Complete Guide to Kempty Falls Mussoorie
Kempty Falls is located 15 km west of Mussoorie on the Chakrata road (SH-57), at an altitude of approximately 1,364m — 640 metres lower than Mussoorie town. The waterfall drops 40 metres in three channels over a curved basalt cliff face before joining in a wide natural pool at the base. The name is variously explained as a corruption of "Kempt Tea" (a picnic spot developed by John Mekinnan, a British officer who hosted "camp tea" parties here in 1835) or as a local Garhwali toponym.
The falls and pool are accessible from both the road level (above the falls) and from the base (via steps from the road or via ropeway from the road level).
Kempty Falls Entry Fee & Timings
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | ₹25 per person (adults and children) |
| Ropeway to pool | ₹50–₹80 per person (return) |
| Opening time | 8 AM daily |
| Closing time | 7 PM (roughly sunset) |
| Days open | Daily, all year |
| Best visiting time | Morning (8–11 AM) on weekdays |
Kempty Falls Ropeway
A short aerial ropeway descends from the road level to the pool base, covering approximately 150 metres of vertical distance. The ropeway ride takes 2–3 minutes. Cost: ₹50–₹80 per person return. An alternative is to walk down the concrete steps from the road level to the pool — the steps are steep in places but manageable for most visitors. The ropeway is popular during peak season and can have 30–60 minute queues on summer weekends. If you're visiting in the morning (8–10 AM), queue times are typically short.
Best Time to Visit Kempty Falls
Monsoon (July–September): The falls are at their most powerful — the three channels merge into a roaring curtain of water, and the pool at the base is dramatically full. The visual impact is greatest in this period. Downside: the path and steps can be slippery; swimming in the pool is inadvisable due to water force; the surrounding market area can be muddy.
Post-monsoon (October–November): Good water volume, clear skies, manageable crowds. A pleasant time to visit with good light for photography.
Summer (May–June): The falls are at moderate volume (fed by snowmelt), and while less dramatic than monsoon, are still impressive. This is the most crowded period — arrive early morning (8–10 AM) to avoid peak queues.
Winter (December–February): The falls slow to a thinner flow but are still beautiful against the winter landscape. In very cold years, ice formations can appear on the cliff face around the falls. Very low crowds in this period.
How to Reach Kempty Falls from Mussoorie
By taxi / cab: The most common approach. Shared taxi from near Mall Road or Kulri taxi stand: ₹80–₹120 per seat (4 passengers). Private taxi round trip: ₹400–₹700. Journey: 15 km, 25–35 minutes on SH-57 Chakrata road.
By local bus: A limited bus service runs between Mussoorie Library end and Kempty Falls. Check schedule locally as timing is seasonal and infrequent.
By walking: Not practical — the 15 km includes the downhill descent and uphill return on a road with no dedicated footpath. However, the first 5 km of the route from Library end toward Kempty (via Clouds End) is a pleasant walk through forest.
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
For Kempty Falls, the monsoon (July–September) gives the most spectacular waterfall experience; for overall Mussoorie, October–November has the best combination of weather, views and manageable crowds. See the Mussoorie season guide.
How to Reach Mussoorie
Mussoorie is 35 km from Dehradun. GMOU buses run from Dehradun ISBT every 30 minutes (₹60–₹80). Private taxi: ₹600–₹1,000 one-way. From Delhi: 290 km, 6 hours. See Mussoorie travel guide.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Timing tip: In peak season (May–June), arrive at Kempty Falls before 10 AM. By noon, the pool area is crowded and ropeway queues are 30–60 minutes long. An early start makes a significant difference.
- Swimming: Swimming is allowed in the pool at the base in normal (non-monsoon) conditions. The pool is shallow (1–2m at the edges, slightly deeper at the centre). No lifeguards are permanently stationed; exercise caution and keep children in the shallows. Do not swim in monsoon season when water flow is powerful.
- Photography: The best waterfall photography light is morning (8–10 AM) when the sun is lower and the water catches the light without harsh midday shadows. A polarising filter (or polarising mode on a smartphone) reduces glare from the water surface.
- Food at Kempty: The market area around Kempty Falls has numerous small restaurants and stalls (pakora, chai, cold drinks, corn). Prices are higher than Mussoorie proper — budget accordingly.
FAQs
- How far is Kempty Falls from Mussoorie?
- Kempty Falls is 15 km from Mussoorie Mall Road (Library end) by road on SH-57 (Chakrata road). The drive takes 25–35 minutes in normal conditions. The road descends from Mussoorie's altitude (2,005m) to the falls area (1,364m), so the return journey is mostly uphill — factor in slightly more time for the return (35–45 minutes).
- Can I swim at Kempty Falls?
- Yes — swimming in the pool at the base of Kempty Falls is allowed during non-monsoon months (October–June). The pool is fed by the falls and is a popular activity in summer. However, the water is cold (fed by Himalayan snowmelt in spring), there are no lifeguards, and the rocks near the falls are extremely slippery. Children should be supervised at all times. Swimming is strongly discouraged during monsoon (July–September) when water volume and force create a genuinely dangerous current in the pool.
- Is Kempty Falls worth visiting?
- Yes — it is genuinely impressive, particularly in and after the monsoon when the volume of water is high. For first-time Mussoorie visitors, it is a must-see. For repeat visitors or those who have seen more dramatic waterfalls elsewhere, it may be a secondary priority. The main downside is crowds in peak season; the main upside is its accessibility (15 km, 30 min) and the spectacle even at reduced flow in winter. Overall, it deserves its reputation as one of the most visited waterfalls in the region.