Khedi Waterfall sits on National Highway 34 near Maneri, roughly 9 km from Uttarkashi’s Gangori area, on the way toward Gangotri. Khedi Waterfall Uttarkashi has an unusual origin story for a “waterfall”: the water is the overflow discharge from the Maneri hydroelectric project on the Bhagirathi River, released after it has already done its work spinning the plant’s turbines. That said, nothing about standing in front of it feels artificial — the force of the water is genuinely dramatic, the setting is framed by forest and mountain, and it’s become one of the most reliably photogenic quick stops on the entire Uttarkashi–Gangotri drive.
This guide covers everything needed to add Khedi Waterfall to your itinerary properly — how to reach it, the best time and time of day to visit, photography tips, and more than 30 answered questions.
Khedi Waterfall Maneri’s Roadside Marvel !!!
Khedi Waterfall is a striking roadside waterfall on NH-34 near Maneri, roughly 9 km from Uttarkashi, formed by the overflow discharge of the Maneri hydroelectric project on the Bhagirathi River rather than a purely natural spring source.
It’s the only waterfall listed on the Barahat Range, and despite its origin as power-plant overflow, it’s become a genuine visitor draw — water rolls down forcefully through a squarish opening in the hillside, spraying mist across the road and creating, on good afternoons, a visible rainbow directly over the route to Gangotri. A small shop nearby serves tea and snacks, and two viewing levels let visitors get progressively closer to the falls.
Quick Travel Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| District | Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand |
| Nearby town | Maneri (~9 km from Uttarkashi’s Gangori area) |
| Location | On NH-34, en route to Gangotri |
| Tour duration | 30 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Very easy — roadside access with short walks to viewpoints |
| Best time | Year-round; best photography around 1–2 PM for rainbow potential |
| Parking | Roadside parking available near the falls |
| Mobile network | Generally available given proximity to the highway |
| Entry fee | None reported |
| Suitable for | Families, couples, photographers, road trippers of all ages |
Why Visit Khedi Waterfall?
Khedi Waterfall earns its place on the Gangotri Highway itinerary through sheer convenience and visual reward — no detour required, no entry fee, no real physical demand, and a genuinely powerful, photogenic waterfall directly beside the road. Its force is dramatic enough to leave most first-time visitors surprised, and the specific window around 1–2 PM, when sunlight can catch the mist and produce a rainbow arcing over the Gangotri road, has made it a favorite quick stop for road-trippers and photographers alike.
It works equally well as a five-minute photo stop or a more relaxed half-hour break with tea and momos from the roadside shop — flexible enough to fit into almost any Uttarkashi-to-Gangotri itinerary without disrupting the day’s schedule.
Planning your Uttarkashi–Gangotri road trip and want Khedi Waterfall built in properly? Kashi of North designs full-route itineraries with all the worthwhile stops included — WhatsApp +91 7253079221.
Khedi Waterfall Tour Options
Half-Day Tour
A short stop combined with other Maneri-area sightseeing — ideal for travelers already passing through on the way to or from Gangotri, Harsil, or Uttarkashi.
Full-Day Tour
Combine Khedi Waterfall with Uttarkashi town sightseeing (Vishwanath Temple, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) and a broader Maneri-area exploration for a complete day trip from Uttarkashi.
Family Tour
A relaxed, low-effort outing — park near the falls, walk to the viewpoints, enjoy tea and snacks at the roadside shop, and continue your journey. Genuinely suitable for all ages given the minimal physical demand.
Photography Tour
Time your visit for early afternoon (around 1–2 PM) to catch the potential rainbow, and plan for both the road-level view and the lower viewpoint for varied compositions.
Customized Tour
Combine Khedi Waterfall with any Uttarkashi, Gangnani, Harsil, or Gangotri itinerary as a natural en-route stop.
Want Khedi Waterfall added to a wider Uttarkashi sightseeing day? Kashi of North can build this into your itinerary — call or WhatsApp +91 7253079221.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day Tour (from Uttarkashi): Depart Uttarkashi, drive roughly 9 km to Maneri and the waterfall (20–30 minutes), spend 30–45 minutes at the viewpoints and tea shop, return to Uttarkashi or continue toward Gangotri.
One-Day Tour: Combine Khedi Waterfall with Uttarkashi town sightseeing — Vishwanath Temple, the Bhagirathi ghats, and the NIM Museum — for a complete local day.
Weekend Combination Tour: Day 1 — arrive Uttarkashi, town sightseeing. Day 2 — Khedi Waterfall stop en route to Gangnani, Sukki Top, or Harsil, continuing further up the valley.
