Kanatal—nestled at about 2,600m in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district—is famed for its apple orchards, serene pine forests, cool breezes, and panoramic Himalayan views. Sitting about an hour beyond Dhanaulti, Kanatal is a hidden retreat for those seeking calm, adventure camps, and sweeping vistas without Mussoorie’s crowds. This guide gives you every route, travel mode, tip, and local insight for a seamless Mussoorie-to-Kanatal journey.
Distance from Mussoorie to Kanatal
- By Road: About 38–45km depending on your Mussoorie starting point and route.
- Travel Time: 1.5–2.5 hours by car, taxi, or bus. Slightly longer during monsoon, fog, or heavy tourist traffic.
- Elevation gain: Mussoorie (~2,000m) to Kanatal (~2,600m)—a gently rising, winding drive through deodar and rhododendron forests.
All trips are by road since there’s no direct rail or air connection in this mountain stretch.
Main Travel Options
1. By Road — Private Car, Taxi, or Self-Drive (Most Comfortable and Flexible)
Route
- Main Route: Mussoorie → Landour → Buranskhanda → Dhanaulti → Kanatal
- Via the Mussoorie–Dhanaulti–Chamba Road (MDR49/Tehri Road)
- Key Segments:
- Mussoorie to Dhanaulti: 25–30km, 1–1.5hr (through Landour, Buranskhanda)
- Dhanaulti to Kanatal: 13–15km, 30–40min
- Smooth, scenic drive, rolling through forests and ridge points. Views open up after Buranskhanda and Dhanaulti, especially on clear days!
- Alternative: Direct by-passes via Daulagiri/Surkanda Devi if you want a trekking side-trip.
Taxi/Car Fare (as of July 2025)
- Small taxi (sedan): ₹1,600–₹2,800 one way
- SUV/Tempo Traveller (for families/groups): ₹2,200–₹4,000
- Roundtrip with wait (excursion): ₹3,000–₹6,000 (negotiable for 7–8hr tour or overnight)
- Self-drive rentals: Available from Mussoorie/Dehradun; be confident in hill driving.
Why Choose This?
- Door-to-door comfort, plenty of luggage space
- Flexible halts: Pause for photos, tea at Landour, mountain cafés near Buranskhanda, or orchard stops before Kanatal
- Ideal for: Families, small groups, tourists with elders/kids, or those seeking a relaxed drive
Tips
- Refuel in Mussoorie/Dhanaulti: Few petrol pumps close to Kanatal
- Start early; clear views and less chance of traffic/fog
- In monsoon (July–September), drive with extra care and check for landslide advisories
- Carry cash for small dhabas or tolls—digital payments may be patchy in hills
- If self-driving, be prepared for hairpins, occasional livestock, and fog patches in early mornings or evenings
2. By Bus + Shared Jeep (Budget-Backpacker & Solo Traveler Option)
Step 1: Mussoorie to Dhanaulti
- State UTC buses and shared jeeps depart from Mussoorie bus stand (Library Chowk) and Landour
- Frequency: 4–8 buses/day (mainly mornings), jeeps leave when full
- Fare: ₹70–₹130 (bus), ₹150–₹180 (shared jeep)
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Step 2: Dhanaulti to Kanatal
- Shared jeeps to Kanatal available at Dhanaulti market/stop (wait for enough passengers or negotiate for private ride)
- Fare: ₹60–₹150 per seat; private booking negotiable
- Duration: 30–45 minutes
- Note: Sometimes fewer jeeps in late afternoon/evening, so plan to reach Dhanaulti by early afternoon for onward connection
Why Choose This?
- Economical, social, good for solo/backpackers
- Allows flexible stops in Dhanaulti for Eco Park or Surkanda Devi Temple
Tips
- Confirm first/last bus timings at your hotel or with your local host as schedules may vary by season
- For return to Mussoorie, check return jeep/bus schedule from Kanatal/Dhanaulti
3. By Hired Scooter/Motorbike (For Adventurous Couples/Solo Travelers)
- Bike/scooter rentals: Available in Mussoorie and Landour; ₹700–₹1,200/day
- Duration: 1–2 hours; more with stops
- Only for those confident in winding, hilly drives—roads are narrow in places with sharp bends and fog risks
- Park at Kanatal main market or hotel; secure overnight parking if staying
Additional Route & Local Information
Best Time to Visit Kanatal
- March–June: Cool, breezy, rhododendron blooms, clear Himalayan vistas
- July–September: Monsoon brings lush emerald hills; occasional landslide/road delays possible
- October–February: Misty autumn and cold winter; chance of snow Dec–Feb
What to Pack
- Summer: Light jackets, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy shoes (trails in Kanatal)
- Monsoon: Raincoat, umbrella, boots/shoes with grip
- Winter: Heavy jackets, woolens, gloves, scarf, thermal inners
Must-See Along the Way
- Landour: Charming colonial walks, Landour Bakehouse, Sister’s Bazaar
- Buranskhanda: Photo stop for panoramic Himalayan bends and Maggi stalls
- Dhanaulti Eco Park: Forest walks, adventure activities
- Surkanda Devi Temple: Trek up from Kaddu Khal for vistas and spiritual atmosphere
- Kanatal: Apple orchards, scenic camps/resorts, Kodai Jungle, Tehri Lake side-trips, sunset viewpoints
Local/Safety Tips
- Early start = clearer views and better connections for buses/jeeps
- Book taxis ahead for weekends/holidays (especially in May–June, New Year, September–October long weekends)
- Cash recommended for small/remote shops; cards may not be widely accepted
- Keep an eye on weather—fog can descend quickly in afternoons/evenings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I visit Kanatal as a day trip from Mussoorie?
A: Yes! Many travelers do a day trip: leave by 8am, have lunch in Kanatal, and return by evening. For relaxed sightseeing or trekking, best to stay overnight.
Q: Is the road open all year?
A: Yes, except during rare heavy snow (late Dec–Feb) or after major monsoon landslide; always check locally in storm/snow season.
Q: Are there direct taxis to Kanatal?
A: Yes—book from any Mussoorie taxi stand or your hotel.
Q: Cheapest way?
A: State bus or shared jeep to Dhanaulti + onward shared jeep to Kanatal (total under ₹300 if well-timed).
Q: Are bike rides/copuple trips safe?
A: Yes for experienced bikers—but only in clear weather. Avoid after dark; roads get slippery and misty.
Conclusion
The Mussoorie–Kanatal route is a fantastic offbeat Himalayan journey—full of cedar forests, panoramas, and mountain air. Whether you drive yourself, take a taxi, or hop buses and jeeps, the trip is scenic, safe, and rewarding. With smart planning, local tips, and weather-ready packing, you’ll find yourself a world away in Kanatal just a couple of hours after leaving Mussoorie’s bustle. Enjoy the ride, and let the high meadows and pines welcome you!
