Kaleshwor Mahadev Temple
Kaleshwor Mahadev Temple is one of the popular Shiva shrines perched on a scenic hilltop in southern Lalitpur. It is located in Mahangkal Gaupalika-04, Kaleshwor, southern Lalitpur, Nepal. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. Many devotees say praying here brings blessings, but visitors are often most struck by the temple’s spectacular view. Unlike crowded city temples, this one offers a quiet place for worship and reflection amid nature.
Kaleshwor Temple sits atop a forested ridge, surrounded by pine and oak woodland. From this height, you look north across the Kathmandu Valley and south toward the flat Terai plains; on a clear day, you can even glimpse distant Himalayan peaks. The village of Gotikhel, about 45-50 km from Kathmandu, lies at the base of this ridge. Because it’s nestled in the hills, the setting feels serene and green, away from city noise, making the temple both a spiritual retreat and a scenic vantage point.
How to go?
To reach Kaleshwor Mahadev Temple, travellers usually head via Gotikhel village. You can reach here via private and public vehicles.
Public Vehicles: The public vehicles go from Chapagaun Buspark. You can reach Chapagaun via the Lagankhel - Thecho route. The public bus goes only to Gotikhel. The bus reaches Gotikhel within 3-4 hours. From the Gotekhel, you should start hiking for about 2 hours.
Private Vehicles: You can go via motorcycle or a jeep via the same route. After Gotikhel, continue up a narrow road toward Sano Gotikhel/Deurali (a high point above the village). The road is uphill and off-road after Gotekhel.
Hike to the Temple
The trek up to Kaleshwor Temple is part of the adventure. From the roadhead, a dirt trail leads through quiet villages and farmland before entering dense forest. Soon after leaving the last house behind, the path narrows and climbs steeply under tall trees. You’ll cross a few small streams and feel the woods closing in around you. In roughly 15–20 minutes of uphill walking, you reach the temple clearing. (For a longer hike, you can instead start from the nearby Baitarni Dhaam temple: this route takes about 1–1.5 hours of forest trek and joins the same hilltop path.
Expect lush, peaceful surroundings on the way up. The trail is shaded by oaks and pines, and you might hear birds chirping or see a monkey scurry by in the trees. After the village, the only sounds are the breeze and wildlife; the forest feels quite remote and quiet. Partway up, gaps in the canopy suddenly open to reveal other green ridges and distant mountains. By the time you reach the top, the panorama is breathtaking – a 360-degree view of forests, hills and the valley below that makes the short climb well worth it.
Best Time to Visit
The weather makes a big difference on this hike. The dry season (roughly October through February) offers cool, clear weather and firm trails. By contrast, the monsoon season (June through early September) brings heavy rain and slippery paths. Trekking in the rain can be muddy and even lead to trail washouts, so most visitors avoid the temple during July–August. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal – trails are green but paths are dry. If you do visit in monsoon, expect gorgeous forest greenery, but pack rain gear and sturdy boots for the muddier hike.
Why Visit Kaleshwor Mahadev Temple?
Kaleshwor Mahadev is a hidden gem for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. The gentle hike and peaceful shrine offer a unique blend of tranquillity and adventure. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning hilltop view – many travellers say that “the panorama is what makes the climb worth it”. Even if you’re not on a pilgrimage, this is a perfect spot for a short mountain getaway: clear skies, a cool breeze, and a view that stretches for miles. Pack some snacks, come in the morning for lovely light, and you’ll find Kaleshwor Mahadev Temple a memorable escape – a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by green hills.