5-Day Budget Trip from Afternoon Start: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie & Dhanaulti Itinerary via Public Transport

Day 1: Afternoon Arrival Haridwar

Haridwar, India on June 6, 2025

1:00pm

Arrival and Check-in Hostel - Live Free Hostel

Check into this budget hostel located near Har Ki Pauri, ideal for backpackers. Freshen up after arrival.
INR600 per night per person, shared dorm, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Enjoy an authentic North Indian vegetarian thali at this local favorite, energizing for your start.
INR250, 1h0m

3:30pm

Har Ki Pauri Visit and Ganges Walk

Walk along the Ganges river at Har Ki Pauri, the spiritual heart of Haridwar. Experience the serene environment.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Mansa Devi Temple Ropeway

Catch the cable car to visit the Mansa Devi Temple atop the hill and enjoy sunset views over the Ganges. Open till 7pm.
INR50 per person for cable car, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Famous eatery for local and vegetarian dishes to end your day on a flavorful note.
INR200, 1h0m

Day 2: Full Day in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Bus to Rishikesh

Early morning bus from Haridwar bus stand to Rishikesh (about 1 hour).
INR40 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at German Bakery Rishikesh

Enjoy fresh bakery items and aromatic coffee at this scenic riverside spot.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula Exploration

Stroll across these iconic suspension bridges and uncover nearby temples and local markets.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Beatles Ashram Visit

Explore the graffiti-covered ruins of the ashram where The Beatles stayed. Open 9am-6pm.
INR150, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Chatsang Cafe

Taste homely North Indian and continental dishes with river views.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Neer Garh Waterfall Trek

Easy 1.5 km trek from Ram Jhula to the beautiful Neer Garh waterfall for a refreshing experience. Trek back by 6pm.
Free, 2h30m

6:30pm

Check in Hostel - Zostel Rishikesh

Affordable and social hostel near Laxman Jhula, perfect for budget travelers.
INR650 per night per person, dormitory, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Cafe & Organic Kitchen

Sample organic, wholesome vegetarian fare in a serene ambiance.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 3: Dehradun Cultural Tour

Dehradun, India on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Bus to Dehradun

Morning bus from Rishikesh to Dehradun, about 1.5 hours journey.
INR50 per person, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Waffogato Cafe

Enjoy light breakfast options and excellent coffee in the city center.
INR250, 1h0m

10:30am

Robber's Cave Exploration

Visit this natural cave with river flowing inside. Great for adventure and photography. Open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Taste authentic Tibetan and North Indian cuisine in a cozy setting.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sahastradhara Visit

Visit natural springs and waterfalls surrounded by forest. Open till 6pm.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check in Hostel - Backpacker Panda Dehradun

Comfortable and budget-friendly hostel great for backpackers.
INR550 per person, dormitory, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Black Pepper

Multi-cuisine restaurant offering flavorful meals at reasonable prices.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Mussoorie Mountain Day

Mussoorie, India on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Bus to Mussoorie

Catch a morning bus from Dehradun to Mussoorie (1.5-2 hours scenic journey).
INR60 per person, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Ivy

Enjoy delicious bakery items in a cozy, scenic spot on Mall Road.
INR350, 1h0m

10:45am

Kempty Falls Visit

Visit this famous waterfall for relaxation and photo ops. Open 9am-6pm.
INR30, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Char Dukan

Try local street foods and snacks like momos on Mall Road.
INR200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gun Hill Viewpoint

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

5:00pm

Check in Hostel - The Hosteller Mussoorie

Stay overnight at this budget-friendly hostel with great hill views.
INR700 per person, dormitory, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Kalsang Friends Corner Mussoorie

Popular spot for Tibetan momos and authentic cuisine in Mussoorie.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 5: Dhanaulti & Return Haridwar

Dhanaulti - Haridwar, India on June 10, 2025

6:30am

Travel to Dhanaulti by Shared Taxi

Leave early by shared taxi/bus to Dhanaulti (approx. 1 hour).
INR80 per person, 1h0m

7:30am

Breakfast at The Orchard

Enjoy fresh organic breakfast amid apple orchards — peaceful start to the day.
INR300, 1h0m

8:30am

Himalayan Oak Forest & Eco Park

Explore the serene Himalayan Oak forest and Eco Park, great for nature walks.
INR50, 2h0m

10:30am

Surkanda Devi Temple Trek

Trek to this hilltop temple offering panoramic mountain views; return by 12:30pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dhanaulti Cafe

Light meal before departure back to Haridwar.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Haridwar by Bus/Shared Taxi

Depart for Haridwar, aiming to arrive by 4:30pm for your schedule.
INR250 per person, 3h0m