Dhanaulti Tour Package
Rs./Person
Dhanaulti is a quiet hill station nestled in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, sitting at an elevation of approximately 2,286 metres above sea level. Surrounded by dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar cedar, this destination offers a refreshing contrast to the more crowded Himalayan escapes. Located just 29 kilometres from Mussoorie and about 68 kilometres from Dehradun, Dhanaulti is easily accessible yet deeply serene — making it one of northern India's most underrated mountain retreats. The region experiences a cool temperate climate, making it a popular getaway during the summer months of April through June and again during the golden autumn season from September to November. During winter, snowfall transforms the landscape into a white wonderland, drawing visitors seeking a snowy mountain experience without the crowds of Auli or Shimla. Key natural attractions include Eco Park (also known as Amber and Dhara parks), Surkanda Devi Temple, Deogarh Fort, and the sweeping apple orchards that dot the hillside. The Dhanaulti tour package typically combines scenic drives, forest walks, and cultural stopovers into a compact and satisfying itinerary. From an expert travel planning perspective, a 2 nights and 3 days itinerary is the ideal duration for Dhanaulti. It allows enough time to explore the Eco Parks, make the spiritual ascent to Surkanda Devi Temple, take a day excursion toward Chamba or Kanatal, and still enjoy a slow morning watching mist rise over the valley from your cottage window. Travellers who rush through in a single day consistently report that they left too soon. Dhanaulti's forest cottages and glass-view resorts make it an ideal romantic destination. Many properties offer private decks overlooking the valley, bonfire evenings, and candlelit dinners under the stars. A couple's package typically includes a premium cottage or chalet, guided nature walks, and a sunset point visit. Surkanda Devi Temple is a revered Shakti Peeth where, according to Hindu scripture, the head of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. The temple is managed by the local pujari community and follows traditional Shaivite and Shakta rituals. Devotees are requested to maintain decorum, dress modestly, and remove footwear before the sanctum. The trek is safe for elderly pilgrims but involves an uphill path — carrying a walking stick is advisable. The temple is open year-round, and the Ganga Dussehra festival draws thousands of devotees each June for special prayers and community celebrations.
Highlights
- Breathtaking Himalayan views including glimpses of Bandarpunch and Gangotri ranges
- Dense deodar cedar forest walks through Eco Park (Amber & Dhara zones)
- Spiritual darshan at Surkanda Devi Shakti Peeth — one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas
- Old-world charm of Deogarh Fort with panoramic valley views
- Apple orchards and local strawberry farms in season (March–June)
- Campfire evenings and stargazing in pollution-free mountain skies
- Day excursion options to Chamba, Kanatal, or Tehri Dam
- Snow experiences during winter months (December–February)
Included and Excluded
- Accommodation for 2 nights in a mid-range resort / cottage (twin or double sharing)
- Daily breakfast and dinner (MAP plan — 2 meals per day)
- Private cab for all transfers and sightseeing (Delhi–Dhanaulti–Delhi or Dehradun–DhanaultiDehradun)
- Guided trek to Surkanda Devi Temple with a local guide
- Entry tickets to Eco Park (Amber & Dhara zones)
- Bonfire arrangement on Day 1 evening (subject to forest department permissions)
- All applicable road and parking tolls
- GST and service taxes as applicable
- Airfare or train tickets to / from Dehradun
- Lunch on any day of the tour
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and tips
- Any adventure activity charges (rappelling, biking, etc.) if opted
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended — available at additional cost)
- Any expenses arising from natural calamities, road closures, or force majeure events
- Pony or doli charges for Surkanda Devi Temple trek (for those who require it)
- Alcohol and beverages not included in the meal plan
- Camera fees at certain monument or forest entry points
Tour Plan
Arrival & Forest Welcome Delhi / Dehradun → Dhanaulti Your journey begins with a morning departure from Delhi (or an early morning transfer from Dehradun railway station / airport). The drive through Mussoorie and onward to Dhanaulti offers progressively stunning views as you gain altitude. Arrive by early afternoon, check into your resort or cottage, and allow yourself time to simply breathe in the mountain air. The evening is reserved for a gentle walk through Eco Park's Amber zone, where towering deodar trees filter the fading golden light into something genuinely magical. Return to your accommodation for a warm dinner, followed by a bonfire evening if weather permits. Overnight at Dhanaulti.
Surkanda Devi Temple & Local Sightseeing Full Day in Dhanaulti Begin the day with an early breakfast and depart toward Kaddukhal village, the base point for the Surkanda Devi trek (approx. 24 km from Dhanaulti). The 2-kilometre ascent through dense forest leads to the ancient Surkanda Devi Temple perched at 2,757 metres. The views from the summit — on a clear day — stretch to the Bandarpunch peak in the east and the snow-capped peaks of the Gangotri range beyond. After seeking blessings and spending quiet time at the temple, descend to Kaddukhal and return toward Dhanaulti. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Dhara Eco Park, Deogarh Fort ruins, and the apple orchards along the ridge. In the evening, visit a nearby sunset viewpoint for photographs across the valley. Dinner and overnight at Dhanaulti.
Leisure Morning & Departure Dhanaulti → Mussoorie (Optional) → Dehradun / Delhi Wake up to what is arguably the most peaceful morning of your trip. After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a final short walk through the cedar forest or simply sit on your cottage balcony and watch the mountains in morning light — a moment most travellers say they remember long after returning home. Check out by late morning and begin your return journey. You may stop at Mussoorie's Mall Road for lunch and souvenir shopping before continuing to Dehradun for your onward train or flight. Arrive back in Delhi by late evening.