Halesi Mahadev Pilgrimage

Khotang

Highlights

• Journey to the sacred cave where Lord Shiva hid from Bhasmasur and Guru Rinpoche meditated.
• Hindu + Buddhist · 4 days / 3 nights
• Small group, guide-led

Day-by-day itinerary

1. D1

   Drive to Halesi and cave arrival

   Drive from Kathmandu through Nepal's mid-hills, passing rice terraces and traditional villages. Arrive at Halesi and walk to the cave entrance, dramatically set in a cliff face. Enter the first chamber, believed to represent one of Shiva's eyes, illuminated by butter lamps. The cave walls show natural formations that devotees interpret as divine images.

   Khotang As per plan

2. D2

   Central cave darshan and rituals

   Proceed to the main chamber for darshan of the natural Shiva lingam, where a steady drip of water falls as sacred abhisheka. Participate in a special puja ceremony with a local priest. For Buddhists, visit the upper cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, marked by prayer flags and a small shrine. The three caves together symbolize Shiva's three eyes and the Buddhist three jewels.

   Khotang As per plan

3. D3

   Surrounding sacred sites and return

   Visit nearby Kirat sacred sites, acknowledging the area's significance for Nepal's indigenous faith. Walk to the viewpoint between the Dudh Koshi and Sunkoshi rivers. Return via the scenic hill route, stopping at traditional villages to observe local customs. The journey back includes beautiful views of eastern Nepal's terraced hillsides.

   Khotang As per plan

Price includes

• Local storyteller guide
• Stays as per itinerary
• Daily breakfast
• All ground transfers

Make it yours (upsells)

Everything apart from the trip itself is an upsell — tick what you want.