POKHARA: The historic Gayatri Kotihom in Pokhara has played a key role in boosting local tourism, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors.
Devotees from Nepal and India are visiting religious and tourist sites across Pokhara, contributing to a noticeable rise in tourist activity.
One such site seeing increased footfall is the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave in Chhorepatan, near the Kotihom area. According to Laxman Bastola, Chairperson of the Cave Management Committee, tourist numbers have risen by about 10 percent since May 30.
The site is managed by the Guthi Jagga Manav Sewa Foundation of the Sadashiv Siddeshwor Harihar Temple in Birauta, Pokhara Metropolitan City-17.
From May 31 to June 9 of the last fiscal year, 93,716 people visited the cave. In the same period this fiscal year, the number rose to 101,144—an increase of 7,428 visitors.
Chairman Bastola attributed the rise in visitors to the growing popularity of Kotihom, explaining that many devotees who come to Kotihom also visit Gupteshwor Cave to see the sacred image of Lord Shiva and the picturesque Davis Falls (Patle Chhango).
“The number of Indian tourists has especially gone up during this time,” he noted. Visitors to the cave can bathe under drops of water falling from rocks nearly 100 meters above ground before entering the cave to see the image of Lord Shiva.
After walking about 100 meters inside—with the deity on their right—tourists reach a wide open space that adds to the cave’s allure.
Chairman Bastola also highlighted the natural beauty within the cave, including rock formations resembling various gods and goddesses, and the stunning reflection of the waterfall in a pond inside.
The cave offers a view of Davis Falls from beneath the natural bridge on the Siddhartha Highway, making it a unique attraction.
“Tourists are captivated by the Patale Chhango and the religious ambiance. Kotihom has greatly supported the promotion of Gupteshwor Cave,” he said.
The cave, discovered in 2050 BS, has since been developed into a prominent religious site. Many devotees return repeatedly, believing that visiting the Mahadev inside the cave fulfills their wishes.
Tourism entrepreneurs say that Kotihom is helping promote a network of religious and tourist destinations in Pokhara, including Pataale Chhango, Taal Barahi, Bindhyabasini Bhandir, Pumdikot Shiva statue, and Gupteshwor Cave itself.
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