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

Day 1: Arrive & Explore Haridwar

Haridwar, India on June 6, 2025

1:30pm

Check-in Hostel - Live Free Hostel

Arrive and settle into a budget-friendly hostel near Har Ki Pauri with great guest reviews.
INR600 per night per person, shared dorm, Overnight

2:30pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Delight in a traditional North Indian vegetarian thali at this famous local restaurant.
INR250, 1h0m

4:00pm

Har Ki Pauri

Stroll along the holy riverfront and witness pilgrims taking a dip in the sacred Ganges.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Mansa Devi Temple Ropeway

Enjoy a ride on the cable car up to the Mansa Devi Temple offering serene views of Haridwar.
INR50 per person cable car, 1h30m

7:30pm

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Experience the evening aarti ceremony at sunset for a truly spiritual atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

8:45pm

Dinner at Chotiwala

End your day with budget friendly, flavorful vegetarian curry and bread meals.
INR200, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rishikesh Exploration

Rishikesh, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Bus from Haridwar to Rishikesh

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

9:00am

Breakfast at German Bakery

Enjoy fresh baked goods and coffee at this well-known spot by the river.
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula

Walk over the iconic suspension bridges and explore nearby temples and local bazaars.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chatsang Cafe

Sample wholesome North Indian and continental dishes with river views.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Visit the graffiti-covered ruins of the ashram The Beatles stayed at, open 9am-6pm.
INR150, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Hostel - Zostel Rishikesh

Settle into this friendly and affordable hostel near Laxman Jhula.
INR650 per night per person, dormitory, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Cafe & Organic Kitchen

Enjoy healthy and organic vegetarian cuisine in a calm setting.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 3: Dehradun Discovery

Dehradun, India on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Bus from Rishikesh to Dehradun

Travel by public bus to Dehradun (approx. 1.5 hours).
INR50 per person, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Waffogato Cafe

A great spot in Dehradun for light breakfast and excellent coffee.
INR250, 1h0m

10:30am

Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)

Explore this natural cave stream and enjoy the cool water. Open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

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

2:30pm

Sahastradhara Waterfalls

Visit this multi-stream waterfall surrounded by medicinal sulphur springs. Entry 9am-6pm.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Hostel - Backpacker Panda Dehradun

Stay in this clean, affordable hostel popular among backpackers.
INR550 per person, dormitory, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Black Pepper

Multi-cuisine restaurant serving delicious and budget-friendly meals.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 4: Mussoorie Mountain Escape

Mussoorie, India on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Bus from Dehradun to Mussoorie

Travel scenic 1.5-2 hour mountain route by public bus.
INR60 per person, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Ivy

Enjoy fresh bakery delights and coffee on Mussoorie Mall Road.
INR350, 1h0m

10:45am

Kempty Falls Visit

Visit the beautiful waterfall 15 km from Mussoorie, open 9am-6pm.
INR30, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Char Dukan

Sample local fast food and street snacks like momos along the Mall Road.
INR200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gun Hill Viewpoint

Take the ropeway or trek up to this popular lookout to see Himalayan vistas.
INR150 for ropeway, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Hostel - The Hosteller Mussoorie

Relax at this affordable hilltop hostel with beautiful mountain views.
INR700 per person, dormitory, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Kalsang Friends Corner Mussoorie

Popular spot for Tibetan momos and authentic flavors.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 5: Return to Haridwar

Mussoorie - Haridwar, India on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Bus from Mussoorie to Haridwar

Catch an early bus with a connection in Dehradun to reach Haridwar by 4:30pm.
INR300 per person, Approx. 7h including transfer
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