Dhanaulti – A Peaceful Hill Station in Uttarakhand

Dhanaulti is fast emerging as a gem among the major travel destinations in Uttarakhand, on Mussoorie-Chamba road at 2250 m above sea level.
It comes as a pleasant surprise for the weekend enthusiastic travelers who find it more peaceful, more relaxing and serene. It’s a different experience altogether.
The long wooded slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze, warm and hospitable inhabitants, lovely pleasant weather and fabulous enchanting view of snow covered mountains makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday sojourn. Dhanaulti is the base point for numerous treks into the snow-capped Himalayas, especially to the Tehri region of Garhwal. The most popular treks are through the dense alpine forests that take you to Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri, the sacred three Shakti Peethas of the holy Devi Darshan triangle.

It’s easy to let yourself surrender to Dhanaulti’s charms – just give yourself a chance that will surely revive your entire experience! Best time to visit Dhanaulti is between March and June.
Dhanaulti is not a colonial town but it is a sleepy hamlet, surrounded by towering mountains, tall trees and green valleys which reverberate the entire day with charm and happiness. Spend the whole day walking through the wilderness and tranquility to soak the rejuvenating elixir of nature. Of course, if you are bitten by the adventure bug, you can trek, rock climb or enjoy camping to discover yourself in new ways.

Dhanaulti is a hidden gem in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, located at an altitude of 2,286 meters. Unlike the busy tourist hubs of Mussoorie and Dehradun, Dhanaulti is known for its serene environment, tall deodar & oak forests, misty weather, and breathtaking Himalayan views. It is an ideal destination for travelers who want to spend quiet time in nature or enjoy adventure activities without the crowd.

Weather in Dhanaulti

• Summer: 20°C – 25°C (pleasant)
• Winter: 1°C – 10°C (cold, snowfall expected)
• Monsoon: 15°C – 20°C (rainy, misty weather)

Why Visit Dhanaulti?

• To escape the hustle of commercial hill stations.
• To enjoy snowfall in winters and cool weather in summers.
• To experience eco-tourism at Amber & Dhara Eco Parks.
• To visit spiritual sites like Surkanda Devi Temple.
• For camping, trekking, and adventure activities.
• To explore apple orchards and enjoy fresh organic produce.

Main Attractions in Dhanaulti

• Eco Park (Amber & Dhara):
  Managed by the forest department, these parks are the highlights of Dhanaulti. They have walking trails, beautiful gardens, swings for children, meditation corners, and viewpoints. Tourists can also plant a tree in memory of their loved ones.

• Surkanda Devi Temple (8 km):
  A sacred Shakti Peeth, where Goddess Sati’s head is believed to have fallen. It requires a short trek of 2 km uphill and offers 360° views of snow-clad peaks.

• Potato Farm (Aloo Khet):
  A government potato farm spread across vast fields. Tourists can enjoy photography, short walks, and stunning sunset views.

• Adventure Activities:

  • Zip-lining
  • Sky walking
  • Valley crossing
  • Rock climbing & rappelling
  • Camping under the stars

• Apple Orchards:
  Visitors can stroll through orchards, learn about apple farming, and purchase apple-based products like juice, jam, and pickles.

Best Time to Visit Dhanaulti

• Summer (March – June): Pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and camping.
• Monsoon (July – September): Lush greenery, but occasional roadblocks due to heavy rains.
• Winter (October – February): Chilly weather with chances of snowfall in December & January, making it a favorite among honeymooners and snow lovers.

Things to Do in Dhanaulti

• Trekking & Nature Walks
• Camping & Bonfire Nights
• Sky Walking & Zip Line Adventures
• Temple Visits
• Shopping for woolens, handicrafts, and local jams
• Exploring Apple Orchards

Nearby Places to Visit

• Mussoorie (24 km): The famous Queen of Hills with attractions like Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and Mall Road.

Mussoorie

• Kanatal (16 km): A quiet spot famous for jungle safaris and camping.

Kanatal

• Chamba (29 km): A charming town with Himalayan views.

Chamba

• Tehri Lake (35 km): Known for water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, boating, and speed boating.

• New Tehri (40 km): A modern town overlooking the massive Tehri Dam.