Mahendra Cave (Mahendra Gufa)

Mahendra Cave — Mahendra Gufa in Nepali — is a natural limestone cavern at the foot of the Mahendra hills in the northern part of Pokhara, named after late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah, who is said to have rediscovered the site in the 1950s. It is one of the most accessible show caves in Nepal: a concrete path with handrails and electric lighting now runs through the main chamber, making it suitable for families and non-cavers.

The cave's interior is decorated with limestone formations — stalactites hanging from the ceiling, flowstones along the walls, and a number of rock projections that locals interpret as natural images of Hindu deities. Deeper inside, a modest shrine to Lord Shiva has been installed, and worshippers regularly leave flowers and vermilion on the stone lingam. The air is cool and damp year-round and bats roost in the higher recesses — torches are useful even with the installed lighting.

Mahendra Cave pairs well with the nearby Bat Cave (Chamero Gufa), a ten-minute walk away, which is smaller, unlit, and home to a large colony of horseshoe bats. Both caves can be comfortably combined with a visit to the Bindhyabasini area in a half-day tour from Lakeside. Wear closed shoes — the floor can be slippery — and avoid shortly after heavy rain when water levels inside rise sharply.