The Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave (known in the local tongue as Bhalu Dulo) is recognized as one of the longest caves in Nepal with a length that exceeds 2,000 meters. The cave sits across Davi's fall, and inside the cave, one can hear the thundering sound of water. As per the local beliefs, the cave was said to be discovered in the 16th century. During those times, there wasn’t any sort of modern-day decorations that you see today. The main entrance of the cave was only constructed in 1991 AD.
The exterior of the cave is furnished with a huge brown arch, and as you enter it, there are numerous souvenir shops if you are interested to shop some something, you see a statue of Lord Vishnu in a sleeping position, and right in front of the ticket counter, there is a concrete balcony and a spiral staircase. As you head down, you can see plastered artworks, which some say tend to go on the erotic side. This is derived from the other paintings that are portrayed in the Kathmandu valley.
The main cave is divided into two chambers. The second section of the cave is closed during the monsoon season in order to prevent people from drowning from the high-water levels. As you make your way to the inner parts of the cave, you can see small shrines, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The cave is enshrined with Shiva and thousands of lingas, which became one of the attractions of Pokhara after it was discovered by explorers in 1992. The cave is long and narrow, there are some paved stone steps when you first enter, and the light is not bad. As you go farther and farther, you will involuntarily feel the coldness and steepness in the damp and cold cave.
There is much to see and learn while visiting the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave in Pokhara. You have to understand that it is still in the process of development, and you might have to lower your standards a bit. If you are visiting such caves for the first time, then it is perfect to learn about its history and mysteries.
If you are visiting Pokhara for the first time, then we advise you to visit the cave premises during your combined trip to the World Peace Pagoda or other tours in Pokhara. First, visit the Davis Falls, then Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and finally the World Peace Pagoda. You need to avoid visiting the cave during public holidays and special occasions to escape crowds.
Words don’t do justice to the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, which can only be felt by exploring.
