Bhuder cave
Published on February 04, 2025
Budher Caves (Moila Caves) Chakrata – Uttarakhand’s Most Mysterious Limestone Wonderland
Budher Caves – The 150-Year-Old Hidden Marvel of Chakrata
Location: 30 km from Chakrata town | 2 km easy walk from motorable road Also called: Moila Caves / Miola Caves / Budher Limestone Caves Length of explored caves: ~5 km (only first 500 m open to tourists) Elevation: 7,200 ft Entry Fee 2025: ₹50 per person (local guide mandatory) Activity highlight: 100-ft natural rappel inside the main chamber (optional ₹600–800)
Deep inside the dense deodar forests of Jaunsar-Bawar lies one of India’s longest natural limestone cave systems — Budher Caves. Discovered accidentally by a German explorer, Otto von Budher, in 1878 while searching for rare Himalayan herbs, these caves remained a closely guarded secret of local shepherds for decades. Today, they are Chakrata’s biggest adventure attraction after Tiger Falls.
The Ancient Myths & Pandava Connection
The Jaunsari tribes call them “Pandavon ki Gufa” and swear by these two stories:
- Mahabharata Hideout (Most believed legend) During the 13-year exile, the Pandavas lived here for several months. Bhima is said to have dug the long tunnels with his mace when they needed more space. Locals claim the milk-white stalactites are actually drops of Draupadi’s tears frozen in time.
- The Shepherd & the Sleeping Tiger A Jaunsari shepherd once followed his lost goat deep into the cave and found a massive tiger sleeping on a bed of gold coins (guarding ancient treasure). Terrified, he ran back and sealed the entrance with stones. The “treasure chamber” has never been found again, but many stalactites still glow golden when torchlight hits them at the right angle.
Even today, local guides perform a small puja with incense before entering the main chamber — “to ask permission from the old guardians”.
What Makes Budher Caves So Special
- The longest natural limestone caves in Uttarakhand are open to tourists
- Spectacular formations: stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, natural mirrors, and soda-straws that look like chandeliers
- 100-ft vertical drop inside the first chamber — perfect for safe rappelling (certified instructors available)
- Year-round cool temperature (12–15 °C) — feels like natural AC in summer
- Zero light pollution inside — switch off torches and experience total darkness & silence
- Echoes that last up to 12 seconds — shout “Jai Bhole” and listen to the mountain reply!
Complete Visit & Adventure Details
Distance from Chakrata: 30 km (1 hour drive + 2 km easy forest walk) Road condition: Motorable till cave entrance parking (sedan friendly) Trek: 2 km gentle downhill (25 min) — stone path laid in 2024 Total time required: 3–4 hours (including rappelling & photography) Guide fee: ₹300–400 per group (compulsory — caves are pitch black) Rappelling: ₹600–800 per person (includes harness, helmet, instructor) Best visiting slot: 9 AM – 2 PM (to catch natural light beams inside)
2026 Updates:
- Solar lighting has been installed up to the first chamber
- Proper iron ladders & safety ropes added
- Changing room & shoe storage at the entrance
Best Time to Visit Budher Caves
| Month | Inside Temp | Experience | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|
| March–June | 12–15 °C | Cool & comfortable; best for rappelling | Very low |
| July–August | 14–18 °C | Dripping wet; dramatic water sounds | Low |
| Sep–Nov | 10–14 °C | Driest & clearest formations | Moderate |
| Dec–Feb | 8–12 °C | Icicles & frozen drips — surreal! | Almost zero |
Avoid heavy rain days — water flow increases inside tunnels.
What to Carry for Budher Caves
- Full-sleeve shirt & track pants (cave floor can be muddy)
- Sports/trekking shoes with good grip
- Spare socks & small towel
- Headlamp or powerful torch (phone flashlight not enough)
- Water bottle & light snacks
- Camera (no flash photography allowed inside)
- Light jacket (cool inside)
Local Food Near Budher Caves
- Famous “Cave Maggi Point” at parking — ₹60 with extra cheese & mountain view
- Fresh rhododendron juice (seasonal) — ₹50
- Homemade Jaunsari lunch at nearby village (on request) — ₹200
Safety & Responsible Tourism Rules
- Maximum 15 people allowed inside at one time
- No touching or breaking formations (they take 100 years to grow 1 cm)
- Do not write names on walls
- Carry back everything you bring
- No children below 10 years for rappelling
How to Reach the Budher Caves from Delhi
Delhi → Dehradun → Chakrata → Budher village → Caves parking Total: 340 km | 9 hours Our Chakrata packages include a full-day guided trip to Budher Caves with rappelling option.
Budher Caves are not just a tourist spot — they are a journey back in time. One moment you’re walking through pine forests, the next you’re standing inside a 5-km-long underground palace built by nature and guarded by Pandavas and tigers for thousands of years.
Still mysterious. Still thrilling. Still waiting to echo your name.
Ready to descend into the legend? Book your Chakrata + Budher Caves adventure now → https://www.tourmyholiday.com/packageDetails/chktopkg
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