Halesi Mahadev - Maratika Cave Tour
Discover Divine Peace: A Sacred Journey to Halesi Maratika Cave, Halesi Mahadev Temple

Trip Overview:
Location
Nepal
Transport
Not Specified
Max-Elevation
1,750 m
Duration
5 days
Accommodation
Hotel
Best Seasons
All Year Round
Group
Min. 1 Pax
Difficulty
Easy
Start Point
Kathmandu
End Point
Kathmandu
Entrance Fees
Required
Food
Breakfast
Introduction to Halesi Mahadev - Maratika Cave Tour
Halesi Maratika Cave, also known as Maratika Cave Monastery or Halesi Mahadev Temple, is a sacred pilgrimage site located in the Khotang district of eastern Nepal, about 222 kilometers from Kathmandu. It is deeply revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and is considered one of the most spiritually powerful places in the Himalayas.
For Buddhists, this is the site where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and his consort Mandarava attained the realization of immortal life through advanced meditation and long-life practices with blessings from Buddha Amitayus. This makes Maratika one of the six holiest places in the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition. Even today, Buddhist practitioners visit the cave to perform longevity practices and receive blessings believed to support health, clarity, and spiritual awakening.
For Hindus, the cave is known as the dwelling place of Lord Shiva—Halesi Mahadev—who is said to have meditated here while escaping the demon Bhasmasur. A naturally formed Shiva Linga inside the cave is the center of devotion for thousands of pilgrims, especially during festivals like Shivaratri, Teej, and Bala Chaturdashi. The cave also serves as a powerful place for seeking protection, liberation, and the fulfillment of wishes.
Located between the sacred rivers Dudh Koshi and Sun Koshi, and set in the peaceful hills of Khotang, Maratika is not only a holy site but a symbol of spiritual harmony—where Hindu and Buddhist faiths meet and coexist. The area also includes monasteries, shrines, prayer wheels, and other caves, making it a sacred landscape filled with devotion, history, and natural beauty.
According to local belief, a complete blessing from Guru Rinpoche’s teachings also requires a visit to Yarinak Cave in Temal, Kavre district. It is said that without this visit, one cannot receive the full spiritual empowerment and realization linked to Maratika. Together, these sacred sites form an important pilgrimage route for those on the Vajrayana path.
Highlights of the Halesi Mahadev - Maratika Cave Tour
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy some leisure time to rest and acclimate to the surroundings of the vibrant city. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a short walk to explore local landmarks or simply relax in preparation for the journey ahead. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
After an early breakfast, begin the journey to Halesi Mahadev, a sacred site located approximately 222 kilometers from Kathmandu. The scenic drive takes around 7–8 hours, passing through the picturesque landscapes of Dhulikhel, Nepalthok, Khurkot, Ghurmi, Okhaldhunga, and Jayaram Ghat, offering beautiful views of terraced fields, rivers, and traditional villages along the way. Once you arrive in Halesi, check into your hotel or resort. Take time to relax and absorb the spiritual energy of this sacred location. Enjoy a peaceful dinner at the hotel and rest for the night. Overnight stay at hotel/resort.
Start the day with an early morning pooja (worship) session and prayers, followed by breakfast. Then, embark on a short hike to the Maratika Cave or Halesi Mahadev Temple, one of the most revered sites for both Buddhists and Hindus. The cave is famed as the location where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and his consort Mandarava attained immortality through intense meditation. As a result, the cave is a powerful place for meditation and spiritual practice. Here, you will spend time in prayer and meditation, immersing yourself in the sacred atmosphere. Afterward, return to your hotel for a fulfilling lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the surroundings, where you may visit other smaller caves or enjoy a peaceful walk around the temple grounds. In the evening, join the group for evening prayers, followed by a traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight stay at hotel/resort.
After an early breakfast, visit Halesi Mahadev Temple once more for morning worship. Here, devotees seek blessings from Lord Shiva, who is believed to have meditated in this cave to escape the demon Bhasmasur. After the visit, check out from the hotel and begin the return drive to Kathmandu. The journey will offer a chance to reflect on the sacred experiences of the past few days while enjoying the stunning landscapes of rural Nepal. Arrive back in Kathmandu by late afternoon. You will have some free time in the evening to rest or explore the bustling Thamel area, famous for its vibrant shops, restaurants, and markets. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuwan International Airport for your onward flight. Take with you the spiritual blessings and cherished memories of your journey to one of Nepal’s most sacred sites. Whether you're returning home or heading to another destination, this trip will have left you with a profound sense of peace and renewal.
Not Satisfied with the above itinerary? We also offer flexible, tailor-made trips according to your preferences and specification.
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Customer Reviews:

Thad Ball and Timothy Litzenburg
A Memorable 5 day Trek with Alpine Adventure
My friend and I booked a 5-day trek in the Annapurna region and had a fantastic time. Binod of Alpine Adventure Club is very professional and guided us through all the requirements of trekking in Nepal. He created an itinerary based on our interests and we could not be happier...

David & Wendy Galloway
A Highly Recommended Everest Adventure
I goggled companies that do the trekking in the Everest region and 3 came up immediately. I replied to them all and Alpine Adventure Club Treks & Expedition answered me straight away. They were excellent with informing me with what you would expect and what we needed to bring etc....

Jack Richeson
Memorable Annapurna Adventure with Expert Guidance
This was my first trip to Nepal and my first time trekking. I was only able to spend a short time here and there was a lot that I wanted to do. The Alpine Adventure Club Treks & Expedition group was very helpful in planning my trip to make the...

Flavia and Alexandre
Great Service! Highly Recommended
Namaste! Our 6 days trekking was amazing. It was wonderful to walk through out the lovely villages, meeting people and also the breathing views of the mountains.We loved the guest house too. And the staff is very very good. Our guide and porter were great!! We are happy to say...