What to Do and See in Mussoorie? Complete Travel Guide

Mussoorie — the Queen of Hill Stations — perches at 2,000m in the Garhwal Himalayas, 290 km from Delhi and just 35 km from Dehradun. Its dramatic ridge location means it commands views on both sides: the Doon Valley and the plains to the south, and the snow-capped Great Himalayan ranges to the north. This combination of alpine scenery, colonial heritage, pleasant climate, and lively Mall Road culture makes Mussoorie one of North India's most enduringly popular hill stations.

Getting to Mussoorie from Delhi: 290 km via NH58 or the new Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to Dehradun (300 km, 3 hrs) then 22 km uphill to Mussoorie (45 min). Total: 3.5–4 hours. EZPZ Taxi offers Delhi to Mussoorie outstation cabs — call +91-9871121217 or book at ezpztaxi.com. Note: Heavy vehicles are restricted on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road — only cars, SUVs, and buses are permitted.

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1. Kempty Falls — Most Popular, Best Done Early

15 km from Mussoorie on Yamunotri Road | Open: Always | Entry: ₹20

Kempty Falls is Mussoorie's most visited attraction — a 40m multi-tiered waterfall that cascades down the mountain into a large natural pool. On a sunny day, the pool is a natural swimming spot with crystal-clear cold water.

The honest picture: Kempty Falls is spectacular but extremely crowded on weekends and holidays — the approach road, parking, and the falls area can become overwhelmingly busy. Go on a weekday, or arrive before 9 AM on weekends.

Best time: September–October (post-monsoon, maximum water flow) and April–June (pleasant weather).

Getting there: 15 km from Mussoorie Mall Road via Yamunotri Road. EZPZ Taxi drivers know all parking spots — call +91-9871121217.



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2. Gun Hill — Panoramic Ropeway Viewpoint

Central Mussoorie | Ropeway: 8 AM – 8 PM | Entry: ₹75–100 return

Gun Hill (2,122m) is Mussoorie's second-highest peak and its most famous viewpoint, accessible by a short ropeway ride from the Mall Road.

Named after a cannon that was historically fired from here to tell the time, Gun Hill offers a 360-degree view:
- To the north: On clear days, snow peaks of Bandarpunch (6,316m), Swargarohini, and others
- To the south: The Doon Valley spreading green toward the plains
- Below: Mussoorie's ridge and the Mall Road

The ropeway itself is part of the experience — the short 400m ride gives aerial views of the Mall Road and surrounding hillsides.

Photography tip: Morning visits (8–10 AM) have the clearest mountain views before clouds build. Sunset visits have beautiful light over the Doon Valley.

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3. Lal Tibba — The Highest Point with the Best Views

6 km from Mall Road | Open: Always | Entry: Free (binoculars ₹10)

Lal Tibba ("Red Hill") at 2,275m is the highest point in the Mussoorie area and the ultimate viewpoint for Himalayan panoramas. On a very clear day (best in October–November and post-rain clarity), you can see the peaks of Kedarnath (6,940m), Badrinath (7,138m), Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trisul, and others — a jaw-dropping panorama spanning hundreds of kilometres.

A large telescope is installed at the top (₹10 per use) — through it, individual Himalayan peaks become identifiable.

The area: Lal Tibba is in the Landour area — a quieter, older part of Mussoorie where the original British cantonment was established. The area has beautiful colonial bungalows, the famous Landour Bakehouse, and is the home of author Ruskin Bond (who still lives here and occasionally meets fans outside the Cambridge Book Depot).

Tip: This is a drive or taxi ride from Mussoorie Mall — narrow lanes, only small cars fit.

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4. Camel's Back Road — The Classic Mussoorie Walk

3.5 km walking promenade | Sunrise to Sunset | Free

Camel's Back Road is a gently undulating promenade along the western ridge of Mussoorie, named after a rock formation that resembles a camel's back. The walk offers continuous views of the Doon Valley, Dehradun spread below, and on clear mornings, Himalayan peaks.

The road passes through a forest section in the middle — cooler and fragrant with deodar pine. It is a favourite with local residents for their morning walks and is less crowded than Mall Road.

Horse riding along Camel's Back Road: ₹200–400 for the full promenade on horseback — popular with children.

