Lauke Jharana or Lauke Waterfall, is located just 21-24 km from Tokha, Kathmandu, in the scenic Nuwakot district.
A 1.5-hour ride or drive on a mostly smooth road makes this one of the best short-trip waterfall destinations near the capital—a perfect spot for a weekend getaway!
You’ve probably seen countless posts about this mesmerizing waterfall on social media, especially during the monsoon season. Now, it’s your turn to experience it!
In fact, you’ll be treated to not one but two waterfalls during your visit. Sounds exciting, right? Let’s dive into the details.
Key Facts About Lauke Waterfall
| Location | Kakani, Nuwakot, Central Nepal |
| Distance (from Kathmandu) | 21-24 km |
| Time to reach | 1.5 hours |
| Number of waterfalls | 2 (Thulo Chahare & Sano Chahare) |
| Modes of transportation | Private vehicle |
| Best time to visit | June – September |
Reaching Lauke Waterfall
Since most of you are starting from Kathmandu Valley, head first to Tokha, and follow the Bidur-Tokha road towards Nuwakot.
While Google Maps is usually helpful, it’s not recommended for this trip. The map hasn’t been updated for the most optimal route and might lead you to an uncomfortable path.
Here’s the recommended route:
Tokha Ganesthan Mandir > Jagat Bus Park > Sangla > Gurje Bhanjyang > Mahtong Waterfall > Thana Bhanjyang > Sunkhani > Thanapati
Pro Tip: On the way, consider stopping by the Jhor and Gurje waterfalls for additional sightseeing opportunities.
Once you reach Thanapati, you’ll find a diversion board. Take the uphill left road, which is just 15-20 minutes away from the final destination.
Don’t go all the way to the top. Look for a small parking area where other vehicles are parked. From here, it’s a short 15-minute hike to reach the waterfall.
Road Condition to Lauke Waterfall
The Tokha-Bidur road is one of the best routes into the Kathmandu Valley—smooth roads and beautiful scenic views all the way!
Note: I prefer this route when entering Kathmandu from out of the valley (Galchi – Charipauwa – Ratmate – Pipaltar – Battar – Thansing – Chahare – Thapagaon – Gurje Bhanjyang – Tokha).
Have you tried this alternative route to Kathmandu via Nuwakot? Do let me know in the comments below.
However, the final stretch to Lauke Waterfall includes a 15-minute off-road section after taking the uphill left towards the parking area.
Other than that, the road is in excellent condition.
What to Explore Here
Once you reach halfway through your hike, you get to a board sign that separates the two waterfalls.
We were unaware of this in the beginning. Since Thulo Chahare holds more importance, I suggest visiting this first:
Thulo Chahare (The Original ‘Lauke Jharana’)
This is the main attraction that everyone raves about! It’s a tall, powerful waterfall, offering stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Follow the path downhill and then uphill after the signboard to reach Thulo Chahare. You’ll first spot a natural swimming pool, perfect for a quick dip.
From there, a short 2-minute uphill climb leads to a better view of the waterfall.
Don’t forget to take a picture on this bridge that also captures the waterfall in the front:
For thrill-seekers, head to the base of the fall. Be cautious, though—the force of the water during the monsoon can be intense.
When we visited, the water pressure was so high that my phone’s camera lenses got fogged up, causing partial damage.
Lesson learned: Be careful with your devices near the spray!
Sano Chahare
After enjoying Thulo Chahare, head back to the signboard and take the trail towards Sano Chahare.
This part of the hike is mostly uphill and takes around 10-15 minutes. While this waterfall isn’t as grand as the first, it’s still worth a visit.
There’s a large rock that offers a great spot for photos. Ladies, consider trying the viral saree challenge here—it’s perfect for capturing scenic shots!
Don’t forget to try the local cucumbers sold along the way. For snacks or lunch, you’ll find plenty of local eateries on your ride back home.
The return hike is around 10-15 minutes, and the drive back to Kathmandu is about 1 hour.
Expected Budget
- Entry Fee: None—it’s completely free to visit Lauke Waterfall
- Parking Charges: None
- Transportation Costs: Only fuel, battery charges (for EVs), or public transport fares
- Food Costs: Snacks or lunch at local hotels
If you’re driving your own vehicle, expect to spend around Rs. 500-700 for the entire trip.
Note: Public transportation to the area isn’t available yet, but you can try getting on a bus that reaches Bidur or Rasuwa. I’ll update you on this soon!
Final Words
You see, the best travel experiences don’t require breaking the bank. Lauke Jharana is a magical spot that’s both budget-friendly and breathtaking.
If you’re in Kathmandu and haven’t visited this gem yet, you’re seriously missing out!
There are many more hidden treasures like this around the valley, and we’ll be covering them all on Travel Nepal Today. Make sure to bookmark our website for future guides.
For now, happy traveling to central Nepal!
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