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Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important spiritual sites in Nepal and across the Hindu world. Located in the heart of Kathmandu, this sacred Shiva temple draws thousands of devotees every year from India and beyond. Whether you’re traveling for pilgrimage or spiritual retreat, here’s a complete guide on how to reach Pashupatinath Temple conveniently and efficiently.
Where is Pashupatinath Temple located?
Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It is approximately 5 km from Tribhuvan International Airport and about 3 km from Thamel, the main tourist area.
How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple from India
Many Indian travelers visit Pashupatinath as part of the Kailash Mansarovar or Muktinath Yatra. You can reach Kathmandu by air, road, or a combination of train and road. The most preferred option is by flight due to time efficiency and better comfort.
Reaching Pashupatinath Temple by Flight
Direct Flights from India to Kathmandu
Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Varanasi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Daily non-stop flights are operated by airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Nepal Airlines.Airport to Temple Distance
From the airport, Pashupatinath Temple is just 10–15 minutes away by taxi or private vehicle. You can hire a prepaid cab or book an airport pickup via your hotel or tour operator.Reaching Pashupatinath Temple by Road
Popular Road Routes
Travelers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar often take the road route via Sunauli or Raxaul border. After crossing into Nepal, you can continue by private car, shared jeep, or bus to reach Kathmandu.
Route Example: Gorakhpur to Kathmandu via Sunauli
Gorakhpur - Sunauli border (100 km)
Sunauli - Bhairahawa - Butwal - Narayanghat - Kathmandu (approx. 250 km)
This journey can take 10–12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Train and Road Combination from India
While there’s no direct train to Kathmandu, you can take a train up to the Indo-Nepal border and continue by road.
Example Route: Delhi to Raxaul via Train + Road
Train to Raxaul Junction (near Indo-Nepal border)
Cross border to Birgunj, then take a bus or taxi to Kathmandu (approx. 6–7 hours)
This option is cost-effective but requires more time and transfers.
Reaching Pashupatinath from Thamel or Kathmandu City Center
Thamel is the tourist hub of Kathmandu. From here, you can easily take a local taxi or a short ride using a travel operator to reach the temple.
Thamel to Pashupatinath distance: 4 km
Travel time: Around 15–20 minutes
Entry Rules and Timings at Pashupatinath Temple
Entry for Hindus Only: Only practicing Hindus are allowed inside the main temple premises.
Opening Hours: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Sandhya Aarti is held every evening at 6:00 PM on the Bagmati riverbank, which is open to all visitors.
Summary
Reaching Pashupatinath Temple is simple and convenient, especially from India. Direct flights are the fastest and most reliable option, while road routes and rail-road combinations suit budget travelers. Once in Kathmandu, local transport easily connects you to the temple. Visiting this sacred Shiva shrine is a divine experience that begins with proper planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is the nearest airport to Pashupatinath Temple?
A: Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) is the closest, just 5 km from the temple.Q2. Can I reach Pashupatinath Temple by road from India?
A: Yes, via border crossings like Sunauli, Raxaul, and Panitanki, then by private vehicle or bus to Kathmandu.Q3. Is a passport required to enter Nepal from India?
A: Indian citizens can enter Nepal without a passport or visa, but a government-issued ID (like Aadhar or voter ID) is mandatory.Q4. What is the best time to visit Pashupatinath?
A: February to April and September to November are ideal. Maha Shivaratri is the biggest annual celebration here.Related Blog Links
