Davis Falls

Davis Falls—known locally as Pataalno Chhango, or "Underworld's Waterfall"—is one of Pokhara's most intriguing natural phenomena. Located in Kaski District, this waterfall draws visitors not for its height, but for its unusual geological behavior. The water plunges into a deep pit and forms a tunnel system that extends approximately 500 feet underground, running some 100 feet below the surface before emerging elsewhere. The falls carry a complicated history. In 1961, a tragic drowning incident occurred when a Swiss visitor underestimated the power of the overflow currents in the pit—a stark reminder of the waterfall's deceptive dangers. This history is worth knowing before visiting. What makes Davis Falls compelling is not dramatic height or remote trekking access, but rather the geological mystery it presents. The underground tunnel system raises questions about Pokhara's water systems and karst topography that geologically-minded travelers find genuinely fascinating. The site rewards careful observation and respectful curiosity. The falls sit within easy reach of Pokhara's tourist infrastructure, making it accessible for most visitors. However, the crowds that flock here for photos often miss what makes the location scientifically interesting. This is a place to pause, observe the water's strange disappearance, and consider the landscape's hidden complexities rather than rush through.