Haleshi Mahadev Pilgrimage

About this journey

Haleshi Mahadev is a limestone cave complex in Khotang district, sacred to Hindus as a form of Shiva and to Buddhists as a meditation site of Padmasambhava. Three caves make up the shrine, the main one reached by a steep set of steps down through the rock. It draws its largest crowds at Shivaratri and Ram Nawami. Both traditions worship here at the same time, which is much of what makes the place worth the journey east.

Highlights

• The three caves of the Haleshi shrine
• Shared Hindu and Buddhist worship at one site
• Shivaratri and Ram Nawami festival crowds
• The hill country of Khotang, well off the tourist map

Permits

• None — temple donation on entry

We process these for you. Bring your passport and passport photographs.

Getting there

• Fly Kathmandu to Lamidanda or Rumjatar, then 2–3 hours by road
• Or drive via Ghurmi on the Sun Koshi, a long day
• Accommodation is simple lodges near the temple