Uttarakhand has always been close to my heart, and if you’re planning your first trip here, let me share the perfect route with you. This Haridwar Rishikesh Mussoorie itinerary for 4 nights and 5 days covers everything in one beautiful journey. You’ll experience holy ghats, river adventures, peaceful temples, and cool mountain air—all in a single trip.
Want to Book This Package?
Submit your details, and we’ll be in touch soon.
Get Expert Help?
- 8077168632 OR 96278 24692
Why This Route Works So Well
Starting from the spiritual city of Haridwar, moving into the adventure-filled valleys of Rishikesh, and ending in the serene hills of Mussoorie makes perfect sense.
Each destination is just a short drive away, so you spend less time traveling and more time enjoying your trip.
- Families love it
- Couples find it romantic
- Solo travelers enjoy the variety and easy movement
Getting There
The best way to start this itinerary is by flying to Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport, located about 38 km from Haridwar. The drive takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
If you prefer trains, Haridwar Railway Station is very well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, and other major cities.
Your Day-by-Day Journey
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Haridwar, hotel check-in | Visit Har Ki Pauri | Attend Ganga Aarti |
| Day 2 | Visit hilltop temples | Explore local markets | Relax |
| Day 3 | Drive to Rishikesh | Visit beach, walk across bridges | Enjoy river views |
| Day 4 | Mountain temple visit | Adventure activities | Evening Aarti |
| Day 5 | Drive to Mussoorie | Mall Road, gardens | Departure |
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar – Divine Beginnings
Places to Visit at Haridwar
Start your journey by reaching Haridwar in the morning. After checking into your hotel, head straight to Har Ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat in Haridwar. This is where Lord Vishnu is believed to have left his footprint.
Next, visit Mansa Devi from Haridwar, one of the most Known temples in the city. The temple is located on Bilwa Parvat and can be reached by ropeway or a 3-kilometer trek. Devotees tie threads here to make wishes, and return to untie them once their wishes are fulfilled.
In the evening, attend the world-famous Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. The sight of hundreds of divas floating on the river with devotional songs in the background is unforgettable.
Where to Stay: Choose hotels near Har Ki Pauri for easy access to the ghats and temples.
Day 2: Haridwar Temple Trail
Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple
On Day 2 of your journey, wake up early and visit the Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple. This temple is situated on Neel Parvat in the Shivalik Hills and was built in 1929 by King Suchat Singh of Kashmir. The main idol is believed to have been installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya.
You can reach the temple via a 3-kilometer trek or take the ropeway (Udan Khatola) which offers stunning views of Haridwar and the Ganges River. It is considered a Siddh Peetha where wishes are believed to come true.
After the temple visit, explore the local markets of Haridwar. You can buy religious items, local handicrafts, and Ayurvedic products. Try local street food like aloo puri, kachori, and chole bhature.
Day 3: Transfer to Rishikesh – Adventure Awaits
After breakfast, check out from your Haridwar hotel and drive to Rishikesh (approx. 25 km, 45 minutes). Check into your hotel and get ready for exploration.
Head to the famous Rishikesh Goa Beach, a unique white sandy beach on the Ganga River near Lakshman Jhula. This serene spot offers a Goa-like vibe with stunning river views and is perfect for relaxation and photography. You can sit on scattered rocks, dip your feet in the holy water, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
For accommodation, there are many beautiful resorts in Rishikesh near Ganga like Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat (4.6 km from Neelkanth Temple), Aloha on The Ganges, and Yog Niketan by Sanskriti. These resorts offer riverside views, yoga sessions, and Ayurvedic treatments.
Visit Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, the iconic suspension bridges. Walk across them and enjoy the views of the Ganga flowing below.
Day 4: Rishikesh Temples & Adventure
Rishikesh to Neelkanth Distance
On Day 4, take a morning trip to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The Rishikesh to Neelkanth distance is approximately 12 kilometres from Laxman Jhula and takes about 30-40 minutes by car. The temple is surrounded by dense forests and offers a spiritual experience with beautiful mountain views.
After returning to Rishikesh, you can try river rafting on the Ganga (seasonal activity, best from September to June). Visit Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutiya) where the Beatles stayed in 1968 and meditated.
In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan. The atmosphere here is divine and peaceful.
Day 5: Journey to Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills
On your final day, check out early and drive to Mussoorie (approx. 75 km from Rishikesh, 2.5 hours). Once you reach, visit the Mussoorie Company Garden, also known as Municipal Garden. This beautiful garden is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (some sources say 9 AM to 8 PM) with an entry fee of just INR 18. You can also enjoy boating here for INR 75.
Walk along the famous Mall Road, shop for woolens and souvenirs, and enjoy local food. Visit Gun Hill by ropeway for panoramic views of the Himalayas. If time permits, visit Kempty Falls (15 km from Mussoorie).
If you have extra time, you can make a quick trip to Dhanaulti. The Mussoorie to Dhanaulti distance is approximately 35 kilometers and takes 2 hours by car. Dhanaulti is a peaceful hill station with Eco Park and Surkanda Devi Temple. It’s an ideal place to visit near Mussoorie for nature lovers.
When Should You Go?
The best time for this itinerary is September to June.
- Oct–Feb: Cool, clear weather
- Mar–Jun: Perfect escape from heat
- Jul–Aug: Avoid due to monsoon landslides
Quick Tips from My Experience
- Book your hotels at least 2-3 weeks ahead, especially during peak season
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential for temple visits
- Carry a light jacket even in summer for Mussoorie evenings
- Respect temple dress codes and local customs
- Try authentic Garhwali dishes like aloo ke gutke and kafuli
- Hiring a private car for the entire trip is more comfortable than changing vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I really need for these three places?
Four nights and five days is perfect. You won’t feel rushed, and you’ll have enough time at each destination. Some people try to do it in 3 days, but then you’re just traveling and not enjoying.
What’s the actual distance between Haridwar and Rishikesh?
It’s only about 25 kilometres, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car depending on traffic. They’re so close that some people even do day trips, though I recommend staying in both places.
Which airport should I book my tickets to?
Book flights to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. It’s about 36 kilometres from Haridwar, and the drive takes 45 minutes to an hour. There are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Can I visit both hilltop temples in one day?
Yes, absolutely. The temples on Bilwa Parvat and Neel Parvat both have cable car facilities. Start early morning, visit one, come down, and head to the other. You’ll be done by early afternoon.
What does it cost to visit the garden in Mussoorie?
The entry fee is very reasonable at just 18 rupees per person. If you want to enjoy boating on the small lake, that’s an additional 75 rupees. It’s a great place to spend 1-2 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Haridwar–Rishikesh–Mussoorie itinerary gives you the complete Uttarakhand experience—spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. You begin at sacred ghats, move into river-side fun, and end with cool mountain views.
At Clan Stays, we’ve been creating memorable Uttarakhand trips for years. From comfortable stays to safe transport and curated sightseeing—we take care of everything.
Ready to explore Uttarakhand? Contact Clan Stays today and let us plan your perfect 4N/5D trip!
