Town or village
Amargadhi (Dadeldhura)
A pine-scented ridge town above the far-western Terai, with an old Gorkhali fort and views north to the Himalaya.
Far Westउग्रतारा मन्दिर
Ugratara Temple
A revered goddess shrine in the Dadeldhura hills, a focus of pilgrimage and fairs in the far west.
The goddess temple in Dadeldhura district, Sudurpashchim.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Dec
- Type
- Temple, monastery or heritage site
- District
- Dadeldhura, Sudurpashchim
- Permit
- None needed
Why go
The Ugratara temple is one of the most important places of worship in Dadeldhura district. It is dedicated to Ugratara, a fierce form of the goddess, and devotees come from across the far-western hills and the Terai to make offerings and ask for blessings. The temple stands in a wooded hill setting, with smaller shrines, rest places and stalls around it.
For travellers the temple is a chance to see the living religious life of the far west, which is quite different in flavour from the Kathmandu Valley. Bells, incense, chanting and the arrival of families with offerings fill the courtyard on festival days, while at other times it is quiet and contemplative. The surrounding hills and forest make the approach a pleasant outing from Dadeldhura town.
A visit takes a few hours from Dadeldhura, including travel, and is easily combined with the fort at Amargadhi or a trip to Ajaymerukot.
History and culture
Goddess worship is central to the religious life of the old Doti region, where many villages and districts have a guardian Bhagawati. Ugratara holds a special place among them, and local tradition credits the shrine with great antiquity and powers of healing and protection.
Fairs at the temple, especially during the Navaratri periods of Dashain in autumn and Chaite Dashain in spring, draw large numbers of pilgrims. Animal sacrifice may take place on some festival days, as at many goddess temples in Nepal. Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes where asked and follow the guidance of priests and temple staff.
Things to do in Ugratara Temple
Temple visit
Visit the main shrine and the smaller temples around the courtyard.
Festival fair
Time a visit for Dashain or Chaite Dashain to see the pilgrim fair.
Combine with Amargadhi
Pair the temple with a walk around the fort in Dadeldhura town.
Weather and the best time to visit Ugratara Temple
Weather in Ugratara Temple
Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Oct-Dec
- Jan
- 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 is festival season, with Dashain bringing the largest crowds; November is clear and quiet.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is dry and sunny by day but cold at night; higher ridges can see snow.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March and April are pleasant, and Chaite Dashain brings a spring fair.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September brings heavy rain, cloud and landslides that often disrupt the hill roads.
Where to stay
HotelsGuesthouses
Stay in Dadeldhura town; there may be simple pilgrim lodging near the temple at fair times.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Travel to Dadeldhura by road from Dhangadhi, then continue by local road to the temple.
Nearest hub: Dhangadhi
- flightKathmandu to Dhangadhi by domestic flight.
- roadDhangadhi to Dadeldhura by bus or jeep, then by local vehicle to the temple; ask locally for the best route.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit the Ugratara temple.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Ugratara Temple
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Landslidesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Monsoon rain brings landslides on the hill roads around Dadeldhura.
Road blockagesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Rural roads to the temple can be muddy or blocked in the rainy season.
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
- Dress modestly and remove shoes where asked.
- Ask before taking photographs of rituals.
- Hire a local vehicle from Dadeldhura and agree on waiting time.
Questions about Ugratara Temple
Where is the Ugratara temple?
In Dadeldhura district, in the hills of Sudurpashchim Province, reached from Dadeldhura town.
When are the main fairs?
During the Navaratri periods of Dashain in autumn and Chaite Dashain in spring.
Do I need a permit?
No permit is needed to visit the temple.
Nearby
Temple, monastery or heritage site
Ajaymerukot
Ruins of an old hilltop capital of the Doti kingdom, set among forest in the Dadeldhura hills.
Town or village
Dipayal Silgadhi
The twin towns of Doti: Dipayal by the Seti River and old Silgadhi on the ridge above, gateway to Khaptad.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Dadeldhura District, Wikipedia, Amargadhi, Wikipedia, Nepal Tourism Board