Religion is woven into everyday life in Nepal: morning offerings at street shrines, bells ringing in temples, prayer flags on the passes and festivals that fill the calendar. And unusually, two great religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, blend so closely that many people worship at both kinds of shrine.
Quick answer: in the 2021 census, 81.19% of Nepalis were Hindu, 8.21% Buddhist, 5.09% Muslim, 3.17% Kirat and 1.76% Christian. Nepal is officially a secular state.
Hinduism
Most Nepalis are Hindu. Shiva is especially revered at Pashupatinath, and great festivals such as Dashain and Tihar are Hindu celebrations. See our Pashupatinath guide.
Buddhism
The Buddha was born in Lumbini. Tibetan Buddhism is followed by Sherpa, Tamang and other mountain communities, and Newar Buddhism has its own ancient traditions in the Kathmandu Valley. See our Swayambhunath vs Boudhanath.
How faiths blend
Hindus visit Buddhist stupas and Buddhists visit Hindu temples. The living goddess Kumari is chosen from a Buddhist Newar family but worshipped by Hindus. Muktinath is sacred to both religions.
Other faiths
Kirat is the traditional religion of the Rai and Limbu peoples. Nepal also has Muslim, Christian, Bon, Sikh and Jain communities.
Etiquette for visitors
- Remove shoes before entering temples and monasteries.
- Walk clockwise around stupas, chortens and prayer wheels.
- Some Hindu temples are open only to Hindus.
- Don't touch offerings or point your feet at shrines.
See also the meaning of prayer flags.