5-Day Budget Adventure Trip: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti & Nainital

Day 1: Haridwar to Rishikesh

Haridwar to Rishikesh, India on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant, Haridwar

Enjoy a hearty North Indian breakfast with puri, aloo sabzi, and chai at this popular local eatery near Har Ki Pauri. Opens at 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Rishikesh by shared taxi

Take a shared taxi or local bus from Haridwar bus stand to Rishikesh; journey takes about 1 hour covering 20 km.
INR100, 1h0m

10:00am

Check-in at Zostel Rishikesh (Dorm Accommodation)

Affordable hostel with dorm rooms and good amenities, located near Laxman Jhula.
INR600, N/A

11:00am

River Rafting Adventure

Experience thrilling white water rafting on the Ganges starting from Shivpuri; last about 3-4 hours. Book in advance.
INR900 per person, 4h0m

3:30pm

Visit Laxman Jhula

Explore the iconic suspension bridge and nearby temples; best in late afternoon to avoid crowds. Open all day.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Explore Ram Jhula and local markets

Another famous suspension bridge close by, along with quaint shops selling souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chatsang Cafe and Guesthouse

Budget-friendly café offering wholesome Indian and continental dishes with a relaxed vibe. Open till 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rishikesh to Dehradun to Mussoorie

Rishikesh to Mussoorie via Dehradun, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Little Buddha Cafe, Rishikesh

Enjoy fresh juices, omelettes, and pancakes before departing. Opens at 7am.
INR250, 1h0m

8:45am

Travel to Dehradun by bus or shared taxi

Approximately 1.5 hours; frequent buses from Rishikesh bus stand. Cost effective and scenic route.
INR120, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)

Explore this famous natural cave formation and enjoy a cool walk through the water stream inside the cave. Open 10am-5pm.
INR30, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner, Dehradun

A popular budget Tibetan restaurant serving momos, thukpa, and fried rice. Opens till 3pm.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Mussoorie by bus/shared taxi

1-hour journey uphill with beautiful views; buses and taxis are frequent. Arrival before afternoon rush.
INR150, 1h0m

2:45pm

Check-in at Red Chilli Hideaway Hostel, Mussoorie (Dorm)

Budget-friendly dorm accommodation with good reviews and close to the Mall Road.
INR700, N/A

3:30pm

Visit Mall Road and Camel’s Back Road

Stroll along Mall Road for shopping and snacks, then walk along quiet Camel’s Back Road for sunset views.
Free, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kalsang AMA Café

Famous for authentic Tibetan cuisine in Mussoorie, budget friendly and cozy. Open till 9pm.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 3: Mussoorie to Dhanaulti to Nainital

Mussoorie to Nainital via Dhanaulti, India on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hostel or local bakery

Simple breakfast like bread, jam, chai or omelette at a local bakery near Mall Road.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Dhanaulti by shared taxi

Approximately 1.5-hour scenic journey up hills. Shared taxis available from Mussoorie market area.
INR250, 1h30m

9:45am

Adventure Activity: Zip-lining at Dhanaulti

Thrilling zip-lining experience set in forested hills, operated by local adventure camps; book in advance.
INR600 per person, 1h0m

11:00am

Nature Walk to Eco Park

Short walk around Eco Park to enjoy tranquil pine forests and panoramic views.
INR20, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local dhaba in Dhanaulti

Try traditional North Indian thali or maggi, simple and budget friendly.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Nainital by shared taxi

Approx 3-hour drive downhill to Nainital; shared taxis available with scenic mountain views.
INR400, 3h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at The Hosteller Nainital (Dorm Rooms)

Budget backpacker hostel next to Nainital lake, friendly vibe and good location.
INR650, N/A

5:00pm

Evening Boat Ride on Naini Lake

Relax with boat rides on the beautiful lake surrounded by hills; boats operate till sunset.
INR150 per boat, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Popular eatery for simple Indian and Tibetan food along with delicious pastries; open till 9:30pm.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Full day in Nainital

Nainital, India on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hostel or nearby cafe

Start the day with light breakfast options available at the hostel or nearby cafes.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30am

Trekking to Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

Moderate 2-hour trek offers panoramic views of Nainital valley and surrounding hills; starts early morning to beat heat.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Machan Restaurant

Affordable place serving tasty Indian and Chinese dishes close to Mall Road.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Naina Devi Temple and Snow View Point

Naina Devi Temple is a revered spot right on the lakeside; then take a cable car to Snow View Point for stunning views. Cable car open 9am-4pm.
INR150 (cable car return), 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore local markets

Shop for local handicrafts, woollens and souvenirs in the bustling markets near Mall Road.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sher-e-Punjab

Taste affordable North Indian delicacies and freshly baked naan bread at this lively restaurant.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 5: Return to Haridwar

Nainital to Haridwar, India on June 10, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hostel

Light breakfast to start early journey back to Haridwar, includes tea and bread or local options.
INR150, 0h30m

6:30am

Travel from Nainital to Haridwar by shared taxi/bus

Approximate 7-8 hour journey (carting through Kathgodam, then direct to Haridwar); booking in advance recommended for early departure.
INR600, 8h0m

2:30pm

Arrive back in Haridwar

Reach Haridwar comfortably by early afternoon, leaving time for onward travel or rest.
N/A, N/A
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