Camel's Rock: The actual rock formation is clearly visible from the road — a natural rocky outcrop that remarkably resembles a sitting camel.

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5. Mall Road — The Heart of Mussoorie

From Picture Palace to Library Chowk | Pedestrian | Always open

Mussoorie's Mall Road is the social centre of the hill station — a 2 km stretch of shops, restaurants, hotels, and cafes along the southern ridge. The Mall is pedestrian-only for most of its length.

Shopping on Mall Road:
- Woollen shawls and sweaters (cheaper than Delhi)
- Tibetan curios and jewellery (from the Tibetan market at the Library end)
- Local jams, honey, and Garhwali pickles
- Chocolate fudge and toffees from local confectioners

Eating on Mall Road:
- Kalsang Friends Corner — legendary restaurant for Tibetan momos and thukpa, packed on weekends
- Lovely Omelette Centre — iconic Mussoorie street stall for egg dishes and bread omelettes
- Café by the Way — excellent coffee and views
- Tavern and Whispering Windows — reliable multi-cuisine restaurants

The Library: The British-era library at Library Chowk is a beautiful colonial building still functioning.

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6. George Everest's House — The Man Who Measured Everest

6 km from Mall Road toward Park Estate | Open: 9 AM – 5 PM | Entry: ₹25

Sir George Everest — Surveyor General of India (1830–1843) — conducted the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India from his estate here, the massive project that led to the discovery and measurement of Mount Everest (named after him). The remains of his house and laboratory still stand on a dramatic ridge.

Why visit: The views from the Park Estate area are exceptional — both north toward the Himalayas and south toward the Doon Valley. The ruins have a romantic quality and the story of the Survey of India's extraordinary achievement (measuring a mountain from 240 km away with such precision) is fascinating.

Combined with: Lal Tibba and Landour makes a great half-day circuit in the upper areas of Mussoorie.

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7. Jwala Devi Temple

9 km from Mall Road | Open: 6 AM – 7 PM | Entry: Free

Jwala Devi Temple near Benog Hill is one of Mussoorie's most important religious sites. The temple sits in a quiet forest and offers excellent views of the Doon Valley. The walk through the surrounding Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is lovely — woodpeckers, langurs, and Himalayan birds are commonly spotted.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary surrounding the temple protects leopard, barking deer, and rare red-billed blue magpie among others.

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Day Trips from Mussoorie

Dhanaulti (25 km from Mussoorie, 2,286m): A quieter alternative to Mussoorie — eco-parks with deodar forest, apple orchards, and excellent Himalayan views. Less crowded and cooler than Mussoorie.

Surkanda Devi Temple (33 km): At 2,757m, this important Shakti Peeth requires a 2 km uphill trek. Views of snow peaks and Tehri Dam reservoir.

Tehri Dam (85 km): One of Asia's largest dams on the Bhagirathi River — boating on the vast reservoir, adventure sports including bungee jumping and jet skiing. www.tehritourism.com

Lansdowne (120 km from Mussoorie): The quietest British-era hill station in the region — barely known, never crowded.

EZPZ Taxi offers all these day trips from Mussoorie or Delhi — call +91-9871121217 for a customised quote.

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Practical Information

Best time:
- March–June: Spring to early summer, pleasant, all activities open (15–25°C)
- July–September: Monsoon — lush greenery, waterfalls at full flow, misty atmosphere, some road closures
- October–November: Post-monsoon clarity, best mountain views, cool (8–18°C)
- December–February: Snowfall possible on Mall Road, magical winter scenery (−2 to 10°C)

Where to stay:
- Budget: Hotel Broadway, Kasmanda Palace budget rooms (₹1,000–2,500)
- Mid-range: The Rokeby Manor, Savoy Hotel heritage rooms (₹4,000–8,000)
- Luxury: JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort (₹12,000–30,000)

GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) hotels: www.gmvnl.com

Uttarakhand Tourism: www.uttarakhandtourism.gov.in

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EZPZ Taxi for Mussoorie

Delhi to Mussoorie cabs with drivers who know the Dehradun-Mussoorie mountain road. Fixed fares, no surge. Combined Dehradun-Mussoorie packages also available.

Call: +91-9871121217 | Book: ezpztaxi.com

What's your favourite part of Mussoorie — the Mall, the viewpoints, or the quiet walks? Share your recommendations below!