5-Day Adventure and Budget Trip from Haridwar to Nainital via Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Dhanaulti

Day 1: Haridwar to Rishikesh

Haridwar to Rishikesh, India on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chotiwala Hotel, Haridwar

Enjoy a traditional North Indian breakfast with puris, aloo sabzi, and chai at this popular local eatery known for its authentic flavors.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel from Haridwar to Rishikesh

Take a shared taxi or bus from Haridwar bus stand to Rishikesh (~20 km, around 45 min) for an economical and comfortable journey.
INR100 per person, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Explore these iconic suspension bridges over the Ganges and enjoy the surrounding temples and markets.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen, Rishikesh

Try wholesome organic vegetarian meals, perfect to recharge before afternoon adventure activities.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

White Water Rafting on the Ganges

Book an afternoon rafting trip on the Ganges with local operators; enjoy adventure in the rapids with safety gear included. Usually runs from 2 pm to 5 pm.
INR700 per person, 3h0m

5:30pm

Check-in at Zostel Rishikesh Dormitory

Stay at a budget-friendly hostel with clean dorm rooms, social atmosphere, and close to the river.
INR500 per person, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Little Buddha Café

Casual dining offering a variety of continental and Indian dishes in a laid-back setting.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rishikesh to Dehradun

Rishikesh to Dehradun, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hostel

Have a simple complimentary breakfast at the hostel or nearby cafes.
Free or INR100, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel from Rishikesh to Dehradun by bus

Take a direct state transport bus or shared taxi to Dehradun, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes for INR100 per person.
INR100 per person, 1h30m

10:15am

Visit Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)

Explore this natural cave formation where a river flows inside; great for light trekking and photography. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR20 per person, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Taste famous Tibetan momos and thukpa at this budget eatery loved by locals and travelers alike.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Mindrolling Monastery

Visit one of the largest Buddhist centers in India with beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings. Open till 5:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at Live Free Hostel, Dehradun

Budget dormitory accommodation located centrally with good traveler reviews.
INR450 per person, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Town Table

Enjoy multi-cuisine options including Indian and continental dishes in a cozy environment.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 3: Dehradun to Mussoorie

Dehradun to Mussoorie, India on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Quick breakfast to fuel the day ahead.
INR100, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Mussoorie by bus

Catch a bus or shared cab from Dehradun ISBT to Mussoorie; travel time about 1.5 hours with scenic uphill drive. Cost approx. INR120 per person.
INR120 per person, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in at Zostel Mussoorie Dormitory

Budget hostel near Mall Road with nice views and social atmosphere.
INR600 per person, Overnight

11:00am

Visit Kempty Falls

Enjoy the refreshing waterfall, take a dip or relax by the water. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm. Entry fee INR30.
INR30 per person, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Little Llama Café, Mussoorie

Great place for continental and Indian food with affordable prices and good ambiance.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Adventure Activity: Trotting or zip-lining

Book zip-lining through a local operator offering thrilling rides around the hills. Usually available in afternoons till 5pm.
INR800 per person, 2h0m

6:00pm

Explore Mall Road

Stroll through this popular shopping and food street, great for souvenirs and street food.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kalsang Friends Corner

Enjoy authentic Tibetan food with momos and thukpa in a casual eatery.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Mussoorie to Dhanaulti and Nainital

Mussoorie to Dhanaulti to Nainital, India on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Light breakfast before starting the day.
INR100, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Dhanaulti by shared cab

A scenic 1.5 hour drive uphill to Dhanaulti; budget-friendly shared cabs cost around INR150 per person.
INR150 per person, 1h30m

9:30am

Nature Walk and Eco Park Visit

Explore Amber Village Eco Park with hiking trails and views of deodar forests. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR40 per person, 1h30m

11:00am

Travel to Nainital by shared cab

Longer trip to Nainital (approx 3.5 hours); shared cabs cost around INR300 per person.
INR300 per person, 3h30m

2:30pm

Check-in at Nainital Backpacker’s Hostel

Affordable dormitory near Mall Road with friendly atmosphere.
INR500 per person, Overnight

3:00pm

Lunch at Sakley’s Restaurant and Pastry Shop

Try local cuisines and delightful bakery items, perfect for a late lunch.
INR400, 1h0m

4:30pm

Boat Ride on Naini Lake

Enjoy a relaxing pedal or row boat ride on the picturesque freshwater lake. Available until sunset; cost INR100 per person for 30 mins.
INR100 per person, 0h30m

5:15pm

Visit Nainital Mall Road and Tibetan Market

Shop souvenirs and enjoy street snacks at the bustling market area.
Free to browse, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sher-e-Punjab

Budget North Indian cuisine near Mall Road with hearty meals and good reviews.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 5: Nainital to Haridwar

Nainital to Haridwar, India on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Simple breakfast to start an early journey back.
INR100, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel from Nainital to Haridwar by bus and shared cabs

Take a shared cab or bus from Nainital to Haldwani (~1 hour), then board a direct bus to Haridwar (~4 hours). Total approx 5 hours travel. Cost around INR400 total per person.
INR400 per person, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Chotiwala, Haridwar

Upon return, enjoy another hearty North Indian vegetarian meal at the famed restaurant.
INR150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drop off at accommodation or onward journey

Complete your trip with good memories from the foothills of the Himalayas.
Free, N/A
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