Pharping, a small Newar town on the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, is a place of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Hindus, and a peaceful escape from the city.
Quick answer: Pharping is known for meditation caves associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), such as the Asura cave, many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu temples. It's about an hour from Kathmandu, and combines well with Dakshinkali.
What to see
- Guru Rinpoche caves: sacred meditation caves, with prayer flags and butter lamps.
- Monasteries: many Tibetan Buddhist gompas on the hillside.
- Hindu temples: including shrines near the town.
- Views: over the valley from the hillside.
Visiting tips
- Remove shoes in caves and monasteries.
- Walk clockwise around shrines.
- Stay overnight in a monastery-run guesthouse for a peaceful experience.
See Dakshinkali guide and meditation in Nepal.