Best Waterfalls Near Delhi for a Weekend Trip with Friends

There is something about jumping into a waterfall with your closest friends that no luxury resort or Instagram-worthy cafe can replicate. The cold water hits you, someone pushes you under, everyone is laughing, and for those few minutes, nothing else matters. No deadlines, no phone notifications, no traffic jams. Just pure, unfiltered fun. I have been lucky enough to experience this feeling at two of the most popular waterfalls near Delhi, and both times, it left me feeling truly alive.

In this article, I will share my personal experiences at Kempty Falls in Mussoorie and Bhagsunag Waterfall in McLeod Ganj. Along with the stories, I have also added practical information so that you can plan your own weekend waterfall trip with friends. If you are looking for a quick escape from the Delhi heat, keep reading 🙂

Quick Info: Waterfalls Near Delhi for a Weekend Trip

How Did My Waterfall Adventures Begin?

Before I became a regular Himalayan traveler, my idea of a trip was simple. A group of friends, a booked vehicle, a hotel room, and a destination. No offbeat plans, no research, no adventure agenda. Just a standard touristy trip where you go, see, click photos, and come back. But even in those early trips, something magical happened when we found ourselves near flowing water. That magic is what I want to share with you today.

This article is part of my Alive is Awesome series where I have been sharing those small but powerful moments from my travels that made me feel truly alive. If you missed the earlier parts, do check out How Travel Transformed Me and 6 Reasons Why I Travel.

What Was My Experience at Kempty Falls in Mussoorie?

This happened way back when I was still a “family boy” traveler with no real travel experience. One random day, a friend called and suggested we escape the Delhi heat and drive to Mussoorie to see Kempty Falls. I had very little interest in travel at that point, but I also had nothing better to do over the weekend. So I said yes, not expecting much to come of it 🙂

To my surprise, 6 other friends also said yes. We booked a Tavera and left Delhi on a Friday night. I had no idea how long the drive to Mussoorie would take, but after a long 9 hours on the road, we finally reached by 6 AM. The first thing I saw was the golden glow of the morning sun with clouds floating in the valley below, almost like an ocean of clouds. It was beautiful, and I did not even care about it at the time. My only reaction was “BED, wow” and I went straight to sleep.

We woke up around 11 AM, had breakfast, and headed to Kempty Falls. As soon as we went down and saw people jumping into the water and having all sorts of fun, there was zero hesitation from any of us. All seven of us jumped straight into the waterfall.

What followed was absolute chaos in the best way possible. We pushed each other, dipped each other underwater, splashed water like there was no tomorrow. It was as if a bunch of little kids had taken over our bodies. We were so wild that everyone else gradually moved out of the falls area to let us have our fun. I knew people around us were not thrilled with our behavior, but sometimes you have to leave behind all those bars of the so-called civilized world to enjoy life to the fullest.

That day at Kempty Falls was one of those special moments that you never forget, even though at that time I had no idea that travel would become such a big part of my life.

How to Reach Kempty Falls from Delhi?

Kempty Falls is located about 15 km from Mussoorie town on the Mussoorie-Dehradun road. The total distance from Delhi is approximately 290 km, and the drive takes 7 to 8 hours via Meerut and Dehradun. If you are not driving, ISBT Kashmere Gate has regular buses to Dehradun, and from there you can take a local taxi or shared cab to Mussoorie. From Mussoorie, Kempty Falls is a short 20-minute drive.

Keep in mind that there is a steep descent of about 200 steps to reach the base of the falls. Coming back up can be tiring, but there is a ropeway (Rs 250 return) that saves you the climb. Parking costs around Rs 40, and lockers for your valuables are available for Rs 50.

Dheeraj Sharma

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What Should You Know Before Visiting Kempty Falls?

Kempty Falls is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. There is no entry fee for the waterfall itself. Bathing is allowed in the designated pool area at the base of the falls. The rocks around the falls get extremely slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. In case you plan to get into the water (which you should), carry an extra set of clothes and a waterproof pouch for your phone.

The best time to visit is between March and June when the weather is warm and the water flow is good. Avoid the monsoon months (July to September) as the water current can be dangerously strong and the rocks become treacherous. Also try to reach before 10 AM if possible, because by noon it gets extremely crowded, especially on weekends.

What Was My Experience at Bhagsunag Waterfall in McLeod Ganj?

My second waterfall adventure happened in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. By this time I was working but had a similar fun-loving group of friends. It was again a long weekend plan, and we left Delhi on a Thursday night. Delhi to McLeod Ganj is around 530 km and takes roughly 12 to 13 hours.

