PILGRIMAGE SITES

Nepal has several ancient pilgrimage sites. Each temple is attached to a legend or belief that glorifies the miraculous   powers of its deity. Kathmandu Valley is home to famous well-known temples, stupas and pilgrimage sites. In addition there are numerous other revered pilgrimage sites in different parts of Nepal. Pashupatinath, Temple in Kathmandu, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered one of the holiest Hindu destinations in Nepal. Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha and popularly known as the "fountain of world peace", and Janakpur, the birth place of Sita of the Ramayana fame, are also very popular pilgrimage destinations. 

Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal can be roughly divided into four categories:

1. Muktinath Kshetra comprising Muktinath, Damodar Kunda, Shaligram, Kagbeni, Galeshwardham, Riddhi Hrishikesh Tirtha, Manakaman, Devaghat, Gajendramoksha Divyadham, Lumbini, Swargadwari, Vageshwari, Chandannath, Vindhyabasini.

2. Pashupat Kshetra comprising Pashupatinath, Guhyashwori, Gokarna, Changu Narayan, Shree Shesha Narayan, Swoyambhunath, Gosainkunda, Dakshinkali, Bajrayogini, Janakpur, Jaleshwor Mahadev, Dolakha Bhimsen, Gadi Mai

3. Baraha Kshetra comprising Barahkshetra, Pindeshwor, Budhasubba, Haleshi Mahadev and Pathibhara

4. Baidyanath Kshetra comprinsing Baidyanathkshetra, Badimalika, Sahashreshwor of Khaptad, Saileshwori, Siddhanath Baba

Muktinath in the Annapurna region and Gosainkunda in the Langtang region are well-known pilgrimage sites that fall along popular trekking routes. There are also churches, mosques and gurudwaras located in different parts of the country and in capital city Kathmandu. Nepal is also the gateway to Mt. Kailash, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva and the holy Mansarovar (high-altitude lake) nearby