Recently viral as Mini Thailand in Nepal, Abu Khaireni‘s Aina Pahara, also known as Mirror Waterfall, offers a great spot for relaxation when you’re traveling along the Prithvi Highway.
Whether you’re in a private vehicle or on a public bus or HiAce, this waterfall is just 6 km from Mungling.
And note that it’s not like other waterfalls. You’re also greeted with beautifully crafted architecture, which you’ve likely seen in numerous TikTok videos and Instagram reels.
Ok! Let me get into the details now.
Key Facts About Aina Pahara
| Location | Abu Khaireni, Tanahun, Gandaki Province |
| Distance (from Mungling) | 6 km |
| Distance (from Kathmandu) | 115 km approx. |
| Distance (from Pokhara) | 85 km approx. |
| Distance (from Chitwan) | 45 km approx. |
| Fall height | 60 m (source) |
| Modes of transportation | Public/Private vehicle |
| Best time to visit | June – September |
How to Reach Aina Pahara?
As mentioned earlier, Aina Pahara is located in Abu Khaireni, Tanahun. It serves as a central point between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
You can also visit it during a trip to Gorkha, Bandipur, or even Chitwan. It’s an additional location that fits well into any itinerary. Doesn’t that sound great?
That being said, don’t just randomly drive here. The spot is right beside the highway, requiring no extra effort, making it perfect to combine with other trips.
Directions:
- From Kathmandu or Chitwan: First, reach Mungling and then head toward Tanahun. Keep your eyes on the left, and you should reach it within 10 minutes.
- From Pokhara or Bandipur: First, reach Abu Khaireni Chowk and then head toward the Kathmandu road. Keep your eyes on the right, and you’ll notice the huge welcome board.
If you’re on a public vehicle, just ask the driver to drop you at Aina Pahara, and that’s it.
No hiking is required, although you’ll need to climb a few stairs while admiring the different architectural pieces.
Do I Need to Pay an Entrance Fee at Aina Pahara?
Yes, there is an entrance fee.
It costs Rs. 50 per person. However, if two people are visiting, they’ll issue a combined ticket for Rs. 100.
Unlike other waterfalls in Nepal, Aina Pahara is well-managed. So, Rs. 50 shouldn’t hurt your wallet. In fact, the price is worth it.
Just one problem, though — there isn’t enough space for parking. In fact, there’s no private parking spot at all.
There’s a small space right in front of the entrance gate, just next to the Prithvi Highway, where you’re supposed to park.
While this might not be a big issue on less crowded days, a busy Saturday can definitely cause problems. This is something the management needs to address.
What to Expect From Aina Pahara?
If you’re visiting after watching viral TikTok videos and Instagram reels, let me first say: DON’T KEEP HIGH EXPECTATIONS (like we did!).
Yes, the stone-carved statues you’ve seen online are incredibly beautiful, but the place itself is quite small — and that’s about it!
The main attractions are these stone-carved statues, which is why many people call it Mini Thailand. However, honestly, the name doesn’t do justice. It’s nothing like Thailand.
Even so, it’s worth a visit. It’s a place where you can admire the effort put into the architecture, which is why I’d say you should stop by when you’re on your way to Pokhara.
Here’s what you can expect:
- First, you’ll be greeted by a mermaid fountain and some elephant statues.
- As you climb the stairs, you’ll see a wooden bridge, followed by a statue of a mother and her child portraying motherhood.
- Then, you’ll come across an angel statue, followed by the head of an elephant, which probably depicts Lord Ganesha.
- You’ll need to climb a few more stairs to catch a glimpse of the waterfall. The photos I’ve shared were taken in autumn/pre-winter, so the waterfall wasn’t very big. During the monsoon, the view would be much more impressive.
- You can even take a shower there, though there’s not enough space for swimming.
Expected Budget
There are a few restaurants around where you can grab some snacks or lunch.
Snacks + Lunch + Petrol/Public bus fare: That’s all you’ll need for Aina Pahara!
This is a fantastic spot that you can enjoy within a budget of Rs. 500 max.
Final Words
Did you like this short stop-by destination in the Tanahun district?
If so, I’m pretty sure you’ll love visiting Lamo Jharana, also known as Jalbire Waterfall.
For more short destinations, keep visiting our site — Travel Nepal Today!
Happy traveling to Tanahun!
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