5-Day Budget-Friendly Itinerary: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie & Dhanaulti by Public Transport and Hostels

Day 1: Haridwar to Rishikesh

Haridwar, India on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hoshiyar Puri

Start your day with traditional North Indian breakfast such as aloo puri and jalebi at this popular local eatery.
INR 100, 1h0m

8:00am

Transport Haridwar to Rishikesh

Catch a local shared jeep or bus from Haridwar bus stand, journey takes around 1 hour to Rishikesh.
INR 30, 1h0m

9:30am

Check-in at Zostel Rishikesh

Budget-friendly hostel known for clean dorms and social atmosphere, ideal for backpackers.
INR 500, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Iconic suspension bridges offering beautiful river and mountain views, perfect for morning strolls and photos.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy authentic vegetarian cuisine with thalis featuring dal, vegetables, rice, and chapati.
INR 150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Experience the beautiful evening ritual of prayer at the river, starting around sunset, but arrive early.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore local markets near Ram Jhula

Browse spiritual shops selling souvenirs, yoga accessories, and handicrafts in a vibrant atmosphere.
Free to browse, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Cafe & Organic Kitchen

Enjoy organic and healthy meals with vegan and gluten-free options in cozy setting.
INR 300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rishikesh to Dehradun

Rishikesh, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Sitting Elephant Cafe

Relax with fresh coffee and continental breakfast in a quiet garden ambience.
INR 200, 1h0m

8:30am

Bus Rishikesh to Dehradun

Public buses available from Rishikesh bus stand to Dehradun in approx 1.5 hours.
INR 40, 1h30m

10:15am

Check-in at Backpacker Panda Hostel, Dehradun

Affordable and well-rated hostel situated centrally for easy access to attractions.
INR 450, 0h30m

11:00am

Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani) visit

Natural cave formation with stream flowing inside, perfect for adventure and photography.
INR 10, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Burma Burma Restaurant & Tea Room

Experience delicious Burmese vegetarian cuisine in the heart of Dehradun.
INR 300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Forest Research Institute visit

Explore sprawling colonial architecture and museums inside a scenic forest campus. Open 10am-5pm.
INR 50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Visit Paltan Bazaar for shopping

Bustling market for local handicrafts, spices, and street food snacks.
Free to browse, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Black Pepper Restaurant

Enjoy flavorful North Indian and Chinese cuisine at reasonable prices.
INR 300, 1h0m
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Day 3: Dehradun to Mussoorie

Dehradun, India on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bedu Pako Bar & Restaurant

Start the day with homemade parathas and chai in local popular eatery.
INR 150, 1h0m

8:30am

Bus Dehradun to Mussoorie

Take government or private bus to Mussoorie; journey takes about 1.5 hours.
INR 40, 1h30m

10:15am

Check-in at Zostel Mussoorie

Affordable and friendly hostel with spectacular mountain views and social vibe.
INR 600, 0h30m

11:00am

Mall Road stroll and Camel’s Back Road walk

Enjoy scenic walking paths along Mall Road and famous Camel’s Back Road for views and shops.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Taste authentic Tibetan and Himachali dishes in cozy mountain cafe.
INR 250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kempty Falls

Popular waterfall spot approx 15 km from Mussoorie, open till sunset, beautiful and refreshing.
INR 20, 2h30m

6:00pm

Return and relax at hostel

Unwind with fellow travellers and share stories in the communal lounge or terrace.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Little Llama Cafe

Enjoy fresh salads, smoothies, and vegetarian options in a peaceful spot.
INR 300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Mussoorie to Dhanaulti

Mussoorie, India on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Ivy

Tasty breakfast with good coffee and quick bites before day trip.
INR 200, 1h0m

8:00am

Shared taxi from Mussoorie to Dhanaulti

Shared taxis available at Mall Road; journey takes approx 1 hour. Scenic mountainous route.
INR 70, 1h0m

9:30am

Check-in at Dhanaulti Hostel

Hostel with stunning views, cozy ambiance, and great hiking access.
INR 600, 0h30m

10:00am

Eco Park and Surkanda Devi Temple hike

Nature walk through forested trails to a revered Himalayan temple 5 km away; peaceful and invigorating.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at mellow Tea Garden Cafe

Enjoy organic teas and light local dishes in a tranquil garden setting.
INR 250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Potato Farm

Serene spot with views over apple orchards and pine trees; perfect for gentle treks and photography.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax and unwind at hostel

Enjoy peaceful evening watching sunset and reflecting on the trip.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at hostel kitchen or nearby dhaba

Opt for a budget meal at hostel or explore local eateries offering basic delicious food.
INR 200, 1h0m
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Day 5: Dhanaulti to Haridwar Return

Dhanaulti, India on June 10, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hostel

Have an early simple breakfast as travel day is ahead.
INR 150, 0h45m

6:45am

Shared taxi Dhanaulti to Mussoorie Bus Stand

Catch early shared taxi to Mussoorie for onward bus to Haridwar.
INR 70, 1h0m

8:00am

Bus Mussoorie to Haridwar

Board direct government or private bus to Haridwar, journey approx 3.5 hours.
INR 100, 3h30m

11:45am

Arrive Haridwar early afternoon

Reach Haridwar with ample time before 4:30 PM deadline to relax or explore nearby spots.
Free, ---

12:30pm

Lunch at Hoshiyarpuri again

Have a hearty lunch of local favorites before ending the trip.
INR 150, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Har Ki Pauri Ghat

Spend some quiet time at the famous ghat, soaking up spiritual vibes before departure.
Free, 1h0m
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