a natural wonder. Legend has it that Lord Shiva hid in this cave while fleeing from the demon Bhasmasura. Lord Shiva had granted a boon to the demon by mistake making him all-powerful. Using the boon granted by Lord Shiva himself, Bhasmasura tried to destroy Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu tricked Bhasmasura into destroying himself, and thus saved Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu is believed to be the first pilgrim at Halesi Mahadev. The cave has three sections: Mahadev Gufa or Halesi Mahadev, Bhairavthan and Basaha Gufa. The cave can be accessed from five openings viz., Swargadwar, Paapdwar, Dharmadwar, Janmadwar and Ghoptedwar. Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, a Buddhist guru is also believed to have meditated at this cave.
Day 5: Drive back to Kathmandu
Overland journey to Kathmandu.
Evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali feast and a lively Nepali cultural programme.
Day 6: Depart Kathmandu
Our representative will drop you at the airport on time to catch your return flight.