Dehradun, despite being the bustling capital of Uttarakhand, provides numerous trekking opportunities that are just a couple of hours away. Be it trekking in the pristine forest trails of Chakrata, trekking to the oldest trails and hills in Mussoorie or trekking in the trail that connects Dehradun to Mussoorie with spectacular views of the Doon valley. You have a vast variety of trails to choose from.

Here, I’ve listed 8 such trails that you can do on your own the next time you are in Dehradun and have one or two days to spare. Not just that, if you are from nearby cities like Delhi, the weekend treks in this list could be a great option to escape from the scorching summer heat.

Some of these treks are famous and some are offbeat. But all of these are suitable for beginners. Let’s dive into the details of these treks.

Infographic shows the treks around Dehradun. Designed by Shivani Kulkarni

Trek Starting Point: Library Bus Stand/Hathipaon Chowk, Mussoorie
Distance from Dehradun: 34 km
Best time to do the trek: Spring, Autumn

Stunning views from the George Everest Peak trail. Picture by Loges R

George Everest Peak takes you to the house of Sir George Everest. It’s in his honor that Mt Everest is named. An easy trek which can be done by both fit beginners and experienced trekkers, George Everest Peak Trek is just 4 km away from Mussoorie. 

The House of Sir George Everest, perched on a peaceful hilltop in Mussoorie, is a legacy in ruins. The iconic house offers a mesmerizing view of the Doon valley on one side and the Aglar river and majestic Himalayan peaks on the other. The trek takes you through the forest sections filled with Deodar, Fir and Rhododendron trees. It’s also a paradise for birders. 

Trek Starting Point: Landour Clock Tower
Distance from Dehradun: 34 km
Best time to do the trek: All seasons

Views of the snow - clad mountains from Lal Tibba summit. Picture by Deepali Bansal

The highest peak of Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is one of the most popular places in the region. Located at Depot Hill in Landour, Lal Tibba is well known among travelers and trekkers alike. Be it the sight of mesmerizing mountain peaks or the splendid sunrise and sunset views, Lal Tibba doesn’t fail to amaze you.

Lal Tibba is also one of the oldest places in Mussoorie. A testament to it is the structures from the pre-independence era that you see on the trail. Lal Tibba is a steep trail and is nestled in the dense canopy of Deodar trees. At the top, there is a government-approved mounted telescope at a cafe named Lal Tibba Binocular Cafe. On a clear day, from the telescope, you get an excellent view of the Himalayas, including Badrinath and Kedarnath!

The Landour -  Lal Tibba trek is suitable for both fit beginners and experienced trekkers.

Trek Starting Point: Shahanshahi Ashram, Kairwaan Gaon
Distance from Dehradun: 14 km
Best time to do the trek: All seasons except monsoon

Spectacular views of the Doon valley from Kipling Trail. Picture by Abhishek Pant.

Once the main route from Dehradun to Mussoorie, the Kipling trail is now an exciting trek far removed from the traffic and overcrowding that marks the new Mussoorie road. This is a 9 km trail starting from the Shahanshahi Ashram and going all the way to Mussoorie through Jharipani and Barlowganj villages.

The Kipling Trail Trek follows a winding serpentine path with the Himalayan foothills on one side and spectacular views of the Dehradun valley on the other side. The trail first takes one through a steep jungle trail followed by small villages exhibiting remnants of the colonial era. Kipling Trail thus appeals to nature-lovers as well as those interested in history and heritage.

The trek is suitable for fit beginners and the steep incline would challenge experienced trekkers as well!

Trek Starting Point: Pantwari Village
Distance from Dehradun: 100 km
Best time to do the trek: All seasons except monsoon

Golden Sunset on Nag Tibba Trek. Picture by Kumar Amrit.

Resting at 9806 ft, the summit of this trek is the highest in the Nag Tibba range of the Garhwal Himalayas. From here, you see a 100-degree view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges such as Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Srikantha, and Gangotri. You also see Kedarnath peak in the north, Doon valley, and the snow peaks of Changabang. With views like this and a climb to make you earn them, this weekend trek may be one of the best. 

