Jalbire Waterfall (Lamo Jharana) | Bhaktapur

Information

Landmark: Jalbire Waterfall (Lamo Jharana)
City: Bhaktapur
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Jalbire Waterfall (Lamo Jharana), Bhaktapur, Nepal, Asia

Jalbire Waterfall, colloquially known as Lamo Jharana, is a prominent cascading water feature located in the Ichchakamana Rural Municipality of the Chitwan District in Nepal. It is situated along the Mugling-Narayangarh highway and serves as a major recreational and adventure site within the Mahabharat Range.

Visual Characteristics

The waterfall features a vertical drop of approximately 60 meters (with some reports reaching 102 meters), characterized by water striking rugged stone cliffs and natural rockslides. It terminates in a four-foot-deep plunge pool and a series of smaller jumping pools. The surrounding topography consists of dense subtropical forests, lush green hills, and steep moss-covered rock formations.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located 6 km south of Mugling and 30 km north of Narayangarh along the Narayangadh-Mugling highway. Access begins at the Jalbire Temple (Jalpa Devi Temple), from which a 1 km uphill trail leads to the falls. This path takes approximately 20–30 minutes to traverse on foot or 10 minutes by 4WD vehicle, though the terrain is notably steep and slippery.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The waterfall is a natural hydrological feature of the Trisuli River basin, formed by long-term erosion of the local limestone and metamorphic rock. It was formally developed for tourism in the late 20th century by the local Waterfall Development Committee to provide a sustainable economic resource for the surrounding Gurung and ethnic communities.

Key Highlights & Activities

Canyoning (waterfall rappelling) is the primary adventure activity, utilizing the natural rock faces for technical descents. Swimming is permitted in the maintained lower pond and natural jumping pools. The site is a popular location for music video production and amateur photography due to the unobstructed panoramic views of the green valley.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a concrete ticket house, asphalted access sections, and a series of concrete stairs with safety railings. Public restrooms and water taps are available near the entrance. Cellular signal (4G) is generally functional due to proximity to the highway. Small local shops at the highway junction provide basic snacks and water, but there are no major food vendors at the waterfall edge.

Best Time to Visit

The waterfall reaches peak aesthetic volume during the monsoon months (June to August), though the trail becomes hazardous. For canyoning and swimming, the summer months (March to May) are preferred for warmer water temperatures and manageable flow. Entry is generally permitted between 08:00 and 18:00 daily.

Facts & Legends

Local tradition associates the site with the Jalpa Devi Temple at the highway, where travelers often stop to pay respects before the ascent. A verified historical oddity is the recent expansion of the site’s infrastructure through a joint 1.1 million NPR investment by provincial and federal governments, which directly supports over 500 local households through tourism revenue.