One of the best methods to keep away from the crowd of people in Kathmandu is to trek around the waterfalls in the neighborhood. There are too many waterfalls lying around in and around the Kathmandu valley. It only takes a 2-4 hour drive to reach most of the frostiest waterfalls. To inform you, we have introduced the 10 Best Waterfalls in Kathmandu in this blog.
Each of these waterfalls is unique in its own way. These waterfalls, which can be visited on a day trip, you can either choose to go for a hike/ hiking in the mountains/tranquilize/the trip to these waterfalls is an amazing quick getaway in nature. If you are a fan of nature, if you love hiking, or if you prefer a nice peaceful, pleasurable getaway, this blog will introduce you to the best of the falls in Kathmandu to travel to but first, you should be clear about which is the most suitable time of the year to visit a waterfall.
Best Season to See the Waterfall:
The best time to visit the waterfall is the time of clouds and rainbows which is about eight months every year, this is the period when they release the most amount of water. Although you can go on a waterfall trip at any month, the time during the monsoon the best. More rain leads to greater amount of water flowing on the waterfalls, which in turn leads to the creation of spectacular water cascades. Despite this, if the trail leading to the waterfall is through a hike, additional caution is necessary due to slippery trails, landslides, and leeches.
RehumanizeIt happens that after the monsoon season, the autumn months from September to November provide excellent viewing of the waterfalls. The cooler winter months are (December to February) are less visited, but there also may not be enough water to make your visit interesting. Also, during the spring the waterfall scene is incredibly captivating since the bees, the flowers, and other foliage are blooming..
Things to consider before you visit a waterfall:
- Check the local weather forecast and trail conditions before planning your visit to any waterfall.
- Some waterfalls may be located at higher elevations, so accessibility can be affected by snow or difficult terrain during the winter months.
- Always prioritize safety and follow any regulations or guidelines provided by local authorities and park management.
1) Jhor Waterfall:
✅Location: Tokha, Mahankal
✅Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
✅Transportation: Bike, cycle, and car
Jhor is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Kathmandu valley. Located in Tokha, Mahankal, this waterfall is situated close to the border of the Kathmandu and Nuwakot districts. The main source of the Jhor waterfall is the water from the Shivapuri National Park.
There is also a temple called Baundeshwor situated here. This temple structure is naturally formed. It is inside the Baundeshwor Cave. You can also visit this temple. Many locals also visit the Jhor waterfall with their friends and families for a picnic.
Jhor-Waterfall
This place offers a serene oasis in the bustling Kathmandu valley. You will be surrounded by fresh air and forests here. From Kathmandu, it takes a 1 hour and 45 minutes ride to reach Jhor. You can ride a bike, cycle, or a car here.
From the parking area, the waterfall is located within 5 minutes of walking. The water is clean, so you can take a shower or just keep your feet and enjoy the refreshing coldness of the water falling from the cliff. Beneath the Jhor waterfall, there is also a small Lord Mahadev shrine.
How to reach the Jhol Waterfall?
- Samakhusi-Greenland-Grande Hospital-Tokha-Jhor
2) Simba Falls:
✅ Location: Manikhle village, Lalitpur
✅ Duration: 2 hours of driving and 45 minutes of walking from the last parking area
✅ Transportation: Car, bike, and scooter
Simba Falls is the combination of more than 5 different small waterfalls. It is located in the Manikhle village, Lalitpur, a rural yet traditional Tamang village located approximately 50 kilometers away from Kathmandu on a hilltop. The elevation of this village is 2,000 meters from sea level.
The surrounding view, including the Simba Falls, is phenomenal from here. The name of this waterfall, Simba, means beautiful in the Tamang language. The water is always cold here. From the last vehicle stop, it takes 45 minutes to reach the waterfall.
Simba-Falls
You can go to Simba Falls via three routes- Satdobato, Bhaisepati, and Chobhar. Given the peaceful location of Simba Falls, it is one of the best places in the outskirts of Kathmandu to enjoy nature and tranquility. On the way to this waterfall, you can also stop at Tileshwor Mahadev in Lele. There is also a sacred pond called Saraswati Kunda. From Lele, Manikhel is around 20 km away.
How to reach the Simba Fall?
