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Nepal has several ancient pilgrimage sites and famous for pilgrimage tours
especially for Buddhist and Hindu. Each temple is attached to a legend or belief
that glorifies the miraculous powers of its deity. Kathmandu Valley is home to
the famous Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhu Stupa and several other famous
temples. Hundreds of famous temples are located in and around the Kathmandu
Valley. Some well-known pilgramage sites are: Baraha Chhetra, Halesi Mahadev,
Janakpur, Pathibhara, Tengboche in East Nepal; Manokamana, Gorkha, Lumbini,
Muktinath, Gosainkunda, Tansen, Kathmandu Valley in Central Nepal; and
Swargadwari, Khaptad Ashram in West Nepal. Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, and
Boudhanath are the sites that are also listed in the UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Nepal is also the Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar, the mythical abode of Lord
Shiva. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and India throng the temples during
special festivals. Even though weak infrastructure renders some places hard to
reach, efforts are being made on national level to develop and promote some
popular sites.
Pilgrimage sites of Nepal like Muktinath and Gosainkunda make popular trekking
destinations. Tours to these sites are encouraged for the novelty they provide
in terms of nature and culture.
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