Kempty Falls is a spectacular 40-metre multi-tiered cascade set in a forested gorge, 15 km from Mussoorie on the Chakrata Road. One of the most visited natural attractions in Uttarakhand, the falls tumble into a wide natural pool where visitors can wade and swim. Best enjoyed during and just after the monsoon season, Kempty Falls is a must-see on every Mussoorie tour. Tour Venture India includes Kempty Falls in all its Mussoorie packages — private AC cab, guided sightseeing & hassle-free transfers. WhatsApp +91-8057146497 for a customised itinerary in 2 hours.
Kempty Falls is a 40-metre multi-tiered waterfall located 15 km from Mussoorie at 4,500 feet elevation in Uttarakhand, India. Open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM with an entry fee of ₹30–50 per person, the falls feature a natural swimming pool, a ropeway ride, and food stalls — making it Mussoorie's most popular family picnic spot, attracting over one million visitors annually.
Kempty Falls is the most famous and visited natural attraction near Mussoorie. Located 15 km from the town at an elevation of 1,364 metres, the waterfall drops approximately 40 metres across multiple tiers into a large, emerald-green natural pool. The falls are set amidst dense pine and oak forests with the Yamuna Valley visible in the distance. Kempty is derived from 'Camp-Tea', named after British officers who used to hold tea parties here in the colonial era.
The site has a natural swimming area at the base of the falls, making it a popular picnic spot for families. In monsoon and post-monsoon season (July–November), the water volume is at its highest and the falls are at their most spectacular. There are changing rooms, small shops and dhabas at the site. A ropeway connects the top of the falls to the base, offering aerial views of the cascade.
The name "Kempty" has a fascinating colonial-era origin. During British rule in India, the hills around Mussoorie were a favourite retreat for British officers and their families escaping the scorching plains. They would gather at this waterfall site for outdoor tea parties — these gatherings were commonly called "Camp-Tea" events in the local Anglo-Indian vocabulary. Over time, "Camp-Tea" morphed into "Kempty", and the name stuck permanently to the waterfall.
The waterfall was formally developed as a tourist site much later, after Indian independence, when Uttarakhand's tourism infrastructure began to grow. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and local authorities developed pathways, changing rooms and the ropeway to make the site accessible to ordinary visitors. Today Kempty Falls sees over a million visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited natural attractions in the entire Garhwal Himalayan region.
Did You Know? John Mekinon, a British officer, is historically credited as the first person to formally promote Kempty Falls as a picnic spot in the mid-19th century.
Kempty Falls stands at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet (1,372 metres) above sea level. The waterfall itself drops roughly 40 metres (about 130 feet) in a series of cascading tiers before pooling into a wide, shallow natural basin. The basin is large enough to accommodate hundreds of visitors at a time, which is why Kempty is such a popular family destination compared to smaller, less accessible waterfalls in the region.
The waterfall is fed by several small mountain streams originating in the upper Himalayan ranges. These streams converge above the falls and create a consistent year-round flow, though the volume varies significantly by season. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) and broad-leaved oak forests. On clear days, especially in the post-monsoon and winter months, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas in the distance — a truly spectacular backdrop for the falls.
At Kempty Falls you can swim in the natural pool, ride the ropeway cable car, click waterfall photos, enjoy a family picnic, eat Garhwali food at local dhabas, and experience the spectacular monsoon surge — all within one visit. Here are the top 6 things to do:
The best time to visit Kempty Falls is October to November (post-monsoon) when the water volume is high, the weather is clear (10–20°C), and crowds are thin. March to June is also a good time with pleasant temperatures of 15–25°C. Avoid peak monsoon (July–August) due to slippery paths and flash flood risk.
| Season | Weather | Crowd | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Apr–Jun) | 15–25°C, Pleasant | High | ✓ Good |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | 18–22°C, Rainy | Moderate | ✓ Good |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | 10–20°C, Clear | Low | ⭐ Best |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | 2–12°C, Cold | Low | ✓ Good |
Monsoon season (July to September) transforms Kempty Falls into its most dramatic form. The volume of water increases three to four times compared to summer, and the roar of the falls can be heard from a distance. The surrounding forests turn an intense shade of green, wildflowers bloom on the hillsides, and the entire valley fills with mist — creating an almost surreal atmosphere that photographers and nature lovers cherish.
However, monsoon visits come with important safety considerations. The stone pathways leading down to the pool become slippery and the current at the base of the falls grows considerably stronger. Swimming is not advisable during peak monsoon (July–August). Flash floods and landslides can occasionally affect the access road between Mussoorie and Kempty Falls. Always check weather and road conditions before setting out, and carry rain gear and non-slip footwear.
Monsoon Safety: Avoid standing too close to the base of the falls in July–August. The water pressure is high and the rocks are extremely slippery. Always supervise children carefully.
Before visiting Kempty Falls, wear non-slip shoes, carry warm layers (evenings get cold even in summer), arrive early to avoid crowds, book cabs in advance during peak season (May–June, Oct–Nov), and keep small change ready for parking, entry fees and local stalls.
Kempty Falls is 15 km from Mussoorie Mall Road (30-minute drive) and 50–55 km from Dehradun (90-minute drive via Rajpur Road). The nearest railway station is Dehradun; the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Shared taxis from Mussoorie bus stand charge ₹50–100 per person.
Kempty Falls is 15 km from Mussoorie town on the Mussoorie–Yamuna Bridge road. A 30-min drive by private cab or shared taxi from Mall Road.
Shared jeeps and taxis run regularly from Mussoorie bus stand to Kempty Falls. Fare approximately ₹50–100 per person.
Nearest railhead is Dehradun (50 km from Kempty Falls). Our cabs pick up from Dehradun station and drive to Kempty Falls directly.
