About Getting to Gokarna


Gokarna may sound distant, but it is actually only 10 kilometers from Kathmandu city.

Gokarna temple complex
Gokarna temple complex

If you are going to Boudhanath and/or Pashupatinath, then you could incorporate the two on a day trip if you hire a car or even if you go by bus and don't spend too much time.

Public transport buses depart frequently from Kathmandu's Ratna Park. This page will provide you with directions to Gokarna, while here is my free guide to Gokarna.

Avoid overpriced tours to Gokarna; they typically stay for only 30 minutes and don't explore the entire area. If you are taking public transport to Gokarna, try to leave early to avoid traffic.

Did you know?

Gokarna temple complex contains some of the most unique and precious statues in all Nepal. My guidebook to Nepal contains extensive information and walk through to Gokarna at a fraction of the cost.

Transport to Gokarna


There are several transportation methods to Gokarna depending on your budget and schedule.

By bus: Direct buses and minivans to Gokarna depart from the Ratna bus stop area in Kathmandu city every 30 minutes or so for 25 rupees (45 mins). These vehicles stop in Boudhanath, but you don't need to transfer. They will continue on to Gokarna bus park. In 2024, the Ratna bus park area now extends across from the old bus park to across the two main roads and south.

Gokarna Mahadev temple is before the bus park in Gokarna. Just ask the bus conductor or driver to drop you off at the temple.

Returning from Gokarna by bus is made easier by waiting by the store alongside the road near the steps leading down to the temple (see the map below). Buses and minivans come frequently.

By taxi: Taking a taxi from Kathmandu to Gokarna is quite straightforward, but you will need to negotiate hard for about 800 rupees. Most taxi drivers will be willing to wait for you if you are returning after a few hours. There aren't many taxis in Gokarna, so you might want yours to wait for 1,500-2,000 RTN (with a one-hour wait) or take a bus back.

By private car or jeep: Hiring your own car or jeep and driver is quite convenient when visiting Gokarna. They are generally more comfortable, and as most are available for the day, it's possible to include another site such as Boudhanath or Pashupatinath. Private jeeps can be rented with a driver for about USD$35-50 per day. Air conditioning is usually extra.

By private tour: There are several private tours from local travel agents in Kathmandu that visit Gokarna. Sadly many are simply not good value for money with guides that rush through things and don't explore all of the compound. My advice is if you have love of heritage then see my Nepal Guidebook which will give you a highly detailed step-by-step guide to Gokarna.


Map of Gokarna


Full directions to Gokarna and maps are available in my guidebook below.

Don't forget to read my free online guide to Gokarna or for a more indepth guide get my guidebook below!

Download my guidebook to Nepal


Liked this page? You'll love my book! It's a guidebook that's better than the rest. Yes, really! In it I cover all attractions with well researched information, photographs, itineraries, reviews, accommodation, restaurants, and travel tested walking tours.

It's an interactive & printable guidebook like no other.


Nepal Guidebook  

Full Nepal Guidebook
Complete country guide with quick heritage walks (includes Gokarna)

 

 

 


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