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, plus three more waterfalls near Delhi where bathing is actually allowed (a lot of the big listicle articles out there list waterfalls you cannot even get into the water at). Along with the stories, I have added practical information, current prices, and safety tips so 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 answer: Kempty Falls in Mussoorie (290 km, 7-8 hours) is the easiest weekend pick with a proper bathing pool and a ropeway back up. If you have a long weekend, Bhagsunag Waterfall in McLeod Ganj (530 km) pairs a short trek with a swim. Both allow bathing in designated areas, both cost close to nothing to visit, and both are doable with a group of 4-6 friends for under Rs 5,000 per person.
Quick Comparison: 5 Waterfalls Near Delhi You Can Actually Swim In
Before the stories, here is the practical info box I wish I had before my first trip. All five of these allow bathing (unlike a lot of waterfalls that show up on generic “best waterfalls near Delhi” lists but are fenced off, seasonal, or too dangerous to enter).
| Waterfall | Distance from Delhi | Bathing Allowed | Best For | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kempty Falls, Mussoorie | ~290 km (7-8 hrs) | Yes, designated pool | Easy weekend, first timers | March to June |
| Bhagsunag Waterfall, McLeod Ganj | ~530 km (12-13 hrs) | Yes | Long weekend + trek combo | March-May, Oct-Nov |
| Bhatta Falls, Mussoorie | ~285 km (7-8 hrs) | Yes, natural pool | Less crowded alternative to Kempty | March to June |
| Tiger Falls, Chakrata | ~330 km (8-9 hrs + 5 km trek) | Yes, pond at base | Offbeat, fewer crowds | March-June, monsoon for volume |
| Neer Garh Waterfall, Rishikesh | ~240 km (6-7 hrs) | Yes, two pools | Closest option, combine with Rishikesh | March to June |
Which of These Waterfalls Has the Best Hike?
Quick answer: If you actually want a hike and not just a flight of steps, Tiger Falls in Chakrata (about 5 km through oak forest, rated Easy) and Neer Garh Waterfall in Rishikesh (3 to 4.5 km depending on the trailhead, rated moderate to hard by recent visitors) are the two best waterfall hikes near Delhi. Kempty Falls sits at the other end of the scale, a paved staircase with almost no hiking involved.
Most “best waterfall hikes near Delhi” searches point straight to Kempty Falls, but Kempty is barely a hike, it is a flight of steps down to a pool. Hence, if the trek itself is part of what you are chasing, here is how the five waterfalls in this article actually compare on distance and difficulty.
| Waterfall | Hike Distance | Difficulty | Trail Type | One-Way Hike Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Falls, Chakrata | ~5 km from the designated parking point | Easy, Grade 1 | Stepped mud path through oak forest | 20-30 min down, 30-40 min back up |
| Neer Garh Waterfall, Rishikesh | ~3-4.5 km from the highway diversion (varies by trailhead) | Moderate to hard | Gradual forest ascent with rocky stretches near the top | 45-60 min |
| Bhagsunag Waterfall, McLeod Ganj | ~1 km from Bhagsu village (2 km from Mall Road) | Easy to moderate | Paved path with steps, passes Bhagsunag Temple | 20-30 min |
| Bhatta Falls, Mussoorie | ~500 meters from the road | Easy | Short descent, sturdy shoes recommended | 10-15 min |
| Kempty Falls, Mussoorie | No real trek, about 200 paved steps | Easy (steps, not a trail) | Paved staircase with a ropeway option back up | 5-10 min |
Tiger Falls is the one I would send a friend to if they specifically asked for a proper waterfall hike. As of the latest 2026 trail guides, the descent from the designated parking point runs about 5 km through oak forest on a stepped mud path, rated Easy or Grade 1, taking 20 to 30 minutes down and 30 to 40 minutes back up since the return leg is uphill. At 312 feet, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Uttarakhand, and the trek itself, not just the falls, is the real draw here.
Neer Garh Waterfall near Rishikesh is the other genuine hike on this list, and recent 2026 visitor reports actually flag it as a hard trek, not the easy stroll some older articles describe. Depending on which trailhead you start from, it runs 3 to 4.5 km, with a gradual ascent from around 1,420 feet to 2,441 feet and a few rocky, uneven stretches near the top. Wear proper trekking shoes here, sandals will not hold up on this one.
Bhagsunag and Bhatta Falls both involve short, easy treks (1 km and 500 meters respectively) that are more of a warm-up walk than a hike. If you want to turn Bhagsunag into an actual day of trekking, combine it with the Triund trek on the same day, since both trailheads start from around McLeod Ganj.
Kempty Falls is not a hike at all, so be clear on that before you go expecting one. It is a roughly 200-step paved descent to the pool, with a ropeway available for the climb back up. If the hike is the point of your trip, pick Tiger Falls or Neer Garh instead and treat Kempty as the easy, bathing-only option.
How Did My Waterfall Adventures Begin?
Quick answer: My first waterfall trips happened before I became a serious Himalayan traveler, when a group of friends and I would just book a vehicle and go. There was no offbeat plan or research involved, just a bunch of friends chasing an escape from Delhi’s heat. Those early, unplanned trips are where I first understood why people keep coming back to these two waterfalls.
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?
Quick answer: Kempty Falls was my very first waterfall trip, a spontaneous weekend drive with seven friends who jumped straight into the pool the moment we saw people bathing. It was chaotic, loud, and one of the most memorable weekends of my life, even though at the time I had no idea it would spark a lifelong travel habit.
