Mountains, Mist, Muse: Mussoorie in Uttarakhand is a destination close to most traveller’s hearts. Including celebrated artists like Ruskin Bond, Stephen Alter, Ganesh Saili, Bill Aitken, and even some encounters with Charles Dickens, Mussoorie has been a veritable muse to many that couldn't resist its charms.

Flanked by the majestic Mussoorie range, this beloved hill station is your ticket to a perfect hill escape. The endless canopies of fragrant cedars and pines, serpentine streets, eateries galore, and a lot more at the Mussoorie Mall Road will ensure that your adventure here is all that if not much more! And to help you cover the best of it, here’s your ultimate travel guide to Mussoorie.

Aerial Shot of Mussoorie City | Picture by CapturedMoments_2805 on Pixabay

Best Time to Visit Mussoorie

Mussoorie is an all-season kind of destination. But when it comes to the best month to visit Mussoorie, it would have to be from April to July. This period is usually when travellers throng this mountain paradise in their pursuit to escape the boiling urban mazes.

Monsoon season (July to September) can be a bit challenging, as the hilly terrain is prone to landslides. Travellers are advised to take safety precautions and check the weather conditions before heading this way.

If snow is your heart’s desire, then October to February is the best time to visit Mussoorie.

Places to Visit in Mussoorie

When it comes to attractions in Mussoorie, the list is seemingly endless. From offbeat and well-known pockets in and around the queen of hills to numerous hiking trails that lead to fascinating views, Mussoorie’s adventures are for EVERYone. Wondering where to start? How about here:

The Mall Road: Yes, it's that omnipresent mall road that makes an appearance in all mountain trip itineraries and for good reason. This single-lane stretch offers you all-you-can-imagine experiences and then some. Be it souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, food, views, and more, Mussoorie Mall Road has got it all! And the best part, our Zostel Mussoorie (Mall Road) can also be found here!

Morning Scenes at the Mall Road, Mussoorie | Pictures by Manjeet Singh (Left) & Priya Gupta (Right) on Unsplash

Mussoorie Library: Right at the heart of Mussoorie, the library chowk is named after this artistic Victorian structure. You can find a number of old and new reads within these quiet walls. The 19th-century interiors and the cosy reading rooms will transport you way back when.

Picture Palace Cinema: The first cinema to hit the Mussoorie screens, Picture Palace Cinema now houses a recreational zone. Earlier known as the Electric Picture Palace, it was established in 1912, right after electricity entered the hill station. Its history and iconic character land this landmark on the list of best Mussoorie tourist places.

Camel’s Back Road: Also known as the Camel Rock’s view is among the best viewpoints in Mussoorie. Here you’ll find an extravagant view of the entire Mussoorie valley. But what you might not know is that you’ll also find an actual camel here, one made of rocks!

Shedup Choepelling Temple: Sitting right in the Happy Valley, the Shedup Choepelling Monastery is home to a lofty Buddhist idol. Feast your eyes on the Tibetan architecture comprising artistic murals and prayer wheels.

Shedup Choepelling Temple

Places to Visit Near Mussoorie

If you’re planning to explore around Mussoorie, these are the best places to visit near Mussoorie:

Dhanaulti: If you’re in the mood for some thrilling adventure sports, then Dhanaulti or Dhanolti is where you need to be. You can also take a strenuous hike, or a magical ropeway ride up to the Surkhanda Mata Temple, just ~14-min drive from here. Because at the tippy top awaiting you is a truly breathtaking view. (Pro tip: Visit between early morning to afternoon time to get the best views.)

Distance between Mussoorie to Dhanaulti: 32 km; ~1.5 hr

Ropeway Ticket: ~200 INR per person (Round trip)

View of the Himalayas from the Surkanda Mata Temple near Dhanaulti

Uttarkashi: Packed with treks and hikes, this beautiful town is starting to appear on everyone’s itineraries. While here, chill beside the Nachiketa and Dodital Lakes, explore numerous religious landmarks, catch views of rolling meadows and lofty peaks, and capture dazzling sunsets.

Distance between Mussoorie to Uttarkashi: 116 km; 4 hr

Kanatal: A less-explored gem sitting on the outskirts of Mussoorie, Kanatal is a perfect camping destination. Chase a forest trail to a serendipitous view and stroll across apple orchards and rhododendron blooms. And during winters, this place becomes especially magical.

Distance between Mussoorie to Kanatal: 49 km; ~2 hr

Things to Do in Mussoorie

When it comes to the best things to do in Mussoorie, your list might be touching the floor. But to make it easy for you, we've got you the cream-of-the-crop experiences that you absolutely shouldn't miss in Mussoorie:

Witness the Winterline: This rare phenomenon occurs only in 3 other places around the world and ONLY DURING WINTERS. It is when the setting sun forms a bar of yellow and orange in the sky that creates a picture-perfect false horizon.

The Iconic Mussoorie Winterline View | Picture by @ankitguptaphotography

Hike/Ropeway to Gunhill: Take a 20-min hike to the famous Gunhill from Mall Road, where awaiting you are just the most magical vistas of the Himalayas. This is the second-highest spot in Mussoorie. And there’s also an option to take the ropeway.

