Discover Rishikesh to Dhanaulti: A Day Trip Back in Time

Rishikesh to Dhanaulti takes more than 3 hours, and it is possible to cover the day excursion from Rishikesh. But come back before seven. It might get hard to drive late at night unless there is a professional driver on the route. And I  think elders can trek, it depends upon their age and weight.

Dhanaulti from Rishikesh

3 and a half hour is the approximate time it takes to travel from Rishikesh to Dhanaulti. A day trip is definitely doable if you plan on starting early. The Surkanda Devi temple at Kaddukhal is an excellent place to visit and is only a 1.3 km walk. If your elders are fit and healthy, they will have no trouble visiting the temple.

Rishikesh to Dhanaulti Distance

A road trip from Rishikesh to Dhanaulti is  125  kilometers long and takes about 3 hours, and 27 minutes. If you’re driving a car, be careful of crooked, narrow, roads.

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Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti located in the Dhauladhar Range is a great destination for a weekend trip. It is a small village that is located in a valley deep within the Himalayas near the Dhauladhar Range.  The scenery is beautiful and you will have time to spend while you’re in Rishikesh. So pack your bags and go on a road trip with your friends and family and explore Rishikesh, Dhanaulti, and Dhaula.

Rishikesh to Dhanaulti via Mussoorie

Definitely, the Rishikesh-Dehradun-Mussoorie-Dhanaulti-Chamba-Rishikesh route is more scenic and mesmerizing. do visit “Maldevta Valley “ a small valley in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand it is absolutely breathtaking. it is the hub of “nature lovers” and sits atop a hill that overlooks the entire city.

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Rishikesh to Dhanaulti via Devprayag

The Rishikesh-Devprayag-Shivpuri route is a beautiful one, and can easily be done in a day. You’ll follow the Ganga River the whole way, and at Devprayag you can see where the Ganga and Bhagirathi Rivers meet – it’s a very beautiful sight.

Rishikesh to Dhanaulti via Chamba

Rishikesh to Chamba is about 60 km by road that takes around 1 and half an hour to reach this quaint town.

Chamba, Uttarakhand

• Soaked in old-world charm, the picturesque town of Chamba in Uttarakhand is situated at an altitude of 1,676 meters above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Scenic Beauty

• Chamba offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, mist-covered ravines, and lush green valleys. 

Emerging Tourist Spot

• After the submergence of old Tehri, Chamba has rapidly emerged as a popular tourist destination in the Tehri Garhwal region. Despite its growing popularity, it still retains a peaceful and serene environment, making it a perfect retreat.

Ideal for a Respite

• Chamba is undoubtedly a haven for those seeking respite from the monotonous hustle and bustle of city life. The serene ambiance, combined with the natural beauty of the Himalayas, offers an ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

My Suggestion

• Dhanaulit is a beautiful place that is definitely worth taking a day to explore from Rishikesh via Chamba.
• For the Mussoorie circuit, I would suggest staying overnight in Mussoorie to make the most of it. Alternatively, if you have elders with you, they may prefer visiting Devprayag for the day and returning that evening but  it would be very hectic and you likely wouldn’t get to enjoy the scenery and attractions.

In Dehradun

Begin your adventure with a visit to Dehradun, where you can explore the tranquil Buddha Temple, the mysterious Robber’s Cave, and the picturesque Sahastradhara waterfall. Next, take a sightseeing tour to the iconic Kempty Falls in Mussoorie, followed by a stroll along Camel’s Back Road, and visits to Lal Tibba and Gun Hill for stunning panoramic views.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Dehradun: a list of all places 

In Dhanaulti

In Dhanaulti, pay homage at the revered Surkanda Devi Temple and soak in the serene surroundings. Continue to Chamba for more sightseeing and then make your way to Rishikesh, where you can experience the divine Aarti ceremony of Mother Ganges at Parmarth Niketan. While in Rishikesh, visit the Bharat Mata Mandir and Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.

Conclusion

The Rishikesh to Dhanaulti trip is not a big challenge for the people of Rishikesh for three hours, but you can cover it in a day and come back before seven. The road is not very good, there are many villages, but the road is good. The most delicate is the rain. The whole thing depends on the vehicle. If the vehicle is good, then there is no problem

FAQ:

Which route is better to reach Dhanaulti from Rishikesh?

There are two main routes to reach Dhanaulti from Rishikesh:

1. Via Dehradun and Mussoorie
2. Via Chamba  is the best route 

How is the road condition on both these routes?

• Via Dehradun and Mussoorie: The road condition on this route is generally good and well-maintained, making for a smoother and more comfortable drive. This route is also more popular among tourists.
• Via Chamba This route can be slightly challenging as the roads may not be as well-maintained as the Dehradun-Mussoorie route. However, the scenic beauty along this path is remarkable, offering a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

How much time does it take to reach Dhanaulti on these routes?

• Via Dehradun and Mussoorie: It typically takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Dhanaulti from Rishikesh, depending on traffic and road conditions.
• Via  Chamba: This route usually takes around 3 to 4 hours due to the road conditions and the less direct path. Travel time can vary based on the weather and road maintenance.

Is there is snowfall in Dhanaulti ?

The winter season in Dhanaulti  starts from October to February, with temperatures dropping up to 15 degrees Celsius. The higher reaches of Dhanaulti often experience snowfall, turning the hill station into a scenic winter wonderland.