Rishikesh to Mussoorie & Dhanaulti by Bike
| Via Dehradun | Around 80 km |
|---|---|
| Via Chamba & Dhanaulti | Longer, and worth it |
| Riding time | 2.5 hrs direct, 4–5 hrs the scenic way |
| Mussoorie elevation | Around 2,000 m |
| Dhanaulti elevation | Around 2,300 m |
| Suitable bikes | 350cc and up |
| Time needed | A long day, or an overnight |
| Best months | March–June and September–November |
There are two ways to ride from Rishikesh to Mussoorie, and they are not the same trip.
The fast way goes via Dehradun — around 80 km, mostly flat highway, then a climb up the Mussoorie road. Two and a half hours. It's the way everyone goes and it's the less interesting of the two.
The good way climbs out of Rishikesh through Narendra Nagar and Chamba, runs the ridge through Kanatal, Surkanda Devi and Dhanaulti, and comes into Mussoorie from the east. It takes most of a day and it is one of the finest stretches of road in this part of Uttarakhand.
If you've rented a motorcycle, take the second one.
Which Way to Go
Via Dehradun — the fast one
Rishikesh → Dehradun → Mussoorie. Around 80 km. Mostly flat, well-surfaced highway to Dehradun, then a proper climb up. Fine if you want to reach Mussoorie and back in a day, or if the weather is poor. Heavy traffic on the Dehradun stretch and the Mussoorie approach can be slow in season.
Via Chamba and Dhanaulti — the good one
Rishikesh → Narendra Nagar → Chamba → Kanatal → Surkanda Devi → Dhanaulti → Mussoorie. Continuous hill road at 1,600–2,300 metres, through deodar and apple country, with the Himalayan front range visible on clear days. Almost no truck traffic. This is the ride.
The obvious plan: out the scenic way, back via Dehradun. That makes it a loop rather than an out-and-back, and the return is quick when you're tired.
Stops on the Way
Chamba
Around 1,600 m, on the Tehri road. Apple orchards, pine forest, and a natural first stop. Tehri Lake route guide →
Kanatal
A quiet village on the ridge with campsites and long views. Around 25 km from Tehri.
Surkanda Devi
A hilltop temple at around 2,750 m, reached by a steep walk of a couple of kilometres from the road at Kaddukhal, or by a ropeway said to run near the top — ask us for its current status before you plan around it.
The views compete with Kunjapuri's and hardly anyone from Rishikesh makes it here. Worth the stop.
Dhanaulti
Around 2,300 m. Deodar forest, the Eco Parks, and noticeably cooler and quieter than Mussoorie. A lot of people prefer it, and it's a better overnight stop than Mussoorie if you want quiet.
Mussoorie
Around 2,000 m. A full colonial hill station — Mall Road, Gun Hill, Landour, Kempty Falls. Busy in season, and very busy at weekends. Landour, above the main town, is the calmer and more interesting half.
Season
March–June — the main season, and the reason most people come: it's cool up here when Rishikesh is 40°C. Also when it's most crowded, particularly weekends.
July–August — monsoon. Cloud, rain, poor visibility and landslide risk on the ridge road. The Dehradun route is the safer option if you must.
September–November — the best riding. Clear air, mountain views, no crowds.
December–February — cold, and Dhanaulti gets snow. Some people ride up specifically for it. Layer properly and check conditions.
Avoid weekends in season if you can. The Mussoorie approach jams badly.
What to Ride
Guerrilla 450 (₹1,800/day) — the best bike we have for the ridge route. Continuous good-surface bends at altitude is exactly its territory. Watch the 11-litre tank. Details →
Classic 350 (₹1,300/day) — comfortable over a long day and pleasant on the ridge.
Hunter 350 (₹1,200/day) — light and easy on the climbs, and good in Mussoorie's traffic.
Himalayan (₹1,400–2,000/day) — more than needed, but right if you're continuing to Tehri or beyond.
Activa 125 (₹500/day) — no. It's a long way with a lot of climbing, and the Dehradun highway stretch is not a place for a 125cc. Compare the fleet →
Before You Go
- Leave early — the scenic route takes most of a day and you don't want the ridge road in the dark
- Layers — Dhanaulti at 2,300 m is cold even in May, and cold after sunset in any season
- Full tank — pumps are sparser on the ridge route than on the Dehradun road
- Cash
- Parking in Mussoorie is difficult and paid — ask us where's sensible on a bike
- Consider staying over — Rishikesh → Mussoorie → Rishikesh in a day via the ridge is a lot; Dhanaulti or Landour are both good overnights
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Mussoorie from Rishikesh?
Which is the best route from Rishikesh to Mussoorie by bike?
Can I do Mussoorie as a day trip from Rishikesh?
Is there snow in Dhanaulti?
Which bike is best for Mussoorie?
Can I ride to Mussoorie on a scooty?
Is Surkanda Devi worth stopping at?
Is Dhanaulti better than Mussoorie?
Where should I stay?
Riding to Mussoorie?
A Classic 350 is ₹1,300 a day, a Guerrilla 450 is ₹1,800 — two helmets, tool kit, roadside support, delivered free in Tapovan.