Last updated on May 30th, 2026 at 03:46 pm
Reading Time: 6 minutesMy friend and I didn’t plan this trip particularly well.
Actually, some of the best experiences come from showing up somewhere without a script and figuring it out as you go. Mussoorie was that kind of trip for us.
This was one of my earliest travel experiences before photography became serious, before the blog had a direction, before I knew what I was doing.
Here’s what a 2-day Mussoorie trip from Delhi actually looks like when you’re going by bus, staying near the mall road, and discovering things as you walk.
Table of Contents
Quick Mussoorie Travel Guide
| Location | Uttarakhand, India |
| Altitude | 2,005 metres |
| Distance from Delhi | 290 km, approximately 7–8 hours by bus |
| Distance from Dehradun | 38 km, approximately 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Best time to visit | March to June, September to November |
| Known for | Mall Road, Lal Tibba, Kempty Falls, Landour, Camel’s Back Road |
| Budget per day | Rs.1,000–2,000 per person including stay, food, and local travel |
| Nearest railway station | Dehradun Railway Station |
| Nearest airport | Jolly Grant Aiport, Approx 60 km, 2 hr travel |
How to Reach Mussoorie from Delhi
By Bus
Overnight and morning buses run daily from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi to Dehradun. Journey takes 6–7 hours. Fare approximately ₹400–700 depending on bus type. From Dehradun, local buses and shared cabs to Mussoorie run regularly from the Dehradun bus stand. The distance from Dehradun bus stand to Mussoorie is 38 km. It takes around 1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic. The Bus fare ranges from Rs. 60–70.
Alternatively: Direct Volvo buses from Delhi to Mussoorie are also available, fare approximately Rs. 600–900. These drop you at the Mussoorie bus stand directly.
By Train + Bus
Take an overnight train from Delhi to Dehradun. Multiple trains run including the Shatabdi Express which takes 5–6 hours. From Dehradun railway station, take a shared cab or bus to Mussoorie.
By Car
Delhi to Mussoorie via Dehradun is approximately 290 km, 6–7 hours depending on traffic. The Haridwar bypass is generally faster. The last stretch from Dehradun to Mussoorie is steep and scenic.
Travel tip: Don’t eat a heavy meal right before the Dehradun to Mussoorie bus ride. The road is winding and the hairpin bends on a full stomach are uncomfortable. Light snacks are fine.
Day 1 — Arriving in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba
We came from Delhi to Dehradun the day before and spent a morning exploring Dehradun before heading to Mussoorie. At the Dehradun bus stand we found a long queue — buses come every 30 minutes and each one fills up before the next arrives. We waited about 90 minutes before boarding.
We left Dehradun at 12:05 PM, reached Mussoorie by 1:40 PM.
The first view of Mussoorie arriving by bus is the whole Garhwal landscape opening up.
We walked from the bus stand to our hotel near Clock Tower about 2–3 km along the Mall Road. The Mall Road is Mussoorie’s main spot—shops, cafes, people walking, the usual hill station energy.
After checking in we had one plan for the afternoon, to go to Lal Tibba.
Lal Tibba — Mussoorie’s Highest Point
Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie at approximately 2,275 metres (7,500 feet). It’s about 5–6 km from the Mall Road. It’s walkable but steep in sections. The walk itself has a trekking quality to it which we appreciated more than we expected.
We reached the Lal Tibba by 5 PM.
At the top there’s a cafe, and to access the best views from the upper deck, you need to buy something. We ordered cold coffee with ice cream. The view from there were simple mind blowing.
The telescope at the top is an old British-era instrument that used to help spot distant peaks. Ask the cafe staff to point it out, it’s an unusual detail most visitors miss.
Some helpful info:
- Distance from Mall Road: 5–6 km
- Entry: Free (buy something at the cafe for rooftop access)
- Best time: Late afternoon for mountain views — clear days are more common in the morning
On the way back we passed Tip Top Tea Shop — a chai stall that has been running since 1910. One of those places where the history matters as much as what’s in it. Stop here if you pass it.
We reached the hotel by 7 PM, had dinner on Mall Road.
Day 2 — Kempty Falls, Landour, Library Bazaar
Kempty Falls
The next morning we rented a bike and rode toward Kempty Falls, 14 km from Mussoorie on the Chakrata road.
Kempty Falls is Mussoorie’s most visited natural attraction. It is a 40-metre waterfall that drops into a pool at the base. Crowded during peak season (May–June) but genuinely impressive in volume. The mist from the falls reaches you before you can see them properly.
We reached by 10 AM, spent about 2 hours, ate Pahadi Maggi from a stall near the falls, walked around the viewpoints, and then continued toward the Yamuna Bridge further down the road.
