Nepal Pilgrimage

Halesi Mahadev in Khotang in eastern Nepal has been a religious place for hindus as well as bhuddist since thousends of years. There are three caves that represent the three eyes of Shiva. Bhuddist who call these caves Maratika believe that Padmasambhava (the founder of Tibetan Bhuddism, the great Rinpoche) and his wife Mandarava freed themselves from the circle of lives and thus becomming immortal. 

You can come to the main Lingam by walking down the stairs of the cave where bats make lots of noises.

Shiva hiding in Halesi Mahadev Caves for Demon Bashmasur

A story goes that Shiva was on the run for the demon Bashmasur who Shiva himself gava a boon to kill any person he liked. Shiva flees in the Halesi caves to take shelter. In the cave Shiva gets help from Vishnu (the Protector) who kills the demon Bashmasur while Shiva flees through a hole in the ceiling of the cave. It is said that you can still see Shiva's foot steps in the air shaft and the intestines of the monster on the ceiling of the cave.
After the demon Bashmasur is defeated and the area is save Shiva and Parvati make the highest cave of Halesi their home. Inside this cave is a natural shiva lingam formed by a stalagmite. 

How to reach the caves of Halesi Mahadev

To come to Halesi Mahadev to need to take a bus from Kathmandu to Kotari. From Kotari you can take a jeep to Ghurmi. From where it is an 5 to 6 hours walk to the caves of Halesi Mahadev.

People who want to go up and down in one day can request the Fishtail Air Company to bring and collect you with a helicopter from Kathmandu.

Trekking routes that include the Halesi Mahadev caves on their route are available at several trekking agencies.

More information about Halesi can be found on the official nepal goverment halesi website.