3-day Maratika Cave tour from Kathmandu: Sacred pilgrimage site

Reach a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site deep in Nepal's eastern hills

A 3-day jeep tour from Kathmandu to Maratika Cave (Halesi Mahadev Temple) in the Khotang district, with private English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and two nights' accommodation near the cave. The tour centers on exploring the sacred cave where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have attained immortality, set between the Dudh Koshi and Sunkoshi rivers. Monument entrance fees are not included. Accommodation and guide tips are optional add-ons at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Maratika Cave and explore

• Depart from Kathmandu by jeep
• Drive through hilly terrain
• Cross Dudh Koshi and Sunkoshi rivers
• Arrive at Halesi Mahadev Temple
• Explore temple complex and Maratika Cave
• Overnight stay near the cave

Day 2: Full day at Maratika Cave

• Visit Halesi Mahadev Temple
• Meditate and offer prayers
• Experience serene environment
• Overnight stay near the cave

Day 3: Return to Kathmandu

• Depart from Halesi Mahadev Temple
• Enjoy scenic drive back
• Stop to admire landscapes
• Arrive in Kathmandu

The experience

The tour leaves Kathmandu by private jeep and crosses into the Khotang district, traversing hilly terrain and river valleys to reach the Halesi Mahadev Temple complex. Your private guide speaks English throughout. The first night you stay in a hotel near the cave, giving you time to settle into the spiritual atmosphere before the full day of exploration that follows.

Day two is spent entirely at the temple and cave. Maratika Cave holds deep significance in Buddhist tradition: Tibetan texts from the 12th century document Guru Padmasambhava's presence here, and the cave is associated with his attainment of immortality alongside his consort Mandarava. You move through the temple complex at your own pace, meditating or observing the site's spiritual energy in the tranquil natural setting. The second night you stay near the cave again, allowing for continued reflection.

On day three, you depart for Kathmandu, making stops along the scenic drive to take in the landscapes. The jeep and driver are private to your group, with fuel and the driver's food and accommodation covered. A bottle of water is provided during travel. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu are included.

What’s included

• Private jeep with experienced driver, fuel and the driver's meals and accommodation.
• private English-speaking guide for all three days.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu.
• two nights' accommodation near Maratika Cave.
• bottled water during travel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 15 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Premier Adventure & Holidays

Is this one for you?Three days means you spend a full day at the cave itself without rushing, but the tour also leaves your other days in Kathmandu free. Book this if you want deep time at one spiritual site rather than a multi-stop itinerary.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 15 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Maratika Cave and why is it significant to Buddhists?

Maratika Cave, located within the Halesi Mahadev Temple complex in Khotang district, is revered as the site where Guru Padmasambhava attained immortality. Tibetan literature dating back to the 12th century documents his spiritual work there with his consort Mandarava, making it an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhist practitioners seeking to experience its spiritual energy.

How much time do I spend at the cave itself?

Day two of the tour is dedicated entirely to the Halesi Mahadev Temple and Maratika Cave. You explore the temple complex and cave at your own pace, with time to meditate or absorb the site's spiritual atmosphere without a fixed schedule within that day.

What's included in the tour price and what costs extra?

The tour includes private jeep transport with driver, fuel, hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu, two nights' accommodation near the cave, a private English-speaking guide, and bottled water during travel. Monument entrance fees are separate. Accommodation can be upgraded at checkout, and tipping the guide and driver is customary though not compulsory.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour involves jeep travel and walking through the temple and cave complex. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. A moderate level of physical fitness is advised for the terrain and the walking involved.

What happens if I arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon? Can I join the tour the same day?

The tour departs from Kathmandu on day one and includes hotel pickup from your accommodation. If you arrive with enough time to reach your hotel before pickup, you can join the same day. Otherwise, you would begin the following day. Confirm your arrival time when booking.