- Datdobato-Chapa Gaun-Lele-Bhardev-Chaugharey-Gotikhel-Manikhel
3) Kageshwori Jharna:
✅ Location: Kageshwori Manohara Municipality
✅ Duration: 3 hours
✅ Transportation: Car, bike, and scooter
Kageshwori Jharna (waterfall) is situated 25 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu. It is also a religious place. The name Kageshwori means Kag- crown and Ishwori- god. Here, devotees worship crows and offer them delicious food. The temple has the stature of a crow, and many locals visit here during Tihar.
In comparison to the temple, the Kageshwori waterfall is less popular among the locals, but it is quite a beautiful and serene place to visit to take a break from the bustle of Kathmandu.
Kageshwori-Jharna
How to reach the Kageshwori Jharna?
Head east towards the Araniko Highway, also known as the Kathmandu-Bhaktapur Highway. This is the main road that connects Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. After entering Bhaktapur, continue on the Araniko Highway.
Once you reach the Kageshwori Manohara Municipality, keep an eye out for signs or ask for directions to Kageshwori Jharna. The waterfall is located near the Kageshwori Temple. You can take a local bus or microbus from Ratna Park or Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. These buses are labeled Bhaktapur or Suryabinayak.
4) Bishnudwar Waterfall:
✅ Location: Shivapuri Hills
✅ Duration: 2 hours ride and half an hour hike
✅ Transportation: Car, bike, scooter, and hike
Bishnudwar waterfall is a super cool waterfall in the count of Kathmandu which is one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in Kathmandu as well as one of the most scenic places in the area. It is situated on the Bishumati river (one of the holy rivers in Kathmandu) issuing from the range of Shivapuri Hills. At any time of year, this fall is not only a beauty break from the city’s noise, but it is religiously significant to the local people. The name of the waterfall represents the Hindu Lord Bishnu.
Bishnudwar-Jharana
This place also has religious importance to Buddhists.To hike to this waterfall, you must first drive to Budhanilkantha where the hike path begins. It will take you about 30-40 minutes from there through Shivapuri National Park. You will be revitalized by the nature of the woods with tranquility and clean atmosphere.
How to reach the Bishnudwar Waterfall?
- Drive to Budhanilkantha and hike for around half an hour from here to reach Bishnudwar waterfall.
5) Nagarkot Waterfall:
✅ Location: Nagarkot
✅ Duration: 3 hours
✅ Transportation: Car, bike, and scooter
Nagarkot is a well-known hill station next to Kathmandu.It is located 25 kilometers away and is a perfect getaway from city life. The roughness of the way to Nagarkot may be a bit tough, but you will enjoy green hills, clean air, quiet environment, and waterfalls in this area in case you reach there.
Nagarkot-Waterfall
Just as if you proceed on foot towards the vantage point, you may also be able to catch a glimpse of the snow-covered Himalayan mountains on a bright day.The Nagarkot waterfall is a few strides away from Jalpadevi temple.It is a picturesque waterfall amid dense green hills and forests.
How to reach the Nagarkot Waterfall?
Begin your individual-driven journey from Kathmandu. The Katmandu-Madhurasan Rajmarg heading eastwards and turning right the Araniko Highway (Kathmandu-Bhaktapur Highway). You can utilize the local bus or microbus services available at Ratna Park or Gongabu in Kathmandu. Search for buses tagged Suryabinayak alternatively Bhaktapur on them before boarding. For those who love hiking, it is possible to hike to Nagarkot from different corners of Kathmandu or Bhaktapuk.
6) Tindhare Jharna:
✅ Location: Kavrepalanchowk district
✅ Duration: 5 hours
✅ Transportation: Car, bike, and scooter
Tindhare Jharna is also known as Bahubali waterfall. Because this waterfall resembles the waterfall shown in the movie Bahubali, locals call it by this name. It is a 300-meter-tall waterfall located in the Kavrepalanchowk district. Around the waterfall, there are three streams that pass from the Mahabharata Range, a part of the Himalayas.
Tindhare-Jharana
The word Tindhare actually means three streams as well. From Kathmandu, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach this waterfall and also involves a few miles of hiking from the parking area. The trail is a bit slippery and offbeat, so you have to be careful while walking.
