Sightseeing · Nepal
Hyatung Falls, Tehrathum
A towering forest waterfall in Tehrathum, ranked among the tallest in Nepal and a rising eastern attraction.
Hyatung Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Nepal, a long plume of water dropping down a high, forest-cloaked cliff in Tehrathum district of eastern Nepal. Far from the main tourist routes, it has become a growing draw for domestic travellers exploring the quiet eastern hills, rewarding the journey with one of the country's most dramatic single-drop cascades.
Overview
The falls lie in the middle hills of Koshi Province, in subtropical-to-temperate forest typical of eastern Nepal. A stream gathers on the ridges above and plunges off a near-vertical rock wall in a tall, slender column that breaks into spray as it falls. Heights for Nepal's waterfalls are rarely surveyed precisely, so figures circulate rather than being confirmed, but Hyatung is consistently listed among the very tallest. The surrounding forest, terraced hillsides and the broad views over the eastern ranges add to the sense of scale.
How to visit
Hyatung sits well off the standard trekking and sightseeing circuits, which is part of its appeal for those heading off the beaten path in Nepal. Most visitors reach Tehrathum by road through the eastern hills, commonly via the city of Dharan and the hill towns of Hile or Basantapur, then continue toward the falls and walk a short forest path to the viewpoints. Roads in the district are rough and weather-dependent, so allow extra time and check conditions before setting out; the guide to getting around Nepal explains what hill travel involves.
What to expect
After the monsoon the falls thunder and the gorge fills with mist; in the drier months the flow thins but the surrounding forest is easier and more pleasant to walk. Facilities are basic — expect simple local teahouses rather than tourist infrastructure — so carry water and snacks. The viewpoints are natural and unfenced, and the rocks near the base are slippery, so keep a safe distance from the edge.
Combining your trip
Tehrathum and its neighbours reward unhurried travel through some of Nepal's least-visited hill country, with tea estates, Limbu and Rai villages and high ridge viewpoints toward Kanchenjunga in the far east. Hyatung makes a fine eastern counterpart to the roadside Rupse Chhahara on the Kaligandaki in the centre and the far-western Pachal Jharna in Kalikot. For the wider picture, see the collection of Nepal's most beautiful waterfalls.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Hyatung Falls?+
Hyatung Falls is in Tehrathum district of Koshi Province in eastern Nepal, in the middle hills southeast of the district headquarters at Myanglung. It lies in a forested area off the road network of the eastern hills.
Is Hyatung the tallest waterfall in Nepal?+
Hyatung Falls is frequently cited among the tallest waterfalls in Nepal, dropping in a long single plume down a high forested cliff. Exact heights of Nepal's falls are poorly surveyed, so rankings vary, but Hyatung is consistently named among the country's tallest.
How do you reach Hyatung Falls?+
Most visitors travel by road through the eastern hills to Tehrathum, often via Dharan and Hile or Basantapur, then continue toward the falls and walk a short forest trail to viewpoints. It is well off the standard tourist circuit, so plan for rough roads and limited services.
When is the best time to visit Hyatung Falls?+
The falls run fullest in and just after the monsoon, from June to September. Early autumn brings strong flow with clearer skies, while winter and spring offer easier travel but a gentler cascade and sometimes hazy hill views.
