Plan 01
1 day in Dehradun
- 01
Day 1: Institute, stupa and bazaar
Start at the Forest Research Institute when it opens, and spend about two hours on the main building, museum and lawns. Drive to Mindrolling Monastery in Clement Town to see the Great Peace Stupa, then have a Tibetan lunch. After a rest, visit Guru Ram Rai Darbar and finish with the Clock Tower and a short walk into Paltan Bazaar for snacks.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Forest Research Institute 2 to 3 hours Easy Morning, October to April; the lawns are pleasant but exposed in May and June Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) 10 to 20 minutes Easy Evening, when the market lights come on; October to March Paltan Bazaar 1 to 2 hours Moderate Late afternoon to evening; November to February for woollens Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Paltan Bazaar: The bazaar is flat but crowded, with narrow pavements, two-wheelers and little seating. Older visitors can do a short stretch near the Clock Tower and sit at a cafe or sweet shop rather than walk the whole length.
Plan 02
2 days in Dehradun
- 01
Day 1: Colonial campus and Tibetan Dehradun
Visit the Forest Research Institute early, then go to Mindrolling Monastery and the Great Peace Stupa. Have a momo and thukpa lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner, rest, then visit Guru Ram Rai Darbar in the late afternoon.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Forest Research Institute 2 to 3 hours Easy Morning, October to April; the lawns are pleasant but exposed in May and June Kalsang Friends Corner 45 minutes to 1 hour Easy Lunch or early dinner; avoid peak evening hours Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Foothills
Leave early for Robber's Cave if you are fit and the water is low, then drive on to Sahastradhara and the Khalanga War Memorial on the same road. Return for a late lunch and a gentle evening at the Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) 1.5 to 2.5 hours including the short approach Demanding Early morning on a weekday, October to April; avoid the monsoon months Sahastradhara 1.5 to 3 hours Moderate October to March for comfort; avoid heavy rain, when paths are slippery Khalanga War Memorial 30 to 45 minutes Moderate Morning, October to April; the annual fair draws crowds Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) 10 to 20 minutes Easy Evening, when the market lights come on; October to March Paltan Bazaar 1 to 2 hours Moderate Late afternoon to evening; November to February for woollens Pace: Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.
With parents at Robber's Cave (Guchhupani): The approach and the wading are the issue: wet, slippery rock, a narrow gorge, shifting water levels and few places to rest. This is not suitable for anyone unsteady on their feet, and the water is cold even in summer.
With parents at Sahastradhara: There are natural limestone steps that are uneven and wet, and some walking is uphill. The ropeway removes one climb, but the spring area itself is slippery, with few places to sit, so older travellers should choose their stops.
Plan 03
3 days in Dehradun
- 01
Day 1: Institute and stupa
Begin at the Forest Research Institute, with lunch nearby and a visit to Mindrolling Monastery in the afternoon. Keep the evening free.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Forest Research Institute 2 to 3 hours Easy Morning, October to April; the lawns are pleasant but exposed in May and June Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Old Dehradun
Visit Guru Ram Rai Darbar in the morning, Tapkeshwar Temple afterwards, and a Tibetan or North Indian lunch. In the evening, walk from the Clock Tower into Paltan Bazaar.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Tapkeshwar Temple 45 minutes to 1.5 hours Moderate Weekday morning, October to March; avoid Mahashivratri and Shravan crowds Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) 10 to 20 minutes Easy Evening, when the market lights come on; October to March Paltan Bazaar 1 to 2 hours Moderate Late afternoon to evening; November to February for woollens Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Tapkeshwar Temple: There are steps and wet, uneven floors near the cave, and the shrine is small and crowded on busy days. The approach has some flat stretches, but older visitors should go slowly and avoid the busiest festival days.
With parents at Paltan Bazaar: The bazaar is flat but crowded, with narrow pavements, two-wheelers and little seating. Older visitors can do a short stretch near the Clock Tower and sit at a cafe or sweet shop rather than walk the whole length.
- 03
Day 3: Foothills or a day trip
Choose between Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara and Khalanga, or the Dehradun Zoo at Malsi on the Mussoorie road. Travellers with energy can instead make a day trip to Mussoorie, which has its own guide.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) 1.5 to 2.5 hours including the short approach Demanding Early morning on a weekday, October to April; avoid the monsoon months Sahastradhara 1.5 to 3 hours Moderate October to March for comfort; avoid heavy rain, when paths are slippery Dehradun Zoo (Malsi) 1.5 to 2 hours Easy Morning, October to April; weekdays are quieter Pace: Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.
With parents at Robber's Cave (Guchhupani): The approach and the wading are the issue: wet, slippery rock, a narrow gorge, shifting water levels and few places to rest. This is not suitable for anyone unsteady on their feet, and the water is cold even in summer.
With parents at Sahastradhara: There are natural limestone steps that are uneven and wet, and some walking is uphill. The ropeway removes one climb, but the spring area itself is slippery, with few places to sit, so older travellers should choose their stops.
Read before you go
Guides for the stops on these routes
Pacing
Pacing a Dehradun trip for parents and children
- Dehradun is mostly flat, but traffic is heavy. Plan one main sight in the morning, a rest after lunch and a short evening outing.
- The Forest Research Institute, Mindrolling Monastery and Guru Ram Rai Darbar are the most comfortable sights, with level paths and seating.
- Robber's Cave and the Sahastradhara spring steps involve wet, uneven rock. Choose a dry day, or skip them if balance or knees are an issue.
- Avoid the monsoon from July to September for foothill outings; paths are slippery and rivers rise quickly.
- Hire a car and driver for the day rather than relying on autos, and ask the driver to wait near crowded areas such as the Clock Tower.
- Carry layers in December and January, when mornings and nights are cold, and water and a hat in May and June.
Book the pieces
Stay close to the route
Pick a base near the first day's sights. Our guide to where to stay in Dehradun compares the areas.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.