Photography Tour: Arrive by early afternoon for the best rainbow-light conditions, spend time at both viewpoint levels, and consider a return visit during monsoon for maximum water volume.
Family Picnic Tour: A relaxed midday stop with tea and momos at the roadside shop, easy viewpoint access, and minimal walking required.
Want this exact itinerary planned with transport included? Kashi of North arranges the full route — WhatsApp +91 7253079221.
Tour Cost
| Tour Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Budget (self-drive/shared transport) | Minimal cost beyond fuel/shared taxi fare; no entry fee at the falls |
| Standard (private taxi, half-day) | Cost depends on vehicle type and distance covered |
| Group Tour | Shared vehicle costs bring per-person cost down |
Since Khedi Waterfall has no entry fee and requires minimal time, it’s typically bundled into a wider Uttarkashi or Gangotri Highway sightseeing package rather than booked as a standalone tour — costs depend mainly on the transport arrangement for your broader itinerary.
Want an accurate quote for a private taxi covering Khedi Waterfall and other Uttarkashi stops? Kashi of North provides transparent pricing — call or WhatsApp +91 7253079221.
What’s Included / What’s Not Included
Typically Included (with a Kashi of North tour)
- Private taxi and driver for the route
- Stops at Khedi Waterfall and other requested sightseeing points
- Local assistance and route guidance
- Parking arrangements
Typically Not Included
- Meals (tea and snacks at the roadside shop are pay-as-you-go)
- Personal expenses
- Any special activity add-ons
- Travel insurance
Best Time to Visit
Khedi Waterfall is accessible year-round, with each season offering a genuinely different character — spring and autumn for clarity and color, monsoon for maximum water volume, and winter for a quieter, snow-touched scene.
- Spring (March–May): Warm weather, blooming surroundings, clear skies — ideal for both the waterfall visit and onward travel.
- Monsoon (June–September): The waterfall is at its most powerful and dramatic, though paths can get slippery and weather can shift quickly — a rewarding but more cautious visit.
- Autumn (October–November): Turning foliage and a golden-sky backdrop make this an excellent season for photography.
- Winter (December–February): A quieter, colder visit, with the surrounding area sometimes touched by snow for a genuinely different scene.
Best time of day: Around 1–2 PM offers the best chance of catching a rainbow in the waterfall’s mist, when sunlight is positioned favorably over the Gangotri road.
Month-wise Weather Guide
| Season | Waterfall Flow | Conditions | Photography |
|---|---|---|---|
| March–May | Moderate to strong | Warm, clear | Excellent, colorful surroundings |
| June–September (monsoon) | Strongest | Wet, slippery, changeable | Dramatic but requires caution |
| October–November | Moderate | Clear, crisp | Excellent, golden light |
| December–February | Reduced, colder | Cold, occasional snow nearby | Distinctive winter character |
How to Reach Khedi Waterfall
Khedi Waterfall sits directly on NH-34 near Maneri, roughly 9 km from Uttarkashi’s Gangori area, and is easily reached by any vehicle without requiring a detour from the standard Uttarkashi–Gangotri route.
By Road: From Rishikesh, the drive to Uttarkashi covers roughly 150 km and takes 5–6 hours, with views of the Bhagirathi River along the way; from Uttarkashi, Khedi Waterfall is a short additional drive via Maneri. Taxis, buses, and private vehicles all serve this route.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, roughly 5–6 hours from Uttarkashi by road.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, roughly 6–7 hours from the waterfall by road via Uttarkashi.
Prefer not to navigate the route yourself? Kashi of North arranges private taxis covering Khedi Waterfall and your full Uttarkashi itinerary — WhatsApp +91 7253079221.
Distance Chart
| Origin | Distance to Khedi Waterfall | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ~410–430 km | 10–12 hours |
| Dehradun | ~150–165 km | 6–7 hours |
| Haridwar | ~180–195 km | 6–7 hours |
| Rishikesh | ~150 km | 5–6 hours |
| Uttarkashi | ~9 km | 15–20 minutes |
| Gangnani | ~40 km | 1–1.5 hours |
| Harsil | ~70 km | 2–2.5 hours |
| Gangotri | ~95 km | 3–3.5 hours |
Things to Do
- Photograph the waterfall from both viewing levels
- Watch for the rainbow that can form around 1–2 PM
- Enjoy tea and momos at the roadside shop
- Take a short walk down toward the lower viewpoint for a closer view
- Enjoy the scenic drive along the Bhagirathi en route
- Combine with Maneri Dam sightseeing nearby
- Register for Char Dham Yatra at the checkpost roughly 100 meters before the waterfall, if continuing toward Gangotri
Nearby Places
| Place | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maneri Dam | Very close | The hydroelectric project that feeds the waterfall |
| Uttarkashi | ~9 km | District headquarters, Vishwanath Temple, NIM |
| Gangnani | ~40 km | Hot spring stop |
| Bhatwari | Via Uttarkashi | Gateway town on the Gangotri Highway |
| Harsil | ~70 km | Apple orchard valley |
| Gangotri | ~95 km | Char Dham temple |
| Dayara Bugyal | Separate approach via Uttarkashi | Alpine meadow trek |
| Dodital | Separate approach via Uttarkashi | Forest lake trek |
Uttarkashi, just 9 km away, is a natural pairing for a Khedi Waterfall visit — the Vishwanath Temple, the Bhagirathi ghats, and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering are all easily combined into the same day.
