Halesi–Maratika Caves
In Nepali: हलेसी–मरातिका गुफा · Also known as: Halesi Mahadev · Maratika · हलेसी
Halesi is one of the rare places sacred to three traditions at once. Hindus believe Shiva hid in the caves from the demon Bhasmasur; Buddhists believe Guru Padmasambhava and his consort Mandarava attained immortality here, calling it Maratika; and the Rai Kirat people revere it as an ancestral site.
The main cave is large enough to hold hundreds of people, with a skylight in its roof. The biggest fair is at Shivaratri, and many Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims come on long-life retreats. The village has a monastery and simple guesthouses.
What to see and do
Enter the main cave, lit by a natural skylight, where Hindu shrines to Shiva stand beside Buddhist images of Padmasambhava. Nearby are smaller caves associated with meditation and with Kirat ancestors, and a large Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The Halesi Mahadev temple complex is at the centre of the village.
The surrounding hills of Khotang are Rai country; if you visit in season, you may see Sakela being danced in nearby villages.
Good to know
Remove shoes where asked and be respectful during worship. The Shivaratri fair brings huge crowds, and accommodation fills up. Road access has improved, making Halesi reachable in a long day from Kathmandu or from the eastern Terai via Gaighat.
Quick answers
- Where is Halesi–Maratika Caves?
- Halesi–Maratika Caves is in Khotang district, Koshi Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Halesi–Maratika Caves?
- About 1,400 m (4,593 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Halesi–Maratika Caves?
- For a 3-day trip from Janakpur, about NPR 5,500 (≈ US$41) per person on a budget, or NPR 18,000 (≈ US$135) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Halesi–Maratika Caves?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Janakpur and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Halesi–Maratika Caves?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Halesi–Maratika Caves?
- Shivaratri (February–March); October–April
- How do I get to Halesi–Maratika Caves?
- By road from Kathmandu via the BP Highway and Ghurmi, about 10 hours; or from Diktel. It is about 86 km (straight line) from Janakpur.
- What is Halesi–Maratika Caves called in Nepali?
- हलेसी–मरातिका गुफा
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