Pashupatinath Temple
पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर
Nepal's holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Dedicated To
Lord Shiva (Pashupati)
Period
5th century CE (current structure 17th century)
Hours
4:00 AM – 9:00 PM (darshan timings vary)
Entry Fee
NPR 1000 / USD 10
Neighborhood
Deopatan, Gaushala
Location
Kathmandu, Bagmati
Visiting Etiquette
Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple. Dress modestly. Remove shoes before entering temple areas. Photography restrictions apply in some areas. Be respectful around cremation ghats.
Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal and one of the most significant Shiva temples in the world. Located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 5th century CE, though the current pagoda-style temple was rebuilt in the 17th century.
The main temple features a two-tiered golden roof, four silver-covered doors, and a distinctive gold pinnacle. Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple compound, but visitors can observe the temple and cremation ghats from across the river.
The temple complex spans 264 hectares with 518 temples, ashrams, and inscriptions. The Arya Ghats along the Bagmati are used for Hindu cremation ceremonies, visible to visitors — a profound and moving experience. Sadhus (holy men) can often be seen around the complex, and the Maha Shivaratri festival draws hundreds of thousands of devotees annually.