Khanda Waterfalls
The Roadside Attraction: Khanda Waterfalls is a spectacular, multi-tiered waterfall that cascades down rugged cliffs into the Teesta River basin (via the Lachung Chu). It is a popular and mandatory stop for tourists traveling from Lachung to Yumthang Valley or Zero Point. It's renowned for the sheer volume of water, especially during the post-monsoon and early summer months. The Three-Tiered Beauty: The fall is often described as a three-stage cascade, where the water tumbles down from a great height over natural rock formations, creating a misty spray that cools the air around it. The sight and sound of the gushing, milky-white water are incredibly refreshing and a welcome break during the long, bumpy road journey. Photography Spot: A small viewing platform or roadside area has been developed, often featuring an "I LOVE KHANDA WATERFALLS" sign or similar setup, making it a perfect spot for tourists to take memorable photographs. A Pause in the Journey: The waterfall's consistent flow and easy accessibility from the main road make it a favorite stop for travelers, offering a blend of natural beauty and tranquility away from the hotel rush. It exemplifies the raw, untamed beauty of the Himalayan landscape that defines Sikkim.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 Minutes - 1 HourPlace Type:
Waterfall/Natural AttractionEntry Fees:
Zero Entry Fee: There is no fee to view or access Khanda Waterfalls. It is a natural roadside attraction.
Photography Fee: No fee for photography, though discretion is advised if any local vendor has a private setup.
Read MoreZero Entry Fee: There is no fee to view or access Khanda Waterfalls. It is a natural roadside attraction.
Photography Fee: No fee for photography, though discretion is advised if any local vendor has a private setup.
Vehicle Permit: The waterfall is accessible only with the standard Protected Area Permit (PAP) required for the entire Lachung tour circuit, the cost of which is bundled into the tour package.
Local Stalls: Charges apply only for any snacks, tea, or refreshments purchased from the occasional roadside vendors. The sheer beauty of the place is free for all permitted travelers to enjoy.Timing:
Regular Timings: Accessible 24 hours, but typically visited between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM as part of the day trip to Yumthang or Zero Point.
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) when the sun is high enough to illuminate the falls...Regular Timings: Accessible 24 hours, but typically visited between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM as part of the day trip to Yumthang or Zero Point.
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) when the sun is high enough to illuminate the falls and the cascading water, making it appear sparkling and dynamic.
Peak Flow Time: September and October (post-monsoon) offer the most voluminous flow.Special Events:
The Monsoon Peak Flow: While technically part of the risky monsoon season, the post-monsoon month of September offers the maximum water flow and the most powerful, majestic display of the waterfall, which is its natural 'special event. ' Sikkimese New Year (Losoong) Traveler...The Monsoon Peak Flow: While technically part of the risky monsoon season, the post-monsoon month of September offers the maximum water flow and the most powerful, majestic display of the waterfall, which is its natural 'special event. ' Sikkimese New Year (Losoong) Travelers passing through during the time of Losoong (December-January) may observe small local rituals or offerings made by drivers and guides at the waterfall for safe passage.Best Photo Spots:
The Pull-out Viewpoint: The main vantage point on the road where the entire cascade can be captured in a single frame.
Framing with Moss: Use the vibrant green moss and fern-covered rocks near the viewing area as a natural frame for the milk...The Pull-out Viewpoint: The main vantage point on the road where the entire cascade can be captured in a single frame.
Framing with Moss: Use the vibrant green moss and fern-covered rocks near the viewing area as a natural frame for the milky-white water backdrop.
The Close-Up Flow: Capture the intricate patterns formed by the water as it hits the jagged rocks, especially for artistic, slow-shutter-speed shots.
Action Shot with Mist: Position a subject to capture the motion of the mist and spray from the waterfall against a clear sky.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Photography and Selfies: Pose with the waterfall, especially the 'I LOVE KHANDA WATERFALLS' sign (if present), to document the visit.
Rest and Refreshment: Take a necessary break from the drive to stretch, enjoy the cool mist, and grab a quick snack from a local vendor, if available.
Admiring the Force of Nature: Spend time simply watching the cascading water and appreciating the raw, untamed power of the glacial melt that feeds the fall.
Stone Skipping: If the pool at the base is accessible and safe, try a few rounds of stone skipping in the clear water (with extreme caution).
Collecting Clear Water: Fill a water bottle with the fresh, clear water of the glacial stream for a truly refreshing drink (check with the guide for safet...
Information
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Why Famous:
Easy Accessibility: Unlike many difficult-to-reach falls, its location directly on the main tourist route ensures high visibility and makes it famous as a convenient, picturesque stopover.
Sheer Volume and Force: The waterfall's substantial ...Easy Accessibility: Unlike many difficult-to-reach falls, its location directly on the main tourist route ensures high visibility and makes it famous as a convenient, picturesque stopover.
Sheer Volume and Force: The waterfall's substantial size and the thundering sound of the water, particularly during peak flow, create a dramatic and impressive natural spectacle.
Photogenic Backdrop: It is a classic example of a Himalayan roadside waterfall, providing an immediate, stunning natural backdrop for traveler photos, which heavily contributes to its fame via social media.
Refreshes the Journey: For travelers on the strenuous North Sikkim tour, it is a significant and beautiful landmark that breaks the monotony of the long mountain drive. -
Architecture:
Natural Rock Formation: The waterfall's 'architecture' is entirely natural, sculpted over millennia by the erosive power of the water on the Himalayan rock strata (schist, gneiss, etc. ). Dimension (Height) Estimated height is around 150-200 feet, depending on the tier coun...Natural Rock Formation: The waterfall's 'architecture' is entirely natural, sculpted over millennia by the erosive power of the water on the Himalayan rock strata (schist, gneiss, etc. ). Dimension (Height) Estimated height is around 150-200 feet, depending on the tier count.
Viewing Platform Structure: A basic, small, man-made platform, sometimes a small concrete pull-out with a railing, is the only structural addition to allow tourists a safe vantage point for viewing and photography.
Roadside Integration: The waterfall is seamlessly integrated into the roadside environment, with the overflow sometimes creating minor streams across the road, emphasizing the dominance of the natural feature over human infrastructure. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) (approx. 238 KMS). Taxi to Gangtok, then authorized vehicle to Lachung (overnight), then a 1-hour drive to the falls.
By Train: Nearest station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) (approx. 233 KMS). Taxi to ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Lachung (18 KMS), Khedum Village (5 KMS), Bhim Nala Falls (Amitabh Bachchan Falls) (25 KMS from Lachung, often conflated with Khanda in older references, but Khanda is distinct), Lachung Monastery (20 KMS), Yumthang Valley (10 KMS), Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (5 KMS), Zero Point (33 KMS), Chungthang (22 KMS), Lachung River Viewpoint (17 KMS), Phuentsho (25 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be extremely cautious of the wet, slippery rocks and viewing platform near the falls. Supervise children closely.
Packing: Carry a light waterproof jacket to shield from the mist and a small towel. Wear sturdy, non-slip sh...
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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
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