Nepal’s largest cave attracting daily tourists (photos)
Deep inside the cave, high up within its chambers, there is a unique formation made of melted limestone that resembles the figure of Shiddha Baba, giving the cave its name.
KATHMANDU: Tanahun’s Bimalkot, located along the Prithvi Highway, is home to Shiddha Cave, claimed to be the largest cave in Nepal.
This remarkable natural wonder draws both domestic and international tourists every day.
Deep inside the cave, high up within its chambers, there is a unique formation made of melted limestone that resembles the figure of Shiddha Baba, giving the cave its name.
Visitors can reach a point about one kilometer above Bimalkot by vehicle, followed by a 45-minute uphill trek to reach the cave entrance.
Upon arrival, the cool air flowing from the cave immediately refreshes visitors and relieves their fatigue.
From this elevated cave site, tourists enjoy panoramic views of Bimalkot market and even the neighboring Gorkha district.
The cave is also accessible from Bandipur, and many tourists often visit Shiddha Cave after coming from there.
Inside the cave, visitors can find various natural limestone formations resembling royal crowns, idols of deities, birds, animals, elephant trunks, horse legs, conch shells, and many other fascinating shapes.
The cave also features a spacious chamber that resembles a large hall, where different organizations frequently hold meetings, table tennis tournaments, and literary conferences to promote the cave.
Due to the absence of sunlight inside the cave, a large number of bats inhabit the area.
The cave has also been a popular filming location for several movies.
According to guide Arjun Pariyar, the cave was discovered in (B.S. 2044 by Chandra Bahadur Thapamagar.
After the discovery, residents of Bandipur explored and documented the cave, bringing it to public attention.
The cave attracts numerous tourists, especially during peak travel seasons.
-Bishnu Maya Shrestha
