Discover the Sacred Abodes of Lord Shiva in the Kathmandu Valley –

 Program Overview

The Shiva Circuit Pilgrimage Around Kathmandu is a sacred journey to 12 significant Shiva temples located in and around the Kathmandu Valley. These temples are linked with various divine aspects of Lord Shiva—as the liberator, protector, creator, destroyer, and wish-granter.

This pilgrimage offers not just temple visits but an immersion in meditative nature walks, forest shrines, and ancient rituals that awaken devotion and inner transformation. The journey starts from the globally renowned Pashupatinath Temple and unfolds through both well-known and hidden Shiva shrines, forming a spiritually powerful mandala around the valley.

 Full List of Shiva Temples in the Circuit

1. Pashupatinath Mahadev – Kathmandu

• The most sacred Shiva temple in Nepal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Begin your journey here with Darshan and morning rituals.

2. Gokarneshwor Mahadev – Gokarna, Northeast Kathmandu

• Sacred for ancestral blessings.
• Located on the bank of the Bagmati River.

3. Doleshwor Mahadev – Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur

• Believed to be the head of Lord Kedarnath.
• Major site for Mahabharata devotees and forgiveness rituals.

4. Baideshwor Mahadev – Panauti, Kavre

• A peaceful rural temple with deep spiritual tranquility.
• Symbolizes Shiva’s foreign or roaming form.

5. Santaneshwor Mahadev – Lele, Lalitpur

• Worshipped for fertility, family happiness, and protection.
• Surrounded by lush green hills.

6. Adeshwor Mahadev – Ichangu Narayan, Kathmandu

• Represents Shiva in his original and commanding form.
• A quiet shrine near Ichangu Narayan.

7. Tarakeshwor Mahadev – Tarkeshwor Forest, NW Kathmandu

• Known as the Lord of Liberation (Moksha).
• Ideal for forest meditation and walking pilgrimages.

8. Dupcheswor Mahadev – Shivapuri, Nuwakot

• A hidden cave temple associated with wish fulfillment.
• A serene hike through forested areas.

9. Phadkeshwor Mahadev – Tokha

• Shiva is believed to have leapt forth or manifested suddenly.
• Popular with locals for its mysterious and protective energy.

10. Ladkeshwor Mahadev – Changunarayan area (Bhaktapur)

• Associated with the “falling” or natural emergence of a Shiva Lingam.
• A place of strong regional devotion.

11. Dhaneshwor Mahadev – Banepa, Kavre

• Name comes from “Dhana” (wealth). Believed to grant prosperity and success.
• One of the most powerful Shiva temples in Kavre.

12. Aashapuri Mahadev – Dharmasthali, Kathmandu

• “Aashapuri” means “the fulfiller of hope.”
• Devotees believe wishes made with pure intention are granted here.
• Located in a peaceful setting ideal for meditation.

Suggested 3-Day Shiva Circuit Pilgrimage Itinerary

Day 1: Central to Eastern Valley Circuit

•  Pashupatinath Temple – Morning Darshan and blessings
•  Gokarneshwor Mahadev – Ancestral rituals
•  Doleshwor Mahadev – Head of Kedarnath
•  Dhaneshwor Mahadev – Prosperity blessings
•  Baideshwor Mahadev – Peaceful village temp

 Day 2: Southern and Western Circuit

•  Santaneshwor Mahadev – Morning fertility puja
•  Adeshwor Mahadev – Shiva’s commanding form
•  Aashapuri Mahadev – Wish-fulfilling shrine
•  Tarakeshwor Mahadev – Forest walk and moksha darshan
•  Phadkeshwor Mahadev – Evening visit in Tokha

 Day 3: Northern Completion Circuit

•  Ladkeshwor Mahadev – Bhaktapur region local shrine
•  Dupcheswor Mahadev – Forest hike and closing meditation

 End your circuit with gratitude and silence in Shivapuri

 Special Features of the Circuit

 Who Can Join?

• Spiritual travelers seeking Shiva energy and ancient wisdom
• Pilgrimage groups, sadhaks, and yoga practitioners
• Devotees who want to explore lesser-known sacred sites
• Wellness and retreat groups wanting nature and depth

 Practical Travel Information

 Final Words

The Shiva Circuit Pilgrimage Around Kathmandu is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for spiritual seekers. It offers more than temple visits—it’s a living meditation, a sacred walk through history, myth, forest, and soul.

You will begin with the cosmic power of Pashupatinath, and end with the hidden grace of Dupcheswor, completing a divine circle that not only takes you across the valley—but also deep within yourself.