20 Famous Temples In Nepal You Must Visit In 2025

Looking to explore spiritual sites of Nepal? Numerous Nepal Temples are capturing the attention of devotees and visitors from all over the world. These ancient temples tell stories of bygone days. Seeing people practice their rituals that have been passed from generation to generation is a common yet fascinating sight. As you pass the beautiful temples in Nepal, you can smell the delicious food (Prasada) cooking in the wood ovens in the kitchen or open area of the temples. Bhaktapur’s best preserved medieval town in Nepal and the spectacular Kathmandu valley have temples worth visiting for their uniqueness and beauty.

List of Top 20 Famous Temples In Nepal

Pashupatinath Temple
Budanilkantha Temple
Dakshinkali Temple
Gokarneshwor Mahadev temple
Swayambhu Temple
Bajrayogini
Suryabinayak Temple
Changu Narayan Temple
Manakamana Temple
Muktinath Temple
Maya Devi Temple
Shashwat Dham
Boudhanath Stupa
Dantakali Temple
Janaki Mandir
Jagannath Temple
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
Guhyeshwari Temple
Vajrayogini Temple
Tal Barahi Temple

1. Pashupatinath Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Image Credit: Bhattaraimadhav.nepal for Wikimedia Commons
Near River Bagmati in Kathmandu Valley, Pashupati Nath is one of Nepal’s oldest and most popular temples. Locally translated into ‘Lord of the Animals,’ this holy place is devoted to Lord Shiva and considered one of Asia’s most sacred Shaivite places. Pashupati Nath features a two-story pagoda-like building with a sanctified Shiva linga inside. Only Hindu pilgrims are permitted to enter the temple premises.

Location: Pashupati Nath Road, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM & 6 PM – 7 PM

Also Read: Pashupati Nagar In Nepal

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

2. Budanilkantha – Where Lord Vishnu Resides Amidst Lotus In An Open Air Pool

Image Credit: Rajesh Dhungana for Wikimedia Commons
The most interesting part of Budanilkantha, also known Narayanthan temple, is the reclining Vishnu statue, carved from a basalt monolith. The statue is placed on Shesha – a multi-headed snake, lying on a lotus pool. Located the base of Shivapuri Hill, Budanilkantha temple permits only Hindu devotees inside, while others can observe this idol from a distance. Haribodhini Ekadashi is celebrated in Budanilkantha in late October and early November, pulling thousands of tourists every year.

Location: Budanikantha, Kathmandu, Nepal
Timings: 5 AM to 7 PM

3. Dakshinkali – To The Fearless Goddess

Image Credit: Shree Krishna Dhital
Near Pharphing Village, 14 km from Kathmandu city, Dakshin Kali is one of the most popular temples in Nepal. Dedicated to Kali, the fearless deity, this temple is famed for animal sacrifices by local Hindu people to fulfill their wishes. Such animal sacrifices, mainly male goats and cockerels, are seen on Tuesdays and Saturdays and during the Dusshera or Dashain festival.

Location: Dakshinkali, Kathmandu, Nepal
Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM

Related Post: 10 Hill Stations In Nepal

4. Gokarneshwor Mahadev Temple- Nepal’s Significant Shiva Temple

Gokarneshwor Mahadev Temple- Nepal Temples

Image Credit: Rajesh Dhungana for Wikimedia Commons
Raised by Gopiran Bharo, Gokarneshwor Mahadev temple, located in the village by the same name, is one of Nepal’s most significant Shiva temples. The temple is adorned with a charming idol of Shiva and Parvati sitting on a golden throne or Torana. Devotees visit Gokarna Mahadev Temple to pay homage to their deceased fathers on Gokarna Aunsi, usually around September.

Location: P9QQ+P38, Jorpati-Sundarijal Road, Gokarneshwor 44600, Nepal
Timings: 4 AM to 7 PM

5. Swayambhu Temple – Holy place For Both Hindus And Buddhists

Image Credit: Nirmal Dulal for Wikimedia Commons

Swayambhu Temple, located on a conical shaped hill near Thamel, offers a stunning view of Kathmandu City. Popular as ‘Monkey Temple’, one must ascend 365 steps and pay INR 200 as the entry fee to reach the temple complex. Along with the golden Buddha shrine, prayer wheels, and the numerous small temples surrounding the main temple building, made of pure gold, are worth a visit. Though Swayambhu Mandir faced major destruction during the Nepal earthquake of 2015, it still continues to be one of the must-visit temples in Nepal.

Location: P77R+X52, BHAGANPAU 44600, Nepal
Timings: Open 24 hours

Related Post: Trekking In Nepal

6. Bajrayogini – The famous tantric temple in Nepal

Image Credit: Drdonnayates for Wikimedia Commons

The list of famous temples in Nepal will be incomplete without Bajrayogini or Gum Bihar. The temple is located on the banks of Sali Nadi in Sankhu valley of Kathmandu. Surrounded by numerous small temples and caves, the three-storied main temple building has the idol of Swasthani – the chief goddess of Bajrayogini, beautifully decorated with ornaments and shining attire. People visit this temple during the month of Magh to take a holy dip in the Sali River and worship the Swasthani deity. Moreover, Bajrayogini fair is also celebrated in the temple complex, a major crowd puller from March to April.

