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Dullu and the eternal flames

Temple & shrinePahadHidden gem1 min read

In Nepali: दुल्लु र अखण्ड ज्वाला · Also known as: Shirasthan · Nabhisthan · Jwala · दुल्लु

Dullu and the eternal flames, Dailekh
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Old Khasa capital of Dailekh, where natural gas flames burn at shrines said to mark parts of a fallen god's body.

Dullu was an important centre of the Khasa Malla kingdom, and a famous inscription of King Prithvi Malla from 1357 was found here. Around the area, at shrines such as Shirasthan (head), Nabhisthan (navel) and Kotila, small flames of natural gas burn from the ground and water, and are worshipped as manifestations of the god.

The Panchakoshi pilgrimage links these jwala sites, drawing devotees especially in the month of Kartik. Dailekh also has many carved stone pillars (deval) from the Khasa period.

What to see and do

Visit the jwala shrines of Shirasthan, Nabhisthan, Kotila and others, where small flames rise from rock and water; see the stone inscriptions and deval pillars of the Khasa period; and walk the ridges with views over the Karnali hills.

Good to know

Dullu is reached by road from Dailekh bazaar or Surkhet. Accommodation is basic. Kartik (Oct–Nov) is the pilgrimage season.

Quick answers

Where is Dullu and the eternal flames?
Dullu and the eternal flames is in Dailekh district, Karnali Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
What is the altitude of Dullu and the eternal flames?
About 1,400 m (4,593 ft) above sea level.
How much does it cost to visit Dullu and the eternal flames?
For a 3-day trip from Nepalgunj, about NPR 5,500 (≈ US$41) per person on a budget, or NPR 18,500 (≈ US$135) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
How many days do I need for Dullu and the eternal flames?
Plan 1 night there; with travel from Nepalgunj and back, about 3 days in all.
Do I need a permit or ticket for Dullu and the eternal flames?
No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
When is the best time to visit Dullu and the eternal flames?
October–April; Kartik for the Panchakoshi
How do I get to Dullu and the eternal flames?
About 4–5 hours by road from Surkhet. It is about 90 km (straight line) from Nepalgunj.
What is Dullu and the eternal flames called in Nepali?
दुल्लु र अखण्ड ज्वाला
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Photo gallery

Dullu and the eternal flames 11 / 8

Wikimedia Commons

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