Dehradun is a great starting point for exploring the hills of Uttarakhand. You do not always need to plan a five-day Himalayan trek to get a good mountain experience. Some trails can be done in a day, while others work well for a weekend trip.
From old walking routes and forest trails to temple hikes and higher mountain paths, there are several options around Dehradun and the nearby Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Rishikesh and Chakrata regions.
This guide covers six useful options: Kipling Trail, Bhadraj Temple Trek, Surkanda Devi Temple Trek, Benog Tibba Trek, Kunjapuri Temple Trek and Deoban Weekend Trek.
The difficulty and distance can vary depending on the exact starting point and route. So, always check local conditions before starting, especially during the monsoon and winter months.
Why Choose a Trek Near Dehradun?
One big advantage is easy access.
Dehradun connects well with Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Dhanaulti and Chakrata. That means you can leave early in the morning, spend several hours on a trail and return the same day. For a longer weekend, you can stay overnight in the hills and explore at a slower pace.
Uttarakhand Tourism also recognises trekking as an important part of the state’s adventure tourism and lists regional trekking routes across the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
For beginners, nearby trails are useful because they let you learn basic things such as pacing, footwear, hydration and walking on uneven ground without immediately jumping into a long Himalayan trek.
And yes, your legs will still complain. That is part of the deal.
1. Kipling Trail Trek
The Kipling Trail Trek is one of the more interesting hiking routes connected with Dehradun and Mussoorie. The historic walking route starts around the Rajpur area of Dehradun and heads towards Mussoorie.
The trail is associated with the old route used before modern roads made travel to Mussoorie easier. Modern descriptions place the trail at around 9 km, with the route passing through forest sections and areas such as Jharipani and Barlowganj.
This is not just a walk for mountain views. It also has a bit of history attached to it.
The route gives you a chance to experience the transition from the Doon Valley towards the Mussoorie hills. Parts of the trail can be steep, so beginners should not treat it like a flat city walk.
Who should try it?
The Kipling Trail works well for people who enjoy a longer day hike and want something different from the usual Mussoorie sightseeing plan.
Wear proper shoes, carry water and start early. Trail conditions can change, and some sections are considerably steeper than they look on a map.
2. Bhadraj Temple Trek
If you want a hike that combines a mountain trail with a temple visit, the Bhadraj Temple Trek is worth considering.
Bhadraj Temple sits on the western side of Mussoorie and is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, who is traditionally associated with Lord Krishna’s brother, Balarama. The trail can be approached from the Cloud’s End side. A commonly described route covers around 11 km by trek from Cloud’s End.
The trail takes you through forest and open mountain sections before reaching the temple. The higher sections provide views towards the Doon Valley and surrounding Himalayan ranges.
This is better suited to a full-day outing than a quick morning walk.
The route also has some steep sections, so beginners should maintain a comfortable pace instead of trying to finish quickly.
What makes Bhadraj different?
The combination of hiking, local religious importance and mountain scenery gives this trek a different feel from a regular viewpoint hike.
If you are staying in Mussoorie, it can also be planned as a separate day away from the busy central areas.
3. Surkanda Devi Temple Trek
The Surkanda Devi Temple Trek is one of the more accessible temple hikes in the Dhanaulti–Kaddukhal area.
The trail starts from Kaddukhal and climbs towards Surkanda Devi Temple. Uttarakhand government planning documents also mention the pedestrian path between Kaddukhal and Surkanda Devi Temple.
The temple stands at roughly 2,700 metres, depending on the reference used. The route is much shorter than a multi-day Himalayan trek, making it suitable for travellers who want a mountain walk without committing to a long expedition.
There is also a ropeway serving the temple, so visitors now have another way to reach the upper area.
If your purpose is specifically to hike, you can choose the walking route instead of relying on the ropeway.
Is Surkanda Devi suitable for beginners?
For many first-time hikers, the short route makes it a manageable introduction to uphill walking. But do not confuse short with completely effortless.
The climb is continuous in places, and the altitude is higher than Dehradun. Take your time, especially if you are not used to mountain terrain.
4. Benog Tibba Trek
The Benog Tibba Trek is another popular hiking option around Mussoorie.
Benog Hill, also known as Benog Tibba, rises to around 2,250 metres and is located in the Mussoorie region. The route from Cloud’s End is commonly described as a roughly 5 km trek.
The trail passes through forested areas and leads towards the Benog Hill area, where a small temple dedicated to Jwala Devi stands near the top.
The surroundings are a major part of the experience. You get forest walking, open views and a quieter side of the Mussoorie hills.
For beginners, this can be a good option if you want to start with a relatively short mountain hike.
Why choose Benog Tibba?
It gives you a proper hiking feel without requiring several days away from home.
You can plan it as a day trip from Dehradun, although travel time to and from the trailhead should be considered when making your schedule.
