Mussoorie, debatably known as the “Queen of Hills,” is a tranquil little hamlet nestled in the Himalayan Range of Garhwal hills. A trendy choice amongst honeymooners and family travelers alike, Mussoorie has always been a favorite spot for a weekend holiday from Delhi in Uttarakhand. With its always pleasant, sometimes cold weather, the town makes for a perfect getaway, especially in the scorching Indian summer months.
Quick Facts: Altitude 7,464 feet | Distance from Delhi 285 km | 3-day trip budget INR 6,000-14,000 per person | Best time April-June, December-February | Nearest airport Jolly Grant Dehradun (60 km) | Nearest station Dehradun (35 km)
The place is engulfed in yesteryear charm, thanks to its popularity in the British Era. The Raj has left its mark in many hill stations across the nation, and Mussoorie is one such place. Of course, the old architecture of hotels and churches splattered across the terrain along with the famous Mall Road, and even the tiniest details of old-timey lamp posts will for-sure transport you to the colonial period.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
About Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills
Shimla, Ooty, Darjeeling, Mussoorie all claim stake to the Queen of Hills title. Having lineage from Shimla, my completely biased view would say Shimla wins by a landslide (erstwhile Summer Capital of India, you guys!). What do you think? Comment below!
This homestead is at a distance of 285 km from Delhi which makes it the perfect family weekend getaway from Delhi. But, there’s so much to do in this little town and the surrounding region that one such trip would never be sufficient. Mussoorie is a hotspot for various treks nearby in the Uttarakhand region.
During the monsoon, the town is in lush-green color. With the valley being jeweled by the clouds up above, the town presents a perfect opportunity to be on your feet and explore the quaint little corners of this world. Also, winter presents a completely different landscape, so long as you’re prepared to deal with the crowds of tourists.
The biggest highlight for book-nerds (AKA the traditional definition of nerds) including yours truly is the hope to run into Ruskin Bond! The famed author resides in Mussoorie, acting as a freelance writer. Every Saturday, the man visits the Cambridge Book Depot on the Mall road. I have heard he is very affable and approachable (haven’t had any luck seeing him thus far!)
Altitude
This popular hill station Mussoorie is located at an altitude of 7,464 feet and resides in the Dehradun district. Hence, in winters, very nearby Mussoorie, you can actually experience the snowfall around Surkanda Devi or Dhanaulti.
What is the best time to visit Mussoorie?
The most pleasant weather is from April to June, when temperatures range between 25-35°C. Winter months (December to February) are ideal if you enjoy extreme cold conditions or want to experience snowfall, with temperatures hovering around 0-4°C. The monsoon season is easily avoidable, as it might not be the safest time for road travel in the landslide-prone Himalayan ranges.
However, I must warn you that both summer and winter months are tourist seasons for the city. If you’re looking for some peace and tranquility, you should look at off-season timings. For some seclusion from the hustle and bustle, I would recommend visiting from mid-February to April.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Delhi in 2026
Mussoorie is very well connected by road. To reach your destination of Mussoorie, you’ll have to reach Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. Since local cabs in Mussoorie tend to be an expensive affair, I would suggest having your vehicle and driving up to Mussoorie if this is a viable option. If not, worry not, there are many ways to reach the town.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which lies 60 km from Mussoorie. The journey will take you approximately 2 hours of driving time, and you can even book cabs online. As of 2026, regular flights operate from Delhi to Dehradun via Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour. From Dehradun airport, it takes 40-50 minutes to reach Mussoorie.
By Train
Again, the nearest train station is Dehradun, located around 35 km from Mussoorie. There are cabs available here for hire and share as well. They have a fixed charge of INR 1,000 to INR 1,400 as of 2026. A bus service is also available. There are multiple trains running between Delhi and Dehradun.
The most convenient journey can be made in Shatabdi, which leaves at 6:45 AM and reaches Dehradun at 12:50 PM. Another great option is Nanda Devi AC Express which leaves at 11:50 PM and reaches at 5:40 AM in Dehradun.
How to travel Delhi to Mussoorie by road?
The best route to drive from Delhi to Mussoorie is via Mohan Nagar, Modi Nagar, Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, and Dehradun. The overall journey takes around 7 hours of driving time, covering a distance of approximately 285 km.
Self Driving from Delhi
This is a valid option and shall save you a tonne of money in terms of hiring local cabs at Mussoorie. You can also rent out self-drive cars in Delhi. Only use this option if you’re a comfortable driver in the hills.
While the journey is not tedious and the roads are mostly well maintained, if you’re not confident about driving in the hills, it is better to be safe and use other modes of transport.
Do not forget to check our list of things to carry on a self-drive trip to the Himalayas.
Mussoorie by Public Transport
Lots of options are available and the connectivity is great in terms of using public transport to reach Mussoorie.