Location: Bajrayogini, Kathmandu, Nepal
Timings: Open 24 hours

7. Suryabinayak Temple – The Temple Of The Curing God

Image Credit: Rajesh Dhungana for Wikimedia Commons
Suryabinayak Temple is 1500 years old and dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is one of the four significant Ganesh shrines in Kathmandu, the other three being Chandra Binayak, Jal Binayak, Ashok Binayak, and Chobar Binayak. Suryabinayak Temple is located in Bhaktapur, Nepal, and is known as the ‘temple of the Rising Sun’. Perched on a hilltop, the temple complex can be reached by climbing a few steps.

Location: MC4F+F9V, Suryabinayak, Nepal
Timings: Open 24 hours

Related Post: 15 Things To Do In Nepal

8. Changu Narayan – A Heritage Of Lichhavi Dynasty

Image Credit: Greg Willis for Wikimedia Commons
Originally built in the 4th century and now a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Changu Narayan is a marvelous temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. Surrounded by Champ trees, this temple features a two-story pagoda structure, carvings of Tantric deities, stone carved lions guarding all the four doors, and a huge Garuda statue. Changu Narayan is the oldest temple in Nepal. Unfortunately, Changu Narayan faced severe damage during the 2015 earthquake and is now closed for restoration work.

Location: Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Timings: 4 AM-12 PM & 5 PM-9 PM

9. Manakamana Temple – Worship To Fulfill Desires Of Heart

Image Credit: Rajesh Dhungana for Wikimedia Commons
Bhagwati is the chief goddess of Manakamana, or’ wish-fulfilling temple’. The goddess is worshiped here as an incarnation of Parvati. The temple is perched on a ridge in the Gorkha region of Nepal, overlooking the Trisuli and Marsyangdi river valleys. It can be reached by a thrilling 8-minute cable car ride from Abhukhaireni or by trekking up the hill. Every year on Kartik Panchami and Baisakh Panchami, two grand fairs are celebrated in Manakamana temple, alluring thousands of pilgrims.

Location: WH3M+MJM, Manakamana, Nepal
Timings: 4 AM to 7 PM

Related Post: Nepal Travel Tips

10. Muktinath Temple – A Popular Temple In The Annapurna Circuit

Image Credit: Jyot1.5hompad0k for Wikimedia Commons
Listed as one of the 51 Shakti Peethams, Muktinath Temple is believed to be where Sati’s forehead fell. Snuggled at an altitude of 3710 meters, it is one of the most ancient temples in Nepal dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 108 bull faces surround the main temple and comprise a pure gold idol of Vishnu. The water flowing through these bull faces is used for a sacred bath. Muktinath Temple is also known as Muktinath-Chumig-Gyatsa amongst Buddhist followers.

Location: Pilgrimage Site, Muktinath 33100, Nepal
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM

11. Maya Devi Temple- Lumbini’s Divine Highlight

Image Credit: Shadow Ayush for Wikimedia Commons
Holding the dignity of being the most ancient Buddhist temples in Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple is loacted in the central ground of Lumbini Development zone. It is a huge crowd-puller and is believed to be the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.

Location: F79G+V88, Lumbini Sanskritik 32900, Nepal
Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM

Related Post: Maya Devi Temple

12. Shashwat Dham- Witness Amusing Ambience

Image Credit: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka for Wikimedia Commons
Offering a serene surroundings and a completely unique experience, Shashwat Dham is among the top temples in Nepal. Its amusing ambience and philosophy practices make it among the must-visit Nepal Temples. Spanning over a huge area of 12 acres, the central shrine honours Lord Shiva and is a perfect place to immerse in a blissful vibe.

Location: Devchuli, Nawalpur district, Nepal
Timings: 7 AM to 6.30 PM

13. Boudhanath Stupa- A Temple Touching Kathmandu’s Skyline

Image Credit: Bijay Chaurasia for Wikimedia Commons
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the famous Nepal temples touching Kathmandu’s skyline and known for its amusing spherical shape. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to perform ‘Kora’, a temple ritual. Holding a great spiritual significance, this temple is a must-visit in Nepal.

Location: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: Open 24 hours

Related Post: Buddha Stupa Nepal

14. Dantakali Temple- Visit During Dashin

Image Credit: Npboe for Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Dantakali Temple is also counted among the significant Shakti Peeths. The temple is nestled in the heart of Bijayaour Village and attracts devotees from far and wide. The best time to visit the temple is during Dashain, a significant Hindu festival celebrated with a great enthusiasm here.

