5-Day Budget Adventure and Pilgrimage Tour of Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Dhanaulti with Hostel Stays

Day 1: Haridwar to Rishikesh

Haridwar, India on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Om Bakery

Start your day with an economical and delicious breakfast featuring local Indian breakfast items like aloo paratha and tea at Om Bakery, open from 6am to 10am.
INR150, 1h

8:00am

Har Ki Pauri visit

Explore this sacred ghat on the Ganges famous for its spiritual significance. Its open 24 hours and a must-see for pilgrimage seekers.
Free, 1h30m

9:45am

Travel to Rishikesh by Uttarakhand State Transport Bus

Catch a state bus from Haridwar to Rishikesh. Buses run frequently and cost approximately INR 40, taking about 1.5 hours.
INR40, 1h30m

11:15am

Check-in to Live Free Hostel Rishikesh

Affordable and clean dormitory-style accommodation popular with adventure travelers.
INR500 per person, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Sitting Elephant

Enjoy affordable north Indian dishes with a river view; the restaurant is open from 11am to 5pm.
INR300, 1h

1:30pm

Adventure: White Water Rafting in Rishikesh

Book a half-day white water rafting trip on the Ganges. Runs from 2pm to 6pm. Cost-effective providers available for around INR 1000 per person.
INR1000, 4h

6:30pm

Visit Triveni Ghat Aarti

A beautiful evening spiritual aarti ceremony on the banks of the river from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, free to attend.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Chatsang Cafe

Popular budget cafe with vegetarian and vegan options serving till 10pm.
INR250, 1h

Day 2: Rishikesh to Dehradun

Rishikesh, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Office’s Cafe

Affordable, fresh breakfast options include eggs, toast, and coffee, open from 7am to 11am.
INR200, 1h

9:00am

Departure to Dehradun by State Transport Bus

Board an Uttarakhand State Service bus from Rishikesh to Dehradun, about 1 hour travel, costing INR 50.
INR50, 1h

10:15am

Check-in at Live Free Hostel Dehradun

Clean and friendly hostel accommodating backpackers budget-wise.
INR500 per person, 30m

11:00am

Robber’s Cave Visit (Gucchupani)

A natural cave formation with stream, great for light trekking and water play. Open 9am to 6pm, entry fee INR 15.
INR15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Famous for Tibetan food, economical and filling, open till 9pm.
INR250, 1h

2:30pm

Sahastradhara Spring Visit

Beautiful sulphur springs and waterfalls, ideal for relaxation. Open 9am to 5pm, entry INR 30.
INR30, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Hostel and Evening Leisure

Relax at your hostel or explore local markets.
Free, Rest of evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Dawn to Dusk Cafe

Casual dining with varied menu options, open till 10pm.
INR300, 1h

Day 3: Dehradun to Mussoorie

Dehradun, India on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ellora’s Bakehouse

Known for fresh bakery items and coffee, opens at 8am.
INR200, 1h

8:30am

Travel via Uttarakhand State Bus from Dehradun to Mussoorie

State bus departs from ISBT Dehradun, journey approx 1.5 hours, fare around INR 70.
INR70, 1h30m

10:15am

Check-in at Backpacker Panda Hostel Mussoorie

Affordable and comfortable dorm-style accommodation for hikers and adventurers.
INR600 per person, 30m

11:00am

Gun Hill Visit

Mussoorie's second highest peak offering panoramic views; cable car service available from 9am to 5pm, ticket INR 70.
INR70, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner Mussoorie

Authentic Tibetan cuisine at budget prices, open till 9pm.
INR300, 1h

2:00pm

Adventure Trek to Lal Tibba

An easy-moderate trek to the highest point in Mussoorie with breathtaking views, approx 2 hours round trip.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Mall Road Stroll

Explore the local market for souvenirs, tea stalls, and snacks, open till late evening.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Little Llama Cafe

Popular with backpackers, offering tasty, affordable meals and drinks till 10pm.
INR300, 1h

Day 4: Mussoorie to Dhanaulti

Mussoorie, India on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hostel

Have a light breakfast available at the hostel to start early for Dhanaulti.
INR150, 30m

8:30am

Taxi Hire from Mussoorie to Dhanaulti

Shared or private taxi recommended for comfort; approximately INR 600 per taxi, 1.5 hours journey through scenic hills.
INR600, 1h30m

10:15am

Check-in at Dhanaulti Backpackers Hostel

Affordable and friendly hostel nestled in the hills, perfect for nature lovers.
INR500 per person, 30m

11:00am

Eco Park and Adventure Activities

Visit Eco Park for zip-lining and rock climbing, open from 10am to 5pm; zip-lining approx INR 300 per person.
INR300, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Green Valley Restaurant

Simple North Indian cuisine with fresh local ingredients, open till 4pm.
INR250, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Surkanda Devi Temple

A pilgrimage site at 10 km, reachable via a 3 km trek. The temple offers spiritual significance and panoramic views; trek is free.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Evening Relaxation at Hostel

Relax and interact with fellow travelers back at the hostel.
Free, Rest of evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Hostel or nearby local dhaba

Affordable local home-style meals or snack options available till 9pm.
INR200, 1h

Day 5: Dhanaulti to Haridwar Return

Dhanaulti, India on June 10, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hostel

Have breakfast to prepare for the travel day.
INR150, 30m

7:00am

Taxi from Dhanaulti to Haridwar

Pre-book a taxi to Haridwar; 4-hour journey with cost approx INR 1800 total, start early to reach by 11:30am.
INR1800, 4h

11:30am

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri in Haridwar

A famous budget-friendly restaurant in Haridwar serving delicious local cuisine until 3pm.
INR250, 1h

12:45pm

Visit Mansa Devi Temple via cable car

Iconic temple on a hill; cable car available from 9am to 5pm, ticket INR 100. Spend time enjoying panoramic views and spiritual atmosphere.
INR100, 2h

3:00pm

Return to base or train station

Prepare for onward travel from Haridwar after 4:30pm as planned.
Free, Rest of afternoon