Temples and monasteries in Kathmandu

Kathmandu’s spiritual landscape is defined by the centuries-old coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism. This selection includes the UNESCO-listed Boudha and Swayambhunath stupas, alongside the sacred Pashupatinath Temple complex on the Bagmati River. Within the historic Durbar Square area, the list features the multi-tiered Maju Dega and the Shiva Parvati Temple. It also highlights active centers of Tibetan Buddhist learning, such as Shechen Gompa and the Kopan Nunnery, representing the city's diverse monastic traditions and pagoda-style architecture.

Temples and Monasteries — Map

Bijaya2043 / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Boudha Stupa

Boudha Stupa; or Jarung Kashor, also known as Khasti Chaitya or Khāsa Chaitya, is a stupa and major spiritual landmark seen as the…

松岡明芳 / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Swayambhunath

Swayambhu Mahachaitya is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city.

Ronishash / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Pashupatinath Temple

A sprawling Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River dedicated to Lord Shiva. It serves as a major pilgrimage site and the primary location for traditional open-air cremations in Kathmandu.

Mahalaxmi silwal / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Kasthamandap

Kasthamandap is a reconstructed three-storied public shelter which was built by Lila Vajra.

E

Shechen Gompa

One of the six mother monasteries of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Located near Boudhanath, it is recognized for its detailed frescoes and its role in preserving Tibetan arts and philosophy.

F

Mahendreshwar Temple

A 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated at the northern edge of Kathmandu Durbar Square, known for its golden spire and stone carvings.

G

Shiva Parvati Temple

Built in the late 18th century, this temple features distinctive wooden figures of Shiva and Parvati looking out from the central upper window toward the square below.

H

Maju Dega Mandir

A prominent three-tiered Hindu pagoda dedicated to Shiva, located in Kathmandu Durbar Square. It sits atop a high, multi-stepped brick plinth.

I

Kopan Nunnery

Also known as Khachoe Ghakyil Ling, this is one of the largest nunneries in Nepal, offering Tibetan Buddhist education and spiritual practice for women in the Gelug tradition.

J

Anand Bhuvan Bihar

A Buddhist monastery located near the Swayambhunath complex, providing a space for traditional prayer and meditation.

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