One of the highlights of visiting Kempty Falls is the short ropeway (cable car) that connects the parking area at the top of the gorge to the basin area at the base of the falls. The ride takes about 3–4 minutes and gives you a bird's-eye view of the cascading water, the pine-covered hillsides and the valley below. It is particularly popular with families who want to avoid the steep stone steps leading down to the pool.
The ropeway at Kempty Falls is privately operated and runs from approximately 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days (subject to weather conditions). The ticket price is around ₹50–80 per person for a return journey. The cable car can carry 4–6 people per cabin. During peak season weekends (May–June, October–November), queues can be long — arrive early to avoid waiting 30–45 minutes.
Dehradun is the most common starting point for visitors travelling to Kempty Falls, as it has the nearest airport (Jolly Grant Airport) and railway station (Dehradun Railway Station). The distance from Dehradun to Kempty Falls is approximately 50–55 km, and the drive takes around 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions, especially on weekends and holidays when the Mussoorie road is heavily congested.
The most common route is: Dehradun → Rajpur Road → Mussoorie Bypass → Mussoorie town → Kempty Falls Road (15 km further). An alternate route goes via Sahastradhara Road, which is slightly longer but avoids the crowded Mussoorie Mall Road area. Tour Venture India provides direct cab service from Dehradun station or airport to Kempty Falls and back, with stops at Mussoorie's key attractions along the way.
Pro Tip: Book a cab from Dehradun that covers both Mussoorie and Kempty Falls in one day. Tour Venture India offers this combined day trip starting from ₹2,500 for a 4-seater vehicle. WhatsApp us at +91-8057146497 for the latest pricing.
Kempty Falls has a large parking area at the top of the gorge where all private vehicles must park. Parking charges are typically ₹30–50 for two-wheelers and ₹50–100 for cars. From the parking area you can either take the ropeway down or use the stepped stone pathway that descends to the base of the falls. The path has handrails in most sections but can still be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues.
At the base of the falls, visitors will find separate changing rooms for men and women where you can change into swimwear or dry off after swimming in the pool. There are lockers available on payment basis. Several dhabas and food stalls around the pool area serve hot chai, Maggi noodles, fresh corn (bhutta), pakoras and cold drinks. The site also has a few souvenir shops selling local handicrafts, woollen items and Uttarakhand speciality products. Basic first-aid facilities are present at the site.
Planning a single day in Mussoorie? Here is a practical itinerary that covers Kempty Falls along with the major highlights of the hill station, designed to make the most of your daylight hours without feeling rushed.
Kempty Falls is one of the most photogenic natural sites in Uttarakhand. The multi-tiered white cascade against the dense green pine forest, with occasional mist and rainbows in the spray, offers extraordinary photography opportunities throughout the year. The key is knowing where to stand and when to visit for the best light.
The best time for photography is the morning, between 8 AM and 11 AM, when soft directional light illuminates the falls without harsh shadows. The ropeway gives a unique elevated perspective of the cascade that most visitors miss. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a slow shutter speed (1/10 to 1/2 second on a tripod) will give the silky-smooth waterfall effect that photographers love. Avoid the midday hours (12–3 PM) when flat overhead light removes all texture from the falling water.
The top attractions near Kempty Falls include Mall Road (15 km), Gun Hill (15 km), Lal Tibba (18 km), Company Garden (16 km), Jharipani Falls (20 km) and Camelback Road (15 km) — all easily combined in a single Mussoorie day trip.
The entry fee for Kempty Falls is approximately ₹30–50 per person. There may be an additional charge for the ropeway ride (₹50–80 return). Parking charges for vehicles apply separately.
The best time to visit Kempty Falls is October to November (post-monsoon) when the water volume is high and the surroundings are lush green. March to June is also pleasant. Avoid monsoon months (July–August) due to slippery paths.
Yes, swimming is allowed in the natural pool at the base of Kempty Falls. The pool is shallow near the edges and safe for adults. Changing rooms are available on-site.
Kempty Falls is 15 km from Mussoorie Mall Road and takes approximately 30 minutes by cab. Tour Venture India includes Kempty Falls in all standard Mussoorie tour packages.
Kempty Falls is approximately 50–55 km from Dehradun city centre. The drive takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours via Rajpur Road and Mussoorie. Tour Venture India offers direct cab service from Dehradun railway station or Jolly Grant Airport to Kempty Falls and back.
Kempty Falls drops approximately 40 metres (around 130 feet) across multiple cascading tiers. The waterfall is located at an elevation of about 4,500 feet (1,372 metres) above sea level. This multi-tier structure is what makes Kempty Falls visually so impressive compared to single-drop waterfalls in the region.
Yes, Kempty Falls is one of the most family-friendly tourist spots in Uttarakhand. The ropeway provides easy access to the base for those who cannot manage the steps. The natural pool is shallow near the edges, making it safe for children to wade and splash. Food stalls, changing facilities and open grassy spaces make it ideal for a family picnic outing.
Parking at Kempty Falls costs approximately ₹30–50 for two-wheelers and ₹50–100 for four-wheelers. There is a large parking area at the top of the gorge where all private vehicles must park before descending to the waterfall by ropeway or stone steps.
The ropeway at Kempty Falls costs approximately ₹50–80 per person for a return journey. It operates from 9 AM to 6 PM daily, weather permitting. The cable car ride takes 3–4 minutes and provides aerial views of the cascading falls and surrounding pine forests.
Yes. Tour Venture India offers Mussoorie day tour packages and 2N/3D Mussoorie packages that include Kempty Falls as a standard stop. Our packages cover private cab transport, hotel (for multi-day trips) and sightseeing across all major Mussoorie attractions. WhatsApp us at +91-8057146497 for customised quotes.