7 Best Hill Stations Near Dehradun You Must Visit in 2026

Why Dehradun is the Perfect Base for a Hill Getaway

Surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas on one side and the Shivalik range on the other, Dehradun isn't just a city to pass through on your way to the mountains - it's one of the best starting points in North India for a quick hill escape. Most of the destinations on this list can be reached in under three hours, making them ideal for a weekend trip or even a long day out with family.

Whether you're chasing snow in winter, looking for a quiet forest walk, or simply want a change of scenery from the plains, here are seven hill stations near Dehradun worth the drive.

1. Mussoorie - The Queen of the Hills

The most popular hill station near Dehradun, Mussoorie sits at roughly 6,500 feet and is only about 35 km away - a comfortable 1 to 1.5 hour drive. Known for Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and the panoramic views from Lal Tibba, it's an easy choice for a same-day trip or an overnight stay. The town gets pleasantly cool even in peak summer, which is why it remains a go-to escape for travelers from Dehradun and Delhi alike.

Best for: First-time visitors, families, short weekend trips.

2. Dhanaulti - A Quieter Alternative to Mussoorie

About 60 km from Dehradun and roughly 24 km past Mussoorie, Dhanaulti offers what Mussoorie used to be before the crowds - dense deodar and oak forests, clean mountain air, and far fewer tourists. The Eco Park here is a popular stop, and in winter the entire region is often blanketed in snow. It's a good pick if you want mountain views without the Mall Road traffic.

Best for: Couples, peaceful walks, winter snow.

3. Chakrata - Uttarakhand's Hidden Hill Station

Roughly 90 km from Dehradun, Chakrata remains one of the lesser-commercialized hill towns in the state, partly because much of the area falls under a cantonment zone. Pine forests, the Tiger Falls trek, and the Deoban forest (a favorite among bird watchers) make it worth the slightly longer drive. If you're looking to get away from typical tourist crowds, Chakrata delivers.

Best for: Offbeat travelers, trekking, photography.

4. Kanatal - For a Slower, Scenic Escape

Close to Dhanaulti and around 80 km from Dehradun, Kanatal sits at about 8,500 feet and is known for its apple orchards, quiet trails, and uninterrupted Himalayan views. It doesn't have a major "attraction" in the way Mussoorie does - and that's exactly the appeal. It's a destination for slowing down rather than sightseeing.

Best for: Relaxation, nature walks, camping.

5. New Tehri - Lake Views and Adventure Sports

About 100 km from Dehradun (roughly 3 hours by road), New Tehri was built after the original Tehri town was submerged to create the Tehri Dam reservoir, now known as Tehri Lake. Today it's known for water sports - boating, kayaking, jet-skiing, and even parasailing over the lake - making it one of the more activity-driven hill stations on this list.

Best for: Water sports, a different kind of hill-station experience.

6. Landour - Mussoorie's Quieter Neighbor

Just a short drive past Mussoorie, Landour is a small cantonment town known for its colonial-era buildings, old bookshops, and a slower pace of life. Many travelers combine a Mussoorie trip with a couple of hours in Landour for contrast - it's the same general distance from Dehradun (around 35-38 km) but feels like a different world.

Best for: A calm break from Mussoorie's crowds, heritage architecture.

7. Lansdowne - Cantonment Charm and Pine Forests

A bit further out at around 145 km from Dehradun, Lansdowne is a well-maintained cantonment town surrounded by pine and oak forests. It's quieter than most hill stations on this list and works well as an overnight or two-day trip rather than a same-day visit, given the distance.

Best for: Longer trips, peaceful cantonment towns, nature lovers.

Planning Your Trip from Dehradun

Most of these hill stations are easily reached by road, and hiring a taxi is usually more convenient than relying on shared transport, especially if you're traveling with family or carrying luggage. Anywhere Taxi Service offers one-way drops and round-trip packages to Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Chakrata, New Tehri, and other nearby hill stations, with sedans, SUVs, and Innova Crysta options depending on your group size.

If you're short on time, Mussoorie and Landour can comfortably be covered in a single day. For Chakrata, Kanatal, or New Tehri, an overnight stay lets you enjoy the place without rushing back the same evening.

How Do You Choose Between These Seven?

Use the time-versus-reward rule. Under two hours of driving buys you Mussoorie, Rishikesh or Landour - perfect for day trips with children or elderly parents. Stretch to three hours and Chakrata, Dhanaulti and Kanatal open up, trading distance for dramatically thinner crowds. New Tehri at three and a half hours is the full weekend commitment, rewarded with lake views nothing closer can match. Our dispatch desk plays matchmaker daily: tell us the group, the dates and the mood, and we will name the hill.

Sample Weekend: Two Hills, One Booking

The combination our regulars love most: Saturday morning to Dhanaulti (Eco Park, quiet deodar walks, overnight stay), then Sunday through Kanatal and the Surkanda Devi ropeway before descending via Chamba and Mussoorie bypass by dinner. One cab, one driver, roughly 160 km of the best ridge road in the district, and no repositioning headaches. Ask for the Dhanaulti-Kanatal loop when you call 7830211223 and the office will quote it as a single round-trip package.

When Does Each Hill Peak?

• March-April: rhododendrons flame across Chakrata and Dhanaulti ridges
• May-June: escape season - every hill on this list runs 10-15 C cooler than Dehradun
• October-November: post-monsoon clarity; Khirsu-grade Himalayan views from New Tehri and Kanatal
• January-February: snow chasers head to Chakrata, Dhanaulti and Kanatal; Mussoorie's winter line peaks at dusk

Keep planning: Chakrata Taxi Guide · Mussoorie Cab Service · Full Fare List