What is Tiger Falls Chakrata?
Tiger Falls is a 312-foot (95 m) natural waterfall located 20 km from Chakrata in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand — one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in Asia. Entry is free. A 1.5 km easy forest trek from Lokhandi village roadhead leads to the falls and its natural swimming pool.
Tiger Falls is a 312-foot (95 m) natural waterfall located 20 km from Chakrata town in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. It is one of the tallest direct-drop waterfalls in Asia — the water falls in a single unbroken column over dark, striped rock that gives the falls their tiger-like appearance. At the base is a wide, naturally formed pool where visitors can swim during summer months.
The falls sit inside a dense deodar and oak forest at around 2,100 m altitude. To reach them, you park at the roadhead near Lokhandi village and walk 1.5 km through the forest — a gentle, shaded trail that takes about 25 minutes. The entire visit (drive + walk + time at the falls) takes about 3–4 hours from Chakrata town. There is no entry fee and no permit required for the falls.
Tiger Falls is the most visited natural attraction near Chakrata. Because Chakrata is an inner line restricted area — vehicles need a permit at the entry check post — tourist numbers stay low compared to more accessible Uttarakhand destinations. Most visitors combine Tiger Falls with Deoban or Budher Caves on the same day.
Chakrata lies in the historic Jaunsar-Bawar region of the lower Himalayas, known for its dense forests, tribal culture, and unspoilt valleys. Tiger Falls sits within the Tons river watershed — the same river system that drains much of western Uttarakhand. For travellers looking for a waterfall near Dehradun that is off the usual tourist circuit, Tiger Falls Chakrata is the most rewarding option within a day's drive.
How to Trek to Tiger Falls Chakrata — Trail, Distance & What to Expect
The Tiger Falls trek is a 1.5 km easy trail from Lokhandi village roadhead, taking about 25 minutes one way. The path descends gently through shaded deodar forest with no technical difficulty — suitable for families, children, and seniors. No guide is required and there is no entry fee.
The trailhead is near Lokhandi village, 20 km from Chakrata on the Chakrata–Damta road. A small parking area is available at the roadhead. The trail descends gently through thick deodar forest — it is well-marked and takes about 25 minutes one way. The path can be slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip.
At the bottom, the falls land in a wide pool with boulders around the edge. In summer (April–June), the pool is calm enough to swim in safely. During and after the monsoon (July–October), the water volume is much higher and the current can be strong — avoid entering the pool in these months.
- Distance: 1.5 km from roadhead to falls
- Time: ~25 min one way, easy gradient
- Difficulty: Easy — suitable for families
- Altitude: ~2,100 m at falls base
- No guide required — trail is well-marked
- Start before 10 AM — trail gets busy on weekends
- Carry water — no stalls on the trail
- Mobile network weak inside the forest
- Carry photo ID for Chakrata vehicle permit
- Avoid swimming July–October (strong current)
When is the Best Time to Visit Tiger Falls Chakrata?
The best time to visit Tiger Falls is April to June — water is clear, the trail is safe, and temperatures are pleasant (15–25°C). The falls are most dramatic from July to October when post-monsoon flow is at maximum, but the trail can be slippery and swimming is unsafe. Avoid December–February if you are not prepared for cold and possible snow on the trail.
Clear water, safe trek, pool is calm for swimming. Temperature 15–25°C. Best for families.
Falls at maximum flow — dramatic to see. Trail slippery; no swimming. Good for photography.
Post-monsoon greenery, dry trail, pleasant walk. Water reduces but still strong flow.
Very cold; trail may ice over after snowfall. Falls partially freeze in deep winter.
How to Reach Tiger Falls Chakrata from Dehradun?
Tiger Falls is 108 km from Dehradun (4–5 hours by road) and 20 km from Chakrata town (40 minutes). Drive via Vikasnagar to Chakrata, then take the Damta road to Lokhandi village roadhead. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~110 km).
Tiger Falls is 20 km from Chakrata and 108 km from Dehradun. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 110 km). From Chakrata, the road to the falls roadhead is a mix of tarmac and gravel — a regular car can reach comfortably. Chakrata town itself is well connected to Dehradun via the Vikasnagar route.
Dehradun is connected by rail to Delhi (Shatabdi: 4.5 hrs), Haridwar, and Rishikesh. From Dehradun station, hire a taxi to Chakrata (88 km, ~4 hrs). From Chakrata bazaar, drive 20 km on the Damta road to the Tiger Falls roadhead.
GMOU and private buses run from Dehradun's Parade Ground bus stand to Chakrata (88 km, approx. 4 hours). From Chakrata bazaar, hire a shared jeep or local taxi to the Tiger Falls roadhead (20 km, ~40 min).
