MYAGDI: Towering mountains rise on either side, as the Mistri River—fed by the glaciers of Annapurna and Nilgiri—carves its way through a narrow gorge that looks almost man-made.
At the base lies a perfectly round, blue-hued pool. And from above, the mesmerizing Futphute Waterfall cascades like a silver ribbon through stone.
Located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 of Myagdi, the Futphute Waterfall may resemble a mere stream from afar, but up close, it reveals an awe-inspiring natural marvel. Situated at the entry point of the ‘Maurice Herzog’ trekking route, which leads to the Annapurna Base Camp, this waterfall has quickly become a favorite among trekkers and nature lovers.
Kathmandu’s Sujhav Acharya described the waterfall as “supernatural and serene.” He added, “The fatigue of our journey vanished the moment we reached Futphute. Watching water cut through solid rock felt like witnessing nature’s pearl drop from its right eye.”
Laxman Maharjan, also from Kathmandu, likened Futphute to Niagara Falls in the U.S. “Being surrounded by the mist and the music of the waterfall made me feel like I was bathing in pearls,” he said.
For many trekking along the Maurice Herzog Trail, Futphute Waterfall has become a sanctuary, a place to rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature.
“All waterfalls come from mountains, but this one looks as if it has pierced through the mountain itself,” said Anusha Tamang from Kavre. “You’ll be overwhelmed by the beauty of the blue pool at its base—it’s unforgettable.”
The waterfall plunges from a height of approximately 50 meters, forming a round turquoise pool below. Surrounded by dense forest and remote tranquility, the area provides a peaceful escape. The waterfall is fed by Mistri Khola, which originates in the Annapurna and Nilgiri peaks.
Trekkers often spend hours here, photographing the falls and the reflective pool below. This route follows in the footsteps of Maurice Herzog, the first person to summit Annapurna, and has recently gained popularity as a new trekking destination.
According to Tej Gurung, promoter of the Maurice Herzog Trek, the number of domestic tourists has soared—up to 300 visitors daily since the beginning of the Dashain festival. “Futphute Waterfall has gained wide popularity through social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok,” he said. “It was a quiet spot just two years ago, but now it’s bustling with tourists.”
How to get there
The journey to Futphute takes two hours by vehicle from Narchang to Humkhola, followed by a 90-minute hike. Many visitors continue to Annapurna Base Camp via Sandhikharka, Guphaphant, and Bhusket, while others return after visiting the waterfall.
Chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Bharat Kumar Pun, shared that shelters and public toilets were built near the waterfall last year. A master plan is being prepared to develop the Maurice Herzog Trail with support from the provincial and federal governments.
Locals from Narchang have also set up temporary hotels in the area. A wooden suspension bridge stretches beneath the pond, offering views of a second, smaller waterfall on the opposite side. Visitors can walk across the bridge while enjoying waterfalls on both sides.
Crowds often gather near the pond and along the rocks to take in the view. However, tourists are being urged not to swim or go too close to the water due to safety concerns.
Hari Bahadur Bhandari, a member of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly, visited the site last week and stressed the need for safety upgrades. “We need to construct a proper trail from Gurase Dada to Futphute Waterfall, upgrade the suspension bridge, and build a secure viewpoint,” he said. “I will coordinate with the government to ensure that the overall infrastructure of the Maurice Herzog Trail, including Futphute, is developed and promoted.”
(Santosh Gautam/RSS)
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