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    Maratika Cave and Pharping Tour - <span class="font-light">4 days</span>
    • DestinationNepal
    • Durations4 days
    • Trip DifficultyEasy
    • ActivitiesTour
    • AccommodationHotel/Lodge
    • MealsBreakfast
    • VehicleCar/Jeep/Bus
    • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax

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    Trip Overview

    Trip Highlights

    • Maratika cave of eastern Nepal
    • Yarinak cave of Temal Kavre
    • Namobuddha Monastery
    • Asura cave
    • Yangleshö cave

    Welcome to the path of the Vajrayana Buddhist Tour in Nepal. In this tour, you will explore some of the globally-renowned places of Nepal, where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated and enlightened. Maratika cave (Halesi Mahadev), Yarinak of Temal Kavre, and Namobuddha are major highlighting places of this tour. Asura cave and Yangleshö cave have been added to the tour which can offer you a wonderful experience as devotees following Vajrayana.

    According to the written record, the Maratika cave is referred to in the 12th century by Kathang Zanglingma, a biography of Padmasambhava. The cave is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindu and Buddhist devotees, along with Kirant believers. At Maratika cave, Mandarava and Padmasambhava attained the Vidyadhara of longevity (or long life). The cave is one of the six holiest places in this world, along with Bodhgaya in India, Manjushri’s Five-Peak Mountain, and the Potala Mountain in China. Eighteen Long Life of Tantras has been scribed by Dakinis in the symbolic script in the cave by the gold. From the deep meditation, Buddha Amitayus appeared and blessed Padmasambhava for the state of immortal life, free from birth and death, and then arose as Hayagriva and Vajravarahi.

    It is believed that if you make a pilgrimage trip to the Maratika cave, all your obstacles in every sector of life will be abolished. It is such a powerful blessing that you will get there. After the pilgrimage to the Maratika Cave, drive back to Yarinak Cave, which is located at Temal of Kavre district. It is another powerful place, where Guru Rinpoche took the form of dangerous Dükyi Shechen, Great Demon Slayer, and is regarded this place as a very powerful point. 

    As Namobuddha Monastery is located on the way, it's great to stay overnight there and explore the surroundings. The Asura cave of Pharping is another point, which is highly significant for the Vajrayogini followers. In the two caves of Pharping- Asura Cave and Yangleshö Cave (upper and lower cave), Guru Padmasambhava spent time meditating in winter and summer. With a deep penance, he attained the ultimate realization of Mahamudra. Asura cave in Pharping is widely renowned for the removal of obstacles to awakening.

    More information will be provided by the Lamas in the respective places, except for the guide, especially having a deep knowledge of the Dzogchen practice. If you would like to know more about the tour arrangement, food, accommodation, and transportation, please do not hesitate to contact us via

    WhatsApp: +977 9851159455

    Email: [email protected] 

    Transportation for the Tour

    Private Landcruiser jeep will be provided to you for your comfortable trip. Our main goal is to offer comfortable tours for our guests and we don't want to compromise on it. So, the driver will be experienced and friendly. 

    Food and Accommodation in the Tour

    You will have lunch on the way finding a good place to eat. However, the meal items can be typical Nepali, but trust us, they will be super yummy. You just need to let them know if you want chilly or not. Dinner will be provided at the resort or the monastic guest house. 

    About accommodation, you will be spending two overnights at a luxurious resort near Maratika cave. The resort meets tourist standards. One night accommodation will be at the monastic guest house at the Namobuddha monastery premises. 

    Please, do not hesitate to contact Nepal Kameleon Holidays for the Vajrayana Tour in Nepal, including Maratika Cave and Pharping Asura Cave. The itinerary of this program is flexible and can be extended further to include Vajrayogini temples and more stupas. 

    Best Time for the Tour

    March-April-May-June

    September-October-November

    December-January-February

     

    WhatsApp: +977 9851159455

    Email: [email protected] 

     

    Itinerary

    • Day 01

      Drive Kathmandu to Maratika cave (Halesi Mahadev). 222 km, 8 hours drive

      Marataika Cave (Halesi Mahadev) is located 222 km away from Kathmandu. It takes about 8 hours to reach there by Toyota Land Cruiser (this is the vehicle we offer). We begin the tour driving through the beautiful highway (B.P. Highway) is is one of the most beautiful road drives in Nepal. There are some nice restaurants to stop on the way while driving for lunch and refreshment coffee. Reaching Halesi (in Khotang district), check in at the resort, refresh and set out to explore the evening prayer and aarti at the cave.  Overnight at the resort.

      Note: It's better to visit Lord Mahadev's statue at Sanga, which is 143 feet in height and was made using copper, zinc, concrete, and steel.

    • Day 02

      Explore around Maratika Cave.

