Kathmandu: Bodhnath & Pashupatinath Spiritual Sites Tour

Summary

Walk prayer wheels at bodhnath see sadhus at pashupatinath and join the aarati light ritual in kathmandu

You’ll circle Bodhnath Stupa with locals, spin prayer wheels for luck, watch sadhus wander Pashupatinath’s temple grounds, and witness cremations along the Bagmati River before joining the moving evening Aarati ritual with your guide. There’s space here for quiet reflection and unexpected laughter — you’ll leave with more questions than answers (in a good way).

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a butter lamp before I’d even figured out which direction the kora went. Our guide, Suman, just grinned and nudged me along with the flow around Bodhnath Stupa — it’s huge up close, all those eyes watching from above. The air smelled like incense and something buttery-sweet (yak butter? maybe). Old women in maroon robes spun prayer wheels so fast I felt clumsy copying them. Suman told us to try three times around for good luck — I lost count after two because a monk started chanting right next to us and my brain just sort of stopped for a second. That sound sticks with you.

We’d started back in Thamel, dodging rickshaws and that endless honking, then zipped over to Bodhnath by van (included in the tour, thank god — walking would’ve taken ages). After the stupa, Suman led us through side streets toward Pashupatinath Temple. There were monkeys everywhere — one stole a flower garland from a sadhu who didn’t even flinch. The riverbank was busy with families and priests; smoke drifted from cremation pyres on the far side. It’s not exactly comfortable to watch, but it didn’t feel disrespectful either. Just part of life here.

I tried getting my palm read by this old guy in orange robes near the temple steps (the guide helped translate; I think I accidentally asked if I’d ever own a goat). He laughed anyway. Later, as dusk settled in, we squeezed into the crowd for Aarati — bells ringing, people waving lamps in circles over their heads, everything glowing gold against the river. You could smell ghee burning and hear kids giggling somewhere behind us. It felt both chaotic and peaceful at once.

I keep thinking about that moment: all those strangers standing together in smoky twilight, hands pressed together or just watching quietly. If you’re curious about Kathmandu’s spiritual heart — or just want to see how Buddhism and Hinduism really live side by side — this day trip is worth it for those small moments alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Boudhanath and Pashupatinath temples

• Meet at Thamel Hotel Moonlight
• Drive to Boudhanath Stupa
• Rotate prayer wheels at Boudhanath
• Visit Boudhanath monastery
• Drive to Pashupatinath Temple
• Observe sadhus and palm reader
• Witness cremations by Bagmati River
• Attend evening Aarati ritual

Top questions

How long does the Kathmandu spiritual sites tour take?

The tour covers about 2 km of walking and usually lasts half a day, including transport between Thamel, Bodhnath & Pashupatinath.

Is transportation included from Thamel to Bodhnath & Pashupatinath?

Yes, transportation from Thamel (Hotel Moonlight) to Bodhnath Stupa and from Pashupatinath back is included in your booking.

Can children join this Kathmandu day trip?

Yes, children under 6 can join free of charge; it's considered child-friendly.

Are entrance fees included for Boudhanath & Pashupatinath?

Yes, entry fees to both UNESCO-listed sites are covered as part of your tour price.

Will we see cremation ceremonies at Pashupatinath?

You may witness cremations along the Bagmati River during your visit; it's part of daily life at Pashupatinath Temple.

Is there an option to have your palm read on this tour?

You can meet a local palm reader at Pashupatinath; their fee is not included but your guide will help arrange it if you want.

What should I wear when visiting these spiritual sites?

Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered out of respect for religious customs at both locations.

How big are the groups on this Kathmandu spiritual tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people per departure.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Thamel at Hotel Moonlight, all entrance fees to Bodhnath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), guided insight into Buddhist and Hindu traditions throughout the walk, participation in evening Aarati at Pashupatinath, optional visit to a local palm reader (fee extra), plus transportation between all main sites before returning to your endpoint.