Fifteen kilometres from Mussoorie’s Mall Road on the Yamunotri Highway, where the Mussoorie–Dehradun road begins its descent through the Tehri Garhwal hills, Kempty Falls has been drawing visitors since 1835. A British officer named John Mekinan developed it as a picnic spot during colonial rule — “Kempty” derives from “Camp-Tea,” referring to the tea parties the British organised beside the falls. What Mekinan found is still there: a waterfall that drops approximately 40 feet from a height of 4,500 feet above sea level, splitting into five cascading streams before collecting in a natural pool large enough to swim in.
Today, Kempty Falls is one of Uttarakhand’s most visited tourist sites and Mussoorie’s signature day-trip destination — accessible by road, viewable from above via ropeway, and swimmable in the natural pool below. Most importantly for budget travellers: entry to Kempty Falls is completely free.
Kempty Falls Ticket Price 2026 — Entry Fee
Entry to Kempty Falls: FREE
There is no ticket required to visit Kempty Falls. The waterfall, the natural pool, and the surrounding viewing areas are all accessible without payment.
Charges apply only for optional services:
| Service | Charge |
| Ropeway — Round Trip | ₹120 – ₹250 per person |
| Ropeway — One Way (descending) | ₹80 – ₹100 per person |
| Floating Tube (pool) | ₹100 per person |
| Locker | ₹50 per locker |
| Changing Room | ₹10 per person |
| Swimming Costume Rental | ₹20 – ₹50 per person |
| Parking | ₹40 per vehicle |
| Boating (nearby pond) | ₹150 – ₹500 (seasonal) |
| Zip Lining (seasonal) | ₹200 – ₹500 |
Ropeway note: Multiple sources cite different ropeway rates — ₹120 (standard), ₹150 (peak season), and ₹250 (some 2026 visitor reports). This variation reflects seasonal pricing and whether the rate quoted is per person or includes a return journey. Confirm the current ropeway rate at the counter on arrival, as operators may revise seasonally.
Kempty Falls — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Lakhwad, Kempty, Mussoorie–Yamunotri Road (NH-707A), Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand – 248179 |
| Distance from Mussoorie | ~13–15 km |
| Distance from Dehradun | ~45–48 km |
| Altitude | ~4,500 feet (1,364 metres) above sea level |
| Waterfall Height | ~40 feet (five cascading streams) |
| Developed By | John Mekinan, British officer, ~1835 |
| Entry Fee | FREE |
| Ropeway Charges | ₹120 – ₹250 per person (round trip) |
| Open Days | All 7 days; year-round |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Best Time to Visit | June to October (optimal for swimming) |
| Contact | +91-135-2632863 |
Kempty Falls Timings 2026
| Day | Timing |
| All 7 days (year-round) | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
The falls are accessible year-round, but the swimming pool is practical and safe primarily from June to October. Winter months (November to February) are extremely cold at altitude, and the pool water is unsuitable for swimming.
The Ropeway — Best Way to Arrive
The Kempty Falls ropeway is a 5 to 6-minute cable car ride descending from the road-level parking area to the base of the falls — eliminating the steep stone steps that descend from the market area to the pool level.
The ropeway provides aerial views of the waterfall and surrounding hills during the descent, creating a genuinely scenic approach. For elderly visitors, families with young children, and those who want to see the falls from above before reaching the pool level, the ropeway is the recommended choice.
From the top: The view from the ropeway upper terminal looks down into the pool basin — the full scale of the waterfall is visible from this vantage point in a way that the road-level viewpoint cannot provide.
Walking alternative: Steep stone steps descend from the road-level market through a line of shops and vendors to the falls. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to descend on foot. The return ascent is steeper and more demanding — the ropeway ride back up is worth the charge for most visitors.
