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

Day 1: Haridwar to Rishikesh

Haridwar and Rishikesh, India on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant, Haridwar

Kickstart your trip with a traditional hearty breakfast featuring puri and aloo sabzi paired with chai at this iconic Haridwar restaurant. Opens at 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel from Haridwar to Rishikesh by shared taxi

Board a shared taxi from Haridwar bus stand to Rishikesh; approximately 1-hour drive covering 20 km on scenic route along the river.
INR100, 1h0m

10:00am

Check-in at Zostel Rishikesh (Dorm accommodation)

Stay at an affordable backpacker hostel close to Laxman Jhula, offering communal spaces and travel support.
INR600, N/A

10:30am

Bungee Jumping at Jumpin Heights

Feel the adrenaline rush with India’s highest bungee jump (83 meters) just 7 km from Rishikesh; book early as slots fill fast. Operating hours 9am to 5pm.
INR3000 per person, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pure Soul Cafe & Organic Kitchen

Enjoy fresh organic vegetarian dishes and healthy smoothies in a peaceful atmosphere near Laxman Jhula.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

White Water Rafting in Rishikesh

Experience an exciting 3-4 hour rafting trip down the Ganges River in the moderate-grade rapids; includes safety gear and guide.
INR1000 per person, 4h0m

7:00pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Witness the beautiful evening Ganga Aarti ceremony with chanting, lamps and rituals; open till around 8pm.
Free, 1h0m

8:15pm

Dinner at Chatsang Cafe and Guesthouse

Budget-friendly café offering Indian and continental meals with good atmosphere. Open till 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rishikesh to Dehradun to Mussoorie

Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Mussoorie, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Sitting Elephant, Rishikesh

Try their excellent pancakes and fresh juices for an energizing start to your day. Opens at 7am.
INR250, 1h0m

8:45am

Travel to Dehradun by bus/shared taxi

Take a local bus or shared taxi from Rishikesh to Dehradun in about 1.5 hours; regular departures throughout the morning.
INR120, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)

Explore the cool, natural cave formations and stream path inside Robber’s Cave. Entry open from 10am to 6pm.
INR30, 1h0m

11:30am

Forest Research Institute Visit

See the grand colonial architecture and beautiful botanical gardens free of charge. Open from 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner, Dehradun

Local favorite for Tibetan delicacies like momos and thukpa at reasonable prices.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Mussoorie by shared taxi or bus

Hourly buses and taxis take about 1 hour to reach Mussoorie from Dehradun through scenic mountainous roads.
INR150, 1h0m

2:45pm

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

Comfortable economical hostel with communal areas, near Mall Road for easy access to sights.
INR700, N/A

3:30pm

Gun Hill Adventure Park & Camel’s Back Road

Visit Gun Hill viewpoint for panoramic mountain views, adventure activities like ropeway rides and easy trekking along Camel’s Back Road for sunset.
INR100 for ropeway, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kalsang AMA Café

Enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine in an inviting atmosphere; open till 9pm.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 3: Mussoorie to Dhanaulti to Nainital

Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, and Nainital, India on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hostel or local patisserie

Fresh bakery items or simple poha with chai to fuel your day before travelling.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Dhanaulti by shared taxi

Enjoy a peaceful 1.5-hour mountain drive by shared taxi to the eco-tourism hub of Dhanaulti.
INR250, 1h30m

9:45am

Zip-lining Adventure in Dhanaulti

Experience forest canopy zip-lining with an established adventure company; safe and thrilling. Operates daily from 9am to 5pm.
INR600 per person, 1h0m

11:00am

Nature Walk to Eco Park

Leisurely forest walk enjoying pine woods and fresh mountain air; small entrance fee.
INR20, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local dhaba in Dhanaulti

Simple North Indian vegetarian meals like dal, sabzi and chapati for economic and filling lunch.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Nainital by shared taxi

Approximately 3-hour scenic drive downhill; book a taxi in advance to ensure seats for this less frequent route.
INR400, 3h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at The Hosteller Nainital (Dorm accommodation)

Budget hostel near Naini Lake offering social spaces and clean dorm rooms ideal for backpackers.
INR650, N/A

5:00pm

Boat Ride on Naini Lake

Relaxing boat ride surrounded by hills; open until sunset. Great for photography and leisure.
INR150 per boat, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Affordable, well-reviewed place for Indian meals and delicious desserts near lake area.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Full day sightseeing & adventure in Nainital

Nainital, India on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hostel or nearby café

Start your adventure day with a wholesome but light breakfast such as eggs, toast, and local tea.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30am

Trekking to Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

Moderate 2-hour trek with stunning views over Nainital Valley, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Machan Restaurant

Budget-friendly Indian and Chinese cuisine near Mall Road to refuel after trekking.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Naina Devi Temple and Cable Car to Snow View Point

Visit the lakeside temple and enjoy a cable car ride offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The cable car operates 9am-4pm.
INR150 (return ticket), 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Mall Road markets

Shop for souvenirs, woollens, and local handicrafts in lively market streets, experience local flavors and culture.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sher-e-Punjab

Budget restaurant known for flavorful North Indian dishes and fresh breads, a great final dinner option in Nainital.
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

Quick light breakfast provided by hostel or buy tea and bread locally to start the early return journey comfortably.
INR150, 0h30m

6:30am

Travel from Nainital to Haridwar by shared taxi/bus

Start early to complete the approx 7-8 hour drive via Kathgodam, ensuring arrival in Haridwar before 4:30pm as required.
INR600, 8h0m

2:30pm

Arrive in Haridwar

Reach Haridwar comfortably in the afternoon, leaving enough time for onward travel or relaxation.
Free, N/A
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