We stayed at a hotel (Hotel Sahil, if I remember correctly) right at the end of the Mall Road. After resting for a couple of hours, we headed out to explore. The first target was a trek through the woods behind Bhagsunag Temple. We asked our driver to drop us as close to the temple as possible, and the drive itself was beautiful and a little scary once we went off the main road.

After visiting the temple and doing a short trek through the woods, someone told us there was a waterfall just 10 to 15 minutes of walking distance ahead. All of us got excited and rushed towards it. When we saw the waterfall, there was no discussion needed. Coming from 45 degrees Celsius of burning Delhi heat, every single one of us went straight in.

The fun that followed is something I will never forget. I still remember my friends grabbing me and throwing me right into the waterfall from the adjacent rock. I kept my mouth wide open and got way too much water inside. It was not funny at that moment, but looking back, it is one of the funniest travel memories I have. After that, I also got into action, pushing, throwing, enjoying every bit of it.

After about an hour, all completely drenched, we started the walk back to the hotel since the cab had already gone back. The whole walk, fully soaked, was a different kind of fun. Nine people walking on the road, dripping wet, smiles on every face, cracking jokes about each other. That feeling is something no amount of money can buy, my friend.

How to Reach Bhagsunag Waterfall from McLeod Ganj?

Bhagsunag Waterfall is about 2 km from McLeod Ganj main town. You can either walk from the Mall Road (takes about 30 to 40 minutes) or drive to Bhagsu village and trek the remaining 1 km. The trek is easy to moderate with mostly paved paths and some steps. You will pass through Bhagsunag Temple on the way, which is worth a quick stop for prayers.

From Delhi, McLeod Ganj is about 530 km. You can drive (12-13 hours) or take an overnight bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dharamshala. HRTC Volvo buses cost around Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,800. From Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj is just 10 km uphill, and shared autos run frequently for Rs 30 to 50 per person.

What Should You Know Before Visiting Bhagsunag Waterfall?

The waterfall is open from 7 AM to 9 PM, and there is no entry fee. Unlike Kempty Falls, there is no designated bathing zone here, but people regularly get into the water at the base of the falls. The rocks here are also quite slippery, so good grip footwear is essential. Several small cafes and tea stalls line the trek path, so you can grab a bite on the way back.

The best months to visit are March to May and October to November. During monsoon, the waterfall is at its most spectacular, but the trek path becomes slippery and can be risky. If you are visiting during the colder months, the water will be ice cold. Which, depending on who you ask, is either torture or the highlight of the trip.

Which Other Waterfalls Near Delhi Are Worth Visiting?

If my stories have inspired you to plan your own waterfall trip, here are a few more options within weekend distance from Delhi that are great for bathing and swimming with friends.

Bhatta Falls, Mussoorie is a smaller, less crowded alternative to Kempty Falls. It is on the Mussoorie-Dehradun road and has a natural pool where swimming is allowed. If you want a more peaceful experience without the tourist crowds, this is a good pick.

Tiger Falls, Chakrata is about 330 km from Delhi and involves a 5 km trek through oak forests. At 312 feet, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Uttarakhand. You can bathe in the pond at the base. Chakrata is also relatively offbeat compared to Mussoorie, so fewer crowds.

Neer Garh Waterfall, Rishikesh is the closest option at about 240 km from Delhi. It has two tiers and two bathing pools. If you are already planning a Rishikesh adventure trip, adding this waterfall makes the weekend even better.

For a detailed guide on adventure bathing options, check my article on adventure bathing experiences in Rishikesh.

What Should You Pack for a Waterfall Trip?

Based on my experiences, here is a quick packing checklist for any waterfall trip near Delhi.

Dheeraj Sharma

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• Extra set of clothes: You will get completely drenched. Carry a dry change in a waterproof bag.
• Shoes with grip: Waterfall rocks are extremely slippery. Sandals or flip-flops are a recipe for injuries. Wear sports shoes or trekking sandals with good grip.
• Waterproof phone pouch: A basic waterproof pouch costs Rs 100 to 300 and saves your phone from water damage.
• Towel and sunscreen: Quick-dry towels are lightweight and useful. Sunscreen because you will be out in the open for hours.
• Snacks and water: Not all waterfalls have cafes nearby. Carry energy bars, dry fruits, and at least 1 liter of water per person.
• First aid basics: Band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relief spray. Slips and minor cuts are common around waterfalls.

What Are Some Safety Tips for Waterfall Bathing?