By Bus
There are regular UPSRTC and URTC buses that run from Kashmiri Gate, Delhi to Dehradun. As of 2026, bus tickets from Delhi to Mussoorie start from INR 520 to INR 800, covering a distance of approximately 299 km in around 8 hours. Services depart hourly and operate every day.
From Dehradun, you can catch the bus for Mussoorie which takes one and a half hours. Bus costs from INR 300 to INR 400 from Dehradun as of 2026.
By Cab
Reach Dehradun by train or air and then you can hire private cabs to take you to Mussoorie. You can even hail shared cab services at both the junctions.
From the airport, a one-way journey will cost you around INR 1,400 to INR 1,600, while from the train station, the cost would be about INR 1,000 to INR 1,200 for private vehicles as of 2026. Shared cabs will cost lesser, and you will need to bargain for the same.
What are the major tourist attractions in Mussoorie?
Because of the extreme ease of reaching this hill station, there are not many spots left undiscovered in Mussoorie. If you’re traveling in the season time (i.e. Summer and Winter months), be prepared for people at all locations you’ll plan on visiting.
That being said, it doesn’t mean that the vacation will be lesser fun. Mussoorie is often flanked as a honeymooners’ paradise thanks to the extremely scenic and romantic vibes around the region. Indeed, the green flora of the Garhwal hills along with the distant snow-capped mountains make for such a delightful view.
The Mall Road
The center of all attractions, however, remains the Mall Road. Camel’s Back Road nature walk is also a must to enjoy the spectacular natural views of the hill station. Waterfalls, old churches, Tibetan influence with lots of little cafés and temples, the lakes and gardens all add up to provide for the perfect Mussoorie experience.
Must Visit Places
Must visit tourist attractions include Kempty Falls (entry INR 50-100 plus ropeway charges), Lal Tibba (entry INR 20), Happy Valley, Gun Hill (ropeway ride INR 100-200), Mussoorie Lake, Christ Church, Sir George’s Everest House, and of course, the Library. Also, the cable car from Jhulaghat to Gun Hill makes for a cool experience. Of course, being a tourist town, there are a lot of shopping avenues, especially The Mall.
Offbeat Things to Do in Mussoorie
From mountain biking to rappelling and climbing a mountain, from skywalks to ziplining, from ATV rides to paragliding, Mussoorie has your adventure needs covered.
Try your hand at fishing and catch the coveted Trout Fish or head out further and visit Benog Sanctuary or the Jabarkhet Wildlife Sanctuary, both providing ample opportunities for trekking and sighting wildlife.
Mussoorie Trip Budget for 2026 – How Much Does It Cost?
For a 3-day trip to Mussoorie in 2026, budget travelers can expect costs between INR 6,000 to INR 9,000 per person, mid-range travelers INR 10,000 to INR 14,000, while luxury trips can exceed INR 20,000 depending on hotel choice and season. Families can manage a comfortable 3-day trip within INR 20,000 to INR 30,000 by choosing budget hotels and local transport.
| Category | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) | Luxury (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (2 nights) | INR 2,000 – 3,000 | INR 5,000 – 8,000 | INR 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Food (3 days) | INR 900 – 1,500 | INR 2,000 – 3,000 | INR 4,000 – 6,000 |
| Transport (local) | INR 800 – 1,200 | INR 1,500 – 2,000 | INR 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Sightseeing (entry fees) | INR 500 – 800 | INR 1,000 – 1,500 | INR 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Miscellaneous | INR 500 – 1,000 | INR 1,000 – 2,000 | INR 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Total (3 days) | INR 6,000 – 9,000 | INR 10,000 – 14,000 | INR 20,000+ |
Keep in mind the best time for a budget trip is during monsoon and early winter months when hotel prices are lower and tourist crowds are fewer. Booking hotels in advance, traveling on weekdays, and avoiding peak summer season can significantly reduce travel expenses.
Perfect Itinerary for a Weekend Trip to Mussoorie
Although many people follow their own itinerary, if you’re a first time visitor and are planning on exploring the region for a weekend (or an extended weekend), the following tentative plan will be of great help.
Day 0 – Delhi to Dehradun to Mussoorie
Reach Dehradun by early in the AM. You can do so by leaving late at night from Delhi on a train or bus, or take an early morning flight to Dehradun. Once you reach Dehradun, take a bus to Mussoorie or hire a cab. It will take you two hours to get to your destination. Alternatively, you can drive from Delhi to reach Mussoorie directly.
Day 1 – Places to Visit Around Mussoorie
There are many gorgeous hotels in Mussoorie. Choose as per your need. You can even not book the hotel before your visit and just roam about the quaint little town and pick the one you fancy. Once all the checking in formalities are done and you’re settled, go out and explore the town. There are a lot of things to do in Mussoorie, which makes it one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi.
