As an avid traveler, I am always on the lookout for new places to visit, particularly those that are close to nature and inspire wonder. Markhu in Nepal is one such place that inspires awe among its visitors with beautiful scenery, Indrasarovar Lake, waterfalls, and the hospitality of the rural community. One of the many reasons that I opted to visit this wonder of nature is because of this one particular waterfall which has been gaining a lot of attention of late on social media—Mohini Jharana. 

DAY 1: GETTING TO MARKHU

Markhu is a small town on the northern shores of Indrasarovar. It lies at a distance of about 43 km from Kathmandu and takes about 2.5 hours by car; you can hire a private vehicle from Kathmandu. It is a small community where residents of various castes, including Newar, Tamang, Magar, and Bahun live. 

Markhu is close to Chitlang where I live, which is also becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions thanks to social media, so my friend and I decided to go and see the Mohini waterfall. We took the offbeat road because the road condition was better than the other viable options, making it one of the quickest routes as well. 

We traveled to Farping via Chobhar after meeting at Balkhu. We took a right at the police checkpoint that would lead us to Phakhel from Farping, leaving the path to the Dakshinkali shrine. The road wasn't too bad but the intense rain caused a few landslides and some slick patches.

Upon reaching Markhu, we first made reservations for our stay. The tiring yet adventurous scooter ride drained all the energy out of us, so we did not ride to the waterfall that day because the ride would entail another hour or so circling around the Indrasarovar Lake to reach there. Instead, we decided to take rest for the day and stroll around Markhu village and other nearby places such as Bheda Farm and Kulekhani Dam. The most popular activity in Markhu is boating, which costs NPR 150 per person for a 30-minute trip and increases in price with each additional hour. There are also speedboats. 

DAY 2: VISIT TO MOHINI JHARANA 

The very next day, we left early from Markhu village and rode towards Shera via Toukhel road. The first 10 minutes were bumpy but the road in Toukhel was well-pitched. However, after taking a turning to Shera, the road began to get muddy and bumpy again. After another 10-15 minutes, we came to the river shore that had no bridge for vehicles to cross, so we had to ride across the river. Unfortunately, our scooter could not handle the current of the river plus the water levels were rising because of the rain. With a heavy and disappointed heart, we returned to Markhu and decided to take a boat ride instead.

To get to the nearest junction or location to Mohini Jharana, a speed boat is the only option as wooden boats are not allowed. The ticket price is on the expensive side—it takes NPR 600 for a 5-minute ride to the other side. From the drop point, it’s a 20-minute climb to the waterfall. The route, however, is scenic, passing through the woods to a suspension bridge that connects the village where the waterfall is located.

Numerous domestic and international travelers visit this location on a weekly basis to take in the beauty of this hidden destination. This location is currently popular on social media among young people. The location of this majestic waterfall is fully loaded with beautiful landscapes, flora, and fauna, and gives visitors the vibe of a natural swimming pool. 

It was worth every bit of adventure to be there. All our restlessness was gone as soon as drops from the waterfall fell on our faces. The feeling of being there and witnessing the waterfall is hard to explain. INEFFABLE!!

PLACES TO VISIT IN AND AROUND MARKHU

Kulekhani Dam

Kulekhani, also known as Indra Sarobar, is a man-made dam that was constructed with the intention of producing energy, but it also offers a unique setting and natural beauty that draws many visitors throughout the year. When we first see Kulekhani Lake, the beautiful view from the top of the dam side captures our hearts. For Kathmandu and Hetauda people, Kulekhani Lake/Dam serves as an alternative to Fewa Lake.

Kulekhani dam comes en route to Markhu via the Pharping-Phakhel highway. When you reach Kalanki (not of Kathmandu, but of Kulekhani), the road leading to the left takes you to the Kulekhani Dam which is guarded by the Nepal Army. No photos and videos are allowed from the dam side.

Chitlang

Chitlang is an old Newar village from the Lichchavi era. Old Newari homes, art, architecture, stupas, chaityas, and the hamlet itself are among the main draws of Chitlang. One of the first goat cheese factories in Nepal can be found en route to Chitlang.

Bheda Farm

One of the must-see destinations during your trip to Markhu or Chitlang is Bheda Farm (goat farm). It is very scenic during the Spring season. It takes around 30 minutes to get to the peak from Markhu and is covered in lush grass. You can either drive there or hike it.

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