The Ainapahara Waterfall, located in Aabukhaireni Rural Municipality-4, Tanahun, has become a popular destination for domestic tourists. Situated along the Prithvi Highway, the waterfall, along with its surrounding garden, has caught the attention of visitors seeking to escape the summer heat.
Resident Pawan Nepali mentioned that the waterfall has been drawing crowds of tourists, particularly those traveling along the Prithvi Highway, who now view it as a rest stop during their journey. He noted, “During the hot weather, this place has become a respite for travelers. The number of visitors is significantly higher on holidays.”
In recent years, the area has been developed as a tourist destination, with the construction of a garden to enhance its beauty and appeal. Rural Municipality Chairman Shukra Chuman stated that there is an ongoing effort to establish Ainapahara as a key tourist destination in Gandaki Province. According to him, after the artistic carvings were made on the rocks in the area, the number of visitors has increased, with more than 300 tourists visiting daily.
Chairman Chuman explained, “We have initiated this project to make the natural rocks more artistic and attractive to tourists.” Among the carvings are a depiction of Lord Ganesh on the rocks where the waterfall cascades, and images of a mother and child, as well as a fairy, on nearby stones.
To promote tourism further, the rural municipality has been advancing the development of the park at Ainapahara. Last fiscal year, a budget of NPR 14 million was allocated for this purpose. Plans for the area include the construction of a sky-c cycling route and a glass bridge. A public restroom was also built last year for the convenience of visitors. During the summer months, the waterfall is a popular spot for locals to bathe, relax, and create TikTok videos.
The waterfall is fed by the Siudikhola River, which flows down from the base of the towering Mahabharat mountain range and Chhimkeswori in Tanahun. The rural municipality has also prepared a detailed project report (DPR) to systematically develop the Ainapahara Waterfall. The report estimates that NPR 100 million will be required for the project, which includes plans to construct a Buddha statue, railings, parking facilities, and other necessary infrastructure.
This development aims to transform Ainapahara into a fully equipped tourist attraction, enhancing both the visitor experience and the local economy.
