MYAGDI: The scenic Armake waterfall in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4 has remained largely neglected due to a lack of infrastructure, management, and promotion.
Located near Bagar Jeltung, the last human settlement along the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek route, the waterfall is considered one of the area’s attractive natural sites. Cascading in two tiers from a high mountain, the waterfall flows into the Myagdi River below.
A lake has formed at the base of the nearly 200-meter-high waterfall, while a natural hot spring is located nearby. Visitors often stop to view the waterfall from a distance and capture photographs and videos, but the site itself remains largely deserted despite its beauty.
Local representatives have expressed interest in developing the area into a tourism destination through improved infrastructure, management, and promotion.
Hari Prasad Tilija, a ward member of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4, said efforts are underway to promote both the waterfall and the nearby Tatopani Kunda (hot spring pool) as tourist attractions.
“A road has recently been opened near Armake Waterfall during the construction of the access road for the Myagdikhola Hydropower Project,” Tilija said. “With road access now available, we expect the number of visitors to increase.”
However, a suspension bridge over the Myagdi River is still needed to provide easier access to the waterfall and the hot spring from the roadside.
At present, visitors can reach the site during winter using a temporary wooden bridge and diversion trail. During the monsoon season, however, rising water levels and constant moisture damage the wooden structures and create access difficulties.
Armake Waterfall and Tatopani Kunda are located about a 10-minute walk or a five-minute drive from Jeltung.
Locals believe that bathing in the natural hot spring, where water emerges from the ground at around 50 degrees Celsius, helps relieve ailments such as joint pain, gout, gastric problems, injuries, and skin diseases.
The site is also expected to benefit trekkers heading toward Mount Dhaulagiri and those undertaking the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, offering them a place to rest and relax in the hot spring and surrounding natural environment.
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