Complete Guide: Dehradun to Mussoorie Travel
The Dehradun–Mussoorie route is one of Uttarakhand's most scenic short drives — 35 km of switchback mountain road rising from the Doon Valley to 2,005m, with views of the valley below and Himalayan peaks ahead. Here's everything you need to know.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 35 km |
| Drive time | 1–1.5 hours (normal); 2–3 hours (peak season traffic) |
| Route | NH-707A via Rajpur Road → Jharipani → Library Chowk |
| Alternate route | Sahastradhara Road (scenic, slightly longer) |
| Last vehicle point | Library Chowk or Masonic Lodge (personal vehicles restricted on Mall Road) |
Best Time to Travel Dehradun to Mussoorie
- October–November: Best — clear mountain air, light traffic, spectacular views; ideal for drives
- March–June: Popular season; schools close; holiday traffic heavy May–June; leave early morning (before 8 AM)
- December–February: Snow possible above Jharipani; beautiful; check road conditions before driving in January
- Weekends year-round: Extreme congestion on weekends from Dehradun and Delhi; drive on Friday or Monday instead
How to Travel from Dehradun to Mussoorie
- By Taxi: Most convenient — hired taxis from Dehradun Railway Station or Clock Tower; ₹600–₹900 one way; shared taxis ₹100–₹150/seat
- By Bus (GMOU): Regular buses from Dehradun ISBT/Parade Ground to Mussoorie Library Chowk; ₹50–₹80 per seat; every 30 min
- By Car: Take the Rajpur Road route (NH-707A) — well-marked; avoid the narrow inner lanes of Dehradun city
- By Ropeway (Jubilee Ropeway — planned): A proposed cable car project from Dehradun to Mussoorie is under development; check latest status
Dehradun to Mussoorie — Key Stops & Budget
| Stop / Activity | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sahastradhara (en route) | 8 km from Dehradun | ₹20 entry; sulphur springs |
| Kempty Falls (near Mussoorie) | 15 km from Mussoorie | ₹20 entry |
| Gun Hill Ropeway | Mussoorie town | ₹100–₹150 return |
| Accommodation Mussoorie | Various | ₹800–₹25,000/night |
| Taxi back to Dehradun | Mussoorie Library | ₹600–₹900 |
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Personal vehicles cannot drive on Mussoorie's Mall Road — park at Library Chowk (paid parking) or Picture Palace Chowk
- On winter days (Jan–Feb), carry snow chains in your car — the last 5 km above Jharipani can be icy
- The Gandhi Chowk–Library Chowk section of Mall Road is most congested; walk or take a rickshaw
- Landour (Mussoorie's quieter upper section) is 3 km beyond the main town — beautiful colonial walks, Ruskin Bond's home
- Dhanaulti (25 km further from Mussoorie) makes a great extension — ideal for snowfall or camping
FAQ: How long does it take to reach Mussoorie from Dehradun? Normally 1–1.5 hours. On peak weekends (May, Diwali, Christmas) the drive can take 2.5–4 hours due to traffic on the narrow mountain road. Leave before 8 AM on weekends to avoid jams.