Mahendra Cave
- Pokhara
- Cave
Description
Mahendra Cave, nestled in Pokhara-16, Batulechaur, Kaski district, near the Kali Khola, stands as a remarkable natural wonder in Nepal. This expansive limestone cave, named after Late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, boasts an intricate network of stalagmites and stalactites, making it a rare gem in the country’s landscape.
Tourists flock to Mahendra Cave each year to marvel at its natural beauty and geological formations. The cave’s interior, adorned with stunning rock formations, captivates visitors with its unique charm. A sacred statue of Hindu lord Shiva adds a spiritual dimension to the cave’s ambiance, enhancing its cultural significance.
Located approximately 1100 meters above sea level, Mahendra Cave offers easy road access, making it a popular destination for exploration. As visitors venture deeper into the cave, they encounter glittering rock types and shimmering stones illuminated by beams of light. However, it’s essential to appreciate the cave’s natural formations without disturbing them, as they hold ecological and geological importance.
Mahendra Cave also serves as a habitat for wild bats, with numerous bats inhabiting its dark ceilings. This natural ecosystem adds to the cave’s allure, providing visitors with a glimpse of Nepal’s diverse wildlife.
Discovered in the mid-1900s by shepherds, Mahendra Cave has since attracted researchers from the United Kingdom, who meticulously studied its geology and biodiversity. The cave’s historical significance, coupled with its geological wonders, has made it a subject of scholarly interest and a valuable resource for future expeditions.
Despite its geological and cultural significance, Mahendra Cave remains relatively underrated compared to other tourist attractions in Pokhara. However, for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty and uncover the mysteries of Nepal’s ancient landscape, Mahendra Cave offers a captivating journey through time and space.
Visitors can explore the cave’s well-maintained entrance, experiencing the coolness of its interior as they embark on a brief yet memorable walk through its chambers. As one of Nepal’s hidden treasures, Mahendra Cave invites travelers to discover the allure of nature and appreciate the intricate stories woven within its ancient walls.
Things to know before you go
- Pottery Classes– Wonderful experience to get your hands dirty with and end up making your own clay crafts.
- Juju Dhau– Bhaktapur is renowned for its Juju Dhau, also known as the King Curd, sweet and delicious yougurt made in earthen cups.
- Peacock Window– Located at the old Pujari Math, showcases intricately adorned peacock at its center and tail feathers form an elegant lattice window design.
How to get there?
For the most convenient travel to Bhaktapur, many sightseeing tours provide round-trip car transfers, typically with private hotel pickup. Additionally, some Nagarkot tours, including trekking expeditions, include sightseeing stops at Bhaktapur along the way.
Best time to visit Mahendra Cave
Spring and Autumn, that’s when the vibes are just right, with clear skies and those majestic Himalayas popping up like magic. The best time to visit Bhaktapur is during the spring (March to April) and Autumn (October to November). During these seasons, the weather here is pleasant as the sky is clear and the Himalayas are visible.
Whats nearby Mahendra Cave?
Nearby Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you’ll find an array of captivating attractions that complement its medieval charm. Just steps away, you can explore the historic 55 Window Palace, the bustling Taumadhi Square, the towering Nyatapole Temple, and the National Art Gallery. Don’t miss the Dattatreya Temple located few hundred meters away and Pottery Square, each offering unique insights into Bhaktapur’s rich cultural heritage.
You can also take a detour to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, popular hill station for sunrise viewing.
Popular Mahendra Cave
Find some of the most popular Mahendra Cave Tours
12 days Annapurna Base Camp
9 days Annapurna Panorama
18 Days Annapurna Circuit
8 Days Annapurna Base Camp
Frequently Asked Questions
There are basically four different squares i.e. Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Pottery Square and Dattatreya Square.
To get to Bhaktapur Durbar Square from Kathmandu, you have a few options. You can opt for a taxi or private car, which takes about 40 minutes from Thamel, covering around 16km. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus from Ratna Park Bus Stand in Kathmandu or Lagankhel Bus Park in Patan. While local buses take longer due to frequent stops, they follow the same route and traffic conditions, so expect the journey to take around an hour.
Our tour experts and from recommendations of our guests we have handpicked Bhaktapur Day trips.
Attractions near Bhaktapur Durbar Square are 55 Window Palace, Taumadhi Square, Nyatapole Temple, National Art Gallery, Dattatreya Temple, Pottery Square.
The best outdoor activities to do in Bhaktapur are:
- Four Squares of Bhaktapur, Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur.
- Heritage Tour of Bhaktapur UNESCO Sites.
- Private Bhaktapur Sightseeing and Nagarkot Day Trip
- Panauti Village and Bhaktapur Sightseeing Day Tour
There is an entrance fee for international tourists. The fee goes towards the maintenance and conservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s advisable to check current rates, as they may vary.