How to Reach Dehradun – Gateway to the Himalayas

Dehradun, the picturesque capital of Uttarakhand, is not only a beautiful hill city but also the main gateway to some of India’s most famous Himalayan treks — including the iconic Kedarkantha Trek, Har Ki Dun, Nag Tibba, and Dayara Bugyal. Located in the Doon Valley between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, Dehradun is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it one of the easiest hill destinations to reach in North India.

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure trek with The Dream Treks, here’s a complete guide on how to reach Dehradun from major Indian cities.

By Road — A Scenic Himalayan Drive

Dehradun is easily accessible by well-maintained highways that connect it to major North Indian cities. The journey by road is often preferred by travelers looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of the foothills.

• From Delhi:
  Distance – Approx. 250 km
  Time – 6 to 7 hours via NH 334
  Route – Delhi → Ghaziabad → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Dehradun
• From Chandigarh:
  Distance – Approx. 170 km
  Time – 4 to 5 hours via NH 7

Regular Volvo, deluxe, and ordinary buses operate between Delhi and Dehradun from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. You can also hire private cabs or self-drive vehicles for more comfort.

Pro Tip: Overnight buses from Delhi are convenient for trekkers heading to Kedarkantha or Har Ki Dun, as they reach Dehradun early morning — perfect to continue the journey toward Sankri or other trek bases.

By Train — Convenient and Comfortable

Dehradun Railway Station (Station Code: DDN) is a major railhead in Uttarakhand, well-connected to several Indian cities.

Popular Trains to Dehradun:

• Nanda Devi Express (Delhi – Dehradun)
• Dehradun Express (Varanasi – Dehradun)
• Shatabdi Express (Delhi – Dehradun)

Most trains from Delhi take around 5.5 to 6.5 hours, offering both overnight and daytime travel options. The station is located right in the city center, making it easy to access hotels, cafes, and bus stations for onward travel.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning your Kedarkantha trek with The Dream Treks, opt for the Nanda Devi Express — it departs from Delhi in the night and reaches Dehradun early morning, just in time for your drive to Sankri.

By Air — The Fastest Option

The Jolly Grant Airport (DED), located about 25 km from Dehradun city, offers excellent air connectivity.

Major Airlines Operating:

• IndiGo
• Vistara
• Alliance Air
• SpiceJet

Direct Flights From:

• Delhi (approx. 1 hour)
• Mumbai (approx. 2 hours 30 mins)
• Bengaluru, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur (seasonal or connecting flights available)

Taxis and buses are easily available outside the airport to reach the main city or ISBT for your onward journey.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time or traveling from southern or western India, a flight to Dehradun is the most efficient way to begin your Himalayan adventure.

Local Travel Options

Once you arrive in Dehradun, local transport options include:

• Private cabs for city sightseeing or transfer to trek bases
• Shared taxis to destinations like Sankri, Mussoorie, or Rishikesh
• Auto-rickshaws and bike rentals for local commutes

Why Dehradun is the Perfect Start Point for Trekkers

Dehradun serves as the base city for multiple treks organized by The Dream Treks, including Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, and Dayara Bugyal. Its accessibility, scenic routes, and comfortable stay options make it the ideal place to begin your mountain journey.

Whether you’re traveling by air, train, or road, reaching Dehradun is easy, convenient, and full of natural charm — the perfect prelude to your upcoming trek in the Himalayas.

Conclusion

Reaching Dehradun is simple and enjoyable — every route offers its own experience of Uttarakhand’s beauty. Once you arrive, the true adventure begins, with The Dream Treks taking you deeper into the mountains to explore trails like Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun.

So pack your bags, choose your route, and let your Himalayan adventure begin from Dehradun — the gateway to your mountain dreams.

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