Shikhar Falls

Shikhar Falls is a secluded 25-meter high mountain stream cascade located in Kairwaan village near Rajpur, approximately 13-14 km from Dehradun city center. The waterfall plunges across tiered Lesser Himalayan limestone ledges into an emerald pool surrounded by dense Sal forests and wild ferns. Accessible via a 1-km boulder-hopping trek along natural riverbeds, it offers visitors a tranquil escape with crystal-clear waters ideal for cooling off during summer months.

Visitors can expect a scenic 1-km forest trek through shallow mountain streams, rocky boulder beds, and mossy limestone terrain to reach the waterfall. The area features thick forests, steep cliffs, and a 25-meter vertical drop cascading into a natural pool. The trail involves active boulder-hopping along the stream bed with algae-covered wet rocks requiring careful footing. The surroundings include dense Sal trees, Himalayan Alder, and maidenhair ferns in a quiet, less-crowded environment compared to popular city attractions.

The falls are situated near the historic Old Rajpur-Jharipani-Mussoorie Bridle Trail, an 11-km mountain path used in the 19th century before modern motorways were constructed. The area is part of the colonial-era travel heritage connecting Dehradun to Mussoorie hill station.

Located in the Doon Valley foothills within Garhwali cultural region; the area feeds into the sacred Ganges River system via Rispana and Song rivers. Nearby Rajpur village features Sakya Centre Buddhist Monastery.