Changey Waterfalls
Introduction and Location: Changey Waterfalls is a magnificent natural spectacle located in the pristine landscape of West Sikkim, a short drive from the popular town of Pelling. The waterfall is situated on the scenic Pelling-Dentam road, offering a breathtaking sight as its water plunges down from a great height. Natural Beauty and Environment: The waterfall is often cited to have a drop of nearly 300 meters, making it an awe-inspiring three-tiered cascade that disappears into the lush greenery of a dense forest gorge. The surroundings are characterized by sub-tropical and temperate forests, rich with rhododendrons and various orchids, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting. The constant mist and the roar of the water create a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere. The area around the falls is relatively untouched, which adds to its charm as a secluded natural retreat. It serves as a perfect stopover for nature lovers and those seeking moments of peace away from crowded tourist hubs. The clean air and the sound of the gushing water are profoundly soothing. The final stretch to the viewing point often involves a short walk or climb down steps, adding a minor element of adventure to the visit. It is a stunning example of the raw, untamed beauty that Sikkim's landscape offers, constantly fed by glacial meltwater, maintaining its flow throughout the year, especially during the post-monsoon season when it is at its fullest glory.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 minutes to 1 hour (Excluding travel time)Place Type:
Waterfall, Nature, PhotographyEntry Fees:
Varying Fee Structure: The entry fee for Changey Waterfalls is nominal and is primarily collected for the maintenance of the viewing area, steps, and surrounding paths. The fee structure typically ranges from INR 10 to INR 20 per person for adults.
Read MoreVarying Fee Structure: The entry fee for Changey Waterfalls is nominal and is primarily collected for the maintenance of the viewing area, steps, and surrounding paths. The fee structure typically ranges from INR 10 to INR 20 per person for adults.
Local Development Committee Fund: The small entry fee contributes directly to the local village development committee or the forest department for conservation efforts and maintaining the tourist amenities, ensuring the spot remains clean and safe. This charge is a form of sustainable eco-tourism revenue.
Separate Charges: Note that the entry fee is separate from any parking charges (usually a flat rate of INR 50 to INR 100 per vehicle) or any optional local guide services that you might choose to hire for the short trek to the upper tiers. The payment is usually collected at a small booth near the road.
Photography/Videography Fee: Generally, there is no separate fee for standard photography with a handheld camera, but professional videography or commercial photography involving large equipment or drones may require special permission and incur a higher charge.Timing:
Regular Timings: Changey Waterfalls is typically accessible from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, though as a natural site on an open road, the timing can be flexible, but local stall vendors operate within these hours.
Ideal Visit Time: The best t...Regular Timings: Changey Waterfalls is typically accessible from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, though as a natural site on an open road, the timing can be flexible, but local stall vendors operate within these hours.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the post-monsoon months (September to November) when the sky is generally clear for good views and the water flow is at its fullest, offering the most majestic spectacle. The best time of day is the late morning (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) to catch the sunlight on the cascade and avoid the afternoon mist.
Morning Photography: Early morning (8 AM) is perfect for photography when the light is soft, and the site is less crowded, offering a more serene experience.Special Events:
Local Tourism Day: Although there are no major historical or religious festivals directly associated with the falls, local communities often organize a small "Tourism Day" or "Cleanliness Drive Day" event, usually in October or November, to promote eco-tourism and cleanlines...Local Tourism Day: Although there are no major historical or religious festivals directly associated with the falls, local communities often organize a small "Tourism Day" or "Cleanliness Drive Day" event, usually in October or November, to promote eco-tourism and cleanliness. This can include small cultural performances like folk dances and songs by local school children or cultural troupes.
Post-Monsoon Peak Flow Festival: Sometimes, the falls are informally celebrated right after the heavy monsoon season (around late September or early October) when the water volume is at its maximum and the surrounding greenery is most vibrant. This is more of an informal gathering and photographic competition event rather than a structured festival.Best Photo Spots:
The Main Cascading Plunge: The best spot is the main viewing platform for a wide-angle shot that captures the entire height of the falls and the dense forest framing it. The best time for this is late morning (10 AM to 12 PM) when the sunlight illuminates the falling water....The Main Cascading Plunge: The best spot is the main viewing platform for a wide-angle shot that captures the entire height of the falls and the dense forest framing it. The best time for this is late morning (10 AM to 12 PM) when the sunlight illuminates the falling water.
