Gulpur waterfall, also known locally as Mahuli falls, is a roughly 50-foot waterfall near Gulpur town in Kotli district, reached by a walk of about two kilometres from the road. It is one of the more visited natural spots in the district, popular for weekend picnics and camping on the rocks near the base of the falls.
This guide covers the trail, what to wear, when the falls actually have water, and how to pair the trip with nearby Throchi Fort.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Near Gulpur town, Kotli district, Azad Kashmir |
| Height | About 50 feet |
| Trail | Roughly 2 km, about 45 minutes on foot |
| Best season | Monsoon and shortly after, for the strongest flow |
| Nearby | Throchi Fort, about 3 km from Gulpur |
| Facilities | Basic; carry your own food and water |
Where is Gulpur waterfall?
Gulpur is a small town south-west of Kotli city, sitting at the junction of the Kotli–Mirpur and Kotli–Rawalpindi roads. Two main approaches get you there: from Islamabad via Kahuta, Sehnsa and Gulpur, or from Rawalpindi via Kallar Syedan, Dadyal and Gulpur. From Kotli itself, it is a short drive south-west along the same road network.
The falls themselves lie a short distance outside the town, along the route that also serves the run-of-the-river hydropower plant built on the Poonch in this area.
The walk to the falls
From where the road ends, the walk down to the waterfall covers about two kilometres and takes roughly 45 minutes at an easy pace. The path descends through hill terrain rather than following a flat track, so wear proper walking shoes rather than sandals, and take the descent slowly if you are carrying children or older family members, since the same path has to be climbed back up afterwards.
There is no formal trail infrastructure such as steps, railings or signage to expect here. Treat it as a natural hill path rather than a maintained tourist trail, and be more cautious after rain, when the ground underfoot can be slippery.
What the waterfall is like
At around 50 feet, Gulpur waterfall is not among the largest in Pakistan, but its setting, a rocky cliff face with pools at the base, makes it a popular spot for a picnic or an afternoon out. Visitors bring tents and barbecue equipment and camp on the rocks near the falls on weekends, so expect it to be busiest on Fridays and Saturdays, particularly during the cooler months when camping is more comfortable.
Best time to visit
The waterfall depends on rainfall and river flow, so timing matters more here than at a spring-fed site. During and shortly after the monsoon is when the falls run strongest and the scene is at its most dramatic. By late spring and into the dry pre-monsoon months, flow can drop noticeably, so if seeing a full waterfall is the point of the trip, avoid the driest stretch of the year.
Whatever the season, check recent rainfall before you go if the falls are the main reason for the trip, since a dry spell can leave a comparatively modest trickle rather than the waterfall you may have seen in photos.
What to carry
- Proper walking shoes with grip, not sandals or flat-soled shoes
- Drinking water and snacks, since there are no shops at the falls themselves
- A change of clothes if you plan to get in the water
- Cash, in case of any informal parking or access arrangement near the trailhead
- A basic first aid kit, given the uneven path down
Combine it with Throchi Fort
Throchi Fort stands about three kilometres from Gulpur, on a hilltop overlooking the area, and the two make a natural pairing for a single outing. Our Throchi Fort guide covers the fort's history and what to expect, including that it is under Pakistan Army control and best viewed from outside rather than explored freely.
Our wider places to visit in Kotli guide sets out how to combine Gulpur, Throchi Fort and Tatta Pani hot springs into a day or two around Kotli district.
Is Gulpur waterfall worth the trip?
For a short, active outing near Kotli, yes, particularly in or just after the monsoon when the falls are running well and you can combine it with Throchi Fort on the same day. It suits families and groups comfortable with an unpaved hill path and a return climb.
If you are visiting outside the monsoon and water flow matters to you, or if anyone in your group cannot manage an uneven 2 km round trip on foot, treat it as optional rather than a must-do stop in Kotli district.
Is it safe to visit Gulpur?
Gulpur lies in Kotli district, one of the areas of Azad Kashmir affected by the unrest and communication disruption that began in June 2026. Conditions have improved since, with broadband largely restored across the district by mid-September, but check current news and local advice before you travel. See our guide to safety in Azad Kashmir for the fuller picture, including current UK travel advice for the region.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Gulpur waterfall?
Drive to Gulpur town, reached from Islamabad via Kahuta and Sehnsa, from Rawalpindi via Kallar Syedan and Dadyal, or directly from Kotli city, then walk about two kilometres down a hill path to the falls.
How high is Gulpur waterfall?
About 50 feet, dropping over a rock face into pools that are popular for picnicking and camping on weekends.
What is the best time to see Gulpur waterfall at full flow?
During and shortly after the monsoon, when rainfall keeps the flow strong. It can run noticeably lower in the drier months before the monsoon arrives.
Can you combine Gulpur waterfall with Throchi Fort?
Yes. Throchi Fort is about 3 km from Gulpur, making the two an easy pairing for a single day trip.
Is the walk to Gulpur waterfall difficult?
It is a moderate, unpaved hill path of about 2 km each way, roughly 45 minutes on foot. Proper walking shoes are worth having, and the return climb should be factored into your timing.