Ropeway Ticket: ~75 INR per person (Round trip)

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Take the George Everest Hike: ~4 km from Mussoorie’s Mall Road, the George Everest hike is a sought-after experience among travellers. This scenic hike will take you through lush Deodar, Rhododendron, and Fir foliage that houses a number of exotic birds. At the summit, prepare to get acquainted with the most magical views of the Doon Valley on one side and the great Himalayan peaks on the other. The hike starts from the parking lot up to the George Everest House (1.1 km). From the house till the George Everest Peak, you have to climb another 900 m.

Hike to Dalai Hills: ~4 km from Mall Road, the Dalai Hill hike is a beginner-friendly trail. From its base, it is roughly 400 m uphill. And if not for the hike, the mindblowing 360-degree at the top will leave you breathless. It’s the best spot to catch a soul-stirring sunset view, featuring a powder blue sky, fleecy clouds, an endless stretch of greenery, colourful prayer flags, and the sweetest furry guides.

Head to Landour: A ~20-min drive from Zostel Mussoorie (Mall Road), this quaint spot is going to become your absolute favourite. Also known as the twin city to Mussoorie, Landour has a plethora of experiences for you to try. Explore its cosy corners packed with the best of cafes, including Char Dukans, Landour Bakehouse, and Cafe Ivy, a Victorian church, a timeless clock tower, some cemeteries, and an olden local bazaar.

The iconic landmark of Landour "Landour Bakehouse Van" | Picture by Alin Anderson on Unsplash 

Trek to the Nag Tibba Peak: For travellers seeking a bit of a challenge, this short 2-day trek is a good option. The Nag Tibba trek is best done post-monsoon or during the winter. The trek starts from Panthwari Village, and Nag Tibba is 8 km from here. The 360-degree panoramic view of the Doon Valley, Bandarpoonch Peak, Gangotri Peak, Kedarnath Peak, Chanabang Himalayas, and the Doon Valley make this trek worth the effort.

Go trail chasing across Jabarkhet Nature Reserve: A visit here will reward you with an untouched slice of nature filled with aromatic jungles, rare plants, exotic animals and reptiles, and a diverse variety of birds. With copious trails to choose from, this is the ideal spot to try an immersive experience in nature. You can opt for guided and non-guided tours once here.

Entry Ticket: 450 INR per person

Explore the Lambi Dehar Mines: Lovers of horror films and all things spooky rejoice because this one’s for you. The Lambi Dehar Mines have been shrouded in mystery and claims of paranormal activity. True or not, as per local legends, these mines were shut in the 90s after the passing of a number of miners employed here. Not for the faint of heart, it is best visited during daylight hours.

Restaurants in Mussoorie

Housing a palette of vibrant, lively, and picturesque cafes and restaurants, Mussoorie’s flavours are as good as the views. These include the delectable local street food, contemporary cuisines, and archetypal mountain snacks like sweet corn chaat, momos, and maggi to name a few. Now on to the best ones:

Enjoy a variety of local delights across the cafes at the Mall Road

Lovely Omelette Centre: Don’t go by the scant size and seating space available because this little shop packs a punch when it comes to flavours. And the result? A throng of foodies, especially during peak hours.

Price for two: 200 INR

Kalsang: When it comes to Tibetan food, who can forget Kalsang? This petite little eatery on the corner, with its alluring red interiors, will draw you in. And with many great options to choose from, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the authentic Tibetan fare.

Price for two: 800 INR

Cafe By The Way: This quaint cafe invites you to try a flavourful fare, wash it down with a delicious selection of beverages, and maybe grab a read or two while you’re at it. Wondering what to try first? Go for a hot cup of cocoa or a sub.

Price for two: 400 INR

Little Llama Cafe: This instagrammable joint is among the best cafes to visit in Mussoorie. With its extensive menu and lively ambience, it is an absolute hit among travellers.

Price for two: 1000 INR

Cafe Tea Totaler: Indulge in a selection of Italian and Continental flavours in this ambient eatery, where food comes served with good music and great views.

Price for two: 600 INR

Momos Tibetan Kitchen: Treat yourself to a number of flavourful Tibetan delicacies, including thukpa, thenthuk, tingmo, momos, and more.

Urban Turban: This is your one-stop shop for a tasteful selection of Mughlai and North Indian cuisine in Mussoorie.

Price for two: 1000 INR

A Bit About Zostel Mussoorie (Mall Road)

To end your search for the best hostels in Mussoorie Mall Road and add a touch of Zostel into the rambunctious Mussoorie scene, Zostel Mussoorie (Mall Road) came to be. Your stay here is going to be packed with all-around fun! Enjoy a spot of games at the special arcade room, socialise with travellers at the rooftop common room, capture the best views from across the copious seating corners, and enjoy cosy and comfy stays.

Check out Zostel Mussoorie (Mall Road).

The European Facade, Dorm and Private Room Accommodation at Zostel Mussoorie (Mall Road)

The Common Area, Game Room, and Workstation at Zostel Mussoorie (Mall Road)

And that’s all about the magical Mussoorie folks! Make your way to this tranquil slice of paradise and experience its all-new sides, covering the Mussoorie Mall Road, nearby adventures, food galore, and much more on your next visit.