Start here · Essential guide
The Sacred Valley of the Kathmandu Valley
An overview of the Kathmandu Valley Buddhist sites and shared sacred places, the Newar Buddhist tradition, and how to plan respectful, well-paced visits.
Nepal and Bhutan
Kathmandu Valley
Swayambhunath, Pharping and the valley’s shared sacred sites.
The Ancient Stupa of Swayambhunath: A Buddhist Pilgrimage Site in Nepal
A visitor's guide to the hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath: the approach and steps, the main shrines, the resident monkeys, and practical, respectful visiting notes.
The Significance of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal
Pashupatinath is a Hindu Shiva temple. This guide explains its place in the valley's shared Hindu-Buddhist sacred geography and the entry rules to check.
The Significance of the Pharping Caves, Nepal
Why the Pharping caves matter in Vajrayana pilgrimage: their traditional links to Padmasambhava, what visitors can see, and how to visit respectfully.
The Significance of the Swayambhunath Temple: A Buddhist Pilgrimage to Nepal
The Swayambhu Purana tells of a lake-filled valley and Manjushri's gift of land. This article explains the legend and why Swayambhunath matters to Newar Buddhists.
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