The Five Cascading Streams
Kempty Falls does not flow as a single column of water. The stream splits into five distinct channels as it approaches the rock face, each falling separately at slightly different points across the width of the cliff. The result is a broad waterfall that spreads horizontally rather than concentrating in a single plunge — giving it a distinctive curtain-like appearance from the pool level and the road above.
The water is clear and cold year-round due to the Himalayan catchment area and the altitude. In summer months, this cold water is the principal attraction for visitors escaping the heat of the plains.
Swimming at Kempty Falls
The natural pool at the base of the falls is the primary draw for most visitors. The pool is:
- Depth: Varies across the pool — deepest sections beneath the main waterfall streams; shallower edges suitable for standing
- Temperature: Cold year-round (mountain water); refreshingly cold in summer, uncomfortably cold in winter
- Current: Generally manageable within the main pool area; stronger currents immediately under the falls
- Safety: No lifeguards are stationed; parental supervision mandatory for children
- Swimwear: Optional but recommended; most visitors enter in their clothing in the Indian tradition
Floating tubes: Available for rent at ₹100 per person — a tube allows relaxed floating in the pool without the effort of active swimming. Popular with families and non-swimmers who want to be in the water without swimming.
The five stream impact zones create natural “shower” areas where the waterfall hits the pool — standing under these is the most exhilarating way to experience Kempty Falls and the point that most visitors aim for.
Activities at Kempty Falls
Swimming
The primary activity and the reason most visitors come. The natural pool at the base is accessible to all; no ticket is required to enter the water.
Ropeway
The 5 to 6-minute cable car ride providing aerial views of the falls and surrounding valley. Round trip: ₹120 to ₹250. Well worth the cost for the perspective it provides.
Boating
A man-made pond adjacent to the main falls area offers boat rides in season (summer months). Various boat types including paddle boats and row boats. Pricing: ₹150 to ₹500 depending on boat type and session length.
Photography and Viewpoints
Multiple viewpoints across the area around the falls offer photography opportunities:
- Road-level viewpoint: Looking down into the pool basin from above the falls
- Pool level: Looking up at the five streams as they descend
- Ropeway: Aerial perspective during the cable car ride
- Opposite bank: The best full-face view of the waterfall from across the pool
Trekking (Seasonal)
The Kempty Falls area and surrounding hills provide trekking opportunities for the more adventurous visitor. No formal managed trek routes — local guides available near the falls for informal guided walks. Check current conditions locally.
Zip Lining (Seasonal)
A zipline is sometimes operational in the Kempty Falls area in season. Pricing: ₹200 to ₹500. Availability varies — verify on arrival.
Shopping
The market area between the ropeway upper terminal and the descent stairs to the falls is lined with stalls selling Uttarakhand handicrafts, woolens, honey, local snacks, and souvenirs. The market is particularly well-stocked with hill station products — shawls, carved wooden items, and honey from local beekeepers.
Food at Kempty Falls
Multiple small eateries and dhabas operate around the falls area, serving:
- Maggi and instant noodles (the quintessential hill station snack)
- Chai and hot beverages
- Local Garhwali food including mandua (finger millet) dishes
- North Indian snacks and meals
- Cold drinks and packaged foods
No branded food chains are present. The food is simple, fresh, and reasonably priced — the hill station dhaba format at its most authentic.
How to Reach Kempty Falls
From Mussoorie (14.5 km):
The most common approach. From Mall Road or Library Bus Stand in Mussoorie, take:
- Shared taxi: Regular shared taxis depart from Masonic Lodge area near Mall Road; fare ₹50 to ₹100 per person
- Private taxi: ₹300 to ₹600 for the full vehicle one-way; bargain at the taxi stand
- Rental bike/scooter: Available on Mall Road; experienced riders only — roads are narrow and steep
- Bus: Local buses occasionally run but are less reliable; shared taxi is more practical
Journey time: 30 to 45 minutes by road (winding mountain roads).
