Halesi Maratika Cave as World Heritage Site

The globally recognized Halesi Maratika Cave of Tuwachung Rural Municipality-Khotang has enticed travelers around the globe, especially Hindu, Buddhist, and Kirant devotees. Thus, it is known as a tri-religious site in eastern Nepal.

The Mayor of Tuwachung Municipality and all associated institutions have collected the required documents and submitted the proposal to include the site in the World Heritage Site.

How to Reach Halesi Maratika Cave from Kathmandu? 

• 10 hours drive from Kathmandu-B P Highway
• Kathmandu-Halesi Helicopter Tour

Maratika Halesi Cave-Main Cave

Lower Maratika Cave-Basaha Cave

Different Cultural Myths and Pilgrimage Sites

Halesi Mahadev Cave in Hindu Mythology

Halesi Mahadev Cave (main cave) is a sacred cave of Lord Shiva. It is also known as a Bhasmasur Cave in Hindu mythology. The main shrine of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is located inside a large cave, surrounded by massive rock formations. Inside the Halesi caves, sacred gates such as Dharmadwar, Papadwar, and Swargadwar are believed to offer spiritual cleansing, merit, and liberation. Behind the main cave lies another equally significant cave known as Basaha Cave. Inside, a natural skylight offers a stunning view, making it a unique natural wonder.

Jeep for Halesi Maratika Cave Tour

Maratika Cave-Buddhist Pilgrimage Destination 

Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is believed to have meditated in Maratika Cave along with his consort Princess Manderava. They meditated together and attained the blessings of eternal life from Buddha Amitayus. Buddhist devotees pay homage at the cave and worship-meditate and receive the blessings of long life. The journey to Maratika Cave is compared to the journey to Lumbini. Thus, Maratika Cave is also regarded as the Second Lumbini.

Monks overlooking the sky from Lower Maratika-Basaha Cave

Kirant Pilgrimage Destination 

 For Kirant, Halesi Maratika Cave is the home of their ancestors-Hetchhakuppa Raichhakule. He was a hunter and chased a deer all the way to the Halesi Cave. It was the first time he discovered the cave and saw a magical light inside the cave. With this miracle, he commanded all not to hunt the deer around the cave. He climbed down using vines and discovered a radiant Shiva Lingam. This led to the recognition of the cave as a sacred Shiva shrine. The Tuwachung Hill (About 4-5 km from Halesi Cave) is the original place, where the myth of Hetchhakuppa Raichhakule, Tayama, and Khiyama introduced the Kirant civilization.

Lunch break on the way to Halesi Maratika Cave-Taj Resort

Side Attractions around Halesi Maratika Cave

There are various side attractions around Halesi Maratika Cave. Maha Manjushree Cave, Naga Cave (Nagthan), and Tuwachung Hill.

Maha Manjushree Cave near Halesi Cave

Attraction on Tuwachung Hill

Naga Cave from Outside

Naga Cave from inside- it's almost 4 story down from the ground surface

Fairs and festivals

• The Ram Navami fair in Chaitra lasts for 15 days
• The Bala Chaturdashi fair in Mangsir for 12 days
• The Shivaratri fair in Falgun for seven days
• The Teej fair in Bhadra for three days
• Buddha Jayanti (Birthday of Lord Buddha)

Halesi Maratika Tour Package from Kathmandu: Booking and Query

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