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Mahendra Cave

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Mahendra Cave

Mahendra Cave

Located on the outskirts of Pokhara, this is a limestone cave system characterized by stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors go here to explore the geological formations and visit the shrine of Lord Shiva located inside the cave, which attracts both tourists and pilgrims.

Getting There

The cave is situated away from the main city center. Most travelers reach the site via taxi or local transport from central Pokhara. The journey typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to walk through the cave passages and visit the internal shrine.

When to Visit

The cave remains a consistent temperature, but it is best to visit during the dry season to avoid slippery paths. It can get crowded during local religious festivals or peak trekking seasons. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the midday heat during the approach walk.

Nearby Attractions

Due to its location, this site can be combined with other nearby points of interest:

  • Bat Cave: 0.6km
  • Kali Khola, Pokhara: 3.7km
  • Bindhyabasini Temple: 3.8km
  • Pokhara Valley: 4.2km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Mahendra Cave

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Mahendra Cave Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Pokhara 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Pokhara grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Pokhara 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Pokhara grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Bat Cave

Nature

Bat Cave

A limestone cave in the Kaski district near Pokhara, where horseshoe bats roosting on the walls and ceiling can be seen up close. A popular Pokhara attraction, it lets visitors walk along a maintained path and experience its unique cave ecosystem.

0.6 km away
Kali Khola, Pokhara

Nature

Kali Khola, Pokhara

A tributary of the Seti Gandaki River that flows through Pokhara, Nepal, joining the main river in the Bagar area. Located close to downtown Pokhara, it makes for an easy, casual visit.

3.7 km away
Bindhyabasini Temple

Temples & religious sites

Bindhyabasini Temple

This is Pokhara's oldest and most iconic Hindu temple, dedicated to the goddess Durga and visited by a steady stream of worshippers. The grounds also feature several smaller shrines to other deities, making it a rewarding place to explore.

3.8 km away
Pokhara Valley

Nature

Pokhara Valley

A valley in Gandaki Province, western Nepal, about 200 km west of Kathmandu. It's one of the largest valleys in Nepal and home to the city of Pokhara.

4.2 km away
Shiva Temple

Temples & religious sites

Shiva Temple

This temple sits on Pumdikot hill near Pokhara, home to Nepal's second-largest Shiva statue at a 1,500-meter viewpoint. It also offers sweeping views over the city below.

5.0 km away
Bhadrakali Temple

Temples & religious sites

Bhadrakali Temple

A Hindu temple perched on a small hill in Kundahar, east of Pokhara, built in 1817 and dedicated to the goddess Durga. Climb the stairs to enjoy the view alongside worshippers.

7.1 km away