Dakshinkali

The city of Dakshinkali is of little interest, but the temple of Dakshinkali, which stands on a spooky location at the southern end of the Kathmandu Valley is worth a visit. The temple is dedicated to the six-armed goddess of Kali. According to devotees, Kali was Shiva's consort in her most sanguinary incarnation. Nepalese believers visit the temple twice a week to offer buffaloes, chickens, ducks, goats, pigs and sheep, in order to satisfy her bloodlust. The animals have their throats slit of heads lopped off and are then dragged to a stream, where they are butchered for a feast that is celebrated at a later date.

If you like blood, you should visit the temple on a Tuesday or a Saturday, as these are the days, when most offerings are made. During the October festival of Dasain the image of Kali is literally bathed in blood, as countless devotees visit the temple during that time to offer animals.

Buses ply the route between the city and the temple on important days of sacrifice only. In practice this means that the bus only goes on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The buses so crowded though, that some people prefer to cover the 20 km (12 miles) from the city center to the temple by mountain-bike. That way you can also enjoy the fantastic mountain views.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Dakshinkali. The city is 20 km southwest of Kathmandu.