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?
Quick answer: Kempty Falls is 290 km from Delhi, a 7-8 hour drive via Meerut and Dehradun, and 15 km short of Mussoorie town. If you are not self-driving, take a bus or train to Dehradun and hire a local taxi for the last stretch.
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. For official transport and stay information for the region, the Uttarakhand Tourism website is a good reference to cross-check before you travel.
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 that saves you the climb. As of 2026, multiple travel guides put the ropeway at Rs 150 to Rs 250 for a return trip, with rates fluctuating by season, so confirm the exact fare at the counter. Parking costs around Rs 40, lockers for your valuables are around Rs 50, and if you did not carry a spare set of clothes, changing rooms (about Rs 10) and swim costume rental (about Rs 20) are usually available near the falls.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Kempty Falls?
Quick answer: Kempty Falls is open 8 AM to 5 PM, free to enter, and bathing is allowed in the designated pool at the base. Wear grip shoes, avoid the monsoon months, and try to reach before 10 AM to beat the crowd.
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?
Quick answer: My second waterfall trip was a long weekend to McLeod Ganj with a working-professional friend group. We trekked past Bhagsunag Temple, found the waterfall by word of mouth, and jumped in the moment we saw it. The walk back to the hotel, fully drenched, ended up being half the fun.
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?
Quick answer: Bhagsunag Waterfall is about 2 km from McLeod Ganj main town, a 30-40 minute walk from Mall Road or a short drive to Bhagsu village plus a 1 km trek. From Delhi it is 530 km, doable by overnight HRTC Volvo for Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,800.
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 as of 2026 (check current fares and timings on the official HRTC website before booking, since fares shift seasonally). From Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj is just 10 km uphill, and shared autos run frequently for Rs 30 to 50 per person. If you want to base your whole trip around the town instead of just the waterfall, I have a separate Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj travel guide with a full itinerary. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism site is also worth a check for any local advisories before you go.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Bhagsunag Waterfall?
Quick answer: Bhagsunag Waterfall is open 7 AM to 9 PM, free to enter, with no formal bathing zone but people bathe at the base regularly. Rocks are slippery, so wear grip shoes, and carry small cash for the cafes along the trek.
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. If you have an extra day, this area also has some good short treks, including the Triund trek, which many groups combine with a Bhagsunag waterfall visit.
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?
Quick answer: Bhatta Falls (Mussoorie), Tiger Falls (Chakrata), and Neer Garh Waterfall (Rishikesh) are three more waterfalls within weekend distance of Delhi where bathing is allowed, each with a slightly different vibe than Kempty or Bhagsunag.
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, about 285 km from Delhi on the same Mussoorie-Dehradun road. It has a natural pool where swimming is allowed, and because it does not get the same tourist-bus crowd as Kempty, the water tends to stay cleaner. 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, and there is a pond at the base where you can bathe. Chakrata is also relatively offbeat compared to Mussoorie, so fewer crowds. If you are planning to explore this belt further, my Chansal Pass to Chakrata itinerary covers the road conditions and a longer route through the area.
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.
- 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. This is the same flash-flood behavior local disaster authorities warn about for hill streams, so do not treat it as a myth.
- 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?
Quick answer: A waterfall trip strips a group trip down to the basics, no elaborate itinerary needed. Pick a weekend, pick one of these 5 waterfalls, and go. The company matters more than the destination.
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
- How to Plan a Trip to Triund Trek Over a Weekend
- Chansal Pass to Chakrata Itinerary and Road Conditions
- 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 any 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: August 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 roughly Rs 150 to Rs 250 for a return trip as of 2026, though rates can vary by season, so confirm at the counter. 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.
Which waterfall near Delhi is best for a large group of friends?
Kempty Falls handles large groups the best because it has a wide designated pool area, a ropeway for anyone who does not want to climb the steps, and enough space that a group of 6-10 people will not feel like they are in everyone else’s way. Bhagsunag works too, but the pool area is smaller and gets crowded faster.
Is Bhatta Falls a good alternative to Kempty Falls?
Yes. Bhatta Falls is on the same Mussoorie-Dehradun road as Kempty Falls, about 285 km from Delhi, but it sees far fewer tourists. The natural pool is smaller than Kempty’s, so it suits groups of 4-6 better than large groups, and the water tends to be cleaner since it does not get the same tour-bus footfall.
Which waterfall near Delhi has the best hike?
Tiger Falls in Chakrata has the best proper hike among waterfalls near Delhi, a roughly 5 km trek through oak forest rated Easy to Grade 1, taking about 20 to 30 minutes down and 30 to 40 minutes back up. Neer Garh Waterfall near Rishikesh is the other real hiking option, a 3 to 4.5 km trail that recent 2026 visitor reports rate as moderate to hard. Kempty Falls and Bhatta Falls involve minimal walking, mostly stairs or a short 500 meter path, so pick Tiger Falls or Neer Garh if the hike itself matters to you.
2 Comments
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You made me remember my latest trip to Mcleodganj with buddies for life. College buddies with roll call of 67, 68, 69 (You can understand our dependency on each other).
It was same Bhagsunag waterfalls. Our wild fun like in college. Just closer to nature. Brings smile on my face 🙂
Thanks alot Aman, really glad that you liked the series so much. I hope you enjoy rest of it as well 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma