Haridwar is the spiritual gateway to the Himalayas. It is not only a sacred destination, but it’s also the perfect starting point for some of the best road trips to nearby destinations. Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful day drive, a refreshing weekend escape, or an extended adventure through mountains and valleys, Haridwar serves as the central location that offers a way to a wonderful destination.
From here, you can also plan your short getaways within 40 km, which include serene ghats and nature parks, to long scenic drives stretching over 550 km into the high Himalayas or vibrant cities; every journey brings its unique charm. These road trips from Haridwar are the perfect blend of spirituality, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making each mile worth the ride.
It is one of the well-connected travel destinations, offering several public and private transportation options. You can easily travel from Haridwar by booking a bus or taking a taxi. However, the best way to plan a trip is to book a rental car in Haridwar, which offers the flexibility of choosing your own pace. You can enjoy the joy of road travel without the stress of planning or driving yourself. Whether it’s a Haridwar weekend road trip with friends or a family pilgrimage, the open roads are calling.
Choose your perfect road trip from Haridwar today and let the journey begin!
Quick One-Day Road Trips From Haridwar
Haridwar also offers tourists various options for one-day road trips. From there, you can easily pursue your journey to other significant religious cities and sites, including the Char Dham temples. On the other side, there are also various hill stations near Haridwar that offer a wonderful escape to the lap of nature. Look at the most popular one-day escape below.
- Rishikesh: Rishikesh is approximately 20-25 km away from Haridwar, and it takes approximately 45 minutes to reach here. One of the best ways to cover this distance is by taking a taxi from Haridwar to Rishikesh that goes through winding turns that run along the Ganga. The scenic appeal is that there are river views, hanging bridges and mountain backdrops, which make the drive memorable. The best seasons are winter and spring when the weather is pleasant and the crowd is manageable. This one-day road trip from Haridwar is perfect for adventure lovers
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: This sacred temple is around 35 km from Haridwar, and the travel time is approximately 1.5-2 hours, as the road is hilly and narrow but very scenic too. The route offers dense forests, valley views and fresh mountain air. The best season is the post-rain period after the monsoon, when greenery is at its peak. This spot gives a blend of both spiritual vibes and natural beauty, which is the top pick for short drives from Haridwar.
- Dehradun: The distance from Haridwar to Dehradun is approximately 55–60 km, and the travel time is 1.5–2 hours via NH34. The road condition is quite good, and there is lush greenery and small roadside dhabas midway. The scenic appeal includes the wide view of the Doon Valley and the pleasant climate. The best season is year-round, but October to March is quite comfortable.
- Mussoorie: Haridwar to Mussoorie taxi fare distance is approximately 85 km and takes around 2.5-3 hours. The road climbs mountains and gives twists and turns, which are quite photogenic. The scenic appeal includes pine forests, waterfalls and valley views. The best seasons are both summer and winter, but there is a risk of landslides during the monsoon.
- Kanatal: Kanatal is approximately 120 km from Haridwar and takes approximately 4 hours to drive via the Chamba route. The road is winding and steep, but it is maintained quite smoothly. The scenic appeal includes apple orchards, deodar forests and clear mountain views. The best seasons are summer and winter, when one can experience both camping and snowfall here.
- Lakhamandal: This historic spot is around 130 km from Haridwar, and the travel time is 4–4.5 hours. The road is in mountain terrain, but it is quite stable and scenic. The scenic appeal includes ancient temple architecture and lush green hills. The best season is from October to April when the weather is dry and pleasant.
- Jim Corbett National Park: Jim Corbett is approximately 130–140 km from Haridwar, and the travel time is 3.5–4 hours via NH309. The road is mostly plain, but the last stretch passes through a forest area, which is quite peaceful. The scenic appeal includes dense sal forests, riverbeds and the thrill of wildlife spotting. The best season is winter and early summer for wildlife safaris.
Weekend Escape Road Trips From Haridwar
If you're planning a 2-3 day trip from Haridwar for your weekend don't worry. Haridwar city is surrounded by several charming hill stations and adventure sites that are perfect for your family trip and hangout with friends. They are ideal for a night stay and offer lots of activities and sites, which will make your weekend memorable.
Chakrata: It is one of the wonderful weekend road trips from Haridwar that offers you a mesmerising travel experience. It is a quiet hamlet nestled amid lush conifers, beautiful red rhododendrons, and towering oaks, surrounded by the gigantic Himalayan range, which is packed with snow and abundant charm.
Lansdowne: Another option for the travellers for their weekend trip is Lansdowne. It is a small town that offers visitors a wonderful old-world colonial charm that is amid the unadulterated lush greenery of the Himalaya. You can easily reach there from Haridwar to enjoy your weekend and vacation with family and friends.
Binsar: It is a scenic mountain town that is famous for being a wildlife sanctuary and stunning Himalayan peaks. It is a natural paradise that is perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurous souls. Here, you also enjoy a secluded trekking opportunity at an elevation of 2,420 m amid the lush greenery and panoramic hill views.