Misty Close-Up Perspective: The closest viewpoint at the base of the falls where the water spray is strongest provides an excellent opportunity for misty, dramatic close-up photos, especially when the light creates a faint rainbow in the vapor.
The Short Trek Stairway: The steps leading up or down to the falls, often adorned with moss and prayer flags, offer a beautiful, structured foreground leading the eye toward the distant cascade. This spot is perfect for capturing a sense of scale and adventure.
The Bridge or Small Platform: If a wooden or small stone bridge is present, it offers a distinct vantage point for unique compositions, often allowing a shot directly into the water pool below the falls.
Framing with Flora: Use the vibrant green ferns, mossy rocks, and colorful rhododendrons (if in season, spring) as a natural frame for the waterfall, adding depth and color to the photograph.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Photography and Videography Sessions: Dedicate a significant amount of time to capturing the falls from different angles, focusing on long exposure shots to capture the silky effect of the cascading water. Use the natural light filtering through the canopy for dramatic effects. Bring protective gear for your camera against the mist.
Short Trek to the Viewpoint: Take the short, moderate trek up the steps and path to reach the main viewpoint or upper observation area. This walk is invigorating and provides a completely different, closer perspective of the falls, making the effort worthwhile. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes for this walk.
Nature Appreciation and Meditation: Find a quiet spot near the viewing area and simply sit to absorb the tranquil environment. The constant, rhythmic sound of the...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Impressive Vertical Drop: Changey Waterfalls is famous primarily for its dramatic and impressive sheer vertical drop, often listed among the highest in Sikkim. The sight of the water plunging from such an altitude and hitting the pool below is a mesmerizing visual exper...The Impressive Vertical Drop: Changey Waterfalls is famous primarily for its dramatic and impressive sheer vertical drop, often listed among the highest in Sikkim. The sight of the water plunging from such an altitude and hitting the pool below is a mesmerizing visual experience.
Scenic Route and Tranquility: Its location on the scenic route to Dentam Valley makes it a popular stop. It offers a unique combination of easy accessibility from Pelling and a profound sense of isolation and tranquility, which contrasts with the busy monastery sites.
Photography and Serenity: It is renowned as a top spot for nature photography, with the dense green backdrop, the white spray of the cascade, and the misty air providing a stunning contrast. The surrounding quiet environment is a major draw for peace-seeking tourists, making it a perfect spot to pause and appreciate nature's grandeur. The falls are a perennial source of water, ensuring a spectacular view almost all year round. -
Architecture:
Natural Formation and Erosion: The Changey Waterfalls architecture is primarily a natural, geological formation, with the water body cascading over a sheer rock face that has been carved and shaped by centuries of hydrological erosion. The tiered structure, often described ...Natural Formation and Erosion: The Changey Waterfalls architecture is primarily a natural, geological formation, with the water body cascading over a sheer rock face that has been carved and shaped by centuries of hydrological erosion. The tiered structure, often described as a three-level fall, is a result of varying rock hardness and geological faults in the Himalayan terrain.
Viewing Infrastructure and Dimensions: The human-made architecture at the site includes viewing platforms and well-maintained stone steps, or sometimes small wooden bridges, designed to allow visitors safe access and the best vantage points for photography. The waterfall itself has an estimated total vertical drop of around 300 meters (approx. 984 feet), though this is often debated, making it one of the higher falls in the region. The width of the water flow varies dramatically, being much broader and more voluminous during the peak flow months of monsoon and post-monsoon. The platforms are usually simple concrete or metal structures, typically measuring approximately 5 meters by 5 meters, built for safety and crowd management without detracting from the natural environment. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, approximately 135-145 KMS away. From IXB, one can hire a private taxi or take a shared jeep to Pelling (a journey of about 5-6 hours) and then hire a local vehicle for the 10 KMS drive to the falls.
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Near Tourist Places:
Kanchenjunga Falls (14 KMS), Singshore Bridge (20 KMS), Dentam Valley (15 KMS), Pemayangtse Monastery (20 KMS), Khecheopalri Lake (28 KMS), Yuksom (30 KMS), Pelling Skywalk (20 KMS), Rabdentse Ruins (22 KMS), Darap Village (2 KMS), Rimbi Waterfalls (18 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Wear sturdy, comfortable, non-slip footwear as the steps and path to the viewpoint can be wet, slippery, and mossy. Carry basic first-aid supplies like antiseptic wipes and band-aids. Drink only bottled or purified water.
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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
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