Pumdikot, Pokhara Developing an Spot as "Guterres Point".

Pumdikot, a beautiful hill station near Pokhara, known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas, particularly from its viewpoint perched at an altitude of 1,500 meters, is planning to develop an area as 'Guterres Point', named after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who recently visited Pokhara in October 2023. Mr. Guterres was in Nepal on a four-day visit.

On his visit to Pokhara, Mr. Guterres ascended Pumdikot Hill from Pokhara Valley and was welcomed by snow-capped mountains in all their splendor. Pumdikot, currently being developed as a religious tourism site, was not initially on the Secretary-General's itinerary. However, he climbed up from the valley for a closer look at the surrounding area.

Situated 13 kilometers from the bustling city of Pokhara, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and several mountain ranges encompassing Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre, among others from Pumdikot.

Pumdikot boasts the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva in Nepal, after Kailashnath Mahadev Statue in Sanga, Bhaktapur, standing 51 feet tall (with a white stupa base adding another 57 feet) for a total height of 108 feet. Guterres explored the grounds of the enormous Lord Shiva statue, gazed down at Phewa Lake in the valley below, and admired the magnificent mountain range. It was evident from Guterres' expression how much he delighted in taking in this extraordinary natural beauty.

Guterres proceeded to the southwest part of the colossal complex where he appeared captivated by nature's splendor on display. He went upstairs before descending and returning to that spot, his gaze fixated on the mountainous vistas. Seeing this, authorities and local people discussed developing this southwest area near Mahadev Colossus as 'Guterres Point.'

From this vantage point, visitors will be treated to a striking panorama displaying snow-topped mountain ridges and as many as 11 peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Annapurna IV, Khangsarkang, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Ghandruk Himchuli, and Mardi.

The visit by the UN Secretary-General has inspired and excited locals to develop Pumdikot as a modern tourist destination further. According to Baral, they are pleased to welcome prestigious guests who may in turn help promote Nepal more widely. Despite savoring only 45 minutes at Pumdikot, Guterres' presence was immensely appreciated. Rudra Paudel, manager of the Pumdikot Development Committee, provided details on his visit's duration.

At present, the 51-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva at Pumdikot serves as a major attraction in Pokhara. The ambitious project initially intended to construct a 105-foot tall statue; however, following suggestions from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal for security reasons, a 51-foot representation was agreed upon.

In expressing enthusiasm for an increase in visitor numbers (both local and international), Committee Chairperson Baral informed that over NPR 260 million has been invested thus far in both the statue and supporting infrastructure under the Master Plan. A comprehensive NPR 400 million budget is outlined in the Master Plan for installing the massive statue and developing additional infrastructure at Pumdikot.

Fundraising efforts began in 2017 with a religious event called Maha Shiva Purana, through which 20 ropanis of land and NPR 60 million were donated. A subsequent Mahayagya in 2022 raised an additional NPR 30 million for tourism development at Pumdikot, as reported by Baral.

As part of the Master Plan's remaining work, the Committee is focusing on constructing an administrative building, monorail, Shivalinga, a replica of Sumeru Mountain near Guru Maharaj Ashram, and an entrance among other structures. Additionally, plans are underway to install an electric chair car connecting Kailash—where the statue stands—with the Sumeru Mountain replica and to build a well-organized parking area.

Further vision for the site includes constructing a Shanti Ashram as a senior citizens' meeting center and garden. The Committee also intends to install a projector showcasing Lord Shiva's deeds and animal life cycles through laser light for visitors' enlightenment.

According to Committee member Matrika Baral, Pumdikot has become an essential destination for those visiting Pokhara. The arrival of prominent guests such as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last October has significantly boosted both local excitement and global recognition.

With the addition of this massive Lord Shiva statue at Machhapuchhre mountain's foot, Pumdikot has gained even more allure. The ongoing construction of new infrastructure continues to attract tourists and encourage locals who have relocated to return to their villages.