Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand — A Quiet Forest Escape for Solo Travellers
At SoloTraveller, we focus on places that feel simple, peaceful, and easy to navigate alone.
Dhanaulti is a small hill town in Uttarakhand surrounded by dense deodar and pine forests, fresh air, and open silence.
No loud markets.
No rushed sightseeing.
Just calm mountain living — perfect for solo travellers who want to slow down.
Why Dhanaulti suits solo travellers
Dhanaulti is made for quiet travel.
- Low tourist crowds
- Clean forest surroundings
- Walkable small-town layout
- Safe environment for solo visitors
- Affordable stays and food
- Ideal for first-time solo hill trips
You come here to disconnect from noise and reconnect with yourself.
How to reach Dhanaulti on a budget
Delhi → Dehradun
- Inter-state buses from ISBT
- Fare: ₹300–₹500
- Overnight buses save travel time and cost
Dehradun → Dhanaulti
- Shared jeeps / local buses available
- Fare: ₹150–₹250
- Travel time: ~2 to 2.5 hours
- Scenic mountain road journey
No private taxi is needed if you’re travelling light.
Where to stay (solo-friendly)
Budget hostels & camps
- ₹700–₹1,000 per night
- Dorm beds or simple cottages
- Friendly environment for solo travellers
Homestays & guesthouses
- ₹1,200–₹2,500 per night
- Private rooms
- Peaceful mountain hospitality
SoloTraveller tip:
Pick stays slightly away from the main road for true forest silence.
Getting around Dhanaulti
Walking
Dhanaulti is small and best explored on foot.
- Forest trails
- Village roads
- Quiet viewpoints
Walking is safe and refreshing here.
Scooty rental (optional)
- Rent in Dehradun if desired
- ₹600 per day
- Useful for exploring nearby villages and temples
Not required, but adds flexibility.
Food & daily expenses
- Breakfast (tea + paratha / simple café): ₹100–₹200
- Lunch (local meal): ₹150–₹300
- Dinner (homestay or small restaurant): ₹200–₹400
Daily food budget: ₹400–₹800
Many homestays offer home-cooked meals — ideal for solo travellers.
Places worth visiting
🌲 Eco Park
- Forest walking trails
- Wooden bridges and benches
- Perfect for reading or journaling
🛕 Surkanda Devi Temple
- Short uphill trek
- Wide Himalayan views
- Peaceful spiritual spot
🌿 Village Walks
- Local farms and mountain homes
- Experience slow village life
🌌 Night Sky Viewing
- Low light pollution
- Great for stargazing in winter months
Cost breakdown (2 nights, solo)
Budget plan
- Delhi → Dehradun bus: ₹300
- Dehradun → Dhanaulti bus: ₹200
- Hostel / camp: 2 nights × ₹800 = ₹1,600
- Food: ₹800
- Local expenses: ₹300
Total: ~₹3,200–₹3,500
Comfortable solo plan
- Transport: ₹600 total
- Homestay: 2 nights × ₹1,500 = ₹3,000
- Food: ₹1,000
- Miscellaneous: ₹500
Total: ~₹4,500–₹5,000
A complete forest getaway under ₹5,000.
Best time to visit
- April–June: pleasant weather and green forests
- September–November: clear skies and crisp air
- December–February: cold, possible snowfall
- Avoid heavy monsoon for forest walks
Practical solo tips
- Carry warm layers — evenings get cold
- Keep small cash — limited ATMs nearby
- Mobile network may be weak in forest zones
- Inform your stay host before long walks
- Carry snacks — few shops nearby
SoloTraveller takeaway
Dhanaulti is ideal if you want:
- A quiet solo escape
- Forests over crowds
- Fresh air over city noise
- Low-cost, low-stress travel
- Time to slow down and breathe
No rush.
No noise.
Just forests, fresh air, and peace.
