7-Day Mountain Escape from Delhi: Explore the Best Himalayan Retreats

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on May 2, 2025

9:00am

Drive from Delhi to Mussoorie

Start early from Delhi for a 6-7 hour scenic drive to Mussoorie, the 'Queen of Hills', enjoying the gradual ascent into the Himalayas.
INR1500, 7h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and relax at hotel

Settle into a cozy hill station hotel such as The Claridges, and unwind from the drive while enjoying panoramic views.
INR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening walk at Mall Road

Stroll along Mall Road, the vibrant heart of Mussoorie, shopping for local handicrafts and tasting street snacks.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Kalsang Friends Corner

Enjoy delicious Tibetan and Chinese cuisine at this well-known Mussoorie eatery, open until 10pm.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 2: Nature & Adventure

Mussoorie to Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Ivy

Savor fresh pancakes and coffee with spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kempty Falls

Explore this popular waterfall 15 km from Mussoorie, ideal for a refreshing dip and nature photography.
INR30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Drive to Dhanaulti

Travel 24 km to peaceful Dhanaulti, known for its lush pine forests and serene environment.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pine Acres Resort

Enjoy fresh local Uttarakhand dishes like Aloo ke Gutke and Koshimbir.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Eco Park Walk and Meditation

Take a peaceful walk through Eco Park’s rhododendron groves, and experience guided meditation sessions often held here.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening tea at Café De Goode

Relax with herbal teas and light snacks in a cozy café setting open until 8pm.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at local homestay

Sample authentic Kumaoni cuisine prepared by locals for a homely experience.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 3: Spiritual & Riverside

Dhanaulti to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at homestay

Start your day with freshly made parathas and curd at your stay.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Rishikesh

Head 85 km downhill to the spiritual town of Rishikesh, arriving in about 3 hours.
INR600, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Beatles Café

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with continental dishes at this iconic café by the river.
INR450, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Triveni Ghat and attend Ganga Aarti

Explore one of Rishikesh’s sacred ghats, famous for its evening Ganga Aarti ceremony held daily at sunset around 6:30pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk along Laxman Jhula

Cross this iconic suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the Ganges and surrounding hills.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Dine on traditional North Indian vegetarian cuisine at this historic establishment, open until 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Lake & Leisure

Rishikesh to Nainital, Uttarakhand on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast including eggs, toast, and fresh juice before the long journey.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Nainital

Enjoy a 6-hour scenic drive covering approximately 230 km through beautiful hill roads to reach lake city Nainital.
INR1200, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Indulge in continental and Indian dishes in a charming colonial ambiance.
INR500, 1h0m

4:00pm

Boat ride on Naini Lake

Relax with a peaceful boat ride on the picturesque lake, open until sunset, perfect for photography and serenity.
INR150, 1h0m

6:00pm

Visit Mall Road

Explore shops and cafes lining the vibrant Mall Road, ideal for souvenirs and local treats.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Zooby’s Kitchen

Enjoy a mix of traditional Kumaoni and North Indian cuisine, open till 10pm.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 5: Hiking & Views

Nainital to Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a fresh breakfast consisting of fruits, toast, and eggs to prepare for a day of hiking.
INR300, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Mukteshwar

Travel 51 km east to Mukteshwar, known for its stunning Himalayan views and peaceful environment.
INR400, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Mukteshwar Temple & Kumaon Stone Craft Museum

Explore this ancient Shiva temple with panoramic views and the nearby museum showcasing local stone craft.
INR30, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Wildberry Restaurant

Dine on organic and local produce with Himalayan vistas beside you.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hike to Chauli Ki Jali

Embark on a scenic 3 km trail to this famous viewpoint with breathtaking cliffs and rock formations, ideal for photography and birdwatching.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Evening at leisure

Relax at your hotel or take a gentle walk around the village to soak in the calm mountain air.
Free, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy home-cooked Kumaoni specialties made fresh, perfect to round off your day.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 6: Culture & Markets

Mukteshwar to Almora, Uttarakhand on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy simple yet delicious local breakfast items like boiled eggs and local breads.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Almora

Drive 55 km to Almora, a cultural hub with panoramic Himalayan views and rich in art and heritage.
INR400, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Kasar Devi Temple and Almora Market

Explore this historic temple with spiritual significance and stroll through the bustling local markets for handicrafts.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rama’s Café

Taste organic, farm-to-table dishes focusing on local ingredients.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Bright End Corner Museum

Discover local history, arts, and photographs showcasing the Kumaon region, open till 6pm.
INR50, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening walk around town

Soak in the panoramic views at sunset and the charming streets of Almora.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Almora’s local dhaba

Sample authentic roadside Kumaoni dishes such as Bhatt ki Churkani in a rustic setting.
INR250, 1h0m

Day 7: Final Day & Return

Almora to Lansdowne, then to Delhi, Uttarakhand on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast of local fruits and tea.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Lansdowne

Travel 98 km to Lansdowne, a quiet cantonment area known for its forests and British colonial heritage.
INR600, 3h0m

11:00am

Visit Bhulla Lake and Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial

Enjoy a stroll around the serene Bhulla Lake and explore the war memorial, open until sunset at 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Grand Oak Manor

Relish continental and Indian dishes in this elegant heritage hotel restaurant.
INR500, 1h30m

2:30pm

Drive back to Delhi

Begin the approximately 6-7 hour drive back to Delhi, concluding your mountainous retreat.
INR1500, 7h0m

9:30pm

Arrive in Delhi

Reach Delhi safely, bringing your memorable 7-day mountain journey to a close.
INR0, 0h0m