Scenic North India Train Journey: Surat to Kedarnath - Nainital - Mussoorie - Dehradun and Back

Day 1: Travel & Kedarnath Arrival

Surat to Kedarnath, India on May 17, 2025

6:00am

Start Journey from Surat

Board early morning train from Surat towards Haridwar or Rishikesh, the nearest major railway stations connecting to Kedarnath. Plan for an overnight journey.
INR 800, 12h0m

6:00pm

Arrival at Haridwar / Rishikesh

Disembark and arrange road transport to Sonprayag, the base for Kedarnath trek by jeep or taxi, approximately 6-7 hours drive.
INR 1500, 6h0m

12:30am

Overnight stay at Sonprayag

Rest at a guesthouse or lodge to prepare for early morning trek or helicopter ride to Kedarnath.
INR 1000, 7h0m

Day 2: Kedarnath Temple Visit

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India on May 18, 2025

6:00am

Kedarnath Trek or Helicopter Ride

Begin early morning trek of about 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple or opt for a helicopter ride available seasonally (5:30am-5:30pm).
INR 1200 (trek) or INR 3500 (helicopter), 5h0m

11:30am

Visit Kedarnath Temple

Explore the ancient Kedarnath temple - one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy traditional Garhwali or North Indian meals at a local dhaba near the temple, serving simple and hearty food.
INR 300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Sonprayag

Trek or take helicopter back to Sonprayag for an overnight rest after a day of spiritual exploration.
Same as morning fare, 5h0m

8:00pm

Dinner

Dinner at the guesthouse with local cuisine and unwind after a long day of trekking.
INR 400, 1h0m

Day 3: Travel to Nainital

Sonprayag to Nainital, India on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Have a hearty breakfast at the lodge before setting off towards Nainital.
INR 250, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Nainital

Long scenic drive through Uttarakhand hills from Sonprayag to Nainital, takes around 8-9 hours.
INR 3500 (taxi), 9h0m

4:30pm

Check-in & Rest

Arrive in Nainital and check-in at a hotel near the lake for a relaxing evening.
INR 3500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Enjoy delicious multi-cuisine dishes and famous pastries near Mall Road, open until 10pm.
INR 700, 1h30m

Day 4: Nainital Sightseeing

Nainital, Uttarakhand, India on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Naini Retreat

Start the day with a luxurious breakfast at this heritage hotel with beautiful hill views.
INR 600, 1h0m

9:30am

Boat Ride on Naini Lake

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the scenic Naini Lake, a perfect way to soak in the natural beauty.
INR 200, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Naina Devi Temple and Mall Road

Explore the sacred temple and stroll along Mall Road for shopping and local snacks.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Machan Restaurant

Relish North Indian and Continental dishes with lake views, open until 3pm.
INR 600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Snow View Point (via Cable Car)

Cable car operates 9am-4pm. Provides panoramic views of the Himalayas.
INR 300 (return ticket), 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Cafe

Unwind at a lakeside cafe or your hotel before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sher-e-Punjab

Taste authentic Punjabi cuisine with friendly ambience, open until 10pm.
INR 700, 1h30m

Day 5: Mussoorie and Dehradun

Nainital to Mussoorie - Dehradun, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before travelling to Mussoorie.
INR 400, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Mussoorie

Enjoy a 6-hour scenic drive to the 'Queen of Hills', Mussoorie.
INR 2500 (taxi), 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Popular Tibetan and Chinese cuisine in Mussoorie, open 11am-10pm.
INR 500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Mall Road and Camel’s Back Road

Walk along these scenic spots with shops and stunning hill views.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Gun Hill

Take a short cable car ride to Gun Hill for panoramic views, operating 10am-4:30pm.
INR 150, 1h0m

6:00pm

Drive to Dehradun

Approximately 1-hour drive downhill to Dehradun; check into hotel.
INR 1000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Great Kabab Factory

Enjoy exquisite North Indian kebabs and curries, open till 11pm.
INR 1000, 1h30m

Day 6: Return Journey

Dehradun to Surat, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a filling breakfast before the long journey back to Surat by train.
INR 400, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Dehradun Railway Station

Check out and travel to the railway station to board train for Surat.
INR 200 (taxi), 0h30m

10:00am

Train from Dehradun to Surat

Board your train back to Surat, with overnight journey planned.
INR 1000, 24h0m