At the foot of the Shivapuri hills, about 9 km north of central Kathmandu, a giant stone figure of Vishnu lies on a bed of coiled serpents in a sacred pool. Carved from a single block of stone well over a thousand years ago, the statue at Budhanilkantha is one of the most impressive sculptures in Nepal and an active place of worship, with devotees bringing flowers and offerings every morning.
Quick answer: Budhanilkantha is about 30–45 minutes by road from Thamel. Visit early in the morning to see the worship. Non-Hindus can usually view the statue from the edge of the pool enclosure. It is also the start of the hike to Nagi Gompa and Shivapuri. The biggest festival is in late autumn, when Vishnu is said to wake.
Budhanilkantha at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | About 9 km north of central Kathmandu |
| Statue | Reclining Vishnu on a bed of serpents, in a pool |
| Best time of day | Early morning |
| Nearby | Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park |
| Festival | When Vishnu "wakes" in late autumn |
Tips
- Visit at dawn to see devotees.
- Be respectful and follow the rules at the pool enclosure.
- Combine with the hike to Nagi Gompa. See our day hikes guide.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Budhanilkantha is one of Kathmandu's most atmospheric morning visits. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.