5-Day Budget Backpacking Trip: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie & Dhanaulti with Public Transport

Day 1: Explore Haridwar

Haridwar, India on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Hills Bakery

Start your day with delicious fresh bakery items and chai at Blue Hills Bakery, a popular local spot near Har Ki Pauri.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Har Ki Pauri

Visit the holy riverfront landmark where pilgrims take holy dip in the Ganges. The vibrant morning rituals offer a soulful experience.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Mansa Devi Temple

Take the cable car (ropeway) to the hilltop Mansa Devi Temple offering panoramic views and spiritual vibes.
INR50 per person cable car, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Savory North Indian vegetarian thali at this iconic restaurant in Haridwar to experience authentic local flavors.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Bharat Mata Mandir

Explore this unique temple dedicated to Mother India showcasing a relief map of India carved in marble.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check in Hostel - Live Free Hostel

Stay at this budget-friendly, clean hostel well-rated for backpackers near the Ganges.
INR600 per night per person, shared dorm, Overnight

7:00pm

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Experience the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti with chanting, lamps, and devotion at sunset on the ghats.
Free, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Chotiwala

Enjoy affordable, wholesome vegetarian dishes famous among pilgrims and locals alike.
INR200, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rishikesh Adventure

Rishikesh, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Rishikesh by bus

Catch an early public state transport bus from Haridwar bus stand to Rishikesh (1 hour).
INR40 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at German Bakery Rishikesh

Tuck into fresh bakery items and brewed coffee at a famous relaxing eatery near the river.
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Walk over these iconic suspension bridges and explore the nearby temples and markets.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chatsang Cafe

Serving tasty North Indian and continental dishes while overlooking the riverbanks.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Explore the ruins of the ashram where The Beatles stayed; admire striking graffiti and nature trails. Open 9am-6pm.
INR150, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check in Hostel - Zostel Rishikesh

Budget-friendly, social hostel with great reviews located near Laxman Jhula.
INR650 per night per person, dormitory, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Cafe and Organic Kitchen

Enjoy organic vegetarian meals within a calm environment.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 3: Dehradun City Tour

Dehradun, India on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Dehradun by Bus

Early morning bus from Rishikesh to Dehradun (approx. 1.5 hours).
INR50 per person, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Waffogato Cafe

Indulge in light breakfast options combined with great coffee and waffles in Dehradun's city center.
INR250, 1h0m

10:30am

Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)

Explore this natural cave formation with a river inside; ideal for adventure and photography. Open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Enjoy Tibetan and North Indian food in a rustic setting in Dehradun.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sahastradhara

Visit beautiful natural springs and waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. Entry approx. INR50; open till 6pm.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check in Hostel - Backpacker Panda Dehradun

Affordable hostel option with good amenities suitable for backpackers in Dehradun.
INR550 per person, dormitory, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Black Pepper

Well-reviewed multi-cuisine restaurant serving flavorful dishes at reasonable prices.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 4: Mussoorie Hills

Mussoorie, India on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Mussoorie by Public Bus

Board early bus from Dehradun to Mussoorie (1.5-2 hours), enjoying scenic mountain views.
INR60 per person, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Ivy

Quaint cafe serving fresh bakery delights and breakfast with a cozy ambiance on Mussoorie Mall Road.
INR350, 1h0m

10:45am

Kempty Falls

Visit this popular waterfall just 15 km from Mussoorie; enjoy the cool waters and scenic picnic spots. Open 9am-6pm.
INR30, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Char Dukan

Taste local fast foods and street snacks like momos and tea at this famous cluster on Mussoorie mall road.
INR200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gun Hill

Ride the ropeway or walk to Gun Hill viewpoint for panoramic views of the Himalayas and Doon Valley.
INR150 for ropeway, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check in Hostel - The Hosteller Mussoorie

Perfect budget hostel amidst the hills with stunning views and social atmosphere.
INR700 per person, dormitory, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Kalsang Friends Corner Mussoorie

Foodies can enjoy authentic Tibetan dishes and momos at this popular restaurant.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 5: Dhanaulti and Return

Dhanaulti - Haridwar, India on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Dhanaulti by bus/shared taxi

Take a local bus or shared taxi from Mussoorie to Dhanaulti (approx. 1 hour).
INR80 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at The Orchard

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast amidst apples orchards in Dhanaulti known for fresh organic produce.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Eco Park and Himalayan Oak Forest Walk

Explore the scenic park and forests, perfect for nature walks, bird watching and photography. Open 8am-6pm.
INR50, 2h0m

11:30am

Surkanda Devi Temple Visit

Trek or take local transport to this ancient hilltop temple with breathtaking views of the mountains.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dhanaulti Cafe

Light vegetarian dishes and tea before departure back to Haridwar.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Haridwar by bus/taxi

Catch a direct bus or shared taxi to Haridwar, approx. 3 hours to reach by 4:30pm.
INR250 per person, 3h0m
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