How to Reach Dhanaulti from Haridwar

Dhanaulti is a serene and relatively untouched hill station in Uttarakhand, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, lush deodar and rhododendron forests, and a peaceful escape from crowded tourist spots. It’s becoming increasingly popular for its tranquil environment and proximity to major towns like Mussoorie. If you’re traveling from the holy city of Haridwar, reaching Dhanaulti is an uphill journey primarily by road.

Distance Between Haridwar and Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is situated at a manageable distance from Haridwar:

• By Road: Approximately 80-110 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken (via Rishikesh-Chamba or Dehradun-Mussoorie).

How to Reach Dhanaulti from Haridwar

Road transport is the most practical and common way to get to Dhanaulti. There are no direct train or flight connections to Dhanaulti itself. The journey involves driving through winding mountain roads, which are scenic but require careful navigation.

• Journey Time: The drive typically takes between 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the route chosen.

1. By Road (Most Convenient and Recommended)

Traveling by road offers flexibility and allows you to enjoy the changing landscapes from the plains to the hills.

a. By Private Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Direct)

Hiring a private taxi or cab is the most comfortable and direct way to reach Dhanaulti, especially if you’re traveling with family or prefer privacy.

• Where to Find Them: You can find pre-paid taxi counters at Haridwar Railway Station or numerous private taxi operators and stands across Haridwar town.
• Routes: There are two main routes:
  1. Via Rishikesh & Chamba: This route (Haridwar – Rishikesh – Narendra Nagar – Chamba – Dhanaulti) is generally preferred as it is considered smoother and less congested than the Mussoorie route. It’s approximately 90-100 km.
  2. Via Dehradun & Mussoorie: This route (Haridwar – Dehradun – Mussoorie – Dhanaulti) is longer and involves navigating the busy Mussoorie road, which can have significant traffic, especially during peak season. It’s roughly 100-110 km.
• Pros: Door-to-door service, comfortable, flexible with stops for photos or refreshments.
• Cons: Most expensive option.
• Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹2,500 to ₹6,000, depending on the car type (sedan, SUV), the exact route, and the taxi service. It’s always best to confirm if tolls and driver’s allowance are included.
• Tips: Use reputable taxi services. Clearly negotiate the fare beforehand. For a smoother journey, discuss with the driver about taking the Rishikesh-Chamba route if possible.

b. By Self-Drive (Adventurous, Requires Hill Driving Experience)

If you enjoy driving and are comfortable with mountain roads, self-driving offers maximum flexibility.

• Pros: Complete freedom to stop wherever you like, set your own pace.
• Cons: The journey can be tiring. Hill roads require good driving skills, especially during monsoon or winter (if there’s snow). Parking in Dhanaulti can be limited.
• Tips: Ensure your car is in excellent condition, especially brakes and tires. Carry all necessary documents. Check road conditions, especially if traveling during monsoon (July-August) or winter (December-February) when landslides or snow might affect routes.

c. By Bus (Economical, Involves Transfers)

Direct buses from Haridwar to Dhanaulti are less frequent or non-existent. You will likely need to break your journey into segments.

• Option 1: Haridwar to Rishikesh/Dehradun, then to Dhanaulti:
  • Haridwar to Rishikesh (approx. 20-25 km, 45 mins-1 hr): Frequent local buses and shared auto-rickshaws are available from Haridwar Bus Stand and Railway Station.
  • Rishikesh to Chamba (approx. 60-70 km, 2-2.5 hrs): Buses are available from Rishikesh Bus Stand.
  • Chamba to Dhanaulti (approx. 25-30 km, 1-1.5 hrs): From Chamba, you might find local buses or shared jeeps/taxis to Dhanaulti.
• Option 2: Haridwar to Dehradun/Mussoorie, then to Dhanaulti:
  • Haridwar to Dehradun (approx. 50-60 km, 1.5-2 hrs): Frequent buses and shared taxis are available from Haridwar.
  • Dehradun to Mussoorie (approx. 35 km, 1-1.5 hrs): Regular buses and shared taxis operate on this route.
  • Mussoorie to Dhanaulti (approx. 30 km, 1-1.5 hrs): From Mussoorie, you’ll need to hire a local taxi or shared jeep to Dhanaulti.
• Pros: Most economical way to travel.
• Cons: Time-consuming due to multiple transfers and waiting times. Less comfortable than a private taxi, especially with luggage.
• Price Estimates: Each segment by bus would cost between ₹50-₹250. Shared taxis for segments would be slightly higher, e.g., ₹100-₹300 per person per segment. The total cost would still be significantly less than a private taxi.
• Tips: Start early in the day to ensure you have enough time for transfers and reach Dhanaulti before dark.

2. By Train or Air (Not Practical)

• By Train: Dhanaulti does not have a railway station. The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar (HW) and Dehradun (DDN). As you would already be starting from Haridwar, train travel is not a means to reach Dhanaulti itself.
• By Air: Dhanaulti does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is approximately 80-90 km away. While you could fly from other cities to Dehradun, there is no flight option from Haridwar to Dehradun, and you would still need to rely on road transport from Dehradun to Dhanaulti.

For a hassle-free journey, especially if traveling with family or preferring comfort, a private taxi directly from Haridwar to Dhanaulti is the best option. For budget travelers, a combination of local buses and shared taxis/jeeps is feasible, but be prepared for transfers and longer travel times.