If you are a travel enthusiast and are looking for a journey that combines the peace of nature, spiritual vibes and a dash of heritage, then road trips from Dehradun are the perfect choice. Whether you want a short day trip, a relaxing weekend getaway or the fun of adventure through a long drive, Dehradun offers all kinds of options. From here, you can plan short rides of 40 km to epic long drives of up to 550 km. The biggest advantage of road travel is its flexibility and freedom – stop when you want, explore wherever you want, and have a new experience at every turn.
Dehradun's location is so strategic that you can easily reach hill stations, historical towns, riverside spiritual sites, to the capital city Delhi without much planning. You will start by just booking a Dehradun to Delhi taxi. So skip hectic train bookings and rush flights – just pick up the car, get a playlist ready and set out for a memorable road trip.
Choose your perfect road trip from Dehradun today!
Quick One-Day Road Trips
If you are in Dehradun and want to plan a short, refreshing trip without too much planning, then these one-day road trips are perfect. They are well-connected by road from Dehradun. You can travel by just booking a Dehradun car rental. You can take a short drive for a short escape and relax in the mountains and nature beaches.
Mussoorie: Mussoorie is a favorite weekend destination of every season from Dehradun. One of the fastest and quickest ways to plan is by booking a Dehradun to Mussoorie taxi service. Nothing can be better than this. You can enjoy everything in one day - cloud-kissed roads, mall road vibe, gun hill view and the cold water of Kempty Falls. The best time is March to June, and then from October to December
Dhanaulti: If you want a more peaceful and offbeat destination than Mussoorie, then Dhanaulti is a good option. The scenic drive through dense forests and the cold air of Eco Park will make your day relaxing. The best time is during the summer months or in December when you get to see snow.
Lansdowne: If you want a little longer drive but still a day trip from Dehradun, then Lansdowne is a calm hill station where the Army base area has a different charm. Spots like Bhulla Lake, sunset point and Garhwali museum give a very unique feel. The best visiting time is from October to March.
Chakrata: Chakrata is a raw, untouched beauty where the roads are a little narrow but the views are next level. Tiger Falls and Deoban Forest trek are the major highlights here. If you want nature and adventure both together, then it is one of the perfect one-day road trip destinations from Dehradun. The best time is from March to June. and from September to November.
Weekend Escape Road Trips
If you live in Dehradun and want to plan a quick weekend getaway where you can refresh yourself in 1-2 nights, then these road trips are perfect for you. If you want the best combo of nature, adventure and peace, then these destinations in the range of 150-300 km are ideal for weekend road trips from Dehradun.
Nainital (Around 280 km | 6–7 Hours Drive)
The Dehradun to Nainital trip is always a classic pick. If you want the feel of mountains, then this hill station is best for a short trip. Walk on Mall Road, go boating in Naini Lake and enjoy the sunset from Snow View Point. Don't forget to explore Eco Cave Gardens as well. Best time to go: Around March to June and October, when there is less crowd and the weather is pleasant.
Tehri Lake & Dam (Around 110 km | 3–4 Hours Drive)
Tehri is a hidden gem for a Dehradun weekend drive. There is also the option of camping near the lake, and you can also do water sports like boating and jet skiing. You get a peaceful break along with scenic views. Ideal season: September to March, when the lake is crystal clear and the climate is a little chilly.
Jim Corbett National Park (Around 180 km | 5 Hours Drive)
If you are a wildlife lover, Jim Corbett is perfect for a weekend escape. Take safari rides, and maybe you can also get a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger. If you want to experience a forest stay, book the Dhikala zone. October to June is the best time to come here.
Chamba (Around 90 km | 3 Hours Drive)
Chamba is an underrated destination that offers the best mix of hills, peace and scenic beauty. This spot is perfect for a Dehradun weekend drive. Relax on the riverbank, take nature walks, and you will feel completely detoxed. Best time: March to May and September to November.
Binsar (Around 285 km | 7 Hours Drive)
If you want to connect with nature and silence, then go to Binsar. The feel of Wildlife Sanctuary, Zero Point and thick pine forests gives a different vibe. This place is heaven for photographers and nature lovers. October to March is the best time to visit here.
Almora (Around 290 km | 7 Hours Drive)
Almora feels like a heritage town with temples, local bazaars and untouched beauty. The road trip from Dehradun to Almora is long but relaxing. Watch the sunrise from the Bright End Corner and visit the Kasar Devi Temple. Best season: From September to April.
Chaukori (Around 300 km | 8 Hours Drive)
Chaukori is a little more remote, but if you plan for 2 nights, then it is worth the drive. The stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas and the tea gardens are the highlights of this place. It is a peaceful destination where you can feel nature. Go between October to March for clear views and chilled weather.
Getaway to Hill Stations
If you are planning a long drive and want to enjoy a cool and peaceful hilly area away from the noise, then these hill station getaways are perfect. All these destinations fall in a range of approximately 300-600 km, where you will get the thrill of a long drive as well as the peace of the mountains.
