Khonsa is defined by its dramatic, hilly topography, sitting at an elevation of approximately 1,215 meters (3,986 feet) above sea level. The town is built upon the slopes of the Patkai range (often referred to as the Purvanchal range), a series of mountains on India's northeastern border.
The terrain is highly uneven, marked by steep hillsides, deep gorges, and narrow V-shaped valleys. Because of the rugged topography, flat land is scarce; settlements, roads, and agricultural plots are heavily terraced or built into the contours of the hills. The highest points in the district rise significantly higher than the town itself, acting as a natural barrier and climate divide.