Sightseeing · Pokhara
Mahendra Cave
A limestone cavern north of Pokhara, usually paired with the neighbouring Bat Cave.
Mahendra Cave is the best-known of Pokhara's northern limestone caverns — a cool, dark passage of stalactites and rock formations on the far side of the valley, almost always paired with the neighbouring Bat Cave (Chamere Gufa). Together they make an easy half-day outing away from the lake.
Overview
Named after the late King Mahendra, the cave was once richly decorated with limestone formations, some of which have been worn down by decades of visitors. Lit passages lead through chambers where you can still see stalactites, flowstone and a small Shiva shrine tucked into the rock. A short walk away, the Bat Cave lives up to its name, sheltering colonies of bats in its darker recesses — torches and a willingness to duck and clamber are part of the experience there. The pairing gives a sense of the karst geology that also produced Gupteshwor and the Davis Falls sinkhole on the southern side of the city.
What to see and do
Inside Mahendra Cave, follow the walkways past the formations to the shrine and the deeper chambers. At the Bat Cave, a guide or local helper will often point out the bats clustered overhead and lead you through the tighter exit passage that some visitors squeeze through to emerge higher up the hillside. Both caves are short, so the appeal is the novelty and the cool underground air rather than a long tour.
How to visit
Both caves are open through the day, charge a small separate entry fee at each gate, and lie on the northern edge of the valley, about 25 to 35 minutes by taxi from Lakeside beyond the old bazaar. Drivers usually wait while you visit both, so an hour or so on site is typical.
Tips
- Bring a torch or use your phone light for the dimmer sections of the Bat Cave.
- Wear shoes with grip — the floors are uneven and slick.
- Mind your head; some passages are low.
- Combine with Bindhyabasini Temple in the old bazaar on the way back.
Nearby
The old-town shrine of Bindhyabasini Temple is on the route between here and Lakeside. For the southern cluster, see Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and Davis Falls. More ideas are in the top things to do in Pokhara and the Pokhara hub.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Mahendra Cave?+
It is a natural limestone cave in the northern part of the Pokhara valley, named after the late King Mahendra. Visitors walk through lit passages past stalactites and rock formations, and a small Shiva shrine sits inside.
Is the Bat Cave near Mahendra Cave?+
Yes. The Bat Cave, or Chamere Gufa, is a short walk from Mahendra Cave and is home to colonies of bats. The two are almost always visited together as a single outing.
Is there an entry fee for Mahendra Cave?+
Yes, a small entry fee is charged at the gate, with a separate ticket for the Bat Cave. Both are modest and paid in cash.
Is Mahendra Cave easy to walk through?+
The main passages are accessible by steps and walkways, but some sections are low, narrow, dark and slippery. Sturdy shoes help, and the Bat Cave in particular can require a bit of clambering.
How do I get to Mahendra Cave from Lakeside?+
It is about a 25 to 35 minute taxi ride north of Lakeside, on the far side of the city beyond the old bazaar. Drivers usually wait while you tour both caves.