Three-Day Yamuna Nagar, Paonta Sahib, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar Road Trip

Day 1 · Mon, Sep 28
Dehradun

Paonta Sahib and Dehradun

  1. Yamuna Nagar–Paonta Sahib–Dehradun drive — Leave around midnight via Jagadhri and Paonta Sahib; allow roughly 3–4 hours of driving overall, plus a stop, and plan a rest before continuing. Park near the gurdwara in Paonta Sahib and in designated visitor parking at Dehradun sights.
  2. Gurudwara Paonta Sahib — Paonta Sahib; spend about 1.5–2 hours visiting the historic gurdwara and sharing langar, then take a proper rest before the drive onward.
  3. Forest Research Institute — Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun; allow about 1–1.5 hours for the grand colonial-era campus and its museum, checking visitor access before setting out.
  4. Kalsang — Rajpur Road, Dehradun; take a relaxed lunch, about ₹400–800 per person, before heading north.
  5. Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani) — Anarwala, north Dehradun; spend about 1–1.5 hours exploring the stream-cut gorge, and bring footwear suitable for shallow water.

Overnight drive and Paonta Sahib

Leave Yamuna Nagar around midnight, driving via Jagadhri and Paonta Sahib; allow roughly 3–4 hours behind the wheel, plus a stop, and take turns driving if possible. Roads are usually quiet at that hour, but watch for unlit stretches and slow-moving traffic near towns. Park in the designated visitor area by Gurudwara Paonta Sahib. Spend about 1.5–2 hours at the historic complex and share langar if it’s being served; timings can vary, so check locally on arrival. Since you’ll have driven through the night, build in a proper nap and refreshment stop before setting off for Dehradun.

Dehradun: campus, lunch and the gorge

From Paonta Sahib, continue to Forest Research Institute; allow around 1–1.5 hours for the grand campus and museum. It’s Monday, so confirm museum opening and visitor access before driving over—the campus may have separate entry arrangements. Use designated visitor parking and follow any restrictions at the gate. Then head to Kalsang on Rajpur Road for an unhurried lunch; budget roughly ₹400–800 per person. In the afternoon, drive north to Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani) in Anarwala (around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic). Allow 1–1.5 hours to walk through the stream-cut gorge; wear sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and check local entry hours before setting out. The approach gets busy later in the day, so arriving earlier is more comfortable.

Day 2 · Tue, Sep 29
Haridwar

Rishikesh and Haridwar

Getting there from Dehradun
Private taxi/car via Rishikesh (about 2–2.5 hours driving total, plus time for your Rishikesh stops; roughly ₹2,500–4,500). Arrange through your hotel or a local taxi operator. Leave Dehradun early enough for your morning in Rishikesh, then continue to Haridwar after lunch to reach Har Ki Pauri before the evening aarti.
  1. Ram Jhula — Swargashram, Rishikesh; start with a morning walk across the suspension bridge and riverside ghats, allowing about an hour.
  2. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) — Swargashram; explore the former meditation retreat and its murals for about 1.5–2 hours.
  3. Chotiwala Restaurant — Swargashram, Rishikesh; stop for lunch, approximately ₹300–600 per person, before driving to Haridwar.
  4. Har Ki Pauri — Haridwar; arrive in the late afternoon to see the main ghat and stay for the evening Ganga Aarti, allowing about 1.5–2 hours and extra time for crowds.

Morning in Rishikesh

Start at Ram Jhula for an hour’s easy walk across the suspension bridge and along the riverside ghats. The bridge is free to cross; go early for softer light and fewer people, and keep a close eye on belongings around the busy approaches. From the Swargashram side, continue on foot to Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), a former meditation retreat now known for its quiet forest setting and painted walls. Allow 1½–2 hours to explore; check the day’s opening hours before setting out, as timings can change, and expect a modest entry fee for Indian visitors, with different rates for foreign visitors.

Lunch and on to Haridwar

Walk back into Swargashram for lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant; budget around ₹300–600 per person. After lunch, continue by car to Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. Allow extra time for traffic and parking, then walk to the ghat rather than relying on a drop-off close to the river, where access can be congested.

Late afternoon and evening

Spend about 1½–2 hours at Har Ki Pauri, arriving well before the evening Ganga Aarti so you can find a place to watch. Aarti timing varies with sunset and season, so confirm locally that day; the steps fill quickly, especially near the water. Follow the ghat’s rules, watch your footing on wet stone, and leave time for the crowds moving out afterward.

Day 3 · Wed, Sep 30
Roorkee

Roorkee and return to Yamuna Nagar

Getting there from Haridwar
Train from Haridwar Junction to Roorkee (about 35–60 minutes; roughly ₹50–300 depending on train and class). Check morning services and book on IRCTC or the official Indian Railways app; an early departure gives you time to reach Piran Kaliyar Sharif in the morning. Take an auto or taxi onward from Roorkee station.
  1. Piran Kaliyar Sharif — Kaliyar, near Roorkee; visit the dargah in the morning for about an hour, observing local customs and checking access conditions.
  2. Solani Aqueduct — Near Roorkee; take a short stop, about 30–45 minutes, to see the historic canal aqueduct.
  3. Roorkee Canal — Roorkee; enjoy a brief, unhurried walk beside the canal, allowing about 45 minutes.
  4. A local restaurant in Roorkee’s Civil Lines area — Roorkee; have lunch before the return drive, budgeting roughly ₹200–500 per person.
  5. Roorkee–Yamuna Nagar return drive — Leave after lunch via the Roorkee–Saharanpur route; allow around 2–3 hours depending on traffic, with a break if needed.

Morning

After reaching Roorkee from Haridwar, take an auto or taxi to Piran Kaliyar Sharif for about an hour. Go in the morning, when the dargah is generally less crowded, but check access conditions locally before setting out. Dress modestly, remove your shoes where indicated and follow the posted guidance on head coverings and offerings; keep a little cash handy for donations.

Late morning and lunch

Continue by car toward Solani Aqueduct for a 30–45-minute look at this historic canal crossing. It’s best appreciated from a safe, publicly accessible spot—don’t climb onto the structure or enter restricted canal areas. Then head back toward Roorkee Canal for an easy 45-minute walk beside the water; stick to the established path and take care near the banks. For lunch, settle into a local restaurant in Civil Lines, where you’ll find straightforward North Indian meals; budget around ₹200–500 per person and allow time to eat without rushing.

Afternoon and drive back

After lunch, leave Roorkee for Yamuna Nagar via the Roorkee–Saharanpur route. Allow roughly 2–3 hours, traffic permitting, and take a short break if you’re feeling tired after the morning’s sightseeing. Check traffic before departure, and aim to leave soon after lunch rather than letting the afternoon run late.

This trip starts Fri, 2 Oct 2026 — want the check-ins?
Confirm the date (or change it) and we'll check in at two weeks out, one week out, and the day before — bookings, packing, and a day-one brief. Reply to any of them if plans change.
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version