Want Khedi Waterfall combined with Uttarkashi town sightseeing or a longer Gangotri Highway trip? Kashi of North plans the full route — call or WhatsApp +91 7253079221.
Accommodation
Khedi Waterfall itself has no accommodation — it’s a stop, not a destination to stay overnight at. Uttarkashi, just 9 km away, offers the widest range of accommodation in the district, from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels, making it the natural base for a Khedi Waterfall visit.
Need a comfortable Uttarkashi hotel booked alongside your Khedi Waterfall stop? Kashi of North handles accommodation bookings — WhatsApp +91 7253079221.
Food
The small shop near the waterfall serves tea and simple snacks like momos — a genuinely pleasant stop given the setting. For fuller meals, Uttarkashi town, just 9 km away, has a range of restaurants and dhabas serving standard Garhwali and North Indian fare. Carry your own water for the visit, since reliable drinking water isn’t guaranteed at the roadside stop itself.
Photography Guide
Best time of day for photography is around 1–2 PM, when sunlight positioned behind the viewer can catch the waterfall’s mist and produce a rainbow over the Gangotri road — genuinely one of the more reliable rainbow-photography opportunities on this entire route. For long exposure shots, a tripod and neutral density filter let you smooth the water’s motion into a silky effect, best attempted from the more stable upper viewpoint. Monsoon photography captures the waterfall at its most powerful, though expect wetter conditions and more challenging footing — a rain cover for your camera is worth carrying. Always maintain a safe distance from the water’s edge, since the force of the flow is genuinely strong and the surrounding rocks can be slippery, particularly after rain.
Packing List
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Weather-appropriate layers, quick-dry fabric in monsoon |
| Rain gear | Raincoat or poncho, especially if planning to linger near the falls |
| Footwear | Grippy, closed shoes — rocks near the falls can be slippery |
| Camera equipment | Camera, tripod for long exposure, lens cloth for mist |
| Medical | Basic first-aid kit |
| Essentials | Water bottle, snacks, sun protection |
Safety Tips
The rocks near Khedi Waterfall can be genuinely slippery, particularly during and after monsoon rain — watch your footing at all times, especially on the lower viewpoint approach. The water’s force is strong enough that standing too close to the main flow isn’t advisable. Supervise children closely near any viewpoint, and avoid attempting to climb down toward the waterfall’s base in wet or low-visibility conditions. If visiting during monsoon, be aware that mountain weather and water flow can change quickly — don’t linger if conditions start to deteriorate.
Responsible Tourism
Avoid littering at the falls or the roadside shop area — carry out any waste you generate. Stick to the designated viewpoints rather than venturing off-path toward the water’s edge. Respect the site as both a natural attraction and functioning infrastructure tied to the Maneri hydroelectric project — this isn’t a purely untouched wilderness spot, and treating it with the same care as any protected natural site helps keep it clean and enjoyable for future visitors.
Practical Information
Mobile network: Generally available given the proximity to NH-34 and Uttarkashi.
ATMs: Available in Uttarkashi, 9 km away.
Fuel: Available in Uttarkashi.
Medical facilities: The District Hospital in Uttarkashi is the nearest significant facility.
Char Dham registration: A registration center sits roughly 100 meters before the waterfall for travelers continuing on to Gangotri — registration requires an Aadhaar card, mobile number, and an emergency contact number, and is mandatory for the Char Dham Yatra. Online registration is also available in advance.
Conclusion
Khedi Waterfall proves that a stop doesn’t need to be natural in the strictest sense, or require a long detour, to genuinely earn its place on an itinerary. A few minutes off National Highway 34 near Maneri delivers real visual drama — water crashing through a squarish gap in the hillside, mist rolling across the road, and on the right afternoon, a rainbow arcing directly over the route to Gangotri. Combined with Uttarkashi town sightseeing just 9 km away, it’s one of the easiest, most rewarding quick stops on the entire Uttarkashi–Gangotri corridor.
