Pumdikot: Pokhara's unique persona

By Phadindra Adhikari,Lekhnath, Dec. 12: Tourists visiting the vicinity of Pokhara not only explore the surrounding destinations but also reach Pumdikot, which has recently become a new destination for both local and foreign tourists. 

It is a natural tower to observe the Pokhara Valley and Himalayan ranges. Located on a hill above the Fewa Lake in Ward No. 22 of Pokhara Metropolitan City,  Pumdikot is becoming increasingly popular among tourists.

 A massive project with a budget of Rs. 400 million is now underway in Pumdikot. 

Many distinguished personalities, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, have already visited Pumdikot. 

A 51-foot statue of Lord Shiva stands on the top of the mountain. Easily visible from Pokhara, this giant statute not only attracts tourists but also gives them a unique sensation.  Ramesh Baral from Pokhara-17 shared that numerous structures have been constructed in Pumdikot, surpassing initial expectations.

Tourists can reach Pumdikot in just an hour's journey by road from Pokhara. Besides the statue of Lord Shiva, the construction of Sumeru Mountain along with a temple featuring Parvati and Kumar, have been completed. 

The estimated cost of the Sumeru Mountain project is around Rs. 25 million. Ramji Prasad Baral, former Finance Minister of Gandaki Province, suggested shifting focus from more infrastructure to improving the livelihood of local people.

Baral stated, “Beyond Pumdikot lies Bhumdikot, and below is the Peace Stupa. This area needs to be developed for religious tourism.”

 Chandra Kant Baral, chairman of the Pumdikot Development Committee, estimated a project cost of  Rs. 200 million for the complete Master Plan in the starting phase. 

As new structures were continually added, the cost has doubled. Baral, the committee chairman, revealed that Rs. 270 million has been invested so far. 

The committee has incurred a loan of Rs. 10 billion and plans to source funds from various channels, including the federal government, provincial government and the local units as well as the well-wishers.

The committee's plans include running an electric chair car from the Shiva statue to Sumeru Mountain. Currently, there are a 51-foot Shiva statue, a 31-foot Damaru, Ganga Pokhari, 216 Shiva Lingas, 108 steeped Swargadwari. 

Structures like the Shiva Tandav Dance, an International Meditation Centre, a monorail for the Mahadev statue, administrative buildings, commercial spaces, parking areas chair cars and green parks are in the pipeline.

Two Mahayagyas were organised in 2016 and 2022 for Pumdikot's development and a donation of Rs. 93 million and 30 ropanis of land were received. Muralidhar Rungata, an entrepreneur from the Parsa district, has donated Rs. 19 million.