Near Pashupatinath: Boudhanath, Guhyeshwari & the Valley Sites
Pashupatinath sits in the middle of Kathmandu's richest cluster of sacred sites. Here is what to pair it with, from the great stupa of Boudhanath just up the road to the temples on its own eastern hill.
Within the Complex: Guhyeshwari, Gorakhnath & Mrigasthali
Some of the best things to see are inside the Pashupatinath complex itself.
- Guhyeshwari Temple: a short riverside walk upstream, one of the most important Shakti Peethas, dedicated to the goddess Sati and closely tied to Pashupatinath in legend and ritual.
- Gorakhnath & Mrigasthali: climb the forested eastern bank to the Gorakhnath temple, ringed by a field of stone shikhara shrines and lingams, and the Mrigasthali deer park where, by legend, Shiva roamed as a golden deer. The hill offers the finest elevated views back to the golden temple roofs.
- The 108 shivalingas: rows of votive shrines pilgrims circumambulate — see the darshan & puja guide.
Boudhanath
Boudhanath, one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas, is only 2–3 km away — about a 10–15 minute taxi ride. Pairing the two is the classic Kathmandu sacred-sites outing: the intensity of the Hindu ghats and the calm of the Tibetan-Buddhist stupa in a single afternoon, with wonderful rooftop cafés at Boudhanath for momos or a coffee with a view.
Durbar Square, Swayambhunath & the Wider Valley
| Site | Distance | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Boudhanath | ~3 km | Great Buddhist stupa; easiest add-on |
| Guhyeshwari Temple | Within complex | Important Shakti Peetha on the Bagmati |
| Kathmandu Durbar Square | ~6 km | Royal palace square, Kumari house, Newari architecture |
| Swayambhunath | ~8 km | The hilltop "Monkey Temple" stupa with valley views |
All lie within Kathmandu and its UNESCO-listed valley, so a day or two lets you see the great Hindu and Buddhist landmarks together. For getting between them, see how to reach Pashupatinath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do near Pashupatinath?
Within the complex you can visit Guhyeshwari Temple, the Gorakhnath temple and the Mrigasthali deer park on the eastern hill. Just outside, the great Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath is only 2–3 km away, and Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath are a short taxi ride across the valley.
How far is Boudhanath from Pashupatinath?
Only about 2–3 km, roughly a 10–15 minute taxi ride. Pairing the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath with the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath is the classic Kathmandu sacred-sites outing, easily done in one afternoon.
What is Guhyeshwari Temple?
Guhyeshwari is one of the most important Shakti Peethas, dedicated to the goddess Sati, a short riverside walk upstream within the Pashupatinath complex. It is closely tied to Pashupatinath in legend and ritual and is a major pilgrimage site in its own right; its innermost area is reserved for Hindus.
Can I combine Pashupatinath with Kathmandu Durbar Square?
Yes. Kathmandu Durbar Square is about 6 km away, a short taxi ride, so it fits easily into a day of valley sightseeing along with Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.
What is on the hill behind Pashupatinath?
The forested eastern bank holds the Gorakhnath temple, surrounded by a field of stone shikhara shrines and lingams, and Mrigasthali, a wooded deer park where by legend Shiva roamed as a golden deer. The hill gives the finest elevated views back across the river to the golden temple roofs.
By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated July 1, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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Explore More of Nepal
Pashupatinath TempleNepal's holiest Shiva shrine on the sacred Bagmati.
BoudhanathOne of the world's largest stupas and the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.
SwayambhunathThe ancient hilltop "Monkey Temple" stupa watching over Kathmandu.
KathmanduLiving temples, medieval squares and the gateway to Nepal.