One good thing about living in Dehradun is how much is close by. You can be in the hills in an hour, on the Ganga in about the same, and back home for dinner. This list covers the places within roughly 100 km that people here actually go to on weekends, with the distance from Dehradun and whether a day trip is enough.
Up the hills
Mussoorie, about 32 km
The obvious one. Mall Road, Camel's Back Road, Kempty Falls and Lal Tibba in Landour. A day trip works if you leave early, but weekend traffic on the Mussoorie road is heavy, so give yourself extra time coming down. From mid-October to January, stay till sunset at Gun Hill or Lal Tibba to see the winterline.
Dhanaulti, about 59 km
24 km past Mussoorie, at about 2,286 m. The Amber and Dhara eco parks, Surkanda Devi temple close by, and snow in most winters. It's a long day trip. An overnight stay makes it easier, especially in winter.
Kanatal, about 78 km
On the Chamba–Mussoorie road, 38 km beyond Mussoorie. People go for camping and for a quiet night away from Mussoorie's crowds. Heavy snow can block the roads in winter. Stay the night.
Chakrata, about 89 km
An Army cantonment town north-west of Dehradun, reached through Kalsi. Tiger Falls, Deoban and the Budher caves are the main sights. The road is slow and winding, so this is a weekend trip, not a day trip. Carry ID.
Closer to home
Kalsi, on the Chakrata road
Kalsi, near the Yamuna on the way to Chakrata, has a boulder inscribed with Emperor Ashoka's edicts in the Brahmi script. It makes a good half-day trip on its own or a stop on the road to Chakrata.
Asan Barrage, on the Dehradun–Paonta road
The wetland at Asan was Uttarakhand's first Ramsar site. From November to March it fills with migratory ducks. Go early in the morning with binoculars.
Maldevta, about 13 km, and Sahastradhara, about 14 km
Both are close to the city but feel like an outing. Maldevta is for sitting by the Song river and the old canal walk. Sahastradhara has the sulphur springs and the ropeway. They are about 9 km apart and fit into one afternoon.
Down to the Ganga
Rishikesh, about 40 km
Ram Jhula, the Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat and rafting in season. A day trip is enough if you're not rafting.
Haridwar, about 50 km
Har Ki Pauri and the evening Ganga aarti are the reason to go. The aarti is at sunset, so arrive early to find a spot on the ghat. A day trip is enough.
How to choose
With one free day and no car, take a bus to Rishikesh or Mussoorie. Buses run to both from Dehradun. With a car and a long weekend, go to Chakrata or Kanatal. For snow, Dhanaulti is the nearest dependable bet, between late December and February.
Frequently asked questions
Which places can I visit near Dehradun in one day?
Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kalsi, Maldevta and Sahastradhara all work as day trips. Dhanaulti is possible in a long day.
What is the best hill station near Dehradun for a weekend?
Chakrata or Kanatal if you want quiet, Mussoorie if you want shops and cafés.
How far is Chakrata from Dehradun?
About 89 km, via Kalsi. The hill section is slow, so leave early.
Which hill station near Dehradun gets snow?
Dhanaulti, Kanatal and Chakrata get snow in most winters. Mussoorie gets it less often.
Find more on Doon Dekho
Most places in this guide have their own page on Doon Dekho with distance and directions. Read our guide to snowfall near Dehradun for the winter trips.