How To Visit Pashupatinath Temple In Nepal

It doesn’t matter where you stay in Kathmandu, you will be able to go to the Pashupatinath Temple. 

It is one of the most sacred Hindu Temples in Nepal, and goes along the Bagmati River.

If you’re visiting Nepal, you are likely not a rookie. But if you are, this blunt guide should help you.

As someone who gets annoyed with how some locals act in South Asia, I booked a tour to visit Pashupatinath, and after doing so….I HIGHLY recommend it. You are in for an interesting experience.

That’s the answer. Go with a guide, don’t get cute. 

Other known as the “cremation temple”, you will actually see live human cremations and other rituals. Yes, you heard that correct. I personally had a few beers first out of nervousness, because where I’m from…this is not a normal event.

You could do logistics, plan it, deal with the traffic on your own, etc. But DON’T. It gets nuts in there, just book a tour on Viator or another site…even if you hate tours. Trust me. I went with 2 guides, and 1 other guest joined us. 

I was picked up at my hotel in a van. Bring a backpack with enough drinks for yourself, or at least money to buy some. The air is very interesting inside of this temple.

There’s really no “best hotel to stay at near Pashupatinath Temple”. You just need time to get there. Personally, I found that area pretty chaotic in retrospect, so my stay at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu was perfect.

You will likely join the Aarati (a light ritual where they use flames and lights to remove darkness). Check that video out here. There is 0% chance I would’ve known where to go or even stand without those guides. It was crazy and packed.

All while bodies are being burned and smoke is filling the air.

In a way I almost felt bad taking up a prime spot for a child or local who is participating in this religion, but if you have been to this part of the world, they appreciate you observing and respecting their culture. 

This is a very powerful event, regardless of your background or religious beliefs. It is a MUST visit thing to do in Kathmandu, Nepal. I believe the saying is “you’re not in Kansas anymore”.

I would have complete regret if I did not book this tour. 

People will ask you for money, people will standing very close to you, it will smell funny, it will be smokey…but you better go.