10 Best Waterfalls Near Kathmandu

10 Best Waterfalls Near Kathmandu

One of the best ways to escape the bustle of Kathmandu is to visit waterfalls around the city. There are many waterfalls located around the Kathmandu valley. In just 2 to 4 hours of driving, you will find yourself standing face-to-face with some of the most gorgeous waterfalls. We have written this blog to reveal the 10 best waterfalls in Kathmandu.

All of these waterfalls have their own unique allure. From tranquil retreats to adventurous hikes, the trip to these waterfalls offers a fantastic quick retreat in nature. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a hiking lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this blog will present you with the best waterfalls in Kathmandu to visit, but first, you have to know which is the ideal time to visit a waterfall.

Best Season to See the Waterfall:

You can visit a waterfall any time of the year. However, the monsoon (June to August) is when the waterfalls are most impressive. Heavy rainfall leads to strong and gushing water flows, creating breathtaking cascades. However, if the route includes a hike to the waterfall, you have to be extra careful because of slippery trails, landslides, and leeches.

Likewise, post-monsoon (autumn) from September to November is another great time to see waterfalls. The winter season (December to February) sees less crowd, however the waterfall may have reduced flow. And spring (March to May) makes the waterfall landscape phenomenal because of all the flowers and vegetation blossoming.

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.

10 Waterfalls in Kathmandu:

S.No.	Waterfalls
1	Jhor Waterfalls
2	Simba Falls
3	Kageshwori Jharna
4	Bishnudwar Waterfall
5	Nagarkot Waterfall
6	Tindhare Jharna
7	Mohini Jharna
8	Jalbire Waterfall
9	Sundarijal Waterfall
10	Muhanpokhari

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.

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.

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.

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 one of the gorgeous waterfalls around Kathmandu. It is located at the source of the holy Bishnumati river on the top of the Shivapuri Hills. This waterfall not only offers a lovely break from the noise of the city but also holds religious significance. The name of the waterfall represents the Hindu Lord Bishnu.

This place also has religious importance to Buddhists. If you wish to hike to this waterfall, you have to first drive to Budhanilkantha, where the hiking trail starts. From here, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes of walking via the Shivapuri National Park. The forested trail with serene surroundings and fresh air will rejuvenate you.

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 famous hill station near Kathmandu. It is located 25 kilometers away from the city and offers a serene retreat from the bustle of the cities. The road to Nagarkot is a bit bumpy, but once you reach there, the lush green hills, crisp air, serene surroundings, and waterfalls offer a fantastic break from the city.

Likewise, if you walk up to the viewpoint, you may also get to witness the snow-capped Himalayan mountains on a clear day. The Nagarkot waterfall is located a short distance from Jalpadevi temple. It is a very beautiful waterfall amidst lush green hills and forests.

How to reach the Nagarkot Waterfall?

✔ If you are driving privately, start your journey from Kathmandu. The most common route is to head east and take the Araniko Highway (Kathmandu-Bhaktapur Highway) towards Bhaktapur.

✔ You can take a local bus or microbus from Ratna Park or Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. Look for buses labeled Bhaktapur or Suryabinayak.

✔ If you enjoy hiking, you can also trek to Nagarkot from various points in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur.

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.

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:

1_ Kathmandu-Dhulikhel- Namo Budhha- Dapcha-Pangu-Kafal Dadha-Tindhara Jharna
2_ 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

How to reach Muhanpokhari?

✔ From Kathmandu, you have to drive to Budhanilkantha temple. From here, go uphill. This place is quite famous among the locals, so you can ask for directions. You can use a bike, scooter, car, etc to get there.

Most Asked Question of Famous Waterfalls in Kathmandu:

1) Does Nepal have waterfalls?

✔ Yes, Nepal has some of the most beautiful waterfalls. Moreover, there are many waterfalls around the famous tourist cities- Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.

2) Which is the best waterfall in Kathmandu Valley?

✔ There are many gorgeous waterfalls around Kathmandu valley. Some of them are Simba Falls, Tindhare Jharna, Jhor Waterfall, Thado Khola Jarna, Sundarijal Waterfall, etc.

3) What is the biggest waterfall in Nepal?

✔ Pachal waterfall in the Kalikot district of Karnali is one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal. It is 481 meters tall. Likewise, Hyatung Falls is another big waterfall in Nepal. It is approximately 1,500 meters from sea level. The total height of this waterfall is 365 meters.

4) Which is the underground waterfall in Nepal?

✔ Devi's Falls in Pokhara is an underground waterfall in Nepal. The waterfall is fed by the Phewa Lake Dam.

5) Do I have to get a permit to visit a waterfall?

✔ It depends on whether you are a foreign traveler and the location of the waterfall. If the waterfall is situated inside a national park, then as a foreign traveler, you have to buy a permit. For locals, some nationals require permits, and some don't.