The topography of Khawzawl is predominantly mountainous and rugged. Like most of Mizoram, the town is built along the crests and slopes of hills to maximize air circulation, sunlight, and defense (a holdover from historical settlement practices).
Elevations vary significantly within short distances, with the town center resting roughly at 790 meters above sea level, while surrounding peaks reach much higher. Deep V-shaped valleys separate the ridges, carved out by local streams and rivers that eventually feed into the larger river systems of the state, such as the Tuivawl and Tuipui rivers. There are no expansive plains, making flat land a premium in the area.