Dhanaulti is a hidden gem in Uttarakhand, a hill station at a height of 2200 meters above sea-level. It is only 62 km away from Mussoorie. It is still relatively unknown to tourists, making its appeal even stronger. Dhanaulti offers stunning views of the Himalayas, diverse and rich forests and a wide variety of activities and tourist-spots to keep visitors coming back for more. Tourism in Dhanaulti thrives from September to June. The hidden natural beauty of this place makes it a magical destination. To learn more about things to do here, how to reach and the ideal time to visit, check out this Dhanaulti travel guide.

By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest to Dhanaulti, some 83 km away. There are multiple flights to Delhi and other major Indian cities during the week.

By Road:

Situated on the Mussoorie-Chamba Road, Dhanaulti is well connected by roadways to the other cities in the Uttarakhand region. Mussoorie is about 30 km away.

By Rail:

The nearest stations are in Rishikesh (83 km) and Dehradun (60 km). Trains to Rishikesh and Dehradun Station are frequent.

Summer (April - June):

This is the most ideal time to visit Dhanaulti. With temperatures rarely rising above 30°C, tourists tend to flock here during this season.

Winter (November - February):

The temperature averages 1 – 7°C during this season. The months of December and January are to be avoided if possible as the weather conditions get extreme. This is not the best time to visit Dhanaulti.

Monsoon (July - September):

With temperatures averaging 24 – 32° C, roads tend to get slippery and there is a chance of cloudburst and landslides occurring in the area. Caution is advised before travelling here in the monsoon.

Visit Surkanda Devi Temple:

This is an extremely revered sacred shrine 8 km from Dhanaulti. It is one of the 51 “Shaktipeeth”, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, situated 10,000 feet above sea level

Adventure Park:

It is situated at 8,500 feet in the heart of the Himalayas, it is surrounded by dense pine and oak trees. The park offers various adventure sports like zip lining, paragliding etc.

Visit Dhanaulti Eco Park:

It was jointly established by the Divisional Forest Officer and residents of Dhanaulti. The park is divided into two  eco parks, Amber and Dhara, located around 200 m away from each other.

Trekking and Camping:

Dhanaulti is famed for its trekking trails, natural grandeur and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Camping tents are provided to people at all budgets to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.

Handmade scarves, pashminas and shawls made of silk, cotton and wool are all handcrafted at the Himalayan Weavers Company. This is a must visit spot for tourists as the products are handcrafted and are of very high quality. The proceeds go back to the local Himalayan hand weaving communities to empower them. Additionally, organic food items like jams and jellies can be purchased at the Apple Orchard Resort.

Foodies can be prepared to eat to their heart’s content in Dhanaulti. There are a variety of different options, from roadside stalls to luxury hotels; the food scene in Dhanaulti is suitable to everyone’s budget. The Apple Orchard and Crown Plaza restaurant are both firm favourites among tourists. Aside from those, the roadside stalls tend to be frequented by visitors and locals alike. All the produce is farmed locally, assuring that the food will be of high quality.