Mahendra Cave
Explore a subterranean world of natural limestone formations and spiritual serenity at Mahendra Cave in Pokhara.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Mahendra Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a subterranean world of natural limestone formations and spiritual serenity at Mahendra Cave in Pokhara.
"A mystical underground world with stunning rock formations and a touch of spiritual charm."
Bring a flashlight! 🔦
Essential for exploring darker sections and appreciating the formations. Some areas are dimly lit.
Wear sturdy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The cave floor can be damp and slippery, especially during the rainy season. Good grip is key.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Marvel at the natural artistry of towering stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted over millennia.
Lord Shiva Shrine
Discover a spiritual sanctuary with a statue of Lord Shiva, offering a unique blend of nature and faith.
Narrow Passages
Experience a sense of adventure navigating the cave's tight, natural corridors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Exploration
Navigating the Cave's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a flashlight! 🔦
Essential for exploring darker sections and appreciating the formations. Some areas are dimly lit.
Wear sturdy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The cave floor can be damp and slippery, especially during the rainy season. Good grip is key.
Be prepared for narrow exits
Some passages are very tight. If you're claustrophobic, consider this before entering.
Guides work on tips :money_with_wings:
Guides are available and helpful, but their services are tip-based. Agree on terms beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a flashlight! 🔦
Essential for exploring darker sections and appreciating the formations. Some areas are dimly lit.
Wear sturdy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The cave floor can be damp and slippery, especially during the rainy season. Good grip is key.
Be prepared for narrow exits
Some passages are very tight. If you're claustrophobic, consider this before entering.
Guides work on tips :money_with_wings:
Guides are available and helpful, but their services are tip-based. Agree on terms beforehand.
Combine with Bat Cave :bat:
Nearby Bat Cave (Chamero Gufa) is often visited together for a double dose of cave exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mahendra Cave is a small limestone cave known for its stalactites and stalagmites, offering a brief but interesting natural and spiritual experience with a Shiva shrine. While visually appealing, some visitors find the exploration time short for the entrance fee and note that certain exits can be very narrow.
"A small park with a cave that takes about 10 minutes to explore. The exit is extremely narrow—I couldn’t fit through and had to return to the entrance to get out. I’ve seen better caves elsewhere. The entrance fee is NPR 150, and it’s not worth going out of your way to visit. They have guides there that works off tips if you want to be guided through the cave."
Shadow One
"Mahendra Cave is a large limestone cave located about 8-10 km north of Pokhara’s Lakeside area.
Inside, you’ll find stalactites & stalagmites, dripping water, and dim corridors. Some areas are artificially lit, but much of the cave remains dark.
There’s a statue of Lord Shiva (a Shiva Lingam) and a priest who offers a blessing (tikka) inside. This adds a spiritual touch to the natural wonder.
The rock formations are visually interesting; the interplay of shadow and light in the cave creates an almost mystical, quiet mood."
Debashruti Das
"Mahendra Gupha is one of the most well known touristic spot of Pokhara. In our school days it used to be our picnic spot. Today I Visited Mahendra Cave today with family and was impressed by the significant revamp of its exterior into a beautiful, well-maintained garden. Inside, the cave felt more like entering a sacred Hindu temple than just a natural wonder, with many stone formations colored in vibrant Hindu hues, and presence of a priest at the cave's end along with a temple like structure. He was offering tika and accepting donations, and somewhat I was not very impressed with that, probably because I was so much used to seeing it in its natural geographical form rather than a mix of geography and religion, but I believe it’s a part of fund raising efforts, so I fully respect that."
amit dhungel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mahendra Cave is located about 8-10 km north of Pokhara's Lakeside area, in Batulechaur. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus towards Batulechaur. Some travelers opt for motorbike rentals for more flexibility.
The cave is a well-known tourist spot, so it's generally easy to find with directions. Signs might be available, but having a map or GPS on your phone is recommended.
Taxis are readily available from Lakeside and offer a direct route. Local buses are a more budget-friendly option but might require a short walk from the drop-off point.
Yes, renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular option for exploring Pokhara and its surroundings, including Mahendra Cave, offering freedom and convenience.
The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes by taxi or motorbike, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically NPR 150 per person. It's advisable to confirm the current price upon arrival, as it can change.
No, advance booking is generally not required. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance upon arrival.
Mahendra Cave is usually open daily from morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check locally for exact hours, especially during off-season.
Information on discounts for students or groups is not widely advertised, but it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter.
Reviews suggest that for the short exploration time (around 10-15 minutes), some visitors find the fee a bit high, especially if they've seen more extensive caves elsewhere.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 10 to 15 minutes inside the cave, as it's relatively small. Some may take a bit longer if they are taking photos or enjoying the atmosphere.
The cave has narrow passages and can feel enclosed. If you are prone to claustrophobia, you might find it challenging. Some exits are particularly narrow.
The cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, a small Hindu shrine with a statue of Lord Shiva, and a priest who offers blessings.
A guide is not mandatory, but they are available and can enhance the experience by pointing out formations and sharing information. They work on tips.
Due to the natural terrain, narrow passages, and uneven surfaces, Mahendra Cave is not easily accessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Mahendra Cave. However, be mindful of other visitors and the cave's delicate environment.
Focus on capturing the unique stalactite and stalagmite formations, the interplay of light and shadow, and the spiritual elements like the Shiva shrine.
For casual photography, no special permit is usually required. Professional shoots might need prior arrangement with the management.
The cave has a mix of natural darkness, dim artificial lighting, and areas where you'll need your own flashlight. This creates dramatic lighting opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, it's good practice to use flash sparingly to avoid disturbing the cave's natural ambiance and any wildlife, if present.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎒 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Wonders: Stalactites and Stalagmites
Visitors often describe the formations as otherworldly, adding to the cave's mystical allure.While the cave is relatively small, the density of these natural sculptures within its chambers is noteworthy. The cool, damp environment is conducive to their continued growth. Some areas are naturally dark, requiring visitors to use their own light sources to fully appreciate the details, while others are enhanced with subtle artificial lighting that highlights the geological artistry.
A Blend of Nature and Spirituality
This spiritual aspect is a significant part of the visitor experience, particularly for those familiar with Hindu traditions. The presence of the shrine, along with the natural formations, creates a unique atmosphere that some find deeply moving. While it adds a layer of cultural richness, some visitors accustomed to purely natural caves might find the religious overlay a departure from their expectations.
Navigating the Cave: Adventure and Practicalities
One aspect frequently mentioned by visitors is the nature of the exits. Some reviews highlight that certain exits can be extremely narrow, leading to difficulties for some individuals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit