Halesi Mahadev (Maratika Caves)

The Halesi-Maratika Caves in Khotang, in the eastern hills between the Dudh Koshi and Sun Koshi rivers, form one of the most important shared pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Hindus worship the main cavern as Halesi Mahadev, a self-formed Shiva shrine often called the Pashupatinath of the East; Tibetan Buddhists revere it as the cave where Guru Padmasambhava and Mandarava accomplished the practice of long life.

The caves have been venerated for many centuries across Hindu, Buddhist and Kirat traditions. Their natural rock formations have long been interpreted as deities and sacred symbols, making the site a meeting point of the region's faiths.

Halesi is a major pilgrimage destination during Shivaratri, Ram Navami and Bala Chaturdashi, and is one of the holiest Vajrayana Buddhist sites in the Himalaya, drawing practitioners seeking long-life empowerments.

The shrines are the caves themselves: a large main cavern with a naturally formed Shiva lingam and several connected chambers, fitted with stairs, images and butter-lamp niches, set in a forested limestone ridge with surrounding temples and monasteries.

Current condition: Active pilgrimage site with developed access

Managed by a local development committee; balancing rising pilgrim numbers with protection of the cave formations is the key concern.