As you go up one side of the mountain and come down from another side, you also experience a variety of landscapes. This trek takes you through dense forests, clearings, and ridge walk. All within two days!

For beginners, Nag Tibba is a great introductory trek. That being said, even for the experienced trekkers, it offers the thrill of a summit climb in just two days.

Trek Starting Point: Saindul Village
Distance from Dehradun: 100 km
Best time to do the trek: All seasons except monsoon

Garhwal Himalayan Range as seen from the Nag Thatch Trail. Picture by Mahipal Bisht

A quaint village west of Pantwari called Saindul is the base of this short little day hike called Nag Thatch. Nag Thatch trek overlooks the famed Nag Tibba trek, but it takes half the effort to get the views which you would otherwise get from the top of Nag Tibba. 

From Nag Thatch, one can see almost all the mountain peaks of Garhwal Himalaya such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Shrikanth, Gangotri 1, Jaonli, Thalaysagar, Kedarnath Main, Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba and many others. For an easy and short trek of 2.5 kilometres, this is a dream come true! Apart from the big mountain views, the trek also has pretty meadows that are lush green in summer and golden brown in autumn. You’ll also find snow here in winter.

The Nag Thatch trek can be done by both fit beginners and experienced trekkers. It is an ideal trek for families with children and elders who find it difficult to do longer Himalayan treks.

Trek Starting Point: Lokhandi
Distance from Dehradun: 108 km
Best time to do the trek: All seasons

Pristine Forest Trail on the Deoban Trek. Picture by Afreen Jaffar

Only on a few treks, you get to see great summit views and savour long forest walks. Deoban is one of those treks and the best thing is you get this rich experience in just a weekend! At Deoban’s summit, you see 55 high mountain peaks including Mt Nanda Devi, India’s highest mountain!

Deoban is also one of the few Uttarakhand trails dominated by Deodar trees. It is aptly named Deoban as Deo refers to “Deodar” trees and ban means “forests”. Usually, in Uttarakhand trails, you find clumps of these trees growing together in a mixed forest, but not an entire trail filled with them. An entire trail of Deodar trees is something that is mostly found in Kashmir or Himachal. The speciality of this forest trail is that the trees are incredibly tall and are over 600 years old. 

Deoban Trek also can be done by both fit beginners and experienced trekkers.

Trek Starting Point: Dhanaulti
Distance from Dehradun: 65 km
Best time to do the trek: All seasons

Views of the surround valley you get on the way to Sukanda Devi Temple. Picture by Deepali Bansal 

Surkanda Devi Temple is located near Dhanaulti in the Unniyal Village of Tehri district of Uttarakhand. It is one of India's 51 Shaktipeeth temples and is of great religious importance. Situated at an altitude of about 9,041 feet above sea level, Surkanda Devi Temple is encompassed by dense and thick backwoods.

Sukanda Devi trek trail is well laid throughout. The entire trek route is very scenic and offers beautiful views of the surroundings. From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the dense forests and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

Surkanda Devi Trek is an easy trek and can be done by both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Trek Starting Point: Library end, Mussoorie
Distance from Dehradun: 34 km
Best time to do the trek: All seasons except monsoon

A view of the Bhadraj Hill trail. Picture from Indiahikes Archives

Bhadraj Hill Trek is a modest and well-balanced trek. One of the best weekend treks in Mussoorie, the total 13 km trek can be completed in one or two days. If you want to do this trek in one day, then you’ll have to start early in the morning. But the trek is better experienced over two days with overnight camping.

The trail to Dudhli Village is called Milkman’s Trail, as it helps supply milk to Mussoorie town every day. It’s a lovely trail that takes you all along the ridge with Gangetic plains sloping down on either side, while Himalayan ranges sit snug in the distance.

Bhadraj Hill trek is an ideal trek for beginners. That said, it offers a beautiful experience for any trekker who would like to explore and is looking for a short escape from the hustle of a citylife.

