Perched on the southern edge of Kathmandu, Chobar Dada (also written Chobhar Danda) is a place where myth, spirituality, and natural beauty converge. This tranquil hill is not only a cherished destination for pilgrims and day-trippers, but also an enduring symbol of how the Kathmandu Valley came to be.
The Legend of the Valley’s Creation
According to the Swayambhu Purana, the Kathmandu Valley was once an enormous lake. The enlightened Bodhisattva Manjushri, upon seeing a radiant lotus bloom at the centre of the waters, determined that the valley should become habitable for humankind. With his sword, he sliced open the rock at Chobar, creating the Chobar Gorge and draining the lake.
This myth is one of the most enduring in Nepalese culture, cherished alike by Buddhists and Hindus. While variations exist, the central story of Manjushri’s act of wisdom and compassion remains constant.
Sacred Spaces on the Hill
Chobar Dada is home to two highly significant temples:
Jal Binayak Temple – Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this shrine is one of the four main Ganesh temples of the Kathmandu Valley. Built in 723 NS, renovated in 789 NS, and reconstructed in 871 NS, it continues to attract devotees seeking blessings, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Adinath (Anandadi Lokeshwar) Temple – This dual-faith sanctuary is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Devotees have a unique tradition of attaching pots, pans, and other utensils to its walls, a symbol of offering for welfare in this life and the next. The temple dates back to the 15th century and was reconstructed in the mid-17th century.
On festival days, the atmosphere around these shrines is alive with chants, offerings, and colourful rituals, embodying Nepal’s rich spiritual diversity.
Natural Wonders
Chobar is as renowned for its natural beauty as for its sacred heritage.
The Chobar Caves – These natural limestone caves stretch at least 1,250 metres, making them among the most extensive in Nepal. They are largely unlit, with several entrances and flowing water, and are best explored with experienced guides.
Chobar Gorge – The dramatic cut in the hills where the Bagmati River surges out of the valley offers a striking reminder of the ancient legend.
From the hilltop, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views across the Kathmandu Valley, and on clear days, distant glimpses of Himalayan peaks.
Manjushree Park
Adjacent to the gorge lies Manjushree Park, a community-managed eco-tourism site named in honour of the valley’s legendary creator. Spread across more than 13 hectares, the park combines scenic meadows, walking trails, and cultural monuments. On clear days, it offers views as far as Mount Everest, making it a favoured spot for hikers, families, and photographers.
Chobar Dada is more than a hill: it is a living tapestry of myth, devotion, and landscape. From the gorge said to have reshaped an entire valley, to temples that bridge faiths, to parks that welcome leisure seekers, Chobar encapsulates the spirit of the Kathmandu Valley itself—ancient, sacred, and vibrantly alive.
PC: Wikimedia Commons
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