Pumdikot Shiva statue and ridge viewpoint

Pumdikot sits on the ridge between Phewa Lake and the Panchase hills, part of the old Pumdi Bhumdi area that is now inside Pokhara. The viewpoint at about 1,500 m has a large modern statue of Shiva, seated and facing the mountains, the second tallest Shiva statue in Nepal after the Kailashnath Mahadev statue near Kathmandu. Steps lead up to a temple complex below it. The statue is visible from parts of Lakeside on clear days, a white figure on the green ridge.

Most Nepali visitors come to pray and take in the view: the whole of Phewa, Lakeside and Pokhara on one side, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre above, and the Panchase forest rising to the west. It is busy at weekends and during Shivaratri, when devotees climb in large numbers. Shivaratri, the night of Shiva in February or March, is the busiest time, with devotees from across the valley. On ordinary weekdays it is calm, with a few families and couples taking photographs.

You can drive up in about 45 minutes from Lakeside, or include it on the first day of a Panchase trek, walking up from the lake via Pumdi Bhumdi. Late afternoon light on the range is excellent. Dress modestly, remove shoes where asked, and keep voices low inside the temple area. Small shops near the car park sell tea and snacks. From here the trail to Panchase continues west through Bhumdi, and the forest begins soon after.