Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day will be kept free for rest and relaxation after your international journey. In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner and group introduction, followed by a briefing from the tour leader about the pilgrimage ahead, the Nath tradition, the sacred places we will visit and the practical details of our journey along The Himalayan Path of the Nath Yogis.

Introduction to Kathmandu & Gorakhnath

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Kathmandu at Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic heart of the old city, where we will discover its ancient temples, royal courtyards and Newari spiritual traditions, with an opportunity to see the Living Goddess Kumari. We then visit the sacred Seto Machindranath Temple, dedicated to a deity deeply revered within the Kathmandu Valley and connected to the complex traditions surrounding Matsyendranath.

From here, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers, before proceeding to the sacred Pashupatinath area. We visit Guhyeshwari Temple, an important Shakti shrine, and then walk through the forested hills of Mrigasthali to Gorakshya Peeth, an important Nath site overlooking the Pashupatinath complex. Here we explore the shrine associated with Guru Gorakhnath, including his sacred paduka (footprints), the image of Matsyendranath and the dhuna, the sacred fire traditionally maintained by resident Nath yogis. As evening approaches, we descend toward the Bagmati River to witness the atmospheric Sandhya Aarati at Pashupatinath, concluding our first full day with fire, chanting, music and devotion.

Machhindranath, Patan & Swayambhunath

After breakfast, we travel to the ancient city of Patan to explore the sacred traditions associated with Matsyendranath (Machhindranath), revered within the Nath tradition as the great Siddha and guru of Gorakhnath, while also worshipped in the Kathmandu Valley through distinctive Newar Buddhist and Hindu traditions. We visit the Rato Machhindranath Temple, one of Patan’s most important sacred sites, and explore the surrounding old city, where centuries-old temples, courtyards and shrines reveal the unique spiritual culture of the valley.

Later, we continue to Swayambhunath, the ancient hilltop Buddhist sanctuary overlooking Kathmandu. Here we will walk the sacred kora around the great stupa, visit its surrounding shrines and take time for meditation and reflection while learning about the remarkable coexistence of Buddhist, Hindu and yogic traditions that has shaped Nepal’s spiritual landscape for centuries.

Journey to Gorkha via Manakamana Temple

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and begin our scenic drive toward Gorkha, an important destination in our Nath pilgrimage. En route, we stop at Kurintar, where we board the cable car for the beautiful ascent to Manakamana Temple, one of Nepal’s most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites. Dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, the temple is traditionally visited by devotees seeking the fulfillment of their wishes and blessings for prosperity, protection and success. We will have time to explore the temple surroundings, make offerings and enjoy panoramic views of the hills before taking the cable car back to Kurintar.

From here, we continue by road through the countryside to Gorkha Bazaar, where we check into our hotel and rest in preparation for the following day’s exploration of the sacred sites associated with Guru Gorakhnath.

Gorkha Exploration: The Sacred Cave of Guru Gorakhnath

After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring Gorkha, a place of exceptional importance to both Nepalese history and the Nath tradition. We ascend to the historic Gorkha Durbar, dramatically situated on a hill approximately 1,000 metres above sea level, from where, on a clear day, magnificent views extend toward Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Gorkha was the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who began the unification of Nepal in the 18th century, and the palace complex remains closely connected with the country’s history and spiritual traditions. Our main pilgrimage focus is the sacred Gorakhnath Cave, situated below the palace and traditionally associated with Guru Gorakhnath, after whom Gorkha itself is believed to have been named. We will explore the sacred surroundings, make offerings and spend time in prayer, meditation and contemplation at this important Nath pilgrimage site. We will also visit the temples and shrines around the Gorkha Durbar complex before returning to Gorkha Bazaar for a relaxed evening and overnight stay.

Journey to Pokhara: Sacred Caves & Himalayan Views

After breakfast, we leave Gorkha and drive toward Pokhara, travelling through beautiful hills, river valleys and traditional villages. Upon arrival, we visit Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, a sacred natural cave dedicated to Lord Shiva, where we descend into the atmospheric underground sanctuary and explore its remarkable rock formations. We then continue to Pumdikot, home to the impressive hilltop Shiva statue and panoramic views across the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake and, weather permitting, the Annapurna Himalayas. Later in the afternoon, we drive up to Sarangkot, a peaceful ridge above Pokhara renowned for its spectacular Himalayan setting. We check into our accommodation here and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by the mountains, preparing for the next stage of our Nath journey.

Pokhara Leisure & Return to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive down from Sarangkot to Pokhara Lakeside, where the morning and early afternoon are free to relax, stroll along the shores of Phewa Lake, explore local shops and cafés, or enjoy some souvenir shopping. We will also have time for a relaxing massage, offering a chance to rejuvenate after the journey. Later, we transfer to Pokhara Airport for our evening flight to Kathmandu, where our representative will meet us and transfer us to the hotel for the night.

International Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule before our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure, bringing The Himalayan Path of the Nath Yogis to a meaningful close.