POKHARA: Gupteshwar Cave, which carries historical, religious, and archaeological significance, has generated an income of Rs 525,715 in a single day.

The income was generated through ticket sales to internal and external tourists visiting the cave, located in Chhorepatan, Pokhara-17—the tourism capital.

Laxman Bastola, chairperson of the cave management committee, informed that a total of 6,078 people—consisting of 4,472 international tourists, 1,487 internal tourists, and 119 students—purchased tickets to study and observe the cave on Sunday (May 24) alone.

“The cave has been developing as a supernatural religious and tourist destination,” he said, adding that the attraction for tourists has increased due to the view of Patale Chhango (Davis Falls) waterfall visible after walking about 100 meters inside, alongside paying respects to the naturally formed statue of Lord Shiva located 500 meters inside the cave.

Ticket prices for cave entry have been set at Rs. 50 for domestic tourists, Rs. 100 for international tourists, and Rs. 35 for students.

The mechanical Kamadhenu cow built inside the cave and the donations offered by devotees also generate a good income.

Chairperson Bastola said, “From the income of the cave, which came into promotion three decades ago, investments are being made in the educational sector alongside the conservation and promotion of the cave.

The cave management has established and been running the Gupteshwar Mahadev Multiple Campus, where more than 800 students are currently studying.”

A Gurukul is also being operated in the Dharmashala hall of the cave.

In this Gurukul, where classes are taught up to grade 11, 48 students are currently studying, and financial assistance has also been provided to nearby community schools.

According to him, the cave generates an annual income of Rs. 60 million to Rs. 70 million.

Stating that besides the cave tickets, the Kamadhenu cow and the donations offered by devotees have become additional sources of income, he mentioned that a 1,008-kilogram Shaligram brought from Mustang, a Budhanilkantha statue, as well as the Navagraha built at the cave entrance serve as attractions.

According to Narayan Paudel, the chief of the cave office, the pressure of tourists in Pokhara has increased recently with the rising heat.

The attraction has grown because tourists visiting Pokhara feel their trip is incomplete without visiting the cave.

He stated that managing the crowd becomes difficult when numbers swell in the cave, which has a capacity of 6,000 people.