Tehri Lake & Dam: It is an amazing destination to explore while visiting Haridwar and the nearby areas. It is one of the tallest dams in the world, and India, which already makes it an attractive man-made structure. However, its natural beauty and adventure activity makes it a perfect Haridwar weekend drive.
Kausani: You can also plan your trip to this other small hill station of Uttarakhand that is a beckon amid the sky-high hills and greens. It catches the eyes of the travellers with its blue pine forest, and the chir forest that is flourishing amid the hills of the Himalayas. One of the amazing experiences here is to sit in the hills and just enjoy the rising golden orb.
Almora: It is a beautiful town set against the backdrop of the snow-covered Himalayan hills and is famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts and delicious cuisines that captivate the tourists all year round. The town also has a great connection with a legendary personality who contributes to the cultural richness of the town.
Ranikhet: Literally means the Land of the Queen, Ranikhet is another wonderful hill station among the plethora. Its location amid the Himalayan ranges allows wonderful and clear views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks that are kept under snow most of the time. Another attraction here is the nine-hole Golf Course, which is Asia’s highest golf course.
Mussoorie: Last in the list but not the least, hill station near Haridwar, Mussoorie is a land of great wonder, which makes it a perfect weekend gateway and honeymoon destination from Haridwar. You can easily take a cab from Haridwar as the Haridwar to Mussoorie taxi fare is very nominal with Cabbazar. One of the unique features of this hill station is its beautiful winter line, which is a rare natural phenomenon that you can see here only.
Getaway to Hill Stations From Haridwar
Haridwar also serves as the gateway to the many popular hill stations of the region. It is very easy for tourists to reach there from Haridwar. They are perfect for the long drives that go through the winding Himalayan hills and offer travellers numerous scenic views.
Manali: One of the perfect hill station options from Haridwar. Manali is famous as a charming hill station of Himachal Pradesh that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and a lot of adventure activities. It has become a great destination among tourists for a rejuvenation from the hectic life with its lush greenery, snow-laden mountains and serene rivers.
Shimla: In the row of hill stations from Haridwar, how can one forget Shimla? It is a great hill resort amid the stunning natural beauty, but this is now what Shimla is all about. There are several historical landmarks, colonial architecture, and charming markets that offer a trail to the city’s vibrant culture and handicrafts. For travellers, a Haridwar to Shimla drive is scenic and incredible and a must-do activity.
Dalhousie: It is an interesting hill station of India that has been catching the attention of travellers for decades. Here you will enjoy the wonderful trail to the marvellous forest that overlooks the vistas of the wooded hills, cascading waterfalls, springs and rivulets. Its serenity and life offer visitors a great experience that offers tranquility away from the buzzing metro cities.
Khajjiar: Proudly known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, Khajjiar attracts tourists from Haridwar. It is famous for its fresh mountain air, picturesque landscapes, snow-covered hills and surrounding dense deodar forests. All this makes it one of the great adventure destinations. Also, its serene and peaceful ambience makes it a great natural escape from Haridwar.
McLeod Ganj: Another great hill destination from Haridwar is McLeod Ganj. It is a small, beautiful town that is nestled amid the gigantic Himalayan hills. Generally, it is famous for its Bhagsunath Temple, pristine waterfall, Minkiani Pass, Naddi viewpoint, beautiful lake and mountain ranges, but the most impressive site of the town is its connection to the Tibetan legacy. The town is home to the famous Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, and has several Tibetan architectural sites that need to be visited.
Auli: It is one of the skiing paradises and is called the ’Skiing Capital of India’. The town is nestled in a picture-perfect location, surrounded by oak and coniferous forests. Thousands of tourists visit this town to enjoy India’s longest cable ride, superb Himalayan views and a thrilling skiing experience.
Nainital: It is also one of the great hill stations from Haridwar. The town is flourishing around a beautiful Himalayan lake, making it a picture-perfect destination with family and friends. The distance from Haridwar to Naintial is around 237 km, which one can easily cover by taking a cab. It is the perfect destination to enjoy natural charm and colonial architecture.
Offbeat & Heritage Road Trips From Haridwar
If you want to explore a journey a little different and full of cultural richness after leaving Haridwar, then these offbeat and heritage road trips are the perfect choice. Here you will find the peace of nature, stories of heritage and the real fun of a road trip.
Pauri Garhwal: The drive from Haridwar to Pauri Garhwal is a dreamy mountain route where smooth hilly roads take you along with stunning valley views of the Ganga. The scenic appeal is high as there is a combo of pine forests and deep valleys at every turn. The best season is March to June or September to November when the weather is pleasant. Travel tip: If you leave early in the morning, you will avoid the crowds.