      Having a full day to explore is a true blessing at the Maratika Cave. The entire surroundings look spiritual. This is the home of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the second Pashupatinath for Hindus and a sacred pilgrimage destination for Kirant devotees. You will meet Lamas there worshipping and reading hymns. You can get various explanations about the cave and its spiritual significance. There are caves and in one part, the sky could be seen from the cave. There is a small hillside, which is taken as a bottle cap of the cave. The prayer flags surround the entire region. Afternoon time will be great to lie down at the resort and relax. Overnight at the resort. 

    • Day 03

      Drive back to Yarinak-Temal-Namobuddha Monastery. 188 km, 7 hours

      Good morning the hilside of the spiritual setting of Maratika cave. Having an early breakfast, drive back on the highway and drive further towards Yarinak cave of Temal, Kavre. It's about 165 km drive back. The Yarinak cave is a powerful point, where Guru Rinpoche took the furious form of Dükyi Shechen, Great Demon Slayer. If you make a trip there, it is believed that all your obstacles are gone. Exploring the surroundings and hearing from the Lama, drive back to the Namobuddha Monastery (Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery). It is located at the hilltop, at a very scenic point. Overnight at the monastic guest house. 

    • Day 04

      Drive back Namobuddha to Pharping and drive back to Kathmandu.

      Exploring the morning prayer and having breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu in 1.5 hours and drive further to Pharping, which is another 40-minute drive. Asura Cave of Pharping is such a powerful point, where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) achieved enlightenment. It is also a point that brings you out from the obstacles. Guru Rinpoche meditated in the Asura cave and Yanglisho Cave (upper and lower) in winter and Summer. 

      If you want further exploration, there is a renowned religious site of the furious goddess- Kali, known as Dakshinkali. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindu people. Then, drive back to the hotel, and take a rest. Overnight at the hotel. 

    If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.
    Customize my trip

    Cost Details

    Cost Includes

    • Private jeep, driver, and fuel
    • 3 nights accommodation
    • 3 times dinner
    • 3 times breakfast
    • A guide, his salary, accommodation, food 
    • Entrance fees

    Cost Excludes

    • Your personal expenses and travel insurance
    • Alcoholic drinks, and any beverages (alcoholic drinks are not allowed)
    • Lunch
    • Tips for the staffs
    • Things not mentioned above

    Dates & Availability

    • 27th Oct 2025From Kathmandu
      30th Oct 2025To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 3rd Nov 2025From Kathmandu
      6th Nov 2025To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 14th Dec 2025From Kathmandu
      17th Dec 2025To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 31st Dec 2025From Kathmandu
      3rd Jan 2026To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 6th Feb 2026From Kathmandu
      9th Feb 2026To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 3rd Mar 2026From Kathmandu
      6th Mar 2026To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 13th Apr 2026From Kathmandu
      16th Apr 2026To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 17th May 2026From Kathmandu
      20th May 2026To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 8th Jun 2026From Kathmandu
      11th Jun 2026To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 12th Jul 2026From Kathmandu
      15th Jul 2026To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 3rd Aug 2026From Kathmandu
      6th Aug 2026To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person
    • 9th Sep 2026From Kathmandu
      12th Sep 2026To Kathmandu
      available 2
      US $800Per person

    Media Gallery

    Travellers‘ reviews

    • M

      Mr. Milan Amin

      London, GB

      The Best Tour Guide in Nepal. Look No Further. They are incredible!

      There are not enough words to describe how incredible Bhanu and his team are. I initially contacted Bhanu several months before my trip and throughout the entire process, he guided me. We did a 7-day Vajrayana and Buddhism tour with Bhanu visiting all the sacred sites for Dzogchen Practioners and it was truly unreal. The driver Dhana and Prem were some of the most helpful, caring, funny, kind, and compassionate people who made our entire trip completely seamless. Throughout the trip, we made changes, which they accommodated without any hesitation. They looked out for us, translated for us, bartered for us, made us feel safe, and protected, and ensured they went out of their way to make sure we had the best trip possible. This was a trip of a lifetime, and it honestly would not have been possible without Bhanu and his incredible team. If you're looking for THE BEST TOUR GUIDE COMPANY IN NEPAL - look no further, they will give you the best trip you've ever experienced. 

      + read more
    • C

      Mrs. Catie Richardson

      San Francisco, US

      Incredible Maratika and Pharping

      Just an incredible tour to describe. I got the service they have promised. I was a solo female traveler, but I wanted to visit these two places- Maratika Cave and Asura Cave. Besides them, I got a chance to see another remarkable site of Yarinak, which I was recommended even by the Lama at Maratika Cave. So wonderful. Highly recommended. 

      + read more
    • P

      Mr. Paul Schmid

      Neuss, DE

      Did some Buddhist Tour, Great!

      Sorry for my English, but I did a best tour in Nepal in a short time. I wrote Kameleon Tour a month ago to do a tour of some Buddhist sites and Bhanu suggested Maratika Cave and more. I felt very comfortable with his team, the Jeep was a Land Cruiser and the driver was so professional. My family felt very safe. We stayed at Zambala Resort, which is close to the cave. We hadn't expected such a nice accommodation in the mountain, but we got it. Thank you, Bhanu and Dhana, the driver, and Bishnu, the guide. 

