Mahendra Cave: Pokhara's Stalactite Wonderland

Mahendra Cave: Underground Adventure in Pokhara

Mahendra Cave is one of several limestone caves in the Pokhara Valley, named after the late King Mahendra who visited in the 1950s. Located about 5 km north of Lakeside, it offers a fun and accessible caving experience.

Inside the Cave

The cave extends approximately 200 metres into the hillside. The interior features: - Large stalactite formations hanging from the ceiling - Stalagmites rising from the floor - Narrow passages that require ducking and squeezing in places - A large main chamber with impressive rock formations

Bat Cave (Chamero Gufa)

Just a short walk from Mahendra Cave is the smaller but thrilling Bat Cave. As the name suggests, thousands of bats hang from the ceiling in this darker, more adventurous cave. It is narrower and requires more crawling — bring a good torch and be prepared to get dusty.

Practical Information

• **Entry fee:** NPR 100 for foreigners (each cave separately).
• **Bring a flashlight** — while the main cave has some lighting, a personal torch is essential for seeing details and for Bat Cave.
• **Wear old clothes** — you will get dusty, especially in Bat Cave.
• **Time needed:** 30 minutes per cave, plus walking between them.
• **Getting there:** Taxi from Lakeside (NPR 500) or a pleasant bicycle ride.

The caves are a fun alternative activity in Pokhara, especially on cloudy days when the mountain views are hidden.