Kumrat Waterfall: How to Reach and What to Expect

Kumrat waterfall drops through the pine forest about 12 to 13 km above Thal, close to the valley's main camping area, and is one of the easiest stops on a Kumrat day out: a jeep ride most of the way and a short walk of a few minutes to reach it. This guide covers how to get there, what to expect on arrival, and how to stay safe on the wet rocks around it.

How to reach the waterfall

Ordinary cars stop in Thal, the last village of the Kumrat valley and the end of the paved road. From there the falls are reached by hiring a jeep in Thal bazaar, the same way you would reach any other point in the forest. The ride climbs alongside the Panjkora through deodar and pine for around 12 to 13 km, close to where the main camping area sits, and takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the state of the track and how many stops the driver makes.

From where the jeep stops, a short path leads to the falls, a walk of a few minutes on level or gently sloping ground rather than a hike. Most drivers already know the spot and will point you to it, since it is one of the standard stops on a Kumrat day along with the camping area and Kala Chashma further up the valley; our Kumrat Valley guide shows how these points fit together along the track.

What the waterfall looks like

The water comes down over rock in the forest, framed by pine and deodar on both sides, with pools at the base that are cold even in the height of summer. It is not one of the largest waterfalls in the north, and that is part of its appeal: it sits within easy reach of the road rather than at the end of a serious trek, which is why it is one of the most visited single spots in the valley.

Flow is at its strongest in early summer, when snowmelt feeds the streams above the forest, and eases through July and August once the immediate meltwater has passed, though monsoon rain can bring a short-lived surge after a storm.

The best time to photograph it

Morning and late afternoon give the most even light through the trees, without the harsh overhead sun of midday that flattens the scene and bleaches the water. An overcast morning, common enough in the hills, actually suits photographs of the falls well, since it removes the deep shadow that direct sun throws across the rocks. If you want the place with fewer people in the frame, aim to arrive before the middle of the day, when the main camping area is at its busiest.

Safety near the water

The rocks around any waterfall are wet, mossy in places and slippery, and Kumrat's is no exception:

• Wear shoes with grip, not sandals, for the short walk and for standing near the water.
• Keep back from the top of the falls and from any ledge above the pools; a slip on wet rock can carry further than it looks.
• Watch children closely near the pools at the base. The water is cold enough to be a shock even in a shallow dip.
• Don't swim in the pools or the main river. The current and the cold water are stronger than they appear from the bank.
• Take your rubbish back to Thal. Litter around the camping and falls area is already a growing problem in the valley.

Is it worth the stop?

Yes, for almost anyone doing a Kumrat day trip. It costs little extra time on a route you are already taking by jeep, the walk is short enough for children and older visitors, and it sits among some of the best forest in the valley. It suits a quick stop rather than a destination in its own right, so most people combine it with the main camping area and a longer stop at Kala Chashma.

If you are short on time and can only manage one stop beyond the camping area, the waterfall is the easier choice over Kala Chashma, since it needs less jeep time and no onward walk. Our three-day Kumrat itinerary shows how to fit both into a single day, and if you would like the jeep and timings arranged for you, tell us your dates.

Frequently asked questions