Chandigarh
With wide and smooth highways, this 5 to6 drive is much more comfortable than in Delhi NCR. The roads are mostly straight, and the scenery gradually becomes green. Chandigarh is known for modern city planning and cleanliness. From here, one can make plans for Shimla or Kasauli in future. The best time to visit is from October to March or after July, when one enjoys a cold breeze and light rain.
Shimla
It is also one of the popular hill stations to explore. The Dehradun to Shimla drive is a short drive approx. 340 Km and takes approx. 7-8 hours. You will get smooth highways on the NH7 and SH2 routes, after which the hill drive begins. The view gradually becomes hilly with pine trees and valley views. April to June is the best season in summer, and December to February is ideal to see snow.
Manali
This is a long but rewarding drive from Dehradun. The route is 530 to 570 km, which took 12-14 hours to get complete. The route includes Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Mandi and Kullu. The roads are winding but mostly good. Driving along the banks of the river Beas gives a memorable experience. The best time is from May to July for a summer escape, and December to January is perfect for snow lovers.
Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj
Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj are located approximately 500 Km from Dehradun. This route is scenic, peaceful, and 10 to 11 hours long where pine forests and hill curves meet. There is a highway till Chandigarh, and then some narrow roads begin. McLeod Ganj is famous for Tibetan culture and cafes. The weather is quite pleasant here between October to March, and the crowd is also manageable.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is called mini Switzerland., where you can easily reach in 12 to 13 hours. The drive till here is long as 500 Km but totally worth it. There are narrow hill roads around Dalhousie. Lush green meadows, cedar trees and a fresh breeze set the mood of every traveller. The best time to visit is between March to June and September to November.
Auli
Last but not the least Auli is one of the great hill station from Dehradun. This drive takes you through Rishikesh, Devprayag and Joshimath, and tooks 11 to 13 hours. Where the roads are hilly and winding, but the scenery is unbeatable. Auli is famous for skiing and receives a lot of snow from December to February. The summer months, like April and May, are also good for trekking and cable car rides.
Offbeat & Heritage Road Trips
If you are planning a road trip from Dehradun that is a blend of not just nature but also culture and heritage, then these offbeat and heritage routes will be perfect for you. In these journeys, you will get the coolness of the mountains, the charm of small towns and the feel of centuries-old history. These destinations are best for those travellers who want a real and soulful travel experience away from the crowd.
Peora & Mukteshwar: A road trip from Dehradun to Peora & Mukteshwar takes you to the untouched gems around Nainital. The Dehradun to Mukteshwar drive is 350 km approx, which takes nearly 9 hours to complete. The panoramic Himalayan view of Mukteshwar and the eco-friendly village stay of Peora make this trip even more special. The best time to travel is from October to June. Get a full check-up of your car done, as the last patch is a bit steep.
Baijnath & Bageshwar: Both are popular destinations from Dehradun, offering a cultural deep-dive into the heartland of Kumaon. You can easily reach there from Dehradun via NH7. The ancient temples of Baijnath and the spiritual vibes of Bageshwar take you to a completely different world. Any season other than the monsoon is perfect for this trip. The route also has picturesque stops like Almora and Kausani.
Gangolihat: It is one of the perfect offbeat road trip options from Dehradun. This is one such route that is a blend of both spirituality and mystery. Gangolihat is famous for the Mahakali temple and underground caves that attract travellers. As the route is not very touristy, you will find that the roads are a little narrow. The ideal time to travel to this is from March to May or September to November.
Kalsi Rock Edict: If you are in the mood for a short drive, an offbeat road trip from Dehradun to Kalsi is perfect. It is located very near Dehradun, just 50 Km from the city centre. It is famous for its rock edict of Ashoka, which gives you a glimpse of the 3rd century BC. The route is quite scenic with the Yamuna flowing alongside. It is a great spot for a picnic and photography, and the best time to visit this is between October to March.
All these offbeat road trips are not just a journey but an experience. You will find something new on every route - be it the silence of the mountains or the story of some ancient temple. So make plans for the next weekend and set out on an unforgettable heritage road trip.
Spiritual Places Near Dehradun
Dehradun stands as the centre city that opens the gateway to the divine trail of Char Dham yatra. It serves as the base for devotees who are planning a trip to any Char Dham destination. Apart from that, there are also popular spiritual places near Dehradun; travelling to them is easy and memorable. Some of the popular places are as follows;
Haridwar: It is one of the popular spiritual destinations near Dehradun. Dotted with temples, ashrams, and narrow lanes across the city offers a spiritual significance. Here, you can also take a dip in the holy Ganges, believing that taking a dip in the sacred Har ki Pauri relieves one of all sins. Haridwar road trip from Dehradun is around 50 km, which you will cover in just one and a half hours easily by booking a cab.
Badrinath: Dehradun is one of the nearby cities that allows devotees to reach Badrinath. You can easily book your Dehradun to Badrinath cab to cover your Badrinath yatra. It is one of the sacred temple towns located at a breathtaking height of 3,133 meters. It is known for its Badrinath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is only open for a specific time of the year, leading to a huge congregation here.
