July 27, 2025

Southwest of Kathmandu, the sleepy village of Chobhar holds a remarkable blend of natural wonder and sacred legend. The Chobhar Gorge is believed, in both Buddhist and Hindu mythology, to have been cleaved open by Manjushree, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who drained a primordial lake to create the Kathmandu Valley. This myth lives on at the gorge, where the Bagmati River rushes through steep cliffs carved by both divine action and time.

Above the gorge lies Manjushree Cave, a network of subterranean passages and chambers tucked beneath limestone hills. It is one of the longest caves in Nepal and is partially accessible to visitors. The cave, though not fully developed for mass tourism, offers a taste of exploration and geological curiosity—especially for those intrigued by Nepal’s natural heritage.

Nearby, you’ll also find Adinath Lokeshwar Temple, perched atop a hill with commanding views of the gorge and valley. The temple is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, reinforcing the site’s syncretic spiritual nature. The path leading to it is lined with hundreds of brass pots offered by devotees seeking blessings.

Chobhar remains off the main tourist track, making it a peaceful and myth-laden getaway. Ideal for a short half-day trip, it combines storytelling, scenery, and sacred symbolism in one compact and accessible location.