Nadai Gufa: A Sacred Cave in Jumla

Nestled in the hills, Nadai Gufa sits near Upper Khopri village - part of Tila Rural Municipality–9 in Jumla. Known also as Nadai Cave, it draws quiet interest for its faith-based roots, age-old past, and wild surroundings. Not many visit though, mainly because roads are rough and places to stay are few. Hard to reach, yet rich in meaning, it stays off most travel maps.

Farmlands stretch beside the path leading to Nadai Gufa, threading between scattered villages and bare slopes. Over wide ridges, sightlines run deep into old mountain chains - part of what gives the upper Karnali its feel. Elevation plays a strong role here, where silence settles easily across uneven ground.

Deep within the rock, Nadai Gufa stretches about 200 meters, shaped oddly like a cow's udder by nature itself. Water moves steadily through its passages, feeding a constant chill that fills the air inside. Because of these traits - coolness, shape, steady flow - the place has drawn people for ages wanting to honor old beliefs. Worship here didn’t start recently; it grew slowly over time, passed down hand to hand.

Built into the hillside, this cave holds more than just prayers. When fighting spread across Nepal, rebels found cover inside Nadai Gufa. Hidden by rock and thick trees, it gave them space away from eyes. What began as quiet retreat became supply point during conflict years. Shape of the land helped keep secrets long after voices faded. Now stone walls hold echoes of both worship and wartime choices.

Back then, getting to Nadai Gufa was tough because there were no roads leading to Upper Khopri or nearby settlements. Lately though, a footpath has opened up, making it easier to walk in. Close by, some simple amenities now exist - like a shelter where travelers and devotees can pause. Because of these changes, reaching the spot feels less remote than before.Paths are now clearer near the caves, with basic supports added along the way. Even though walking there is easier today, villages like Upper Khopri and Lower Khopri still lack proper roads for vehicles.

Hidden between tall ridges, the cave sits beside wide open slopes - perfect for brief hikes or quiet walks through nature. Jumla’s character shows clearly here: broad ground stretches out; plants change with the seasons, and from above, sightlines run far without blockage.

Still used for worship today, Nadai Gufa holds stories from times of unrest. Nestled high, the place ties old beliefs to rugged terrain in western Nepal. Not widely visited, it sits apart from busy trails yet part of local memory. With roots in faith and echoes of struggle, the cave blends into Jumla’s mix of hidden sanctuaries. Over time, nature and silence have claimed much of its presence.

Travel Plan

Heading out from Rara Bazaar - sometimes called Sheri Bazaar - a ride by jeep or motorbike will get you to Malapani village. Once there, the journey moves forward on foot, heading first to Khopri village. After that point, it is roughly two hours of walking to arrive at Nadai Gufa. Overnight options exist in Khopri if needed. Come morning, hikers go back through Malapani before catching a vehicle again in Rara Bazaar. Another option skips part of the return: from the cave, a steeper but quicker path drops down toward Triveni instead.