Trek Starting Point: Jonk Rishikesh
Distance from Dehradun: 47 km
Best time to do the trek: All seasons

Neergarh Waterfalls I seen during the trek. Picture by Prajwal Agarwal.

 If you're in Rishikesh and want to go for a short walk in the forest, Neergarh Waterfalls is a great choice.  It's just 3 kilometers away from the main mall road in Rishikesh, so it's not too far.

The trek to the waterfall is pretty easy, even for beginners. You can even bring kids along with you. Once you reach the waterfall, you'll see a natural stream of really cold water from the mountains. It's a perfect spot to take a refreshing bath and get all pumped up with energy.

If you go on this trek early in the morning, you might find that there aren't many people around. It's a great time to be in nature, meditate, and breathe in the fresh air.

This brings us to the end of this list of 9 treks around Dehradun that you can do on your own.

From Dehradun, there are mighty himalayan treks such as Har ki Dun, Kedarkantha, Rupin Pass and many more that you can do. But they are quite far and take your entire week. If you are looking for a trek that is just a couple of hours away and suited for the weekend, you can choose treks such as Nag Tibba, Deoban or any other treks mentioned in this article.

Mussoorie, aptly called “Queen of Hills” has many trekking places to offer. George Everest Peak trek, Landour-Lal Tibba and Bhadraj Hill trek are some of the best treks based out of Mussoorie.

Yes. Nag Tibba takes you to an altitude of 9,806 ft and the summit of this trek is the highest in the Nag Tibba range of the Garhwal Himalayas. From here, you see a 100-degree view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges such as Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Srikantha, and Gangotri. You also see Kedarnath peak in the north, Doon valley, and the snow peaks of Changabang. With views like this, it’s the best introductory trek to introduce the world of trekking.

The distance from Dehradun to Mussoorie is 34 km. It takes about 1 and a half hours by road. There are also frequent buses that run from Dehradun to Mussoorie.

Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie and has a telescope mounted at the top which offers panoramic views of the snow capped mountains. To know more about the place and how to do this trek on your own, refer our documentation - https://indiahikes.com/landour--lal-tibba-trek

If you are looking for more treks to do in Uttarakhand, check out this link. If you are looking for treks to do near your city, check out our Trek Library. 

If you want to trek with Indiahikes in the Himalayas, check out our upcoming treks section.

In order to help you do these treks on your own, we include gpx files in the documentation. Use this link to know more about how to use gpx files.

Finally, if you can help us document these treks further, or new treks that trekkers can do on their own, do apply to be a Remote Trek Documenter. It will greatly help us take DIY trekking forward in our country!

The ultimate guide to treks that you can do on your own around Dehradun. Find out all the details that you need to know about these treks including gpx files, how to reach the base, difficult sections, best time to do the trek, how far from Dehradun and FAQs

8 Treks Around Dehradun That You Can Do On Your Own

treks to do around Dehradun, treks in uttarakhand, 8 treks around Dehradun,  

9 Weekend Treks Around Dehradun That You Can Do On Your Own

Indiahikes_Privacy_Policy.pdf

Indiahikes_Terms_&_Conditions.pdf

Bengaluru Office

Dehradun Office

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

Buran Ghati Trek

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Channarayana Durga Weekend Trek 

Bijli Mahadev Trek

Har Ki Dun

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Minchukallu Betta Weekend Trek

Gurez Valley Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Miyar Valley

Warwan Valley Trek

Beas Kund Trek

Nafran Valley Trek

Goechala Trek

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

Brammah Valley Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Pench Tiger Trail

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Kedarkantha Trek

Surya Top

Narmada Backwaters Trek

Gidara Bugyal

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek 

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Kuari Pass Trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Everest Base Camp (Classic Route)

Georgia Atsunta Pass Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek 

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Kedartal Trek

Rupin Pass

Valley of Flowers

Khopra Ridge Trek

Mount Rinjani Trek

Tulian Lake Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Choharnag Lakes Trek