Devprayag: It is one of the divine confluence points of the holy rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda that eventually form the mighty Ganga River. The road is smooth on NH-34, and there are quaint villages in between. The scenic appeal is high, especially at sunset. The best season is October to March. Travel tip: Do spend some time at the Sangam for peaceful vibes.
Uttarkashi: This heritage road trip is for long drive lovers, where you will find narrow mountain curves, apple orchards and the Bhagirathi River. The road type is a winding mountain route that will be loved by adventurous drivers. The best season is April to June & September to October. Travel tip: Driving skills should be good, as some turns are sharp.
Lohaghat & Abbott Mount: This long but super rewarding offbeat route is where you'll meet colonial-era bungalows, tea gardens and pine-clad hills. Road condition is mostly good with a few patchy sections in the hills. Scenic appeal filled with peaceful and old-world charm. The best season is March to May & September to November. Travel tip: Don't miss the sunrise at Abbott Mount.
Peora: This long but super rewarding offbeat route is where you'll meet colonial-era bungalows, tea gardens and pine-clad hills. Road condition is mostly good with a few patchy sections in the hills. Scenic appeal filled with peaceful and old-world charm. The best season is March to May & September to November. Travel tip: Don't miss the sunrise at Abbott Mount.
Chopta: The Haridwar to Chopta drive is an ultimate offbeat experience where you will find a combo of lush meadows, snow peaks and cedar forests. Road condition is mostly good with some steep climbs. The best season is March to May for flowers and December to February for snow. Travel tip: Carry snow chains in winter.
Road Trip Planning Tips
Planning a road trip from Haridwar in the right way can turn an ordinary drive into a smooth, memorable journey experience. Whether you’re heading towards the hills, plains, or riverside destinations, every place needs a little extra preparation to go a long way. By following these Haridwar road trip tips, you can make your travel safe, enjoyable, and stress-free:
- Packing is crucial for any road trip, so pack essential things carefully. Carry drinking water, light snacks, a first-aid kit, a power bank, and weather-appropriate clothes for an easy journey.
- If you are planning to visit hill destinations so early mornings in summer and post-monsoon months are best they offer pleasant weather. And winters are great for the plains and cultural spots.
- It is also important to check tyre pressure, engine oil, brakes, and headlights before starting a trip. If you book a cab, ensure that your cab will be well-maintained and drivers are experienced.
- Book your accommodations in advance to help avoid last-minute inconvenience and save money.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged; download offline maps in case of low network coverage in hilly areas.
With these road safety tips in India in mind, you’ll be ready to enjoy the open roads, scenic views, and the sheer joy of flexible travel.
Sample Road Trip Itineraries
To make your planning a bit easier, we have planned two different itineraries. These 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.
1. One-Day City Drive – Haridwar → Delhi → Return
For a one-day trip from Haridwar, Delhi is the best option, and this Haridwar to Delhi itinerary will help you in planning. Start your trip early in the morning from Haridwar for a smooth drive via NH334. It helps to avoid the traffic and ensure you will reach Delhi at the right time. You have two options here to explore Delhi on your own. That might be a hectic and impossible task, so hiring a local sightseeing cab with a platform like CabBazar helps you explore India Gate, Connaught Place, or Chandni Chowk for quick shopping and street food. You explore the top sites in Delhi in one day and plan to return at night. Also, on the return, enjoy dinner at a popular highway dhaba that makes your journey a wholesome experience.
2. Weekend Hill Trip – Haridwar → Local sightseeing → Mussoorie → Return
If you are planning a short hill escape from Haridwar for the weekend, then this itinerary is the best. Depart from Haridwar and head to Mussoorie via Dehradun. The distance from Hardwar to Mussoorie is 85 Km, and 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 Haridwar weekend hill trip
FAQs
- When is the best time to take a road trip from Haridwar?
The ideal months are October to March for pleasant weather and clear views. Monsoon (July–September) offers lush scenery but can bring slippery roads.
- Are these routes suitable for self-driving?
Yes, most routes are well-paved and self-drive friendly, but it’s best to check road conditions during the monsoon or in hilly areas.
- How safe are these routes at night?
Major highways are generally safe, but avoid late-night travel in hilly or forested stretches due to limited lighting and stray animals.
- Accommodation options?
You’ll find everything from budget lodges and homestays to luxury resorts in popular destinations like Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Nainital.
- What about fuel and toll costs?
Fuel prices vary, but for most weekend trips, expect to spend ₹1,000–₹3,000 on fuel plus ₹200–₹800 on tolls, depending on the route and vehicle.
From serene spiritual getaways to thrilling hill drives, the best road trips from Haridwar offer something for every traveller. Whether you’re looking for a short escape or an extended journey, these road trip ideas from Haridwar combine convenience, scenic beauty, and memorable experiences. Pack smart, plan well, and let the open roads guide you to hidden gems across Uttarakhand and beyond. Share your own travel stories and inspire fellow explorers. Start your next Haridwar road trip—bookmark this guide and hit the road!
