Nestled in the peaceful hills near Dehradun, Shikhar Falls is one of those rare places that still feels untouched by heavy tourism. Surrounded by dense forest trails, rocky pathways, and refreshing mountain air, this hidden waterfall is perfect for travelers who enjoy nature, short treks, and peaceful weekend escapes.
Located near Kairwaan Village on the Rajpur side of Dehradun, Shikhar Falls has slowly become a favorite destination among trekkers, photographers, couples, and college students. Unlike many crowded tourist spots, this place still feels calm, raw, and naturally beautiful.
What makes Shikhar Falls even more special is that the journey itself becomes part of the experience. As you walk through the forest trail, the sounds of birds, flowing water, and rustling leaves slowly replace the noise of the city. Eventually, the sound of the waterfall becomes louder, making the trek feel even more exciting.
I visited Shikhar Falls after the monsoon season, and honestly, the freshness in the air was unforgettable. The greenery looked incredibly vibrant, while the cool breeze near the waterfall made the entire atmosphere feel peaceful and refreshing. In fact, sitting near the rocks and listening to the sound of flowing water was probably the most relaxing part of the trip.
Quick Highlights About Shikhar Falls
- Location – Kairwaan Gaon, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248009, India
- Famous For – Waterfall, short forest trek, natural beauty, peaceful environment, photography, weekend getaway
- River Name – Seasonal mountain stream (local hill water flow)
- Entry Fee – Free
- Best Time to Visit – September to March
- Ideal Trip Duration – 2–4 hours (half day trip)
- Photography Opportunities – Forest trail, waterfall views, greenery, rocky paths, monsoon scenery
- Ideal For – Friends, couples, families, beginners, trekkers, nature lovers
Why Shikhar Falls Is Famous
Shikhar Falls is famous for its scenic forest trek and naturally flowing waterfall hidden deep within the hills of Dehradun. Moreover, it is one of the few places near the city where visitors can enjoy trekking and a peaceful nature experience together.
During monsoon and post-monsoon months, the waterfall becomes even more beautiful because the water flow increases significantly. At the same time, the surrounding greenery looks fresh and vibrant, which makes the location ideal for photography and relaxation.
Additionally, many locals consider this place one of the best hidden waterfalls near Dehradun because it still feels less commercialized compared to other tourist attractions.
Highlights
- Short and beginner-friendly trek
- Beautiful natural waterfall
- Dense green surroundings
- Great photography spot
- Perfect for small picnic trips
- Peaceful atmosphere away from city crowds
- One of the best hidden waterfalls near Dehradun
Location of Shikhar Falls Dehradun
Shikhar Falls is located near Kairwaan Village on the outskirts of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The waterfall lies around 12 to 15 kilometers from the main city area and can easily be reached by bike, car, taxi, or scooty.
Furthermore, the final section of the route includes a short trek through forested and rocky terrain. Because of this, visitors should wear comfortable shoes before starting the trek.
Important Information
- Nearest Bus Stand: ISBT Dehradun
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
- Trek Distance: Around 1 to 1.5 KM
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Things to Do at Shikhar Falls
Shikhar Falls offers much more than just waterfall views. In fact, visitors can enjoy several outdoor activities while exploring the area.
1. Nature Trekking
The short forest trek is perfect for beginners as well as casual travelers who want a peaceful adventure.
2. Photography
The combination of rocks, forest trails, and flowing water makes this place excellent for photography. Moreover, the greenery during monsoon creates stunning natural backgrounds.
3. Relax Near the Waterfall
Many visitors prefer sitting on the rocks near the waterfall because the surroundings feel calm and refreshing.
4. Picnic With Friends
The area is also popular among college students and local groups for picnic outings and short weekend trips.
5. Birdwatching
Interestingly, the nearby forest attracts several birds and butterflies, especially after the monsoon season.
How to Reach Shikhar Falls
Reaching Shikhar Falls is quite simple, especially if you are already staying in Dehradun.
By Road
Visitors can take a taxi, private car, bike, or scooty towards Rajpur and Kairwaan Village. Moreover, the road journey itself is extremely scenic because the route passes through green hills and peaceful surroundings.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station. From there, travelers can easily hire local taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the trekking point.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport. After reaching the airport, visitors can book a taxi directly to Shikhar Falls.
Trek to Shikhar Falls
After reaching the parking area, visitors need to walk through a forest trail to reach the waterfall. Although the trek is short, certain sections include rocky and uneven paths.
I would personally recommend wearing trekking or sports shoes because the trail can become slippery during monsoon season. Additionally, carrying a water bottle makes the trek more comfortable.
Trek Experience at Shikhar Falls
The trek to Shikhar Falls is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. Unlike difficult mountain treks, this route is short, beginner-friendly, and extremely refreshing.
As you move deeper into the forest, the environment becomes quieter and cooler. Meanwhile, small streams crossing the trail during monsoon make the route feel even more beautiful.