Dayara Bugyal Summer Camp 

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Gokarna Coastal Trek

Manali Kaisdhar Trek for Beginners

Bananthimari Betta Trek

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Kedarkantha Summer Camp Trek

Kuari Pass Summer Camp Trek

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

Aancha Top Trek

Mural Danda Exploration

Roopkund Trek

arnamalai trek

Deoban Weekend Trek

Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Bodpathri Trek

Winter Trekking Camp for Children

Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

Benog Tibba Family Trek

Kanamo Peak Trek

Dafeybhir Pass Trek

Biligundlu Cauvery River Trek

Ghepan Lake

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Chirbatiya Weekend Trek

Benog Tibba Trek

Ala-Kul Trek - Kyrgyzstan

Gutirayan Peak Trek

Bidirukatte Trek

Pyramid Hills Trek

Ramdevarabetta Trek

Sathuragiri Hill Trek

Ettina Bhuja Trek

Musattu Hill Trek

Parvathamalai Trek

Satpura Forest Trail

Athri Hill Trek

Nandi Hills Trek

Handi Gundi Trek

Kumara Parvatha Trek

Nishani Motte Trek

Kugti Pass Trek

Karnala Fort Trek

Kamalgad Trek

Horagina Betta Trek

Chadar Trek

Arshan Valley Trek

Makalidurga Trek

Halu Chilume Gange Trek

Ranipuram Trek

Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Our Adventure Therapy Trek is led by a trained therapist, who will guide you through reflective and therapeutic exercises during the trek. To accommodate this expertise, the fee is ₹5,000 higher than our regular trek fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 18 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

Please note, this is an open Collaborative Leadership Programme with a focus on networking and building Collaborative Leadership skills for young professionals and university students. The trek fee is 5000 more than the regular fee. Learn more about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/blog/open-collaborative-leadership-program

The Indiahikes Summer Camp aligns with the Adventurous Journey of the IAYP programme. Our treks provide a challenging outdoor experience where participants plan, train, and trek in an unfamiliar environment. They develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience while navigating trails, camping, and engaging with nature—fulfilling all the requirements of the IAYP Adventurous Journey.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:

The chances of getting a confirmed slot totally depend on the cancellations we receive from confirmed trekkers. The cancellations cannot be predicted hence are uncertain.

We close the movement of the waitlist 7-15 days before the trek starts.

You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.

Being pioneers of trekking in India

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with challenges such as heavy rain, roadblocks, floods, landslides, and permit restrictions imposed by the government. These situations are not within Indiahikes' control. 

Before you register, please be prepared for the possibility that your trek might be called off due to these uncontrollable factors. In such cases, Indiahikes will make every effort to offer you a safe alternative trek. If that isn't possible, we will cancel your trek and issue a voucher for the trek fee in line with our standard cancellation policy.

However, if you would like to receive a full refund of your fee under such circumstances, opt for the Indiahikes Shield while registering. This shield grants you the option to receive a refund in case your trek is cancelled due to external reasons. 

Why you should opt for Indiahikes Shield 

Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.

Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared.  As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.  

We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.

Why you must opt for Indiahikes Shield on Kashmir Treks

When you offload, a mule or porter will carry your belongings.

Offloading is for those with injuries, health issues or other limitations

Book via Your Profile after trek registration. 

We will provide you with a weather-resistant kit bag to transfer your belongings.

The kitbag will be carried by mules or porters.

You will not need a backpack if you're offloading. However, you will need a small day pack.

Find details about the Indiahikes Offloading Process here.

At Indiahikes, we strongly believe that children must trek. Children aged 14 and below qualify for a 30% trek fee scholarship. Check out this article to learn more.


For every ten adult members (aged 15 and above) of the group, we waive off the trek fee for one person. Indiahikes will reimburse the said trek fee after you complete your trek.

Dehradun

Treks by Categories

Treks by Season

Treks by Month

Treks by Duration

Treks by Difficulty

Treks by Region

Treks by Experience

Quick Links

Follow Us On

Contact Us

Bengaluru Office

Dehradun Office