First things first, your day will be jampacked today. Try to ensure that you’re on a timeline and start your day as early as possible. You can even club some of these activities on other days as well or push your itinerary for a longer duration and follow through on a more relaxed pace. The choice is yours.
Beginning of Your Mussoorie Adventure
Start your day off by visiting Kempty Falls, an amazingly beautiful waterfall. Situated around 15 km from the main town of Mussoorie, you will require a vehicle for transportation. You can check with your hotel to get a cab for the entire day, and this will save you in a longer duration. Enjoy the waterfall and scenic beauty. There is a tonne of eateries nearby, given that this is a touristy spot.
Your next destination can be George Everest which is a relatively secluded area of Mussoorie. Roads leading up to this place aren’t that great. You might even need to hike for a km or so if your car isn’t able to make the uphill journey. However, it will be well worth the effort as the view from the top is insane. I strongly urge you to try your hand at some adventure activities. You can try Zip Lining at George Everest.
Post Lunch
You can also visit Laal Tibba during your first day in Mussoorie, which is one of the highest points of the town. There is an entry fee of INR 20. Laal Tibba offers some majestic views of various peaks of Himalayas. The panoramic sights of breath-taking skies and views around will make you want to stay here for as long as possible. Certain views are such that you can never look to your heart’s content, try as you might.
Interesting Trip: A trek to Kedarkantha and Juda Ka Talaab.
Ending to the Beautiful Day
Of course, these are a tonne of activities, and this is a jampacked schedule, bound to keep you occupied for the entirety of the day. Return to your hotel in the night, and then you can take a walk on Mall Road and explore the cuisine scene of the region. The food is exceptional in Mussoorie. There is something about the mountain air that makes everything taste amazing.
Day 2 – Dhanaulti & Surkanda Devi
Now that you’re settled into the Pahadi life, start your day by waking up early to catch a breath-taking sunrise. Post a morning walk and breakfast, I suggest you visit Dhanaulti today. Dhanaulti is a small hill station at a distance of around 24 km from the busy town of Mussoorie. The roads are in good condition, but there can be a little problem while driving in January and February due to snow.
The drive takes around one and a half hours. There is an eco-park in Dhanaulti which is a delight to visit as it’s surrounded by nature.
You can also visit Surkanda Devi temple in Dhanaulti which is devoted to the Goddess Parvati. The visit to the temple involves a trek of 1.5 km from Kaddukhal village in Dhanaulti. After exploring the whole day in Dhanaulti, you can return back to Mussoorie by evening.
Day 3 – Departure
This is the day you leave for home. If you’re looking for an extended journey then there are a lot of activities you may fit in here and push the leaving date to a later time. The choice is yours.
Where to Stay in Mussoorie – Accommodation Options 2026
Mussoorie is full of beautiful hotels, dripping in the colonial charm. You’ll come across all sorts of options from luxury hotels to hostels.
JW Marriott is an especially beautiful property with exceptional views and surroundings. Other luxury hotels include Fortune Resort and Welcome Hotel, The Savoy (ITC Hotels), with prices ranging from INR 14,000 to INR 30,000 per night as of 2026.
Country Inn is another decent property with lesser charges, with mid-range options costing between INR 7,000 to INR 10,000 per night.
In terms of budget travel, Bunkostel is a really nice place for backpackers and solo travelers. You will only find dorm beds here. Prices are around INR 500 to INR 700 per bed as of 2026. Budget hotels like Hotel Highland range INR 3,000 to INR 4,500 per night.
Interesting Tip: Did you know about this offbeat place in Uttarakhand called Khirsu?
Where to Eat in Mussoorie – Food Options
Jampacked with food choices, this place is a travelers’ paradise. My favorite thing to do in Mussoorie is to roam about the Mall Road and discover new places. However, some of my all-time must-visit places are:
Lovely Omelette Centre
Situated on the Mall Road, this place makes one of the best omelets. The shop has also been featured in various magazines. You can’t miss this place. It is always thronged by locals and tourists alike, and it is such a great visual, watching the two chefs go on with their expertise in making omelets.
Cafe de Tavern
Great place to hang out and the food is amazing. This place will remind you of old-time English pubs, with very laid back vibes. Must try is the Red Wine Sizzler.
Kalsang Friends Corner
A double-storeyed restaurant on Mall Road, serving authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine with an exhaustive menu. Food is to die for. Momos are a must, and I especially enjoy their Thupka. Also, it is reasonably priced, which is always a plus in my books.
Little Llama Café
Another gem of a place serving amazing food with an added advantage of an amazing view. A very cozy place, the café has a bunch of options in terms of quick bites and continental foods.
