Among the most popular pilgrimage sites of Nepal, Khotang Halesi Tour is one of the popular temples known as The Pashupatinath of eastern Nepal. It's situated in the Khotang district, 3,100 ft. – 4,734 ft above sea level. Halesi Mahadev cave and temple are located about 185 km southwest of Mount Everest. Halesi Mahadev is a recognized site of Hindu, and Buddhist pilgrimage and Kirant. It is 215 km east of Kathmandu valley. The Halesi Temple is located at the top of a small hill inside the beautiful caves. There are numerous small beautiful caves as well. The importance here is the image of the Lord inside of cave which is the additional beauty of the tour.
It is also a kind of pride for the people living there, as famous as other temples like the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Lumbini in Kapilvastu, etc. Internationally it is known as a natural cave which lies in the 4th remote hilly region and is believed to have been in existence for 6000 years.
Why Halesi Tour is so Popular?
Halesi Mahadev Darsan Tour is one of the most secret pilgrimage temples located in Eastern Nepal in Khotang District. Many Pilgrimages they believe in good Karma in their next life once they worship the Halesi Mahadev Temple. Pilgrimages make Circuit Tours combined with Pashupatinath Temple, Muktinath Temple, and Pathibhara Temple which are very popular pilgrimage temples In Nepal.
Nepal is one of the most beautiful destinations for Trekking and Hiking, Peak Climbing and Mountain Expedition, sightseeing, and cultural Tours. The Everest Base Camp Trekking is a world-popular adventure trekking destination in Nepal, each year nearly 50 thousand trekkers trek to Everest Base Camp. Similarly, the Halesi Mahadev Darsan Tour is also one of the popular pilgrimage destinations for domestic and International Travelers.
Believed.
Lord Haleshi Mahadev cave is a sacred temple situated in the Khotang District of Nepal. It is believed that this cave has been used by Lord Shiva to protect himself and hide from the demon Bhasmasur for approximately the past 6000 years. The glory of three different religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Kirat), this pilgrimage and Halesi Mahadev is worshipped as the great god even of gods and goddesses (Devadidev) by Hindus, the founder of Kirat religion is believed to have origin at this place by Kirat people, whereas Buddhists venerate Halesi regarding it as one of their six important pilgrimage sites.
It is believed that ascetics of Shaiva (The existing Hindus from time immemorial), Buddhists, and also other ascetics have obtained Salvation by meditating at Halesi. Buddhists worship it as a divine place where their great Guru Rimpoche, Padmasambhava meditated and accomplished immortality. Hence, Buddhist religious followers, and priests come to worship Halesi with a belief of getting 10 more years of lifespan and also Salvation.
It is known as ‘Marathi’ in the Tibetan language. This sacred site is worshiped as a chariot leading towards good deeds from misdeed, unreality to reality, sin to justice, and ultimately towards Salvation.
How did they find the Halesi?
Likewise, the historical view about how this sacred place with ensconced Mahadev was addressed is like this, “There was a bushy jungle and once a local Rai caste hunter was hunting at this forest. He tried to hunt a deer that ran into the bushes. The hunting dog tried to search for the deer and went into the bushes but both of them didn’t return. After this, the hunter seeks help from villagers and goes to the bushes where they find a cave. Curiously, they entered the cave and found a big Shivalinga winded around by a snake. They were delighted to see this and began worshipping it as a dwelling of Lord Shiva. There are several other religious and mythological reasons behind the growing religious significance of Halesi.”
How did it Become Halesi?
This is how local people describe the reason behind the name of this sacred site located in a serene natural hilly environment. “Myth says that there was once a huge tree of Madane (tree of Seedless fruit) just above the current Halesi Mahadev. A bird named ‘Halesho’ used to chirp sitting at that tree. So, elderly people decided to name this place after the name of that bird ‘Halesho’ and it became ‘Halesi’.”
Importance of Khotang Halesi Tour
The glory of three different religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Kirat), this pilgrimage and Halesi Mahadev is worshipped as the great god even of gods and goddesses (Devadidev) by Hindus, the founder of Kirat religion is believed to have origin at this place by Kirat people, whereas Buddhists venerate Halesi regarding it as one of their six important pilgrimage sites.
It is believed that ascetics of Shaiva (The existing Hindus from time immemorial), Buddhists, and also other ascetics have obtained Salvation by meditating at Halesi. Buddhists worship it as a divine place where their great Guru Rimpoche, Padmasambhava meditated and accomplished immortality. Hence, Buddhist religious followers, and priests come to worship Halesi with a belief of getting 10 more years of lifespan and also Salvation.
It is known as ‘Marathi’ in the Tibetan language. This sacred site is worshiped as a chariot leading towards good deeds from misdeed, unreality to reality, sin to justice, and ultimately towards Salvation.
Rout we follow of Khotang Halesi Tour.
The journey to this holy place begins from Kathmandu passing Banepa, following B.P Highway, via Khurkot, and turning the route to Ghurmi through the mid-hilly highway. After Burma, we continue to follow the route that extends up to Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu, and Halesi. Traveling 10km distance by vehicle we reach Jayaram Ghat connected with Dudh Koshi River. in 2 hours After crossing the Dudh Kosi River reach Halesi Bazaar which is our final destination.
Khotang Halesi Tour Short Itinerary.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1338 Meters).
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Halesi Temple.
Day 03: Explore around Halesi.
Day 04: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 05: Free day at Kathmandu.
Day 06: Final Departure.
