Kathmandu's temples illuminate a vibrant queer past, merging spiritual depth with cultural inclusivity.

Taking a tour of these places is like turning the page on the city's history book of love, acceptance, and divine fierceness.

  • Queer Temple Kathmandu

    Queer Temples

    In Kathmandu, temples steeped in queer history integrate seamlessly into the city’s vibrant spiritual and cultural tapestry. These sacred spaces reflect the city's religious devotion and celebrate its cultural fabulosity amidst bustling markets and tranquil courtyards. The temples offer a glimpse into a past where the divine coexisted spectacularly with the human, highlighting deities that embody gender fluidity and festivals that embrace a full spectrum of identities.

  • Kathmandu Queer Cultural Heritage

    Kathmandu Heritage

    These temples are more than just places of worship; they serve as custodians of Kathmandu’s relatively unspoken queer history. By exploring these sites, one uncovers stories of inclusivity and acceptance woven into the fabric of the city’s culture and spirituality. Each temple tells tales of a society that reveres the diversity of human experience, shedding light on how deeply intertwined these narratives are with the city’s identity.

  • Queer Sacred Spaces Nepal

    Sacred Spaces

    Taking a tour of these queer historical temples is akin to flipping through a vivid history book of Kathmandu. Each visit offers a deep dive into a crucial yet often neglected aspect of the city’s heritage, ensuring that the voices of the LGBTQ+ community are acknowledged and celebrated. It’s an educational journey that honors the spirit of love, acceptance, and divine fierceness, ensuring every rainbow soul’s story is told and cherished.

Kathmandu from Queer Eye

  • In Kathmandu, historical temples rich with queer imagery offer a unique glimpse into the city's inclusive past. The Tridevi Temple in Thamel is renowned for its gay sexual carvings, while nearby in Asan, the 19th-century Annapurna Temple is surrounded by tantric temples adorned with transgender icons. Over in Kirtipur, the 17th-century Uma Maheshwor Temple displays an array of Kamasutra carvings that celebrate polygamy, homosexuality, zoophilia, and self-pleasure. These sites not only highlight Kathmandu’s spiritual diversity but also its long-standing embrace of gender and sexual identities, making them pivotal in understanding the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

  • Daily tours start at 9 am and last till around 4 pm. Flexible scheduling is available upon request.

  • We will meet in Thamel outside the Garden of Dreams for a two—to three-hour walk around Thamel and Basantapur. We will then have lunch in Lazimpat at an LGBTQ+ restaurant catering to the transgender community or a Newari restaurant of your choosing. Then, we will head to Kirtipur to see more temples related to queer Nepali history.

  • We are open to everyone, whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or just curious and supportive of diversity and inclusion. We are straight-friendly.

  • Secure your spot via our website or contact us directly on Instagram @queermandu_np or WhatsApp for any registration issues.

  • For an intimate and engaging experience, this is limited to 2 to 4 people, but it depends on the size of your group and will most likely be private. Accommodations for larger groups can be made with prior notice.

  • Just your enthusiasm and readiness to engage. Water will be provided.

  • Our licensed LGBTQ+ community tour guide will lead the way in every part of the journey.

  • The event encourages open dialogue on any topics related to LGBTQ+ life in Nepal. No topics are off-limits, fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding.

  • We will be taking certified local taxis throughout the day. A private car can be booked at an extra cost upon request. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

  • Explore beyond heritage on our Kathmandu from Queer Eye tour—it's more than just culture; it's a nexus for connection, education, and honoring diversity. Whether you're a resident or a guest seeking new friendships, historical insights, or delightful culinary experiences, this tour is your ultimate destination.

So lit.

  • "Touring Kathmandu's queer temples was an eye-opener—so much history and culture wrapped up in an incredible, progressive narrative."

    Jens from Copenhagen, Denmark