Nyalam
Nyalam is situated at 3,750 metres (12,300 ft) above sea level. A town of stone buildings and tin roofs, it is nicknamed ‘The Gate of Hell’ by the Nepalese traders because the trail between Nyalam and the Nepalese border was so treacherous to negotiate. Heading south from Nyalam the road drops abruptly through the gorge of the Matsang Tsangpo.
It is 30 km north of the Nepalese border and 152 km from Dingri, 152 km north of Kathmandu on the main highway to Nepal.
Milarepa Cave (First meditation cave 4300m): Milareppa cave is one of the must stop for pilgrims. It is the site of Milarepa’s first one year retreat after completing his studies under Marpa, who divined the precise location of this powerful cave. He was completely sealed inside, and during the entire period, he meditated with a butter lamp balanced on top of his head. Prayer flags mark the site. A one room temple has been rebuilt around the cave; a stone wall is across part of the opening. The interior has an altar and thangkas, and a bare inner cell contains Milarepa’s footprint and carved Mantras.