Davis Falls (Patale Chhango) | Pokhara

Information

Landmark: Davis Falls (Patale Chhango)
City: Pokhara
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Davis Falls (Patale Chhango), Pokhara, Nepal, Asia

Devi's Fall, known locally as Patale Chhango (Hell's Falls), is an unusual waterfall located in the southwestern part of the Pokhara Valley in Nepal. It is distinguished by the fact that the water forms a tunnel and disappears into an underground passage after the drop.

Visual Characteristics

The waterfall is fed by the outflow of Phewa Lake. The water cascades over a rock lip into a deep, narrow gorge and immediately enters a 500-meter-long subterranean canal. During the monsoon season (June–September), the volume of water is immense, creating high-velocity spray and significant noise. In the dry season, the intricate rock erosion patterns and the depth of the limestone chasm are more visible.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located in Chorepatan, Pokhara 33700, directly across the street from the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. It is approximately 2km southwest of the Pokhara Domestic Airport and 3km from the Lakeside district. It is easily accessible via taxi, local bus, or a 10-minute drive from the city center. A dedicated entrance gate and ticket booth manage visitor flow.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The name "Devi's Fall" originates from a 1961 accident involving a Swiss tourist named Devi (or Davis), who was swept away by the current and drowned in the underground passage. The local name, Patale Chhango, translates to "Underground Waterfall." Geologically, the site is part of the Pokhara karst landscape, where the Pardi Khola river has carved through soluble limestone and conglomerate rock.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation Decks: Fenced viewing platforms allow visitors to look directly into the chasm where the water disappears.

Wishing Well: A traditional luck-pond where visitors attempt to toss coins onto a central statue.

Model Houses: The park area surrounding the falls features replicas of traditional Nepali houses and displays of ethnic costumes.

Photography: Capture the unique geological phenomenon of a "receding" waterfall.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is developed as a tourist park with paved walkways and safety railings. It includes public restrooms, a small garden, and a row of souvenir and handicraft shops at the entrance. 4G cellular coverage is stable. Numerous cafes and restaurants are located immediately outside the park gates in Chorepatan.

Best Time to Visit

The waterfall is most dramatic during the Monsoon (July to September) when the water volume is at its peak. For clearer views of the rock formations and the tunnel entrance, the post-monsoon months (October to November) are optimal. The site is open daily from 05:00 to 19:00.

Facts & Legends

The water that disappears at Devi's Fall travels through a natural tunnel and re-emerges several hundred meters away at the Phusre Khola. The cave system connected to the falls is linked to the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, which sits directly underneath the waterfall's path.