Simba Waterfall: Nearest Waterfall to Kathmandu

Simba waterfall is named after its water’s coldness. In the Tamang (one of the ethnic groups of Nepal) language Simba means “extremely cold”. As the water of Simba waterfall is infact cold it is named “Simba”. It is located in Lalitpur’s Mahankal rural municipality. Simba waterfalls lie in the middle of Rigin Dada and Manikhel Khawa.

Simba Waterfall has five small waterfalls in total. It lies at an altitude of 2000 m / 656 ft above sea level in dense green forests of hilly regions. It is one of the hidden gems of Nepal that is yet to get the exposure it deserves. Simba waterfall is the nearest waterfall to Kathmandu. By road, this magical waterfall is about 20 km / 12 miles away from the capital city. It is in part of Lalitpur that is far away from the city’s buzz. So, it is a perfect short hike for a peaceful breakthrough from your busy life.

Ways to get to Simba Waterfall

There are three known routes to reach Simba waterfalls. The first one is through Chobar, the second one is through Godavari. The classic and last way to reach the majestic Simba falls is through Chapagaun via Satdobato. The detailed guide to the classic route is: Get to Satdobato then to Chapagaun. Ride to Lele from Chapagaun. Lele to Bhardeu, Bhardeu to Chaughare, Chaughare to Gotikhel, and then finally Gotikhel to Manikhel.

Now, that we know our designated route let’s see the options of transportation we can take to complete it.

1. Book a private car (taxi)

For international tourists after landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, take a taxi and ask them to drive you all the way to Manikhel. Booking a taxi for a day costs around NPR 6000 to NPR 8000 ($45.47 to $60.63). It takes around 4 hrs to 5 hrs to reach Manikhel from Chapagaun. After reaching Manikhel you have to hike for about 45 minutes to 50 minutes to get to Simba waterfalls.

2. Book a motorcycle

If you are traveling solo ( for both domestic tourists and international tourists) booking a motorcycle is cheaper than booking a taxi. It also adds an adventurous rush to the journey. FromChapagaun the distance to Manikhel is covered in about 3 hrs to 4 hrs. It costs around NPR 100 to NPR 1500 ( $7.58 to $ 11.37) Another advantage of taking a motorcycle is that you can ride up above the hills and reach even closer to the Simba waterfall. From this point, the waterfall is just 25 minutes of walk away.

3. Taking public transportation to Manikhel

 The first way is to take a public vehicle that goes to Lagankhel. After reaching Lagankhel take another public vehicle to Chapagaun. Then take the last bus from Chapagaun that goes to Manikhel. Then walk for 45 minutes to 50 minutes to see the beautiful Simba waterfall. The second way is to take a bus from Ratnapark. Ratnapark is a bus station for vehicles that move all around Kathmandu. It is exactly opposite the oldest hospital in Nepal: Bir Hospital. From Ratnapark take a bus to Chapagaun then change the vehicle, take a bus that goes up to Manikhel, and start hiking. The total cost of either of the option mentioned is around NPR 250 to NPR 300 ( $1.89 to $2.27)

What are the essentials to be packed?

1. Warm clothes: Yes, the waterfall is very close to Kathmandu but do not forget it is situated amidst forests. The trail leading to the Simba is very chilly, foggy, and damp. Wearing light cotton clothes is sure to get you sick! So, make sure to carry warm clothes to keep you warm.

2. Extra pair of clothes: Since the hike to Simba waterfall is completed in one day you might not want to carry a load of extra clothes along. But remember the path goes through the hilly forest that is damp so the trails are slippery and not blacktopped. So, in case you fall or your clothes get wet and dirty having a pair of clothes to change into is good.

3. Snacks and water: Once you cross the city area it is not easy to find a place to get any sort of meal or snack. Be well prepared and carry a light snack to keep you full and water to keep you hydrated until arriving at a place to have a meal. 

4. Some extra cash: Carry some extra cash with you always. As you are traveling through the villages of Lalitpur there are no ATMs. Other modes of electronic payments or phone payments are not practiced. So, always carry extra cash with you.

5. Map: Yes!  Have a map with you. Be it offline maps on your cell phone or physical map. The route to the Simba waterfall can be quite confusing for first-timers. So, have a map to navigate without any difficulties. Do not hesitate to ask for directions from the locals they are always more than happy to help.
   
   

What are other attractions near Simba Waterfall?

There are many places near and on the way to the Simba waterfall for you to explore. Some of them are:

• Tileshwor Mahadev: This is a Hindu temple of lord Shiva. You will find it on your way to Lele.

• Saraswoti Kunda: It is located near the Lele bus station. There are no other Saraswoti Kunda in Nepal except for this one. People believe that anyone with speech issues and stammering problems starts speaking fluently after drinking water from the Kunda. 

• Rainbow trout farming: On the way to the Simba waterfall there are a few rainbow trout farms. Rainbow trouts are freshwater fish that have vivid colors and patterns in their bodies. If you have some extra time to visit these farms, have them cook fresh rainbow trout, and enjoy. These fishes are rich in omega-3, and fatty acids and are safe for pregnant women as well as small children.

What is the estimated cost to cover the entire Simba waterfall trek?

The total cost to both go and return varies on what form of transportation you take. As mentioned earlier taking a public vehicle saves a lot of money. Putting the expenses for transportation aside from the meal in average hotels that you find on the trail costs around NPR 150 / $1.13 to NPR 2000 / $1.51. To buy some extra snacks to munch on spare around NPR 1000 / $ 7.55 max. Since the hike is just 1 day long there is no need to buy new supplies. Take the toiletries and clothes that you already have.

If you do a rough calculation for three meals the total is NPR 450 to NPR 600. So, the total expenditure is NPR 1450 / $10.95 to NPR 1600 / $12.09 ( without transportation fare included). See the cost for your preferred mode of travel and estimate your total.

What is the best time to visit the Simba waterfall?

The best time to visit the Simba waterfall is during the months of August and September. Although you can visit the waterfall all time around the year without any notable issues these two months have perfect weather and boasts the best scenery. The water is clear as these months do not experience any rainfall. The forest is as green as it can get right before it starts to fall from the trees. The combination of the greenery with the clear waterfall makes it no lesser than paradise. The temperature is also apt for hiking. The temperature generally ranges from 20 degrees celsius / 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 29 degrees celsius / 84.2 degrees Fahrenheit during August. Similarly, during September the temperature ranges from 19 degrees Celsius/ /66.2 degrees Fahrenheit to 28 degrees Celsius /  82.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

 Some advice :

• It is suggested to take the local’s advice for weather, directions, and what precautions you should take.

• We advise sparing two days to enjoy the Simba waterfall trek without any rush. Even if the trek starts at 5 am it gets night while returning back. Therefore, take 2 days instead and spend the night in Manikhel and relax.

• Traveling during Monsson / rainy season means leeches. Do not panic about seeing leeches on your body just take them off of your body and continue walking ahead.

• The trail to Simba waterfalls has a high risk of landslide, do check it before leaving. If you encounter a landslide in the middle of the journey there is no other option than stopping the trek right then and there.

• The road is bumpy and rocky once you enter the village side of Lalitpur district. So, make sure the vehicle is in good condition beforehand. If you are traveling in your own car or motorbike have enough fuel. Carry some extra stock of fuel just in case because it is hard to find a petrol pump for a short distance.

Note: Climbing up the hill that lies opposite the Simba waterfall gives a clear panoramic view of all 5 waterfalls. For active people, it takes around 20 minutes to get to the top of the hill.