On the road between Mussoorie and New Tehri — a route many Char Dham pilgrims take when traveling via the Yamuna valley — lies Dhanaulti, one of Uttarakhand's most peaceful and underappreciated hill stations. At 2,286 metres, it offers commanding views of the Garhwal Himalayan range, lush deodar forests, and a refreshingly uncrowded atmosphere.

Where is Dhanaulti?

Dhanaulti is 24 km from Mussoorie and 29 km from Chamba (which is 30 km from New Tehri on the Badrinath/Gangotri highway). It sits on a ridge between the Yamuna and Bhagirathi valleys, connected to the main Char Dham route via Chamba.

Eco Park and Surkhanda Devi Temple

Dhanaulti's main attraction is its Eco Park — three forested enclosures maintained by the Forest Department with trails through deodar, oak, and rhododendron woodland. The park offers birdwatching, nature walks, and children's activity areas. Entry: ₹50–₹100.

Just 8 km from Dhanaulti, the Surkhanda Devi Temple (2,757 m) sits on a hilltop with outstanding views — a moderate 2 km trek from the road. Dedicated to Goddess Sati, it is an important pilgrimage stop for those en route to Char Dham.

Adventure Activities

Dhanaulti has developed a small adventure tourism infrastructure:

• Camping: Several quality campsites with comfortable tents and bonfire evenings (₹1,500–₹4,000 per person including meals)
• Rock climbing and rappelling: Basic walls operated by camp operators
• Nature walks: Self-guided through Eco Park and surrounding forest
• Skiing: Very basic, seasonal, near Dhanaulti in winter

How to Combine with Char Dham Itinerary

Route via Dhanaulti for Gangotri/Kedarnath: Rishikesh → Mussoorie → Dhanaulti (night halt) → Chamba → New Tehri → [Dharasu for Gangotri] or [Srinagar for Kedarnath].

This route adds 1 day but includes a much more scenic and relaxed drive compared to the direct highway route through heavy traffic.

Hotels in Sonprayag  Hotels in Syanachatti- Hotels in New Tehri Hotels in Trijuginarayan Hotels in Valley Of Flowers Hotels in Yamunotri Hotels in Kedarkantha  Hotels in Kedarnath Hotels in New Tehri Hotels in Pandukeshwar Hotels in Phata   Hotels in Pipalkoti  Hotels in Ranachatti - Hotels in Sersi  Hotels in Rudraprayag  Hotels in Gangotri  Hotels in Barkot  Hotels in Sitapur Hotels in Bhojwasa  Hotels in Govind Ghat  Hotels In Guptkashi  Hotels in Gaurikund  Hotels in Harsil Hotels in Hemkund Sahib  Hotels in Jankichatti  Hotels in Joshimath  Hotels in Kalpeshwar  Hotels in Devprayag  Hotels in Chardham Hotels in Uttarkashi