The Best Known Waterfalls in Nepal

Where there are mountains, waterfalls are likely to follow. Nowhere is this more evident than in Nepal. Home to several of the world’s largest mountains, it’s also a treasure trove of waterfalls, several of them over a thousand feet tall. With such a wealth of cascades, it’s not easy to choose just some of Nepal’s best waterfalls, and yet we’ve done it. From the tallest cataracts to waterfalls near Kathmandu, we’ve got quite the lofty list.

Each waterfall has its unique charm, be it the breathtaking heights from which the water descends, the pristine pools it cascades into, or the lush landscapes that surround it. Ranging from towering cataracts hidden within the Himalayas’ majestic crags to quaint falls nestled within the verdant valleys closer to Kathmandu, these natural spectacles offer not only visual delight but also a tranquil retreat.

Brace yourselves as we embark on this fascinating journey, weaving our way through the thunderous roar and misty spray of Nepal’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls.

Pachal Waterfall or “Pachal Jharana” is a gargantuan cataract in the northwestern province of Karnali. Here, it plunges some 1,250 feet down a rugged mountainside, probably the tallest of all Nepalese waterfalls.

Tucked away in the verdant wilderness of the Terhathum District, in the eastern province of Kosi, lies the mesmerising Hyatung Waterfall. Its riveting descent, from a height of around 1200 feet, secures its place among the best-known waterfalls in Nepal. This natural spectacle may appear as a single plunge from afar, but up close, it unfurls into a multi-tiered display of nature’s artistry.

No roundup of the waterfalls of Nepal would be complete without Rupse Falls. Nestled In the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, this staggering cataract dances its way down a sprawling talus in the Myagdi District, presenting a captivating 984-foot spectacle.

The spectacular Tindhare Jharana is one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in Nepal. Its 980 foot descent is a tri-streamed web over verdant greenery. Its name translates roughly as “three spouts”, although it has also become known as BahuBali Waterfall for its resemblance to the background of a scene in the 2015 epic movie by that name.

Starting as two streams that soon become one, the Pokali Waterfall meanders down in the picturesque hillsides of the Okhaldhunga district in western Nepal, finally emptying into the Likhu River. Counted among the most sacred of Nepalese waterfalls, it is also one of the grandest, its drop measuring around 430 feet.

Think you need to hike to get up close and personal with a waterfall? Well, one of Nepal’s best waterfalls offers a drive through experience. The Annapurna Roadside Waterfall is, as its name suggests, directly alongside the Annapurna circuit road. Also known as Chamje Waterfall after the local village development committee, its waters initially dive down, before a small hill makes them spray out, giving them a fishtail appearance.

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Nepal’s capital is one of the oldest inhabited places on the planet. And there are a staggering number of waterfalls near Kathmandu. We’ve already mentioned Tindhare, which is just 40 miles east of the city. To its north, there are several falls a mere stone’s throw including Fungfunge, Chiseni, Nagdhunga, and Jhor. Meanwhile, the five famous falls of Simba Jharna are about 15 miles south of the city centre.

And so, we’ve reached the peak; we’ve explored some of Nepal’s best waterfalls. And yet this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so very many waterfalls of Nepal out there to discover. They range from towering cascades hidden within the high crags of the Himalayas to more gentle, though equally captivating, falls found in the lowland regions. Each has its distinct personality, some demonstrating a singular, spectacular drop, others unravelling in a series of captivating tiers.

These waterfalls, besides being stunning visual spectacles, also play significant roles in the local ecosystem. They contribute to the area’s flora and fauna, and play an essential role in the hydrological cycle. Furthermore, the presence of such numerous waterfalls, each unique in its formation and characteristics, underlines the geologic dynamism of Nepal, a country where the forces of nature have crafted and continue to shape an awe-inspiring landscape.

The waterfalls of Nepal offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s unique geologic and ecological diversity. Their spectacular variety and the sheer scope for discovery they present attest to Nepal’s status as a treasure trove of natural wonders.