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Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
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Landmark
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave in Pokhara is one of the longest and most fascinating caves in Nepal. Located directly opposite Davis Falls, it was only opened to the public in the 1990s. The cave is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and houses a sacred stalagmite revered as a Shiva Lingam. The entrance to the cave leads down a spiral staircase into a spacious chamber. After passing the shrine, a narrow, often damp tunnel continues deeper into the cave. This lower part of the cave connects to the watercourse of Davis Falls, and during the monsoon, the water can rush through with great force, sometimes making access impossible. The interior of the cave is dark and mystical, with artificial lighting highlighting the bizarre rock formations and the water droplets falling from the ceiling. It is a place of great religious significance and an adventure for tourists.
- Location: Nepal
- Top sights: Shiva Mandir · Mata Machindranath Mandir · Glorious Church
- Nearby: Tilicho Lake (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 23 | 27 | 38 | 103 | 245 | 416 | 306 | 221 | 69 | 3 | 6 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The cave is open to visitors and can be entered for a fee. It is very damp and slippery, so caution is needed.
Typical hours
Opening hours are typically throughout the day, roughly from 8 am to 5 pm. It is wise to check on site.
Photography
Flash photography inside the cave may not be allowed. Use a camera with good low-light capability.
Time needed
The walk through the cave takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Allow extra time for the descent and the surroundings.
Combine with
Directly across is Davis Falls, which is a must-see. Phewa Lake is also a short walk away.
Getting there
The cave is in Pokhara and easily reached by taxi or bus. From central Pokhara it's about 20 minutes by car.
Insider tip
Bring a flashlight as the lighting inside the cave is dim in parts. Wear non-slip shoes.
Geography
Facts
- Location: Opposite Davis Falls in Pokhara.
- Length: Approximately 3 kilometers, but only a part is accessible.
- Discovery: Discovered in its present form in the 1990s.
- Sanctuary: A stalagmite revered as a Shiva Lingam.
- Connection: The lower part is connected to Davis Falls.
- Special Feature: Second largest underground cave in Pokhara.
- Photography: Photography is forbidden in the main sanctuary.
- Structure: Consists of two main chambers.
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Sights in the town Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave (4)
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Frequently asked questions
What is Gupteshwor-Mahadev Cave?
An impressive stalactite cave with a holy Shiva shrine.
Where is it located?
It is located directly across from Davis Falls in Pokhara.
What is there to see?
Besides the rock formations, you can observe the waterfall inside the cave.
Are there slippery spots?
Yes, the interior of the cave is often damp, so wear sturdy footwear.
How long does the tour take?
Plan about 45 to 60 minutes.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: where is it located?
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is located in Nepal.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: what is there to see?
Highlights include Shiva Mandir, Mata Machindranath Mandir, Glorious Church.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: why is it worth visiting?
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave in Pokhara is one of the longest and most fascinating caves in Nepal.
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History & landmarks
Davis Falls
A waterfall in Pokhara where the water plunges into an underground tunnel that is 500 meters long and reaches 30 meters deep into the earth.
Tal Barahi Temple
A two-story pagoda temple on a small island in Phewa Lake in Pokhara, dedicated to the protector goddess Ajima.
World Peace Pagoda
This Buddhist monument on Anadu Hill above Phewa Lake was built by Japanese monks from the Nipponzan-Myōhōji community.
Sarangkot Viewpoint
A famous ridge west of Pokhara, known for its breathtaking sunrises over the Annapurna Massif and Machapuchare.
International Mountain Museum
A museum in Pokhara dedicated to the history of mountaineering, the peoples of the Himalayas, and the flora and fauna of the region.
Bindhyabasini Temple
The oldest temple in Pokhara stands on a small hill in the city center and is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati in her form as Durga.
Manakamana Temple
A Hindu temple in the Gorkha District dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati.
More places
Pokhara Valley
The Pokhara Valley is a picturesque region in central Nepal, famous for its serene lakes and caves.
Machapuchare
Machapuchare is a sacred mountain in the Annapurna massif, famous for its fishtail shape.
Manang Valley
The Manang Valley lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna, offering a dry, desert-like landscape.
Mustang Plateau
The Mustang Plateau is an arid, high-altitude region known for its ancient Tibetan culture and mysterious caves.
Annapurna I
Annapurna I is the third highest mountain in Nepal and the tenth highest in the world, notorious for its danger.
Kali Gandaki Valley
The Kali Gandaki Valley forms one of the deepest gorges in the world, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Manaslu
Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world and is characterized by its steep, glacier-covered slopes.
Himalchuli
Himalchuli is a massive mountain in the Mansiri Himal, rising prominently above the Marsyangdi River valley.