About
Mahendra Cave is a limestone cave near Pokhara, in Nepal. It is the kind of place that suits a visitor who enjoys underground spaces and the slow work of geology, and it makes a pleasant change from the open landscapes that draw most people to the city.
What you will see
The cave is known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations, the mineral deposits that build up over very long periods as water drips through limestone. Artificial lighting picks out the shapes of these formations along the passages, so the forms are easy to see as you walk. The cave extends a considerable way underground, and its chambers stay cool, which is a welcome feature on a warm day.
The visit
- Expect a walk through a series of underground chambers rather than a short look inside.
- The lighting shows the formations clearly, so the route is well suited to a slow pace.
- The cave's cool air and enclosed atmosphere give it a quiet, mysterious character.
Around the cave
Mahendra Cave sits near Pokhara, a city set beside a lake with views of the Annapurna range. Many visitors combine a trip to the cave with time in the city, whose lakeside area and surrounding countryside offer a good contrast to the stillness underground. Plan your day around the cave's location and your own pace of walking, and allow time to enjoy the setting outside as well.
