Uttarakhand
Mussoorie Travel Guide
The Queen of the Hills: Mall Road, waterfalls and quiet Landour.
- Best months Mar–Jun, Sept–Nov
- Ideal trip length 2–3 days
Mussoorie is a hill station in Uttarakhand, set on a ridge above the Doon valley and often called the Queen of the Hills. It is an easy weekend trip from Delhi, Dehradun and Chandigarh, with a lively Mall Road, waterfalls, viewpoints and the quieter lanes of Landour. Plan two to three days.
Best time to visit
Recommended
March to June is pleasant and popular, and September to November is clear with good mountain views. December to February is cold and occasionally brings snow. July to August is the monsoon, with heavy rain, mist and a risk of landslides.
How to reach
Jolly Grant Airport (DED) near Dehradun is the nearest airport, followed by a drive of a couple of hours up to Mussoorie.
Dehradun railway station is the nearest main railhead, about an hour's drive from Mussoorie, with trains from Delhi and other cities.
Mussoorie is reached by road from Dehradun, and traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays. Buses and taxis run regularly from Delhi and Dehradun.
Where to stay
Staying near the Mall Road and Library Chowk keeps you close to restaurants and shops. Landour and the Camel's Back Road side are quieter and more scenic, and the Kempty and Dhanaulti directions suit longer, relaxed stays.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Mall Road
The busy promenade of shops, cafes and street food that is the centre of Mussoorie's evening life.
- 2
Gun Hill
A hilltop viewpoint reached by cable car or a short climb, with views of the Himalayan peaks on clear days.
- 3
Kempty Falls
A popular waterfall a short drive from the town, crowded in summer and best visited early.
- 4
Landour and Char Dukan
A quiet cantonment area with old houses, forest walks and a small cluster of cafes and shops; associated with writer Ruskin Bond.
- 5
Lal Tibba
The highest point in the area, with a view of the snow peaks on clear mornings.
- 6
Company Garden
A landscaped garden with flower beds and a small lake that suits families.
Food to try
The town offers North Indian dishes, Tibetan food such as momos and thukpa, hot soups on cold evenings, and bakery items, pancakes and hot chocolate in Landour.
Travel tips
- Plan around weekend traffic by arriving early or choosing weekdays if you can.
- Carry warm clothing even in summer evenings, and a rain jacket in the monsoon.
- Vehicles have restrictions on parts of the Mall Road, so park as directed and walk the last stretch.
- Hill roads can close after heavy rain, so check conditions before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Mussoorie?
Two days cover the Mall Road, Gun Hill, Kempty Falls and Landour. Add a day for Dhanaulti, a nearby forest retreat, or for slow walks.
Does it snow in Mussoorie?
Light snow is possible in winter, mainly between December and February, but it is not guaranteed. Check the forecast before you travel.
How far is Mussoorie from Dehradun?
It is roughly an hour's drive up the hill from Dehradun, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Official sources
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.