Location: Dantakali Path, Dharan, Nepal
Timings: 7 AM to 5.50 PM

15. Janaki Mandir- Birthplace Of Goddess Sita

Image Credit: Jankpur Parishad for Wikimedia Commons
Janaki Mandir is one of the biggest Nepal temples dediacted to Goddess Sita. It is believed to be the birthplace of Sita Mata and holds a great religious significance. The temple is more of a tourist site now but witnessing its divine aura and get lost in the tales of Ramayana is worth to include in your itinerary.

Location: Janaki chok, Janakpur 45600, Nepal
Timings: 5.30 AM- 11 PM and 4 PM to 8.30 PM

Related Post: Tourist Places In Nepal

16. Jagannath Temple- Amusing Three-Tiered

Image Credit: Nirajan Pant for Wikimedia Commons
Holding the dignity of being the oldest in the Darbar Square area, Jagannath Temple is among the sightseeing temples in Nepal. It is claimed that the structure was constructed by Pratap Milla, but many theories contradict this. Witness its erotic carvings and amusing three-tiered platform at Jagannath Temple that holds a great religious and historical significance.

Location: P834+VWC, Hanuman Dhoka Road, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: Open 24 hours

17. Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple- Witness Footprints From Kirant Dynasty

Kirateshwor Mahadev Temple glorious deity

Image Credit: Rajesh Dhungana for Wikimedia Commons
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is another famous Shiva Nepal temple cradled on the west side of the Bagmati River. It got its footprints from the Kirant Dynasty, this temple is believed to be where the Kirants prayed and buried the dead. Embellished with an eye-catching architecture, the temple invites music lovers to enjoy traditional music at every full moon night free of cost.

Location: P972+222, Gaurighat Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Timings: Open 24 hours

Related Post: Nepal In December

18. Guhyeshwari Temple- Attracting Tantric Followers

Image Credit: Rajesh Dhungana for Wikimedia Commons
Counted among the Shakti Peeths, Guhyeshwari Temple captures the attention of Hindu and Tantric followers worldwide. According to folklore, Sati’s wisdom fell here from the corpse carried by Lord Shiva, which was named Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth. The temple’s interior and exterior are glorious and embellished by flower motifs and pretty patterns. The goddess is worshipped in Kalash (Water Container), adorned with silver and gold layers.

Location: P963+G93, Kathmandu 44621, Nepal
Timings: 7.30 AM to 7.30 PM

19. Vajrayogini Temple- Temple On Hilltop

Image Credit: Christopher J. Fynn for Wikimedia Commons
Known as Bodhisattva’s Temple, Vajrayogini Temple is one of the most famous Tantrik temples in Nepal dedicated to the Buddhist Tantric Goddess. The temple is situated on a hilltop in Sankhu and one needs to complete a stone stairway to reach the temple and get the darshan. Vajrayogini temple’s structure is embellished with wood carvings, metalwork, caves and stonework.

Location: PFV8+CVH, Kageshwori Manohara 44600, Nepal
Timings: Open 24 hours

Related Post: Khawalung Monastery In Kathmandu

20. Tal Barahi Temple- Serene Surroundings If Phewa Lake

Image Credit: Rajesh Dhungana for Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Goddess Varahi, Tal Barahi Temple is a two-storey pagoda temple that has a special place in the hearts of both Hindu and Buddhist followers. King Kulmandhan Shah built the temple because of his unusual dream, and it is adorned with glorious pagoda-type architecture. The temple premises are large and offer blissful surroundings to spend some tranquil time. During your visit, you can also take a tour to Phewa Lake.

Location: Phewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal
Timings: 5.30 AM to 5.30 PM

You May Also Like To Read: Offbeat Places In Nepal

Conclusion

Whether you’re the religious type or someone who has an interest in the beautiful architecture of Nepal, you’ll love your trip to the ancient temples in Nepal. Book a tour package for trip to Nepal and let the captivating history of Nepal fascinate you.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.

FAQs

What is the main temple in Nepal?

Pashupatinath Temple, which is located in Kathmandu, is the main temple of Nepal that holds a great religious significance. Overlooking both the banks of Bagmati River, this temple is a must-visit on Nepal tour.

Which Jyotirlinga is in Nepal?

Pashupatinath Temple and Kedarnath together considered as one complete among the 12 Jyotirlingas located in the heart of Kathmandu.

What are the Char Dhams of Nepal?

The char dhams of Nepal are as follows:
1. Pashupatkshetra
2. Mukti Kshetra
3. Ruru Kshetra
4. Baraha Kshetra

Is a passport required for Nepal?

Indian are not required to have passport to visit Nepal. But, if you are from other country then you need to have a valid passport to visit Nepal.

What are the famous Shiva temples in Nepal?

Some of the famous Shiva temples in Nepal are:
1. Pashupatinath Temple
2. Gokarneshwor Mahadev Temple
3. Kailashnath Mahadev Statue

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?