Town or village
Beni
Myagdi's headquarters at the meeting of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki, a junction for Mustang, Dhaulagiri and Tatopani.
Pokhara & Annapurnaगलेश्वर धाम
Galeshwor Dham
A riverside Shiva temple on the Kali Gandaki near Beni, linked in legend to the sage Galav.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Feb-Apr, Oct-Dec
- Type
- Temple, monastery or heritage site
- District
- Myagdi, Gandaki
- Permit
- None needed
Higher seasonal exposure: flooding (Jul-Aug).
Why go
Galeshwor Dham is a Hindu pilgrimage site on the bank of the Kali Gandaki a short way downstream from Beni, in Myagdi district. The main temple is dedicated to Shiva as Galeshwor, and the complex sits beside the river with ghats for bathing and cremation, smaller shrines and resting places for pilgrims. Steep forested hills close in on both sides, and the sound of the river fills the compound.
The site is especially busy on Shiva-related festivals and on auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, when pilgrims come from Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat and beyond to bathe in the Kali Gandaki and worship. At other times it is a peaceful stop for travellers on the road between Pokhara and Beni or on the way north to Tatopani and Mustang.
Because the Kali Gandaki carries saligram stones, ammonite fossils regarded as natural forms of Vishnu, the whole river valley holds religious meaning, and Galeshwor is one of a chain of holy places along it, with Muktinath far upstream. A visit takes an hour or two and combines easily with Beni.
History and culture
According to local legend, the sage Galav, a figure from Hindu tradition, performed penance at this spot on the river, and the site and its Shiva lingam take their name from him. The temple has been rebuilt and extended over the years, and the present buildings are largely modern, set around older sacred points on the river bank.
Shivaratri and Maghe Sankranti are major days at Galeshwor, and many families travel here to perform rites for deceased relatives at the river. The site is managed by a local committee, and pilgrims often visit it together with the confluence at Beni.
Things to do in Galeshwor Dham
Temple visit
Visit the main Galeshwor shrine and walk down to the ghats on the river.
Festival days
Come at Shivaratri or Maghe Sankranti to see the site at its busiest, accepting the crowds.
Combine with Beni
Pair the temple with a walk to the river confluence in Beni.
Weather and the best time to visit Galeshwor Dham
Weather in Galeshwor Dham
Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Feb-Apr, Oct-Dec
- Jan
- Good month: Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Good month: Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November are clear and pleasant, with Dashain and Tihar travel on the roads.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is mild; Maghe Sankranti in mid-January brings pilgrims to the river.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March is a good month, and Shivaratri usually falls in February or March.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September is wet, the river runs high and fast, and the road from Pokhara is prone to landslides.
Where to stay
HotelsGuesthouses
Most visitors stay in Beni or Baglung, which have simple hotels; pilgrim rest houses may be available at festival times.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Galeshwor lies near the road between Baglung and Beni; reach it by road from Pokhara and continue a short way from Beni or Baglung.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
- roadPokhara towards Beni by bus or car via Nayapul and Kusma, a drive of a few hours, getting off near Galeshwor.
- jeepFrom Beni, local transport or a taxi covers the short distance downstream to the temple.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is required to visit Galeshwor Dham.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Galeshwor Dham
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Floodinghigh in a typical yearJul-Aug
The Kali Gandaki rises sharply in the monsoon; stay away from the ghats when the river is high.
Landslidesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Monsoon landslides affect the hill roads leading to Galeshwor from Pokhara and Baglung.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Remove shoes before entering shrines and follow the guidance of temple staff.
- Be respectful near the cremation ghats and do not photograph funeral rites.
- The river current is strong; do not bathe outside the designated ghats.
Questions about Galeshwor Dham
Where is Galeshwor Dham?
On the bank of the Kali Gandaki in Myagdi district, a short distance from Beni.
Who is worshipped at Galeshwor?
Shiva, in the form of Galeshwor, named after the sage Galav who is said to have meditated here.
When is the best time to visit?
October to April for comfortable weather; Shivaratri and Maghe Sankranti for the festivals.
Nearby
Town or village
Baglung Bazaar
District headquarters on a broad terrace above the Kali Gandaki, known for its Kalika temple and pedestrian suspension bridges.
Temple, monastery or heritage site
Baglung Kalika Bhagawati Temple
A revered Kalika shrine in a grove of trees at the edge of Baglung bazaar, busiest during Dashain.
Trek stop · 1,200 m
Tatopani (Myagdi)
A warm, low-lying village beside the Kali Gandaki, known for the hot springs by the river and as the junction for the climb to Ghorepani.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Myagdi District, Wikipedia, Kali Gandaki River, Wikipedia, Shalagrama, Wikipedia