Photo spot in Mussoorie
Kempty Falls
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie's most famous waterfall, cascading in tiers down a hillside into a pool where visitors splash and paddle.
Best time
Late morning, when sun reaches the deep valley and lights the cascade; early morning on weekdays for an emptier pool.
Best angle
Walk down to the side of the pool and take a vertical photo of the full cascade, with the rocks and the green valley walls around it.
Entry fee
Nominal (ropeway extra)
Opening hours
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Kempty Falls
Late morning, when sun reaches the deep valley and lights the cascade; early morning on weekdays for an emptier pool. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Kempty Falls
Walk down to the side of the pool and take a vertical photo of the full cascade, with the rocks and the green valley walls around it. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the waterfall base
On the viewing platforms
Outfit guide
What to wear at Kempty Falls
For photos at Kempty Falls, yellow, white and teal work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Mussoorie.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Mussoorie.
Eat nearby
Food near Kempty Falls
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for steamed momos nearby.
Special dishes to try
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Good to know
Local tips
Arrive early on a weekday, as summer weekend traffic can add hours to the drive.
Bring a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to wade in the pool.
Take the ropeway back up if you are tired, as the steps are steep.
Stay out of the water in the monsoon, when the fall can rise within minutes.
Leave the pool at once if police or staff tell you to.
Wear sandals with a strap, as the rocks around the pool are slippery.
Keep valuables in a locker or with someone on the bank.
A waterfall below the ridge
Kempty Falls is about 15 km from Mussoorie, on the road that heads north-west towards Kempty and the Yamuna valley. It lies at about 1,360 m, far below the town, so it is noticeably warmer. The stream drops in a series of cascades to a pool at the bottom, where people wade and splash. The name is often said to come from "camp tea", from British travellers who stopped here for tea.
Getting down
From the road, you can walk down a long flight of steps lined with shops, or take a short ropeway to the bottom. The steps are steep, and the climb back up is harder than it looks, especially after a swim. The ropeway usually runs in the daytime, with a separate ticket.
Crowds
Kempty is one of the most visited sights around Mussoorie. On summer weekends and holidays the road jams, parking fills up and the pool is packed. Come early on a weekday if you can. Changing rooms and lockers are available at the bottom.
Safety in the rain
Heavy rain upstream can swell the fall within minutes, even when it is not raining at the falls. Tourists have had to be cleared from the pool when the water rose suddenly, including in May 2025. During the monsoon, from July to September, look from the side and stay out of the water. If police or staff tell you to leave the pool, go at once. Landslides have also damaged the Kempty road in some monsoons, so check before you set out.
Planning
Allow half a day from Mussoorie, including the drive. The registration checkpoint for Mussoorie visitors has been placed on this road, so keep your paperwork handy.
Questions
Kempty Falls — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Kempty Falls?
Late morning, when sun reaches the deep valley and lights the cascade; early morning on weekdays for an emptier pool. Walk down to the side of the pool and take a vertical photo of the full cascade, with the rocks and the green valley walls around it.
Is there an entry fee at Kempty Falls?
Entry to Kempty Falls is nominal (ropeway extra).
What are the opening hours of Kempty Falls?
Kempty Falls is open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at Kempty Falls?
Yellow, white and teal photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Kempty Falls get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: late morning, when sun reaches the deep valley and lights the cascade; early morning on weekdays for an emptier pool.
What food should I try near Kempty Falls?
Try steamed momos at spots close by.
How far is Kempty Falls from Mussoorie?
About 15 km by road, on the Kempty road. Allow 45 minutes or more in normal traffic, and much longer on summer weekends.
Can I swim at Kempty Falls?
People wade and splash in the shallow pool at the bottom. It is not a place for real swimming, and in the monsoon you should stay out of the water.
Is there a ropeway at Kempty Falls?
Yes, a short ropeway runs from the road down to the falls, usually in the daytime. You can also walk down the steps.
Is Kempty Falls worth visiting?
It is fun for families and people who want to get in the water. If you dislike crowds, skip it on weekends or come very early.