Gandaki, 10 June: The historic Gandaki Shatakundi Gayatri Kotihom has contributed to the promotion of tourism in Pokhara. Not only from Nepal, but devotees from India who participated in the Kotihom also visited various religious and tourist sites in Pokhara, leading to an increase in both domestic and international tourist numbers.
Pokhara Metropolitan City–17, Biraauta — According to Laxman Bastola, Chairperson of the Gupteshwor Cave Management Committee, tourist arrivals—both domestic and international—at the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, a major tourist site located near the Kotihom organized by the Human Service Foundation since Baisakh 16 (late April), have increased by approximately 10% compared to previous years.
He stated that from Chaitra 17 to Jestha 26 of the previous fiscal year, 93,716 tourists visited the cave. In the same period of the current fiscal year, 101,144 people purchased tickets and visited the site.
Chairperson Bastola stated that the increase in tourist numbers is mainly due to devotees coming from outside Pokhara for the Kotihom, who also visit the Mahadev shrine inside the cave and enjoy the scenic view of the nearby Patale Chhango (Devi’s Falls).
He stated that 7,428 more people visited the cave during this period compared to the previous year, adding, “The rise in the number of tourists at the cave is due to the influence of the Kotihom event. During this time, the attraction among Indian tourists has also increased.”
Located around 100 meters below the surface, the cave leads visitors through dripping water from the rocky ceiling—creating a natural shower—before reaching a spacious chamber where the idol of Lord Mahadev (Shiva) is enshrined. After passing by Lord Shiva on the right and walking about 100 meters further, visitors reach an open area.
