Changlung Cave in Tehrathum Attracting Tourists

Changlung Cave, located in Sudap, Chhathar Rural Municipality-6, has recently started gaining attention from domestic tourists. Efforts by local stakeholders to promote and publicize the cave have contributed to its growing popularity.

According to Mahendra Maden, the ward chairman of Chhathar Rural Municipality-6, internal tourists visit Changlung Cave almost daily. He mentioned that during winter, people gather for picnics, and the cave attracts large crowds on special occasions. Spanning approximately 38 ropanis (about 1.9 hectares), the site features a 150-meter-long cave that is considered a unique natural wonder. Navigating through the dark cave with the help of a torchlight creates a thrilling and adventurous experience. The area also has several smaller caves, naturally stacked rock formations, large boulders, cliffs, diverse plant species, and the sounds of various birds, making visits to Changlung Cave even more memorable.

There is a local belief that the cave is the dwelling place of Changlung Devi, Machhindranath Devi, and other deities, and locals have been worshipping them for generations, according to resident Ramesh Khadka. As per legend, in ancient times, a shaman (Bijuwani) and a dog entered the cave from Daregauda, four kilometers uphill. However, only the dog emerged from the Changlung Cave, while the shaman disappeared inside. She is believed to have transformed into Changlung Devi and Machhindranath Devi, and since then, locals have considered the site sacred, said Buddhi Man Limbu, another local resident.

All three levels of government have invested in promoting Changlung Cave as a tourist destination. Since 2018, a total budget of NPR 30 million has been spent on its development, according to Chhathar Rural Municipality Chairman Santbir Limbu. To attract more visitors, infrastructure such as a welcome gate, a refreshment area (Hawa Ghar) atop a rocky cliff, stairways, railings, benches, and a “love park” have been constructed.

Some infrastructure projects are still under construction, said Ward Chairman Maden. With its natural beauty and unique features, Changlung Cave is set to become one of the leading tourist destinations in eastern Nepal, according to Chairman Limbu. Visitors can reach the cave by traveling along the Koshi Highway, from Sidhuwa Bazaar in Dhankuta to Sukrabare Bazaar, then taking a 12-kilometer paved road to Marse in Chhathar Rural Municipality-5, followed by a 3-kilometer dirt road to Changlung Cave.