Picture by: Steve Evans

Url: http://www.flickr.com/people/babasteve/

Nepal once known as only Hindu country in the world and the birthplace of Lord Buddha has several ancient pilgrimage sites. Kathmandu, the capital city is known as city of temples and home to several famous temples including Pashupatinath temple, Swayambunath Stupa.

Famous pilgrimage sites are located all across the country. Some well-known pilgrimage sites are:

• East Nepal: Barah Chhetra, Halesi Mahadev, Janaki Temple, Pathibhara, Tengboche
• Central Nepal: Manokamana, Gorkha, Lumbini, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, Tansen
• West Nepal:  Sworgadwari, Khaptad Ashram

Nepal is also the Gateway to Kailash Manasarowar, the mythical habitat of Lord Shiva. During special festivals devotees from different parts of Nepal and India throng the temples. Nepal is mountainous country, due to infrastructure some places are hard to reach. However, efforts are being made on national level to build infrastructure and promote popular sites.

Famous pilgrimage sites of Nepal like Muktinath and Gosainkunda are also very popular among trekkers. These sites provide unique blend of culture, trekking and site seeing.