Some helpful info:
- Distance from Mussoorie: 14 km
- Entry fee: Rs. 50–100 for the viewpoint area
- Cable car: Available from the top viewpoint to the falls base Rs.100–150 return
- Best time: Morning on weekdays, weekends and peak season get very crowded
- Bike rental from Mussoorie: Rs. 400–600 per day
Landour — The Quieter Hill
We returned to Mussoorie by 2 PM and spent the remaining afternoon in Landour.
Landour is where writers, artists, and long-term residents of Mussoorie actually live. Ruskin Bond has lived here for decades, his house is in Landour and occasionally visitors spot him at the Char Dukan crossroads.
Char Dukan is a four small shops at the top of Landour. It’s is the place to sit with tea and look out over the valley. Baked goods at Prakash’s Bakery here are genuinely excellent.
Landour is about 2 km above Mall Road, it’s a steep walk or short taxi ride.
What to do in Landour:
- Walk the circular road, it’s about 5 km, views of valley on both sides
- Char Dukan for tea and bakery items
- St. Paul’s Church, colonial-era church with a quiet, old atmosphere
- Look for Ruskin Bond’s house, locals will point you toward it
Library Bazaar
Library Bazaar is at the western end of the Mall Road. It’s slightly less touristy section with local shops, cheaper eating options, and the Mussoorie Library itself.
Good for a final walk before leaving. More local, less performative than the main Mall Road stretch.
Mall Road
The Mall Road is the centre of Mussoorie’s tourist life. It’s a 2 km stretch lined with shops, restaurants, and viewpoints.
What to do on Mall Road:
- Camel’s Back Road runs parallel, it’s a quieter walking path with better views
- Gandhi Chowk area has the highest density of restaurants
- Gun Hill cable car operates from Mall Road, it costs Rs. 150–200 return
- Shopping is overpriced but the views are free
Where to Stay in Mussoorie
Budget: Rs. 600–1,200/night, several guesthouses near Clock Tower and Gandhi Chowk. Basic but clean. We stayed in this range.
Mid-range: Rs. 1,500–3,000/night, better facilities, some with valley views. Book in advance for weekends and peak season (April–June).
Premium: Rs. 4,000+ Mussoorie has a few heritage and boutique hotels. JW Marriott and Savoy are the well-known options.
Tip: Accommodation on the Landour side is significantly cheaper than Mall Road for comparable quality. Worth considering if you have your own transport.
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
March to June — It’s most popular, pleasant weather, flowers blooming, good visibility. May–June gets crowded and hotel prices spike.
July to August — It’s a monsoon season. Lush green but heavy rain, landslides possible on the Dehradun road.
September to November — This is the post-monsoon season. Clear skies, crisp air, good mountain views. October is excellent.
December to February — It remains cold and crowded with tourists on holidays.
Mussoorie Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Delhi to Dehradun bus | Rs. 400–700 |
| Dehradun to Mussoorie bus | Rs. 60–70 |
| Budget accommodation (per night) | Rs. 600–1,200 |
| Food per day | Rs. 300–500 |
| Bike rental | Rs. 400–600/day |
| Kempty Falls entry | Rs. 50–100 |
| Lal Tibba cafe | Rs. 150–300 |
| Total 2 days (approx) | Rs. 2,500–4,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Mussoorie from Delhi? Mussoorie is 290 km, approximately 7–8 hours from Delhi by bus via Dehradun.
Is 2 days enough for Mussoorie? Yes, 2 days covers the main experiences, Lal Tibba, Kempty Falls, Landour, and the Mall Road. Add a third day if you want to explore Dhanaulti which is 25 km from Mussoorie.
What is the best time to visit Mussoorie? March to June for pleasant weather. September to November for clear mountain views and fewer crowds. Avoid May–June peak season if possible, prices double and the Mall Road gets extremely crowded.
How to reach Kempty Falls from Mussoorie? Kempty falls is around 14 km from Mussoorie on the Chakrata road. Rent a bike for Rs. 400–600 a day or take a shared cab. Auto-rickshaws also available.
Where is Lal Tibba in Mussoorie? Lal Tibba is 5–6 km from Mall Road. It is walkable but steep. The highest point in Mussoorie at 2,275 metres.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at what we did in two days:
- Arrived by bus, walked to Lal Tibba, ate Maggi at Kempty Falls, discovered Landour in the afternoon, and left on a bus back to Delhi.
Your visit to Mussoorie works best when you don’t over-plan it. Walk the Mall Road without a list of things to tick. Take the bus to Kempty and stay longer than you planned. Find Char Dukan in Landour and sit until the light changes.
That’s it.