      + read more
    • A

      Mr. Alessandro S

      Milan, IT

      In the footsteps of Padmasambhava: Namo Buddha, Yarinak and Halesi (Maratika)

      I travelled alone and for the first time to Nepal in the second half of August 2025 for 14 days. The theme of the trip was to visit the most important places from the spiritual and mystical point of view of the capital Kathmandu and the surrounding valleys, with particular regard to the places related to the arrival and spread of Vajrayana Buddhism. 

      One of these was to arrive in Halesi, over 200km east of Kathmandu, to visit and meditate in the caves of Maratika and Manjushree. In the search for an agency to organize this part of the trip, I arrived at Nepal Kameleon of Mr. Khatiwada. Of the various contacts, she was the only one to respond clearly and quickly. We agreed easily within a few hours for the Namo Buddha, Yarinak, and Halesi (Maratika) itinerary to be done in 4 days and three nights with a jeep and driver. On the day of my arrival in Kathmandu, I met Mr. Kathiwada, with whom I had a very pleasant and long chat on the main theme of this trip, addressed with much competence on the historical and religious aspects of the great Indo-Tibetan traditions. Departure the next day, and although it was not provided for in the agreements, Mr. Kathiwada, however, accompanied me as a guide for the first day at the stops of Namo Buddha and Yarinak. Excellent experience and perfectly successful throughout its duration. 

      I thank and strongly recommend this agency in general, but especially for the specific qualification in the enormous spiritual heritage present in Nepal. Before returning, I met again Mr. Kathiwada for a final greeting during which, together with her little daughter, we went to the Teej festival in Thamel Durbar Square on August 26. Again, he was helpful, open, and witty on every subject. A heartfelt thank you and goodbye.

      + read more
    • S

      Ms. Saverine N

      Paris, FR

      Guru Rinpoche Pilgrimage and Meditation

      First of all, I would like to thank Nepal Kameleon Holidays for organizing our tour through different Guru Rinpoche meditation caves. I didn't have a specific idea about these caves. Initially, I only knew Maratika Cave. Thank God, we communicated a lot and found out about these impressive caves. Our program went like this: 

      First we did Namobuddha and Yarinak Cave and stayed overnight somewhere on the way to Maratika Cave. Second day, we visited Maratika Cave, Lower Cave, Manjushree Cave, Naga Cave, and the surroundings. Meditating in these caves filled with wonderful energy us. 

      Then we came back to Kathmandu on the 4th day. The next day, we did Pharping Asura Cave, Yangleshoed Cave and explored the surroundings. As we wanted rest, it was the best choice for us. 

      After that, we went to Chumik Changchup. This is an amazing place, located out of nowhere. The pristine nature is out of imagination. 

      Our another part of the trip is equally magnificent. We drove to Lower Mustang, where we visited some monasteries in Marpha, Kagbeni and nearby. The newly built Bon Monastery near Kagbeni is the most delightful. We got to chance to explore the Bon Po culture, which existed before Tibetan Buddhism. Another monastery is near the Dhumba Lake. 

      We four adults wnjoyed this trip beyond our imagination. Of course we had some difficulties due to the heavy traffic on the way, but everything was in the hand of the God. We were provided amazing service from the company. Bhanu, who has an abundant knowledge about the trip, culture and history guided us ans we are so glad about that. We are planning for Upper Mustang next time as we were out of budget and time for this time. 

      Saverine and Team

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    • N

      Mrs. Nathalie R

      california, US

      Striking Yarinak Cave and Maratika

      I would say, this trip remained the best of my lifetime. I was having a difficult time personally, so I was looking for a peaceful trip. I was traveling as a solo female traveler and I understood this trip was going to be a different experience than a usual sightseeing tours in the cities. 

      I found these caves- Yarinak Cave and Maratika Cave exclusively amazing and powerful. I meditated in the caves and tried to relaxed myself in the tranquil setting. Manoj was my guide and took me to these places. I gave time more to myself because I had read all about it from Kameleon Page. 

      So, for a calm and peaceful trip following the footstep of Guru Rinpoche, one should experience this Guru Rinpoche Tour in Nepal and of course traveling with Nepal Kamelon Holidays is highly recommended. Also, don't forget to have a good communication with Mr. Khatiwada beforehand. He loves to provide you the required information. 

      + read more
    • C

      Ms. Cecilia P

      Montevideo, UY

      Highly recommended!

      My experience in Nepal was amazing, largely thanks to Bhanu. He was very flexible and extremely accommodating and helpful. We were able to create an itinerary that was tailored to me. Bhanu also made sure that everything went according to the plan, and went the extra mile to ensure everything was perfect. He came with me for the most part, but when he wasn't, he was very responsive.

      He is also very eager to share his knowledge about the country, its history and culture, and you can tell he is very passionate about it.

      I would definitely recommend traveling with Nepal Kameleon Holidays.

      + read more