Perfect weather the year round with snowfall in the winter, it’s no surprise that Mussoorie has been called the Queen of the Hills. Another great part about it is its proximity to pilgrimage site and adventure capital Rishikesh. A bike trip from Rishikesh to Mussoorie has to be on your list if you love riding through the hills. Pair up the adventure of Rishikesh and the charm of Mussoorie with the thrill of riding between the two, and you have a perfect combination. Read on to know more about what it takes for a bike trip from Rishikesh to Mussoorie.
Hillside Attractions – Rishikesh And Mussoorie
The cool, fresh air in Rishikesh is always carrying the sound of aarti bells ringing and the roar of the Ganga as it passes through the town. It has been an attraction for Hindu pilgrims and adventure-lovers as there’s something for both in Rishikesh. It gained international attention when the famous band The Beatles came here in the 1960’s. Since then, it attracts large numbers of Indian and foreign tourists that flock to the city for religion, adventure, sightseeing or to find peace at an ashram.
Mussoorie was established as a hill station in 1875 by Captain Young, a British officer. Today, it is one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand. At a height of 2,005 mts above sea level, this colonial hill station offers a commanding view of the rolling hills around it. Mussoorie has winding lanes that make for pleasant walks or bike rides, and also has plenty else to do like shop and go on treks to nearby waterfalls.
Your Route
Mussoorie is located at a distance of 80 kms from Rishikesh. The route for a bike trip from Rishikesh to Mussoorie is scenic and beautiful. You wind your way through the hills and among nature, on a road of fairly good condition. You will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes to get from Rishikesh to Mussoorie without any stops.
Head out of Rishikesh on the Rishikesh road and keep going till you hit Doiwala, around 45 minutes from Rishikesh. Here, the Rishikesh road becomes NH 7 after a right turn. Do not get confused with national highway numbering, as NH 7 was previously known as NH 58. Go straight on till you reach EC Road, followed by Rajpur Road. Make sure you take the correct exit when you reach a roundabout that keeps you on Rajpur Road. Finally, take the left at the Mussoorie division and head on to the Mussorie road. You will find yourself entering the charming streets of Mussoorie in 20 to 30 minutes.
There’s some stops you can make on a bike trip from Rishikesh to Mussoorie, like the Malsi Deer Park located on the Mussoorie road. You can also veer off to the Bhatta Falls, a scenic picnic spot on the way, though it will take you a little off route. The infamous Dehradun is a more major stop to make enroute. If you plan on dropping in, ensure you get an early start out of Rishikesh so you’ve reached Mussoorie before it turns dark.
Who Is This Bike Trip For
Though it winds through the hills, a bike trip from Rishikesh to Mussoorie doesn’t have as many challenging curves or hair pin bends. Thus this bike trip can be undertaken by beginners and pros alike. However, since there still are some tricky turns to navigate, beginners and intermediate bikers should travel in groups. Avoid attempting this bike trip alone; something only seasoned bikers who have the experience of biking through the hills should do.
Best Time For A Bike Trip From Rishikesh To Mussoorie
The fresh, lush green of nature and the full waterfalls around Mussoorie are a sight to see in the monsoon, from July to September. And if that isn’t enough, feel snowflakes tickle your face in the winter. However, these seasons are worth experiencing if you are a tourist in Mussoorie or Rishikesh. For a bike trip from Rishikesh to Mussoorie, the best time is undeniably the summer, preferably from March to May.
Visiting during the end of February is also a great option as the end of the winter means no snow but cool weather. Monsoon is extremely dangerous as the roads can get blocked due to landslides, and the snowy streets make it impossible for a casual road trip in winter.
Rishikesh and Mussoorie are great destinations, even better enjoyed on a bike trip. However, ensure that everything about your bikes functions well before you start your trip. Also ensure that it has the ability to climb up the sometimes steep uphill roads. Now that you know all about a bike trip from Rishikesh to Mussoorie, simply rope in your buddies, rent your bikes and get started to make some great memories.
See also: Exploring Rishikesh On A Bike