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Rather than a big trip, you just want a short drive to a spiritual site near Dehradun. So Tapleshwar Mahadev Temple is the best option. It is located in a cave by a seasonal river named Asan. It is famous for its unique Shiva Linga location where water naturally drips on it. One of the best times to visit this temple is on Shivratri.
Yamunotri: It is another significant Hindu pilgrimage site of Uttaranchal that is not only the source of Yanuma river but also a Char Dham site. It is famous for its Yamunotri Temple that is dedicated to Goddess Yanuntir, hot water springs and beautiful glaciers. Like Badrinath, travelling to Yamunotri is only possible for a short time.
Road Trip Planning Tips
If you are preparing for a Dehradun road trip, then a little smart planning is necessary so that the entire journey is smooth and stress-free. First of all, let us talk about the best time. The weather from October to March is perfect for a road trip to Dehradun. There is neither too much heat nor tension from the rain. Now the scene of vehicle preparation is that before leaving, get the car's oil, brakes, tyres and lights checked. It would be safe to visit the service centre once. Road safety tips are very important in India. Always wear a seatbelt, keep in mind the speed limit and avoid night driving unless necessary.
In packing essentials, take a good power bank, offline maps, basic first aid, a torch and a car charger. Snacks, chips, cookies, trail mix, and water bottles would be quite useful. If we talk about the stop suggestions, then staying at places like Cheetal Grand and Shiva Tourist Dhaba is quite relaxing. There are clean washrooms and tasty food as well. Mobile coverage is mostly fine, but there can be a little issue in some hilly areas, so download offline music and maps and take them. For fuel and toll usage, FASTag should be active, and it would be safe to get fuel filled in major towns only. If you plan all these things properly, then you will get the full benefit of Dehradun road trip tips, and the trip will become a memorable one.
Sample Road Trip Itineraries
If you want a ready travel plan without any tension, then these Dehradun to Haridwar itineraries for a road trip are perfect for you. Simple, sorted and easy to follow, these plans will make your travel smooth and memorable. Whether it is a short one-day break or you are in the mood to escape for a weekend, just pack your bags and get going.
One-Day Trip: Dehradun → Haridwar → Dinner at Highway Haridwar → Return
Start from Dehradun in the morning and drive directly towards Haridwar. Upon reaching Haridwar, you can experience Ganga Aarti or explore the local temples. In the evening, have dinner at a good dhaba or restaurant on the highway - there are plenty of options on the Haridwar highway. After dinner, relax and come back to Dehradun. This trip is short but refreshing, especially for those who want to enjoy both religious feel and highway food in a day. Perfect for Dehradun to Haridwar itinerary seekers.
Weekend Hill Trip: Dehradun → Mussoorie (Stay) → Local Sightseeing → Return
If you are planning a short hill escape over the weekend, then this itinerary is the best. Start from Dehradun and drive to Mussoorie. The road will be a little twisty, but the scenic views are worth it. After reaching Mussoorie, book a good property or hotel where you can stay. The next day, explore popular spots like Mall Road walk, Kempty Falls or Gun Hill in the morning. Chill for some time in cafes and then return to Dehradun in the evening. This plan is for a perfect Dehradun weekend hill trip.
FAQs
1.When is the best time to take a road trip from Dehradun?
The time from October to March is the best for a road trip from Dehradun. The weather is cool and clear, there are fewer issues of fog or rainfall on the roads, and the mountain views are visible in full. Avoid the monsoon as there is a risk of landslides and slippery roads.
2. Are these routes suitable for self-driving?
Of course, the roads from Dehradun to every major destination are in good condition, like Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Nainital or Chandigarh. If you have driving experience, you can fully enjoy a self-drive trip.
3. How safe are these routes at night?
Mostly, it depends on which route you are taking. Highway routes like Dehradun to Delhi or Chandigarh are safe, but avoid hilly areas like Mussoorie or Dhanaulti at night. Visibility is low, and there is no lighting on some stretches.
4. Accommodation options?
Don't worry about accommodation. Budget hotels, homestays and resorts are available on every route. It is better to book in advance during peak season.
5. What about fuel and toll costs?
Fuel cost will depend on the mileage of your vehicle, but consider that for short trips like Dehradun to Mussoorie or Rishikesh, the round trip can cost around ₹800-₹1500. Toll is also quite reasonable, a maximum of ₹100-₹300 depending on the route.
Dehradun acts as your springboard to unforgettable experiences. If you are planning a short weekend getaway from Dehradun or are in the mood for a long scenic drive, then these road trips are perfect for you. There are several tourist sites and towns near Dehradun that are famous for their best road trip experience. Each route gives a different experience with its unique vibes and views. You can explore them by taking public transport like buses and trains, but these are crowded and time bound, whereas a private cab service from Dehradun offers much flexibility and comfort. So just get your car ready, set the playlist and set out for a memorable journey. There is so much variety around Dehradun that every trip feels like a new adventure.