One thing I personally loved was hearing the sound of the waterfall before actually seeing it. Interestingly, that moment made the place feel naturally preserved and untouched compared to many commercial tourist spots.
Moreover, the combination of greenery, mountain air, and flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere that instantly helps visitors feel relaxed.
Trek Highlights
- Forest trail surrounded by greenery
- Rocky mountain pathways
- Small water streams during monsoon
- Fresh mountain air
- Excellent photography opportunities
- Calm and peaceful environment
Shikhar Falls Dehradun Timings
Shikhar Falls remains open throughout the week, and technically visitors can explore the area at any time. However, morning and afternoon hours are considered the safest and most enjoyable for trekking.
| Day | Timing |
| Monday | 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thursday | 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Saturday | 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Important Note
Shikhar Falls in Dehradun is technically open 24 hours throughout the week, with no fixed entry timings.
However, the recommended visiting time is between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, as the trek passes through forest and rocky terrain with no proper lighting.
Visitors are strongly advised to explore the area during daylight hours for safety and better visibility.
Best Time to Visit Shikhar Falls
The best time to visit Shikhar Falls is between September and March when the weather remains pleasant and the greenery looks beautiful.
Summer Season
During summer, the waterfall becomes a refreshing escape from Dehradun’s heat. Therefore, many locals prefer visiting early in the morning during this season.
Monsoon Season
During monsoon, the entire area transforms into a lush green paradise. Additionally, the waterfall looks far more powerful and scenic during this time. However, visitors should remain careful because the trekking trail can become slippery after rainfall.
Winter Season
Winter mornings feel cool, peaceful, and refreshing. Although the water flow may reduce slightly, the weather remains ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
Best Visiting Months
- September to November
- February to April
Important Travel Tips for Shikhar Falls
Before planning your trip, it is important to keep a few travel tips in mind. This will help make your experience safer and more comfortable.
- Wear trekking or sports shoes
- Carry drinking water
- Avoid littering the forest area
- Visit during daylight hours
- Be careful near slippery rocks
- Avoid trekking during heavy rainfall
- Carry extra clothes if entering the water
- Keep your phone charged for navigation
Additionally, visitors should avoid carrying plastic waste because the area is surrounded by natural forest.
Nearby Places to Visit
Along with Shikhar Falls, travelers can also explore several nearby attractions in Dehradun.
Robber’s Cave
Robber’s Cave is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Dehradun. It is especially popular for its caves and naturally flowing water.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara is another scenic destination known for waterfalls and sulfur water springs. Moreover, the location is ideal for relaxing with family.
Maldevta
Maldevta offers peaceful riverside views and scenic driving routes. Therefore, it is perfect for visitors who enjoy nature and calm surroundings.
Rajpur Road Cafes
After completing the trek, many travelers enjoy spending time at the cafes located on Rajpur Road. Besides offering good food, these cafes also provide beautiful hill views.
Is Shikhar Falls Safe for Families?
Yes, Shikhar Falls is generally safe for families, couples, and groups if basic precautions are followed properly.
However, children should always be monitored near slippery rocks and water areas. Similarly, visitors should avoid climbing unsafe sections around the waterfall.
For a more peaceful experience, weekday mornings are usually considered the best time to visit because the crowd remains smaller compared to weekends.
Why You Should Visit Shikhar Falls
If you enjoy waterfalls, short treks, forest trails, and peaceful natural surroundings, then Shikhar Falls definitely deserves a place on your Dehradun travel list.
What truly makes this place special is that it still feels less commercialized compared to many other tourist attractions. As a result, visitors can enjoy a more natural and peaceful experience away from crowded city spots.
Moreover, the combination of trekking, greenery, flowing water, and fresh mountain air creates the perfect environment for relaxation.
Even today, many locals consider Shikhar Falls one of the best hidden nature spots near Dehradun for spending quality time with friends and family.
Conclusion
Shikhar Falls Dehradun is a refreshing natural escape surrounded by forests, rocky trails, and a scenic waterfall. Located near Kairwaan village, it is one of the most popular hidden waterfalls near Dehradun for short weekend trips and nature lovers.
The short Shikhar Falls trek makes it suitable for beginners, families, and students who want a quick adventure without a difficult climb. With free entry, peaceful surroundings, and beautiful views, it offers a perfect break from city life.
If you are planning a trip to Uttarakhand, the Shikhar Falls trek in Dehradun is definitely worth adding to your travel list for a calm and refreshing outdoor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shikhar Falls is located near Kairwaan Village in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
The trek distance is around 1 to 1.5 kilometers from the parking area.
No, there is currently no official entry fee for visitors.
Shikhar Falls remains open 24 hours throughout the week. However, daytime visits are safer for trekking.
The best time to visit is from September to March because the weather remains pleasant during these months.
