Sightseeing · Pokhara
Davis Falls
A roaring Pokhara waterfall that drops into a sinkhole and vanishes into an underground tunnel.
Davis Falls is one of Pokhara's most unusual sights — a waterfall that does not pour into a visible river but plunges straight into a deep sinkhole and disappears into an underground tunnel. Known in Nepali as Patale Chhango, or the "underworld waterfall", it sits on the southern edge of the city, a short ride from Lakeside.
Overview
The falls form where the stream draining Phewa Lake suddenly drops through a narrow gorge and into a cavity in the rock. Rather than continuing along the surface, the water vanishes underground, re-emerging lower down and feeding the sacred stream inside the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave directly across the road. The name "Davis" is usually traced to a foreign visitor said to have drowned here when the water rose abruptly — a reminder that the smooth-looking pools above the drop are deceptively dangerous. After the monsoon the falls thunder; in the dry season the flow eases to a steadier cascade.
What to see and do
A short network of paved paths and viewing platforms lets you look down into the sinkhole where the water churns and disappears. Information boards explain the geology and the legend behind the name, and there are small gardens, a wishing pond and souvenir and snack stalls near the entrance. The most dramatic vantage point is right above the lip of the drop, where the roar of the water is loudest. Because the gorge is fenced and the rocks are slippery, stay behind the railings.
How to visit
Davis Falls is open through the day, usually from around early morning until early evening, and charges a small entry fee at the gate — a little more for foreign visitors than for Nepalis, but still modest. It lies about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi south of Lakeside, on the road toward the airport and the Tibetan settlements. Most people pair the visit with the cave opposite, so allow an hour or so for both.
Tips
- Visit in the morning to beat tour-bus crowds and the midday heat.
- Wear shoes with grip — the stone paths get wet and slick from spray.
- The post-monsoon months (September to November) bring the most powerful flow.
- Combine with the cave across the road for one efficient stop.
Nearby
The Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is steps away and connects to the same underground water. A little further afield, the International Mountain Museum and the hilltop Shiva statue at Pumdikot round out the southern side of the valley. For more ideas, see the top things to do in Pokhara or plan your days with the wider Pokhara guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Where does Davis Falls go?+
The water plunges into a deep sinkhole and flows into an underground tunnel, vanishing from sight. It later re-emerges and feeds the stream that runs through the sacred Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave directly across the road.
Why is it called Davis Falls?+
It is named after a Swiss visitor said to have drowned here when the water level rose suddenly. In Nepali it is also known as Patale Chhango, meaning 'underworld waterfall', a nod to the way the river disappears underground.
How much does it cost to visit Davis Falls?+
There is a small entry fee for the fenced viewing area, typically a little higher for foreign visitors than for Nepalis. The fee is modest and paid at the gate; keep some small change handy.
When is the best time to see Davis Falls?+
Just after the monsoon, from roughly September to November, the falls are at their most powerful and dramatic. In the dry winter and spring months the flow is gentler but the surrounding area is more pleasant to walk.
How long do you need at Davis Falls?+
Around 30 to 45 minutes is enough to see the falls, walk the viewing platforms and read the displays. Combine it with the Gupteshwor cave opposite to make a half-morning outing from Lakeside.