Overview

Here’s a suggested 11-day pilgrimage & tour itinerary in Nepal centered around the festival of Maha Shivaratri (the Night of Shiva), along with important travel tips and spiritual highlights. I can also provide several alternate versions (shorter/longer, more remote temples, etc.) if you like.

Why this festival & why Nepal ?

Maha Shivaratri is the annual Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva, observed on the 14th night of the new moon in the month of Phālguna (February-March) in the Hindu calendar. Nepal has many important Shiva temples and pilgrimage sites (e.g., Pashupatinath Temple near Kathmandu), making it a meaningful destination for this festival. A well-designed 11-day itinerary allows you to attend the festival rituals, visit major temples, experience the Himalayan scenery, and spiritually recharge.

Day-Day Itinerary(Group Size- 2+)

Here is a sample schedule. Note: you should adapt it to the exact date of Shivaratri for the year you travel and your arrival/departure flight schedule.
 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport). Check into the hotel, rest, and acclimatise to Nepal time and altitude.

Evening: light local exploration (Thamel area) and orientation.

Day 2: Kathmandu – Temple visits & festival preparation

Visit Pashupatinath Temple (major Shiva shrine) and witness evening aarti on the Bagmati river. Also explore other nearby heritage sites (e.g., Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath) to understand Nepal’s mixed Hindu + Buddhist cultural setting. Attend a special puja or preparation for Maha Shivaratri in the evening (many devotees gather at Pashupatinath).

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Maha Shivaratri Day – Full festival experience

On the festival day: engage in fasting/rituals (if you choose), visit the temple at night as many devotees do. At night, Pashupatinath will be full of devotees, chanting, lamps, and special abhishekas.

Stay in Kathmandu overnight.

Day 4: Kathmandu → Travel to Pokhara

After the intense festival day, shift to Pokhara for a change of pace and scenic beauty. Drive or fly to Pokhara (depending on your preference/time). Evening by Phewa Lake.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 5: Pokhara sightseeing & spirituality

Early morning: viewpoint at Sarangkot for the Himalayan panorama. Visit temples in/around Pokhara (e.g., Bindabasini Temple) for further Shiva devotion. Boat ride on Phewa Lake, explore caves/ waterfalls as gentle activities.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 6: Pokhara → Travel to a northern temple or pilgrimage site

Leave Pokhara heading towards a more remote pilgrimage site or high place (depending on your energy/time).

Option: Visit the famous pilgrimage site Muktinath Temple in the Mustang region (though the altitude becomes high), or stay in a lower altitude comfortable site if you prefer less strenuous. Note: many Shivaratri-tour templates include Muktinath.

Day 7: Pilgrimage & deeper spiritual stay

Spend the day at/or near the temple or pilgrimage area: rituals, meditation, witnessing local devotion, enjoying the Himalayan setting.

Overnight at the site or a comfortable lodge.

Day 8: Return towards Kathmandu

Begin returning from the remote site back towards Kathmandu, with a stopover in an interesting town (for example, Bandipur or another scenic village) to enjoy culture, nature.

Overnight stay.

Day 9: Kathmandu Valley – Heritage & Relaxation

Back in Kathmandu valley: visit heritage towns (Bhaktapur, Patan) to enjoy peaceful exploration after pilgrimage intensity.

Evening: enjoy local culture, maybe attend a bhajan or devotional gathering.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 10: Leisure & In-depth reflection

Day for rest, shopping, and optional short excursions (Nagarkot sunrise, hilltop viewpoint) to decompress. Evening farewell dinner, local cultural show.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 11: Departure

Transfer to the airport for onward flight.

Key Planning & Travel Tips

Book well in advance, especially for Maha Shivaratri rituals and transport between major sites, since it is a pilgrimage period.

Accommodation in Kathmandu: near Pashupatinath or central Thamel is convenient for festival access.

Altitude & health: If you go to places like Muktinath (altitude ~3,800 m), accommodation, transport, and acclimatization must be considered.

Festive day: On the festival night, expect large crowds, long waits at temples, and loud chanting/bells. Stay safe, keep personal belongings secure.

Respect local customs: In temples, dress modestly; men and women adhere to fasting/ritual patterns if you join them.

Weather: February-March can still be chilly in Nepal’s hills/higher areas, pack warm layers especially for evenings.

Transport logistics: Road travel in Nepal can be slower than expected. Allow buffer times in the itinerary.

Tour operator: Consider booking a package that specialises in the Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage, so that ceremonial access is arranged.

Spiritual mindset: Since this is a pilgrimage more than pure sightseeing, allow time for quiet reflection and not just moving from place to place.

Additional Notes

If you prefer more remote or intensive pilgrimage (for example, focusing solely on high-Himalayan Shiva temples, or combining with a trek), we could extend the duration or adjust the route accordingly.

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