I know this might sound boring after all the fun stories, but safety at waterfalls is no joke. Every year we hear about accidents at popular waterfalls in Uttarakhand and Himachal. Hence, keep these points in mind before jumping in.

• Never swim during monsoon: The water current increases dramatically during July to September. Even experienced swimmers can get swept away.
• Watch for sudden water surges: If it has been raining upstream, water levels can rise without warning. If you see the water turning muddy or the flow increasing suddenly, get out immediately.
• Stay in the shallow pool area: Do not climb up the waterfall rocks or try to go behind the water curtain. The force of falling water is much stronger than it looks.
• Keep your group visible: Always swim with at least one person watching from outside. This is especially important when you have a large group and everyone is pushing each other around.
• Respect local rules: If an area is marked as no-bathing or dangerous, follow it. These signs exist for a reason.

Why Should You Plan a Waterfall Trip with Friends?

I have done a lot of solo trips and I love them. But waterfall trips with friends hit different. There is something about the chaos, the pushing, the laughing, the walking back soaking wet on a mountain road that creates memories you keep coming back to decades later. Both my experiences at Kempty Falls and Bhagsunag happened when I was not even a “traveler” yet, and they remain some of my fondest travel memories.

If you have a group of friends who keep talking about doing a trip together but never actually plan one, let this be the push. Pick a weekend, pick a waterfall, book a vehicle or bus tickets, and just go. Do not overthink the destination. The destination is secondary. What matters is the company and the willingness to let go and have fun like you did when you were kids.

If you are looking for more weekend trip ideas near Delhi, check out my guides on Mussoorie, Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, and weekend trip to Kasol.

Related Reading

• An Introduction | Alive is Awesome
• How Travel Transformed and Made Me Feel Alive
• 6 Reasons Why I Travel to Feel Alive
• Adventure Bathing in Rishikesh Part 1
• Offbeat Places in Himachal Pradesh

I hope you enjoyed reading about these two waterfall experiences. If you have had a similar adventure with friends at a waterfall, feel free to share it in the comments. I would love to hear your stories. And if you are planning a trip to either of these waterfalls, feel free to ask me any questions. You can also join the DwD Community to connect with fellow travelers who are planning similar trips.

Last Updated: March 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is swimming allowed at Kempty Falls Mussoorie?

Yes, swimming and bathing are allowed at Kempty Falls in the designated pool area at the base of the waterfall. There is no entry fee for the waterfall. The ropeway to avoid climbing steps costs Rs 250 for a return trip. The falls are open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Carry extra clothes and waterproof bags for your valuables.

How far is Bhagsunag Waterfall from McLeod Ganj?

Bhagsunag Waterfall is about 2 km from McLeod Ganj main town. You can walk from the Mall Road in about 30 to 40 minutes or drive to Bhagsu village and trek the remaining 1 km. The trek is easy to moderate with mostly paved paths. There is no entry fee, and the waterfall is open from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Which is the best waterfall near Delhi for a weekend trip?

Kempty Falls in Mussoorie is the most popular choice at 290 km from Delhi (7-8 hours drive). For a less crowded option, try Bhatta Falls (also in Mussoorie) or Neer Garh Waterfall near Rishikesh (240 km). If you have a long weekend, Bhagsunag Waterfall in McLeod Ganj (530 km) offers a trek and waterfall combo that is hard to beat.

What is the best time to visit waterfalls near Delhi?

March to June is the best time for waterfall visits from Delhi. The weather is warm, the water flow is good, and bathing is comfortable. Avoid the monsoon season (July to September) as water currents become dangerously strong and rocks get extremely slippery. October and November are also good for waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh like Bhagsunag.

Is it safe to bathe at waterfalls in Uttarakhand and Himachal?

Bathing at popular waterfalls like Kempty Falls and Bhagsunag is generally safe during the dry season (March to June) if you stay in the designated areas. The main risks are slippery rocks and sudden water surges during monsoon. Always wear shoes with good grip, swim with your group, and avoid climbing waterfall rocks. During monsoon, avoid bathing completely as the current can sweep even strong swimmers.

How much does a weekend waterfall trip from Delhi cost?

A weekend trip to Kempty Falls (Mussoorie) from Delhi costs roughly Rs 2,000 to 4,000 per person when traveling in a group of 4 to 6 friends. This includes transport (shared vehicle or bus), one night hotel stay (Rs 500-1,000 per person in a shared room), food, and miscellaneous expenses. A trip to Bhagsunag (McLeod Ganj) costs slightly more at Rs 3,000 to 5,000 per person due to the longer distance.