Visit Rahuney Cave at Kamling

Rahuney Cave lies at Kamling, in the Suldung area reached from Mangalbarey. The district administration describes it as the abode of Rahula, one of the dharma protectors of Tibetan Buddhism, and the source of the cave's name. It records the belief that Guru Padmasambhava meditated here in the 8th century for the long life of all beings, and that a stone in the centre of the cave stands for a tse bum, a vase of long life.

Rahula is shown in Buddhist art with a coiled serpent's body below the waist, nine heads and four arms, and covered in eyes; the district site says his thousand eyes can be seen on the cave walls. Devotees come throughout the year, and the main prayers are held around the time of Bumchu, when monks pray for the world's well-being. Treat the cave as a shrine: remove shoes where asked, do not touch offerings, and walk clockwise around sacred objects.

Go with a local guide, about ₹500–1,000; the approach is not signposted for visitors, and the guide can tell you which parts of the cave you may enter and photograph. Allow about three hours from Mangalbarey including the drive and walk. Carry a torch, water and shoes with grip, and avoid the monsoon, when paths are slippery. The district site lists bird watching and village walks nearby.