From Dehradun (45 km):
Regular buses from Dehradun ISBT or Mussoorie Bus Stand. Private taxis available. Journey: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant), approximately 73 km from Kempty Falls. Taxis from the airport to Mussoorie/Kempty cost ₹1,200 to ₹1,800.
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, approximately 49 km. Regular trains from Delhi (5 to 6 hours), Haridwar (1 hour), and other cities.
Parking: Available at the road level near the ropeway terminal. Charge: ₹40. Parking fills quickly on weekends and public holidays — arrive early or prepare to wait.
Best Time to Visit
June to October: The ideal window for swimming at Kempty Falls. Summer heat at lower elevations makes the cold mountain pool genuinely refreshing. The falls are at full flow post-monsoon (July to October) — the most dramatic water volumes of the year.
Peak Summer (May to June): Heaviest tourist footfall from the plains. Mussoorie and Kempty receive enormous crowds during school holidays. Arrive before 9:00 AM for parking and a relatively uncrowded pool experience.
Monsoon (July to September): The falls are most spectacular. Water volume is maximum and all five streams are in full flow. The surrounding hills are intensely green. However, roads can be slippery and the pool current is stronger — exercise additional caution when swimming.
Winter (November to February): The falls continue flowing but the pool is too cold for swimming. The surrounding landscape has a quiet, misty beauty. Some visitors come specifically for the winter scenery, but most attractions (boating, swimming) are impractical.
Avoid peak weekend afternoons: The Mussoorie–Kempty road experiences significant congestion on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from May to October. Travel before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid the worst traffic.
Visitor Tips
- The stone steps descending from the market to the pool are uneven and wet in places — appropriate footwear is essential
- Keep valuables in the locker (₹50) before entering the pool area
- The pool has no lifeguards — supervise children strictly and non-swimmers should stay in the shallow edges
- Cotton clothing is difficult to remove when wet at altitude — carry a separate change of clothes if you plan to swim
- Bargain at the rental costume stalls — prices are negotiable off-season
- The return ropeway (ascending) is worth the charge — the climb up the stone stairs is steep and tiring after a full day at the pool
- Early morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) visits have the best photography light and the fewest crowds
Nearby Attractions
Kempty Falls’ location 15 km from Mussoorie makes it combinable with:
- Mussoorie Mall Road — 15 km; the main pedestrian strip with colonial charm, shopping, and views
- Gun Hill — 16 km; Mussoorie’s second-highest point, accessible by ropeway for panoramic views
- Company Garden — 14 km; beautifully maintained botanical garden with boating
- Camel’s Back Road — 16 km; a scenic walking trail with a distinctive camel-shaped rock formation
- Lal Tibba — 20 km; the highest point near Mussoorie with views of Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Nanda Devi peaks on clear days
- Bhatta Falls — 11 km; a smaller waterfall combining naturally with Kempty on a two-waterfall day itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Kempty Falls entry fee in 2026?
Kempty Falls has no entry fee. Access to the waterfall and the natural pool is completely free for all visitors. Charges apply only for optional services: ropeway (₹120–₹250 round trip), floating tube (₹100), locker (₹50), changing room (₹10), and parking (₹40).
Q2. How much does the Kempty Falls ropeway cost?
The ropeway round trip costs approximately ₹120 to ₹250 per person depending on the season. One-way (descending) is approximately ₹80 to ₹100. Confirm the current rate at the ropeway counter as prices vary seasonally.
Q3. What are Kempty Falls timings?
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM throughout the year.
Q4. How far is Kempty Falls from Mussoorie?
Approximately 13 to 15 km from Mussoorie’s Mall Road. The drive takes 30 to 45 minutes by shared or private taxi via the Mussoorie–Yamunotri Road.
Q5. Can you swim at Kempty Falls?
Yes. Swimming is the primary activity at Kempty Falls. The natural pool at the base of the falls is accessible to all visitors at no charge. The water is cold year-round — best for swimming from June to October. No lifeguards are present; parental supervision of children is mandatory.
