When I walked into the Bat Cave in Pokhara, locally called Chamere Gufa, my heart was pounding so loudly I could hear it over the echoes. I won’t lie: the first few seconds were pure fear. Only later did I realize that this eerie little adventure would become one of the most unforgettable parts of my Nepal trip. Imagine being surrounded by around thirty thousand bats in pitch darkness, with cold droplets falling from the cave roof, and a whole colony of horseshoe bats squealing above your head. At one point, I genuinely imagined them swooping down in a dramatic movie-style attack. But once the initial panic passed, I found myself observing them closely: tiny shadows hanging upside down from the cave walls, barely moving. Strangely fascinating!

The cave itself adds to the thrill. The ground is uneven, slippery, and full of twists where you need to hop, crouch, crawl, and sometimes even scramble your way ahead. In a few tight corners, my guide literally hauled me up because I couldn’t find a grip. Fun? Not at all in the moment. Looking back? Absolutely hilarious. And then comes the final challenge: the exit. No one can help you here. The space is so narrow that you must pull yourself up through a tight opening, lie flat on a rock, and wriggle out like a determined soldier on a mission.

  • Entry fee: NPR 150.

  • Guide: Highly recommended. For NPR 300, they’ll walk with a torch, show the safe route, and share facts you’d otherwise miss.

  • Time needed: Around 20 minutes (more if you’re taking photos and videos).

If you’re someone who loves a bit of thrill and doesn’t mind the dark or the unknown, don’t skip this cave. But if you’re claustrophobic, you might want to think twice.

Top things to do in Nepal

Nepal has far more to offer beyond the Bat Cave. These are the experiences that stood out the most for me:

Capture dreamy photos at the garden of dreams

If you’re into Instagram-friendly spots, the Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu will be right up your alley. This neoclassical garden is full of charming corners: pavilions, pergolas, lily ponds, sunken flower beds, and elegant pathways. It’s also home to the Kaiser Gallery, which houses interesting artifacts. Locals often refer to it as Swapna Bageecha, or the Garden of Six Seasons, and it truly lives up to both names.

Find stillness at the World Peace Pagoda

Perched on Anadu Hill, the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) overlooks Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range in the distance. The atmosphere here is serene, perfect if you want a quiet moment to yourself. When I visited, several people were chanting “Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō,” which instantly felt familiar and comforting since I’ve been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for several years. The calmness here is something I still carry with me.

Spend a relaxing evening at Phewa Lake

Surrounded by the lush Rani Ban (Queen’s Forest), Phewa Lake is the kind of place that makes you slow down without trying. Early risers will love the soft sunrise hues over the Himalayas, but even if you’re not a morning person (like me!), evenings here are beautiful.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Enjoy a meal at a lakeside café. I went to Boomerang.

  • Attend the peaceful evening aarti.

  • Take a slow walk along the water.

Visit the stunning Davis Falls

Davis Falls is one of Pokhara’s most dramatic natural sights. The water disappears underground, carving a 500-foot tunnel as it rushes down. The greenery around the falls adds to its charm. I loved watching the powerful stream crash against the rocks before slipping out of sight. The flow remains throughout the year, but the experience is especially beautiful during the monsoon months (June-September).

Experience Nepal’s nightlife in Thamel

If you enjoy nightlife, Kathmandu’s Thamel district is where all the energy is. Bars, clubs, live bands—you’ll find it all here. I chose Reggae Bar, which had an amazing live music night. As a solo female traveler, I was pleasantly surprised by how safe and friendly the environment was. Dancing with strangers who felt like familiar faces made the night even better.

My trip cost

I spent around ₹30,000 in total. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Round-trip flights from New Delhi (India): ₹13,000.

  • Accommodation for five nights: ₹10,000 (Hotel Iceland, Avataar Kathmandu Hotel, and Kathmandu Eco Hotel).

  • Food, transport, entry tickets, shopping, clubbing, etc.: ₹7,000.

Nepal is a dream come true for backpackers: affordable, welcoming, and full of natural marvels. With eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, the country is heaven for trekkers. You’ll find shops selling all kinds of trekking gear, cozy cafés serving Nepali and international cuisine, vibrant markets, spas, and endless souvenirs. It’s a destination that really grows on you.

PS: Two of my domestic flights were cancelled due to bad weather, and I had to travel by road instead (which ate up two days!). Still, the trip was completely worth it, and I already know I’ll be going back.