Ready to plan your Khedi Waterfall visit? Kashi of North handles taxi bookings, hotel arrangements, Uttarkashi sightseeing, and fully customized Gangotri Highway itineraries.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91 7253079221 📧 Email: kashiofnorth@gmail.com 🌐 Website: kashiofnorth.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Khedi Waterfall? A striking waterfall on NH-34 near Maneri, Uttarkashi, formed by the overflow discharge of the Maneri hydroelectric project.
2. Is Khedi Waterfall natural? No, it’s the outlet for overflow water discharged from the Maneri hydroelectric project on the Bhagirathi River, though it appears and behaves like a natural waterfall.
3. Where is Khedi Waterfall located? On NH-34 near Maneri village, roughly 9 km from Uttarkashi’s Gangori area, on the way to Gangotri.
4. Is there an entry fee for Khedi Waterfall? No entry fee is reported at this attraction.
5. What is the best time to visit Khedi Waterfall? The waterfall is accessible year-round; for photography, aim for around 1–2 PM to catch a potential rainbow.
6. How far is Khedi Waterfall from Uttarkashi? Approximately 9 km, roughly a 15–20 minute drive.
7. Can I see a rainbow at Khedi Waterfall? Yes, on sunny afternoons around 1–2 PM, sunlight can catch the mist and produce a rainbow over the Gangotri road.
8. Is Khedi Waterfall suitable for families? Yes, it requires minimal physical effort and offers easy viewpoint access.
9. Is there food available at Khedi Waterfall? Yes, a small shop nearby serves tea and snacks like momos.
10. How long should I plan to spend at Khedi Waterfall? 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you spend at the viewpoints.
11. Is Khedi Waterfall accessible by road? Yes, it’s directly on National Highway 34, requiring no detour.
12. What is the significance of Maneri Dam to Khedi Waterfall? The waterfall is formed from the overflow discharge of the Maneri hydroelectric project after the water has already been used to generate power.
13. Is Khedi Waterfall good for photography? Yes, especially with long exposure techniques and around the 1–2 PM rainbow window.
14. Are there safety concerns at Khedi Waterfall? Yes, rocks near the falls can be slippery, and the water’s force is strong — maintain a safe distance and supervise children closely.
15. Is Khedi Waterfall open year-round? Yes, it’s accessible in all seasons, though monsoon conditions require more caution.
16. What is near Khedi Waterfall for Char Dham travelers? A mandatory Char Dham registration center sits roughly 100 meters before the waterfall.
17. What documents are needed for Char Dham registration near Khedi Waterfall? An Aadhaar card, mobile number, and an emergency contact number; online registration is also available.
18. Is mobile network available at Khedi Waterfall? Generally available given its proximity to the highway and Uttarkashi.
19. What is the best season for maximum water flow at Khedi Waterfall? Monsoon (June–September) offers the strongest flow, though conditions are wetter and require more caution.
20. Can I combine Khedi Waterfall with a Uttarkashi day trip? Yes, it pairs naturally with Uttarkashi town sightseeing given the short 9 km distance.
21. Is there parking at Khedi Waterfall? Yes, roadside parking is available near the falls.
22. How do I reach Khedi Waterfall from Delhi? Via Rishikesh and Uttarkashi by road, roughly 10–12 hours total, or by flying to Dehradun and continuing by road.
23. Is a guide necessary to visit Khedi Waterfall? Not necessary given the easy roadside access, though a driver familiar with the route makes the stop more convenient.
24. What footwear should I wear at Khedi Waterfall? Grippy, closed shoes, since rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain.
25. Can I trek down closer to the waterfall? Yes, there are two viewing levels, with the option to go closer, though a raincoat is advisable if planning to stand near the water for long.
26. Is Khedi Waterfall crowded? It’s a popular quick stop for Gangotri Highway travelers but generally doesn’t require long waits given its roadside nature.
27. What other attractions are near Khedi Waterfall? Maneri Dam, Uttarkashi town, and further up the highway, Gangnani, Harsil, and Gangotri.
28. Is Khedi Waterfall suitable for elderly travelers? Yes, given the minimal walking required to reach the main viewpoint.
29. What should I pack for a Khedi Waterfall visit? Weather-appropriate clothing, a raincoat for monsoon visits, grippy footwear, and a camera.
30. Does Kashi of North offer Khedi Waterfall tours? Yes, as part of Uttarkashi sightseeing and Gangotri Highway itineraries — reach out via WhatsApp at +91 7253079221 to plan your visit.