Rupse Waterfall: Where the Highway Meets the Sky

The road from Beni climbs steadily through the Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge on earth, with the peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna watching from above. Around a curve near Dana village, the air changes. A cool mist drifts across the road, and a distant roar grows louder with each passing metre. Then you see it: Rupse Waterfall, a 300-metre cascade plunging from the cliffs above, crashing against the rocks before disappearing into the river below.

I had heard about this waterfall from other travellers on the Annapurna Circuit. "You can't miss it," they said. "It's right on the highway." But nothing prepared me for the spectacle of it: water falling from a height of nearly 1,000 feet, the mist catching the afternoon light, and the sound of it filling the entire valley. This is not a hidden waterfall. It is a dramatic, unmissable stop on one of Nepal's most scenic routes.

The 300-Metre Wonder

Rupse Falls, also known as Rupse Jharna or Rupse Chahara, is located in the Dana area of Myagdi District, along the Beni-Jomsom Highway. It is approximately 110 kilometres from Pokhara and sits at an elevation of 1,800 metres, surrounded by the rugged cliffs of the Annapurna region.

At 300 metres, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Nepal, its water descending in a powerful, almost vertical drop that creates a constant spray visible from the road. The waterfall is fed by streams from the surrounding hills and flows into the Kali Gandaki River below, which carves the deepest gorge in the world between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs.

A Stop That Demands to Be Made

The beauty of Rupse Waterfall is its accessibility. Unlike many of Nepal's natural wonders, which require days of trekking, this waterfall is visible directly from the highway. As you travel from Beni toward Jomsom and Mustang, the waterfall appears on your left, a white ribbon against the brown and green cliffs.

The roar of the water reaches you before the view does. It builds slowly as you approach, a low rumble that becomes a thunderous crash as you stop and step out of the vehicle. The spray cools your face, and on sunny days, rainbows dance in the mist. It is an experience that begins long before you arrive, as one traveller noted, "Even from inside the vehicle, you can clearly hear the powerful, rushing sound of the water falling against the rocks, which really builds up the excitement" .

A short walking path from the roadside leads to the upper sections of the falls, offering closer views and better photography angles. Local stalls sell tea and snacks, and the sense of community among travellers stopping to share the moment is palpable.

The 2020 Disaster and Recovery

Rupse Waterfall is not just beautiful; it is powerful and unpredictable. On July 20, 2020, a catastrophic multi-hazard event struck the area, triggered by the heaviest rainfall recorded since 1970. The Rupse River, which feeds the waterfall, experienced a major flood that lasted two hours and reached a maximum level of 35 metres at the edge of the waterfall.

Four landslides, each about 250 metres wide and 200 metres high, were triggered upstream, sending an enormous volume of water and debris down the valley. The flood destroyed parts of the Beni-Jomsom road, swept away a hotel at the Rupse site, and damaged the national electricity grid. It was a reminder that in the Himalayas, nature's beauty is inseparable from its raw, destructive power.

In the years since, the local government has worked to rebuild and improve tourism infrastructure. A project funded by a federal grant of Rs. 36.5 million began in 2024 to construct stairs, railings, footpaths, toilets, and a ticket counter at the waterfall. While the project faced delays after the contractor failed to meet deadlines, 75 per cent of the work has been completed, and the Annapurna Rural Municipality is committed to finishing the remaining facilities using its own funds. The goal is to develop Rupse Waterfall as a proper tourist destination, safe and accessible for all visitors.

Local Legends and Healing Waters

For the local communities, Rupse Waterfall is more than a scenic stop. The word "Rupse" is said to mean "beautiful" in Nepali, a fitting name for such a dramatic cascade. Local legends speak of the waterfall's spray having healing properties, drawing pilgrims to the site. The nearby Kali Gandaki River is also sacred, carrying Shaligram stones, the fossilised ammonites worshipped by Hindus as representations of Lord Vishnu.

These stories add a layer of depth to the experience. Standing at the waterfall, feeling the mist on your skin, it is easy to understand why people would believe in its curative powers. The air feels cleaner here, the world simpler. It is a place to pause, to breathe, and to connect with something larger than yourself.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Rupse Waterfall is best visited during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is stable and the views are clearest. The monsoon season (June to August) offers the most dramatic water flow, but the risk of landslides and slippery trails is significantly higher. Winter brings colder temperatures but still offers pleasant daytime conditions for a quick stop.

The waterfall is free to visit, though parking space is limited and roadside. Basic facilities like tea stalls and rest areas are available, but infrastructure is still developing. If you are travelling to Mustang, Muktinath, or the Annapurna Circuit, allow 30 to 60 minutes to stop, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. It is a brief detour that will stay with you long after you have left.

Why Rupse Waterfall Matters

I have seen many waterfalls in Nepal. Some are hidden, requiring long treks through dense forests. Others are crowded, surrounded by commercial development. Rupse Waterfall is different. It is accessible but not overrun, dramatic but not pretentious. It is a place where the traveller and the local community meet, where the roar of the water drowns out the noise of the world.

Rupse Fall, Myagdi District

Standing at the edge of the road, watching the water plunge into the gorge below, I felt a profound sense of peace. The Himalayas are full of grand spectacles: towering peaks, ancient monasteries, deep gorges. But there is something special about a place like Rupse, a natural wonder that demands nothing more than a moment of your time and offers everything in return. It is a reminder that in Nepal, beauty is not confined to the summit of a mountain. Sometimes, it is right there on the roadside, waiting for you to stop and notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rupse Waterfall located?
In Dana, Myagdi District, along the Beni-Jomsom Highway in western Nepal, about 110 km from Pokhara.

How tall is the waterfall?
Approximately 300 metres (984 feet), making it one of Nepal's tallest waterfalls.

How do I get there?
Drive or take a bus from Pokhara to Beni, then continue on the Beni-Jomsom highway. The waterfall is visible from the roadside near Dana village.

Do I need a permit?
No, the waterfall is a public roadside attraction. No permit is required to visit.

What is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer stable weather. Monsoon (June to August) has dramatic flow but landslide risks.

Is the waterfall accessible in winter?
Yes, but it can be cold. The water flow is reduced in winter, and fog can limit visibility.

Contact Us

📧 Email: info@karmanepal.org
📍 Address: Gairidhara-1, Kathmandu, Nepal 44600
🇳🇵 Nepal: +977-9814127396
🇦🇺 Australia: +61-406783014
🇳🇿 New Zealand: +64 22 461 5509