Pumdikot Shiva Statue | Pokhara

Information

Landmark: Pumdikot Shiva Statue
City: Pokhara
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Pumdikot Shiva Statue, Pokhara, Nepal, Asia

The Pumdikot Shiva Statue is a major religious landmark and the tallest statue of Lord Shiva in Nepal, situated on the Pumdikot hill south of Phewa Lake in Pokhara. It serves as a central point of pilgrimage and a significant vantage point for the Pokhara Valley.

Visual Characteristics

The site features a 51-foot-tall seated statue of Lord Shiva positioned atop a white circular pedestal. The statue is surrounded by 108 smaller Shiva lingams arranged in a circular formation at the base. The complex is designed with wide stone steps, landscaped gardens, and a large viewing platform. The statue is metallic-blue and visible from various points across the city of Pokhara.

Location & Access Logistics

The statue is located in Pumdikot, Pokhara 33700, approximately 13km from the Pokhara city center. Access is primarily via a winding uphill road from the Chorepatan (Devi's Fall) area. Visitors can reach the site by taxi, private vehicle, or local bus. For hikers, there is a trail connecting the World Peace Pagoda to Pumdikot, which takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours of steady climbing.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The project was initiated by the Pumdikot Kot Development Committee to promote religious tourism in the region. Construction began around 2021 as part of a multi-phase development plan for the hill, which historically served as a strategic lookout or "Kot." The site is positioned at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters, surrounded by subtropical forest and agricultural terraces.

Key Highlights & Activities

360-Degree Views: The site offers panoramic vistas of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) to the north, and Phewa Lake to the east.

Religious Rituals: Devotees perform circumambulation (parikrama) around the 108 lingams and offer prayers to the central deity.

Photography: The elevated platform provides unobstructed perspectives of the Himalayas and the Pokhara Valley below.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex includes a paved parking area, public restrooms, and several small snack stalls and souvenir shops at the entrance. 4G cellular coverage is stable. While the main grounds are paved, the site involves several flights of stairs to reach the statue's base. Ongoing construction aims to add a cable car system and a botanical garden to the site.

Best Time to Visit

Optimal visibility for the mountain ranges occurs in the early morning (06:00–09:00), especially during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) months. The site is open daily from 05:00 to 19:00.

Facts & Legends

The statue is intended to be part of a larger religious theme park, including a "Martyrs' Park" and a senior citizen center. It is strategically placed to create a religious circuit in Pokhara, linking with the Tal Barahi Temple and the World Peace Pagoda.