Likewise, it is also not well marked, so you have to be attentive and ask for directions from the locals. However, once you reach the waterfall, its beauty will mesmerize you. On the way to Tindhare waterfall, you will cross the Roshi river bridge, where locals go for fishing.
How to reach the Tindhare Jharna?
From Kathmandu, you can use a bike or hire a jeep to travel to Tindhare Kharna. There are two ways to go to this waterfall:
- Kathmandu-Dhulikhel- Namo Budhha- Dapcha-Pangu-Kafal Dadha-Tindhara Jhar
- Kathmandu-Banepa-Panauti-Sankhu-Namo Buddha-Dapcha-Pangu-Kafal Dadha-Tindhara Jharna
7) Mohini Jharna:
✅ Location: Markhu, Kulekhani
✅ Duration: 3-4 hours
✅ Transportation: Car, bike, and scooter
Mohani Jharna is also known as Thado Khola. It is situated 33 kilometers away from Kathmandu in Markhu, Kulekhani. Not many people know about this beautiful waterfall. It is on the outskirts of Kathmandu and presents a lovely gateway from the city.
Mohini-Jharna
Mohani Jharna is one of the perfect places for a day excursion around Kathmandu. There is a natural pool right next to the waterfall, where you can swim as well. The waterfall is stunning, and the serene surrounding makes this place quite attractive.
How to reach the Mohani Jharna?
- Kirtipur-Pharping-Fakhel-Kulekhnai, Markhu-Mohani Jharna
8) Jalbire Waterfall:
✅ Location: Chitwan
✅ Duration: 4 hours
✅ Transportation: Car and bike
Jalbire waterfall is also known as Lamo Jharna. This waterfall is located in Chitwan and takes around 4 hours of drive from Kathmandu to reach here. You have to use a private vehicle to travel to this waterfall as there is no direct transportation.
Jalbire-Waterfall
On the way to Jalbire waterfall, you can stop at Malekhu to have fresh and delicious fish dishes. Following the Mugling-Narayanghat highway, you will drive to Jalbire. From here, the waterfall is located 1 kilometer away.
The ride offers mesmerizing views of lush green hills, terraced farms, and the Trishuli river. From the parking area, you have to climb a few staircases and walk on foot to reach the waterfall. The waterfall is 60 meters tall. You can do canyoning and swimming here.
How to reach the Jalbire Waterfall?
- Drive following the Mugling-Narayanghat highway from Kathmandu and continue to Jalbire. From here, the waterfall is located one kilometer within this place.
9) Sundarijal Waterfall:
✅ Location: Sundarijal
✅ Duration: 3 hours ride and half an hour hike
✅ Transportation: Car, bike, scooter, and hike
Sundarijal is located 17 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu at 2,340 meters. It is a small village and gateway to the Shivapuri National Park. Sundarijal is a famous place for a picnic, hiking, swimming, waterfall, biking, etc.
Shivapuri-Sundarijal-Waterfall
The Sundarijal waterfall is also known for canyoning under the guidance of an expert. The Sundarijal waterfall is around 75 meters tall. Locals also visit this place to bathe in the spring water and get blessings at the temple of Sundari Mai.
From the old bus park in Kathmandu, you can take a direct bus to Budhanilkantha, and from here, begin hiking towards Sundarijal. After around half an hour of uphill hiking, you will reach Sundarijal waterfall. The trail is a bit slippery, so you have to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
How to reach the Sundarijal Waterfall?
You can take a local bus or microbus from Ratna Park or Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu to Sundarijal. Look for buses labeled Sundarijal or Changu Narayan.
The bus will take you to the Sundarijal bus stand. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, where the trail to the waterfall begins.
10) Muhanpokhari:
✅ Location: A few kilometers above Budhanilkantha temple
✅ Duration: Around 1-2 hours
✅ Transportation: Bike, scooter, car, hike
Mohini-Jharana
Muhanpokhari is located a few kilometers up from Budhanilkantha temple. The steps-like structure of this river makes it resemble a waterfall. However, it is not a proper waterfall but offers a lovely retreat in Kathmandu. The crystal-clear water of this small river surrounded by lush forests offers a peaceful moment.