Café by the Way
This is an artistic little café with amazing coffee and shakes. Situated on the Mall Road as well. The desserts are insanely good, and the Nutella cake will make your day.
Chic Chocolate
Synonymous with Mussoorie itself, this quaint restaurant or café has amazing homemade chocolates along with some lip-smacking old-school pizzas. Their Sticky Jaw toffees make for a great gift to take back home.
Practical Tips for Mussoorie Trip
Mussoorie is quite well connected and the elevation is reasonable. Thus, in terms of preparation, you may treat it as a normal vacation. However, certain important points to note:
ATM Availability and Cash
There is no problem with the number of ATMs in Mussoorie. Most of the shops and restaurants will also accept the payments through the card. Other things gaining popularity in terms of mode of payments are the zillion online payment options, including Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, etc.
Mobile Network Coverage
Mussoorie is one of the most popular towns in Uttarakhand, so it does not have any network problems. All the networks are available, including Airtel, Jio, Vodafone, and BSNL.
Interesting Tip: Are you looking forward to a weekend trip from Delhi and not interested in Mussoorie? Well, you can always check another weekend hide out from Delhi – Pangot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mussoorie
How much does a 3-day trip to Mussoorie cost in 2026?
A 3-day trip to Mussoorie costs between INR 6,000 to INR 9,000 per person for budget travelers, INR 10,000 to INR 14,000 for mid-range travelers, and INR 20,000+ for luxury trips. This includes accommodation, food, local transport, and sightseeing.
What is the best month to visit Mussoorie?
The best months to visit Mussoorie are April to June for pleasant weather (25-35°C), and December to February if you want to experience snowfall and cold conditions (0-4°C). Avoid the monsoon season (July to September) due to landslide risks.
How far is Mussoorie from Delhi?
Mussoorie is approximately 285 km from Delhi via Dehradun. The drive takes around 7 hours. You can also take a train to Dehradun (35 km from Mussoorie) which takes about 5 hours, or a flight to Jolly Grant Airport (60 km away).
Is Mussoorie worth visiting in 2026?
Yes, Mussoorie is absolutely worth visiting in 2026. It offers colonial charm, beautiful mountain views, excellent food options, adventure activities, and proximity to Dhanaulti and other offbeat places. It remains one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi.
What are the must-visit places in Mussoorie?
Must-visit places include Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Gun Hill, George Everest House, Camel’s Back Road, Happy Valley, Christ Church, Mussoorie Lake, and the nearby Dhanaulti and Surkanda Devi temple.
Can I drive from Delhi to Mussoorie?
Yes, you can drive from Delhi to Mussoorie. The route is well-maintained and takes around 7 hours. However, only attempt this if you’re comfortable driving in the hills. The route goes via Mohan Nagar, Modi Nagar, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, and Dehradun.
What is the temperature in Mussoorie in winter?
In winter (December to February), Mussoorie temperatures range from 0°C to 4°C. Snowfall is common during these months, especially in nearby areas like Dhanaulti and around Surkanda Devi temple.
Are there budget hotels in Mussoorie?
Yes, budget hotels in Mussoorie range from INR 3,000 to INR 4,500 per night as of 2026. Hostels like Bunkostel offer dorm beds at INR 500 to INR 700 per bed, making it affordable for backpackers and solo travelers.
Conclusion
I think I mentioned all the important things with the help of which you can plan your trip to Mussoorie and Dhanaulti. In case, if you want to know something else, please drop a comment, and we’ll try to help you in every way possible. Just remember to be a responsible traveler while visiting this town as it’s already been affected a lot by tourism.
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Last Updated: February 2026
4 Comments
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Thanks a lot Mr. Dheeraj. This help me a lot. Another question if you don’t mind. Would you like to suggest any offbeat place near mussoorie or kanatal. I have one day free in my itinerary…..?
Can I get details of some good taxi drivers from delhi for my kanatal mussoorie trip…?
Here are a few Uttarakhand taxi driver references I have from DwD Community Members
Kuldeep Singh Grover – +91-98371-86861 / +91-90122-77000 … Read the feedback here
Vineet (Haridwar) – +91- 74173 33204
Harinder (Ukhimath) – +91 – 97580-13378
For get the name (Ukhimath) – +91 – 88591-91894
Anand Goswami – 09568274128 / 09719639279 / 09456722952
Pradyuman – 09411322992
Babbu – 09719223476
Anil Bisht – 09719276921
Anil – 09719276904
Vineet (Haridwar) – +91- 74173 33204
Harinder (Ukhimath) – +91 – 97580-13378
no name (Ukhimath) – +91 – 88591-91894
Beautiful destination and looks like a weekend getaway. Very Informative guide highlighting the salient features and know-how’s at Mussoorie.