Start early, especially on weekends. Mountain weather can also change quickly, so carry a light rain layer even when the morning looks clear.
5. Kunjapuri Temple Trek
The Kunjapuri Temple Trek takes you towards Kunjapuri Temple in Tehri Garhwal.
Kunjapuri peak stands at about 1,676 metres above sea level, according to the Tehri Garhwal district administration. The temple is around 7 km from Narendra Nagar and about 15 km from Rishikesh.
For people who want to hike rather than simply drive to the temple, the district administration describes a route from Hindolakhal village through the forest. That walking route is around 5 km.
The temple is known for its wide views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys.
Kunjapuri is also popular for sunrise and sunset visits. If you plan a sunrise hike, remember that starting before daylight means you need a reliable light and should be comfortable walking in low-light conditions.
Is Kunjapuri good for a weekend adventure?
Yes, it can fit easily into a short Uttarakhand trip, particularly if you are already planning to visit Rishikesh or Narendra Nagar.
However, route difficulty depends on the trail you choose. Do not assume every Kunjapuri route has the same distance or effort.
6. Deoban Weekend Trek
If you want to move beyond short day hikes, Deoban near Chakrata is a good weekend option.
Uttarakhand Tourism identifies Deoban as a trekking area around Chakrata and highlights its deodar forests and mountain views. The tourism department places Deoban around 16 km from Chakrata in one of its destination descriptions.
This is where the experience starts feeling more like a mountain weekend than a quick hike.
Deoban Trek is known for its thick deodar forest and views of the Himalayan ranges. The forest setting is one of its main attractions, so this trek is not only about reaching a summit.
Because Deoban is in the Chakrata region, you need to allow time for the drive from Dehradun as well as the walk itself.
Who should choose Deoban?
Choose Deoban if you want to spend more time in the mountains rather than finish everything in a few hours.
It works well for a weekend plan where you can drive towards Chakrata, stay overnight and explore the Deoban area at a relaxed pace.
Keep in mind that access and trail conditions can change because of weather, forest regulations and road conditions. Check local information before travelling.
How to Choose the Right Trek Near Dehradun?
Not every trail suits every beginner.
If you want a shorter temple hike, Surkanda Devi can be considered. If you want a forest and hill walk around Mussoorie, Benog Tibba offers a different experience.
For history and a longer walk, look at the Kipling Trail.
If you want a temple combined with a longer mountain walk, Bhadraj Temple is another option.
For Himalayan views and a spiritual stop, Kunjapuri works well, while Deoban makes more sense when you have a full weekend available.
The important thing is to choose based on your available time, fitness, weather and the actual route conditions rather than simply picking a trail because it looks easy on Instagram.
Best Time for Hiking Near Dehradun
The best season depends on the trail.
Spring and autumn generally offer comfortable conditions for many lower and mid-altitude hikes. Summer can also work, although afternoons may feel warmer around lower sections.
The monsoon needs more care. Rain can make forest paths slippery, while heavy rainfall can affect roads and trail access.
Winter brings colder conditions and, on higher routes, the possibility of snow or icy sections. Check the local weather and road conditions before leaving.
For Deoban, Uttarakhand Tourism specifically lists April to June and September to November among the better periods for visiting Chakrata.
There is no single “perfect” month for every hike. That is why checking the specific trail before your trip matters.
What Beginners Should Carry
You do not need an expedition-sized backpack for these hikes.
Carry:
- Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Light snacks
- A small first-aid kit
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A light rain jacket
- Warm layer during colder months
- Phone with enough battery
- Power bank
- Basic navigation or offline map
- Small waste bag
Do not leave plastic, food packets or other waste on the trail.
Also, avoid playing loud music in forest areas. The mountains already have a soundtrack. Let the birds keep it.
A Few Safety Tips Before You Start
Check the weather before leaving Dehradun.
Tell someone at home about your route and expected return time, especially if you are hiking independently.
Start early for longer trails. Daylight gives you more time and reduces the pressure to hurry.
If you feel unusually tired, dizzy or unwell, stop and assess the situation. There is no prize for reaching a viewpoint five minutes faster.
For routes passing through forest areas, follow local instructions and any access rules. Uttarakhand Tourism’s trekking guidelines also stress trained guides, safety measures and responsible trekking practices on suitable routes.
Final Thoughts
You do not have to travel deep into the Himalayas every time you want a good trek.
The hills around Dehradun give beginners and weekend travellers plenty of choices. Kipling Trail, Bhadraj Temple Trek, Surkanda Devi Temple Trek, Benog Tibba Trek, Kunjapuri Temple Trek and Deoban each offer a different type of mountain experience.
Some are short hikes. Some need a full day. Deoban is better suited to a weekend plan.
The smartest approach is simple: choose the trail according to your time and fitness, check current weather and road conditions, carry the basics and respect the local environment.
And once you finish your first trail, you may start looking at longer Himalayan treks. That is usually how it starts.
