Dehradun

🏞️ Welcome to Dehradun – Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas
“Where modern city charm meets mountain calm.”
📍 About Dehradun

Cradled in the Doon Valley between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, Dehradun is the charming capital city of Uttarakhand. Known for its laid-back lifestyle, colonial architecture, and lush green surroundings, Dehradun is often the first stop for travelers heading toward Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Chopta, Auli, and the higher Himalayan regions.

But Dehradun is not just a transit point—it’s a destination worth pausing for. With a perfect blend of urban comforts and natural beauty, the city invites you to explore its rich history, spiritual places, famous institutions, and peaceful surroundings.

At Ride With Himalayas, we often begin our journeys here. Whether you’re arriving from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Mumbai, Dehradun is where the hills start whispering—and your adventure begins.

🌟 Why Visit Dehradun?

✅ Pleasant Weather Year-Round
Cool mornings, fresh air, and views of nearby hills make it a perfect base for exploring.

✅ Easy Access to the Himalayas
Well-connected by road, rail, and air, Dehradun is the starting point for Garhwal’s most iconic destinations—like Auli, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Valley of Flowers.

✅ Balanced Vibe
Enjoy the peace of the countryside with the convenience of cafes, shopping streets, markets, and modern hotels.

✅ Cultural Blend
British-era schools, Buddhist monasteries, Sikh gurudwaras, and local temples make Dehradun a unique mix of colonial charm and spiritual diversity.

🏙️ Places to Explore in Dehradun

🕍 Robber’s Cave (Gucchupani)
A narrow river cave formation where you can walk barefoot in ankle-deep water—mystical and fun.

🛕 Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
An ancient temple set in a natural cave, where water continuously drips on the Shivlinga.

🎓 Forest Research Institute (FRI)
A sprawling colonial-era campus famous for its Greco-Roman architecture and movie shoots.

🌼 Buddha Temple (Mindrolling Monastery)
One of the largest Buddhist centers in India, with a peaceful garden and giant golden stupa.

🌄 Sahastradhara
Known for its natural sulphur springs and waterfalls, ideal for a half-day local escape.

🍲 Local Food & Café Culture

Dehradun has a growing food scene with something for every taste:

🥟 Tibetan Momos & Thukpa

🍲 Garhwali thali (mandua roti, pahadi dal, jhangora kheer)

☕ Cozy mountain-view cafés with great coffee and books

🍛 Local bakeries like Ellora’s and melting-soft Bun Tikkis on the streets

🛍️ What to Shop in Dehradun

📚 Handcrafted notebooks and paper goods

🧥 Woollens from Tibetan markets

🧴 Local Ayurvedic and forest-based products

🍪 Famous Dehradun rusks and baked snacks

🧳 Travel Essentials

📍 Location: Doon Valley, Uttarakhand
🛫 Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED) – 25 km from city center
🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station – well-connected to major cities
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to April for cool weather, March to June for green hills
🧭 Ideal Stay: 1–2 nights for city exploration or en route to the Himalayas

🙌 Why Start Your Journey from Dehradun with Ride With Himalayas

Smooth transfers from airport/railway station to hill destinations
Pre-arranged acclimatization stays before high-altitude treks
Flexible planning—explore the city or head straight to the mountains
Warm, local hospitality and verified stays in and around Dehradun
Quick access to routes for Mussoorie, Auli, Tungnath, Kedarnath & more