Chakrata is a small Army cantonment town in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district, at about 2,100 m. It has no Mall Road crowds, just deodar forests, quiet roads and wide Himalayan views. Most visitors come for Tiger Falls, the forest viewpoint of Deoban, the Budher caves, and snow in winter. Chakrata is about 90 km from Dehradun, so it makes a perfect 2 to 3 day trip.
Important: because Chakrata is a cantonment, foreign nationals are generally not allowed without special permission. Indian visitors can travel freely but must follow Army rules.
Chakrata at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| District | Dehradun (Jaunsar-Bawar region) |
| Altitude | About 2,100 m |
| From Dehradun | About 90 km, 3 hours |
| From Mussoorie | About 75 km, 3 hours |
| From Haridwar | About 145 km, 5 hours |
| From Delhi | About 330 km, 8 to 9 hours |
| Best time | March–June and September–November; December–February for snow |
| Days needed | 2 to 3 |
Places to visit in and around Chakrata
1. Tiger Falls (about 20 km)
A tall, single-drop waterfall of roughly 95 m, hidden in a green valley near Lakhwar village. A short walk from the parking leads to the pool at the base. It is fullest from July to September but the path can be slippery then; October and spring are safer. Read our full Tiger Falls guide.
2. Deoban (about 13 km)
A thick deodar and oak forest at about 2,850 m with one of the best Himalayan views in Garhwal: Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Kedarnath range and more. A short walk leads to the viewpoint. Great for birdwatching. There is a forest rest house; entry and stays need forest department permission.
3. Budher Caves and Moila Top (about 25 km)
A forest walk of about 3 to 4 km from Lokhandi leads to the open meadow of Moila Top and the limestone Budher (Mohila) caves. Carry a torch. In winter the meadow is under snow.
4. Chilmiri Neck
A ridge near the cantonment known for sunset and wide valley views. Ask locally, as some areas are within Army limits.
5. Ram Tal Horticulture Garden
A small garden and lake on the way to Deoban, nice for a stop.
6. Kanasar (about 25 km)
A quiet deodar forest with huge old trees and a forest rest house, on the road to Tiuni.
7. Lakhamandal (about 60 km)
An ancient Shiva temple complex on the Yamuna, linked in legend to the Lakshagriha of the Mahabharata. Read our Lakhamandal temple guide.
8. Mahasu Devta Temple, Hanol (about 85 km)
The main temple of the Jaunsar-Bawar region's deity, in classic Himalayan architecture. See our Mahasu Devta temple guide.
9. Kalsi Ashokan Rock Edict (about 40 km)
On the way up from Dehradun, Kalsi has a rock carved with the edicts of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BC), protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Jaunsari culture
The Jaunsar-Bawar area has its own language, dress, wooden houses and festivals such as Maghu (January) and Bissu (April). If you visit a village, you may see traditional dances. Ask before photographing people and homes.
How to reach Chakrata
By train: Dehradun is the nearest major station (about 90 km).
By air: Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun, about 115 km.
By road:
- Dehradun → Vikasnagar → Kalsi → Saiya → Chakrata: the main route, about 90 km.
- From Mussoorie: via Kempty Falls, Yamuna Bridge and Nagthat, about 75 km.
- UTC buses and shared jeeps run from Dehradun (via Vikasnagar).
The road after Kalsi is narrow and winding. Drive in daylight.
Best time to visit Chakrata
| Season | Months | Temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to April | 6 to 20°C | Rhododendron and clear skies |
| Summer | May to June | 12 to 26°C | Cool escape from the plains |
| Monsoon | July to September | Rainy | Waterfalls full; landslide risk |
| Autumn | October to November | 5 to 18°C | Clear views; quiet |
| Winter | December to February | -4 to 10°C | Snowfall, especially at Deoban and Lokhandi |
Snowfall in Chakrata: usually between late December and February. Lokhandi and Deoban get more snow than the town. Roads can close for a day after heavy snow.
Suggested 3-day itinerary from Dehradun
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dehradun to Chakrata via Kalsi (Ashokan edict). Evening at Chilmiri Neck. |
| 2 | Morning Deoban; afternoon Tiger Falls. |
| 3 | Lokhandi, Moila Top and Budher caves walk; return to Dehradun. |
With one more day, visit Lakhamandal or Hanol. Our Chakrata–Mussoorie tour package combines both hill stations.
Where to stay
- Chakrata town: a few hotels and guesthouses; GMVN tourist rest house.
- Lokhandi and the Moila Top road: cottages and camps in the forest; popular in snow season.
- Kanasar and Deoban: forest rest houses (book with the forest department).
- Homestays in Jaunsari villages for a cultural stay.
Travel tips
- Carry a valid ID; Army checks are common.
- Do not photograph Army areas.
- ATMs are limited; carry enough cash.
- Fill fuel in Vikasnagar or Kalsi.
- Mobile signal is patchy outside town (BSNL and Jio work best).
- In winter, carry snow chains or travel with a driver who knows the road.
Plan your Chakrata trip with Gokeys
We run Chakrata trips from Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi, including snow trips in winter. See our Chakrata–Mussoorie package or contact us.
Updated: Oct 2026 | Expert Travel Guide by GoKeys India Travel Specialists
