Kathmandu To Pokhara Pilgrimage Tour – 6 Days

The Kathmandu to Pokhara pilgrimage tour to the five most important Hindu temples in Nepal rolled into one luxurious 6 days package starts with Pashupatinath Darshan in Kathmandu and moves further to Dakshinkali, Manakamana, Bindhya Bashini, and Varahi.

Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in Nepal that stands on the banks of the holy Bagmati River northwest of Kathmandu is a powerhouse of Hindu spiritual power. Pashupatinath area is regarded as one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the followers of Hinduism in the entire world. The temple is a subtle work of architecture with its gold-plated roof, be-jeweled doors, flowered motifs, and woodcarvings of the finest quality. The square-shaped pagoda-like temple, which is built on a single platform of 24 meters in height, stands in the middle of an open courtyard. The entrance of the temple is from all four sides and is decorated with gold-gilt doors. Inside the temple, there is a narrow walk engulfing the sanctum from where one can have a closer view of Shivlinga. The temple is barred to non-Hindus, but one can have a good view of the temple and surrounding it from the opposite bank of the river.

Dakshinkali, a blood-soaked temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali situated at the confluence of two sacred streams in a rocky cleft in the forest, is a favorite pilgrimage destination of Hindus.

Manakamana, one of the most important temples in the middle hills of the wish-fulfilling Hindu Goddess. The Mankamana temple overlooks terraced fields and the Trisuli and Marshyangdi river valleys. The hilltop (1302m) also offers a vantage point for taking in the breathtaking view of the Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Annapurna massifs to the north. Mankamana is located south of the historic town of Gorkha and 6 km north of Mugling.In the past, millions of pilgrims used to do the long arduous trek up to the hilltop. The cable car station in Cheres is about 104 km, west from Kathmandu. From the base station at Cheres we get to the Mankamana temple in 10 minutes. The ride covers a distance of 2.8 kilometers.

Bindhya Basini, north of Pokhara was founded in the 17th century and is sacred to Hindu Goddess, Durga, the warlike incarnation of Parvati, worshipped here in the form of Shaligram.

Varahi, that stands on a small island in Phewa Lake where we take a boat ride to reach the temple. The temple founded in the 18th century is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his boar incarnation and is inhabited by a loft of cooping pigeons.

Accommodation

We will be staying at Alpine Hotel Nepal in Kathmandu, Hotel Splendid View in Pokhara, and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD150. Alpine Club of Himalaya will arrange rooms with attached washrooms. However, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevations but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.