First and foremost, many of us seem to be confused between ‘Mailung’ and ‘Bhange.’ The jharana has become so popular that many refer to it as ‘Mailung Waterfall’.
However, the correct name is Bhange Waterfall. Mailung is simply the name of the place, located in Uttargaya, Rasuwa.
So yes, you heard that right—you’ll need to visit the Rasuwa district. But don’t worry; the ride is shorter than you might imagine.
There are also two main photogenic spots, and the ride after entering Rasuwa is mostly off-road.
Stick with me until the end to get all the details about this short yet amazing journey.
Key Facts About Mailung/Bhange Waterfall
| Location | Uttargaya, Rasuwa, North-Central Nepal |
| Distance (from Kathmandu) | 66 – 70 km approx. |
| Time to reach | 3 – 3.5 hours |
| Fall Height | 150 m (source) |
| Modes of transportation | Private vehicle |
| Best time to visit | June – September |
Ride/Drive to Mailung Waterfall
Personally, I took my motorcycle, and it was an incredible 70 km adventure (about 3.5 hours).
First, we enjoyed scenic views while leaving Kathmandu via the Tokha-Bidur Road that connects to the Trishuli Highway.
Then came the challenging off-road section after Betrawati Bazaar!
Here’s the route you need to take:
Tokha > Gurje Bhanjyang > Chahare > Likhu > Dhikure > Battar > Trishuli > Betrawati
Tip: If you have time, consider visiting Lauke Jharana too. There’s a diversion board near Thanapati, clearly visible if you keep an eye to the left.
Once you reach Betrawati, you need to take a left turn and follow the corridors of the Trishuli River.
Be cautious not to follow the Pasang-Lhamu Highway, or you’ll end up in Laharepauwa, leading to Dhunche (the starting point of Gosaikunda Lake).
We made this mistake and had to turn back after nearly 5 km. That’s when we realized Google Maps is an essential travel companion!
The off-road stretch takes about an hour to the waterfall, so be prepared.
Before reaching the waterfall’s base, I recommend heading to the viewpoint first, which is about a 20–30 minute uphill off-road drive.
Are Public Vehicles Available?
If you’re considering reaching Mailung Waterfall without a private vehicle, it’s not impossible but certainly challenging.
There’s no direct bus service that takes you to the waterfall. But you may take a public bus heading to Rasuwa, get off at Betrawati Bazaar, and hike the rest of the way.
The hike is about 12–15 km and can take 4–5 hours. Maybe try hitchhiking?
If you plan your trip this way, consider spending the night at the viewpoint, where a few hotels are available.
Know of any updates or tips regarding public bus? Feel free to share them in the comments below.
Reaching The Mailung Waterfall View Point
The Mailung Waterfall Viewpoint is in Dadagaun, Thulogaun.
After a 20-minute ride/drive from Betrawati, you’ll reach the entrance gate. As I mentioned earlier, the path is uphill and entirely off-road.
Many people skip this spot and instead head straight to the base of the waterfall. But as I always say, since you’ve come this far, missing it might be something you’ll regret later.
Honestly, the view from the bottom is more breathtaking than from the top, so the choice is yours!
If you’re planning to have lunch, though, definitely visit the viewpoint. We enjoyed a delicious plate of ‘dal bhat’ with a stunning view of the waterfalls in that region.
Getting to the Base of Mailung Waterfall
After capturing some great photos and enjoying lunch, head back to the entrance gate and take a right turn to reach the base of Bhange Jharana.
It’s just a 15–20 minute ride/drive to witness the mesmerizing beauty of this waterfall. Watching the water cascade feels like it’s in slow motion!
You can park your vehicle right in front of the waterfall. Be warned though—Saturdays can get overwhelmingly crowded (as we experienced).
But here’s the cool part: the waterfall is so massive that you can even hike halfway up to get even a closer look.
We skipped this route and instead had fun swimming and playing at the base.
Don’t forget to bring your swimming trunks, or you’ll end up soaking your clothes like we did! :p
Is This a Night Out or a Day Trip?
This answer is entirely up to you.
Spending a night at the Mailung Waterfall Viewpoint would be incredible, especially if you set up camp for an even better experience.
We met some campers who claimed that the morning view was even more breathtaking!
However, if you’re planning a day trip, you can easily complete it in 9–10 hours.
We had started our journey at 7 AM and were back home by 5 PM. Just don’t rush—take your time to connect with nature.
Whether you stay overnight or not, Mailung Waterfall is undoubtedly a perfect weekend getaway for those in Kathmandu.
Expected Budget
Your budget depends on whether you stay the night.
For a day trip, your expenses should range between Rs. 700–1200, primarily for lunch and fuel.
A night stay can increase the expense by Rs. 1500 – 2000, depending on the hotel’s package.
Oh! And one thing I forgot to mention…We also tried the local cucumber, but it was disappointing.
It was expensive (Rs. 50 for a slice!) and was too bitter. Maybe we just got unlucky! Let me know your experience if you try it.
Final Words
That’s everything you need to know about Mailung/Bhange Jharana.
Now that you’ve read this guide, I hope you’re going to plan this trip with your friends. While you’re at it, consider exploring other local spots in Nuwakot.
We also visited Nuwakot Durbar Square Museum, which was just a 15-minute uphill drive from Battar Bazaar (and a well-paved road too!).
Found this guide helpful? Bookmark our site Travel Nepal Today for more short-trip ideas from Kathmandu.
And lastly, happy traveling to north-central Nepal!
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