Adventure · Bandipur, Nepal
Down to Siddha Cave and back
A steep walk of about 1.5 hours down through forest from Bandipur to one of Nepal's largest caves, where local guides lead you by torchlight through chambers of limestone formations. Return uphill or take a bus from Bimalnagar.
Photo: DC · CC BY 2.0 · CommonsThe trail to Siddha Cave starts below the Bandipur bazaar and drops steeply on stone steps through forest and small farms. It takes about 1.5 hours down. The cave entrance is above Bimalnagar, near the highway. At the entrance, local guides rent out lights and take groups inside for a fee; follow their lead, as the floor is uneven and wet.
Inside, the cave opens into high chambers with stalactites and stalagmites. It is about 437 m deep and up to 50 m high in places, and the main chamber is large enough to hold thousands of people. Bats roost in the upper parts; keep noise down and do not shine lights at them for long.
You can climb back up to Bandipur, which takes about 2 hours, or walk down 20 minutes to Bimalnagar on the highway and take a jeep or bus to Dumre and up to Bandipur. Wear shoes with good grip and carry water and a headtorch of your own.
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Questions
Before you book
How hard is the walk to Siddha Cave from Bandipur?
It is steep, with many stone steps. Going down takes about 1.5 hours and coming back up 2 hours. Knees take a beating on the descent.
Is Siddha Cave safe?
Go with a local guide and good shoes. The floor is wet and slippery, with some scrambling. It is not ideal for young children or those with mobility problems.
Is Siddha Cave open in the monsoon?
It may close or be unsafe in heavy rain. Ask in Bandipur before setting out from June to September.