Drive Dehradun → Vikasnagar → Chakrata (88 km), then 20 km further on the Damta road to the Tiger Falls roadhead. A vehicle permit is checked at the Chakrata entry gate — carry a valid photo ID for all passengers. Tour Venture India arranges cabs from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh — call +91-8057146497.
What Should You Carry for Tiger Falls? — Visitor Tips & Nearby Places
Tiger Falls requires no special gear. Carry sturdy shoes, water, and a valid photo ID. No shops or stalls on the 1.5 km trail — come prepared.
Places Near Tiger Falls — Combine in One Day
All within 15–35 km · Most visitors cover 2–3 spots in a single day trip
Photography Tips & Seasonal Guide for Tiger Falls Chakrata
Best photography light is early morning 7–9 am in April–May — mist rises from the pool and sunlight filters through the deodar canopy. Monsoon gives maximum water drama but requires a waterproof cover for your camera.
Tiger Falls Chakrata — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height of Tiger Falls Chakrata?
Tiger Falls is 312 feet (approximately 95 metres) tall. It falls in a single unbroken column, making it one of the tallest direct-drop waterfalls in Asia. The water cascades over dark striped rock — the stripe pattern resembles a tiger's coat, which is how the falls got their name.
Is there an entry fee for Tiger Falls?
No, there is no entry fee for Tiger Falls. The falls and the forest trail are free to access. However, Chakrata is a restricted inner line area — your vehicle needs a permit at the entry check post (free of charge, just show a valid government photo ID).
How difficult is the trek to Tiger Falls?
The trek is easy. The trail is 1.5 km long with a gentle descent through shaded deodar forest. It takes about 25 minutes one way. The path is suitable for families with children and older adults with basic fitness. The only challenging part is the rocky section near the base of the falls — wear shoes with grip.
Can we swim at Tiger Falls?
Yes, but only in summer — April to June — when the water level in the pool at the base is calm and manageable. During and after the monsoon (July–October), the current is strong and the rocks are slippery. Swimming is not safe in these months. In winter, the water is too cold.
How far is Tiger Falls from Dehradun?
Tiger Falls is approximately 108 km from Dehradun — 88 km to Chakrata and then 20 km on the Damta road to the falls roadhead. The drive from Dehradun takes 4–5 hours depending on road conditions. From Chakrata town the drive to the trailhead is about 40 minutes.
Is Tiger Falls open throughout the year?
Yes — Tiger Falls has no official closing dates. Best time is April to June. Avoid monsoon months (July–October) for swimming. Winter trail may ice over.
What makes Tiger Falls Chakrata special compared to other Uttarakhand waterfalls?
Tiger Falls stands out because of its sheer height (312 feet in a single unbroken drop), its location inside a restricted military cantonment area that keeps crowds very low, and its easy accessibility via a short forest trek. Unlike most popular Uttarakhand waterfalls, it has no entry fee, no commercial development at the site, and a natural swimming pool at the base. The dense Jaunsar-Bawar deodar forest surrounding it adds to the experience.
Can Tour Venture India arrange a Chakrata tour that includes Tiger Falls?
Yes. Tour Venture India offers Chakrata day tours and weekend packages that include Tiger Falls, Deoban, Budher Caves, and other attractions. WhatsApp us at +91-8057146497 for a free itinerary within 30 minutes. We provide private AC cabs from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.
| Waterfall Height | 312 feet (95 metres) |
| Location | 20 km from Chakrata, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand |
| Trek Distance | 1.5 km from Lokhandi village roadhead (~25 min) |
| Entry Fee | Free (no ticket required) |
| Best Time to Visit | April to June (swimming safe); July–Oct (max water flow) |
| From Dehradun | 108 km · 4–5 hours by road |
| Trek Difficulty | Easy — family-friendly, no guide required |
| Swimming | Allowed April–June only; unsafe July–October |
- What: 312-foot (95 m) natural waterfall in deodar forest — one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in Asia, located in Chakrata, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand.
- How to reach: 108 km from Dehradun (4–5 hrs), 20 km from Chakrata town. Trek 1.5 km from Lokhandi village roadhead to the falls (~25 min).
- Entry fee: Free. No ticket required. Chakrata vehicle entry permit needed (free, carry government photo ID).
- Best time: April–June (swimming safe, trail dry). July–October (maximum water flow, no swimming). Dec–Feb (not recommended).
- Trek difficulty: Easy — gentle 1.5 km descent, family-friendly, no guide needed. Total visit time 3–4 hours from Chakrata town.
This guide is authored by the Tour Venture India team — our travel experts have visited Tiger Falls across multiple seasons and have guided hundreds of families and groups through Chakrata. All information on trek distance, timings, and seasonal conditions is verified from on-ground visits. We update this guide whenever new information is confirmed.