15

Things to Do in Mussoorie In December

Enjoy Snowfall in Mussoorie

• Timings: Throughout the day (snowfall usually occurs early morning or late afternoon)
• Location: Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Lal Tibba, Landour, Dalai Hills, Gun Hill
• Ticket Price: No entry fee; ropeway to Gun Hill is chargeable
• Best Time: Mid-December to late January for highest chances of snowfall

Enjoying snowfall is one of the best things to do in Mussoorie in December, as the cold weather allows snow to settle and create natural play areas. You can see beautiful snowfall at Dhanaulti, where you can walk, make snowballs, and enjoy the white landscape. A short climb to Lal Tibba, the highest viewpoint, rewards you with sweeping views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks.

You can also trek through snow-dusted forest trails to Dalai Hills or stroll around Landour, where snow often collects along roads and open patches. At Gun Hill, the ropeway ride gives you views of the Garhwal Himalayas covered in fresh snow, and the area offers light snow activities like snowboarding and skiing during peak winter.

Top Experiences

• Play in the fresh snow at Dhanaulti
• Enjoy panoramic views of snow-laden Himalayan peaks from Lal Tibba
• Take a scenic ropeway ride to Gun Hill with snow views
• Walk through snow-covered trails to Dalai Hills
• Explore Landour, where snowfall is often seen along peaceful lanes

How to Reach

• By Road: Hire a taxi or take a local bus from Dehradun (35 km, 1.5 hours)
• Within Mussoorie: Use local taxis or shared cabs to reach Lal Tibba, Landour, and Gun Hill
• To Dhanaulti: Drive or take a taxi via Mussoorie–Chamba Road (24 km, 45–50 mins)
• For Dalai Hills: Walk or take a local taxi from Mussoorie Library Chowk

Stroll Through the Mall Road

• Timings: Open throughout the day; evenings are the most vibrant
• Location: Mall Road, Stretch from Picture Palace to Library Chowk, Mussoorie
• Ticket Price: Free entry; cable car to Gun Hill is chargeable
• Best Time: December evenings for cool weather, festive lighting, and lively atmosphere

Walking on Mall Road is one of the best things to do in Mussoorie in December, as the cool winter air makes strolling refreshing and comfortable. The stretch from Picture Palace to Library Chowk stays lively with shops, cafés, bakeries, and street food stalls.

Stop by Cambridge Book Depot to browse books or look for Ruskin Bond memorabilia. The Clock Tower offers a great spot for photos, and street performers often add local charm to the route. Warm drinks like hot chocolate and masala chai make the walk even more enjoyable during winter.

You can also take a short cable car ride from Jhula Ghar to Gun Hill for elevated views of the Himalayan foothills. For a quieter escape, walk along Camel’s Back Road, known for beautiful sunrise and sunset views. Nearby attractions like Christ Church and Company Garden provide peaceful breaks amid winter scenery.

Top Experiences

• Walk the vibrant Mall Road stretch between Picture Palace and Library Chowk
• Visit Cambridge Book Depot for books and local literary charm
• Take photos at Clock Tower and enjoy street performances
• Sip masala chai or hot chocolate at cosy cafés
• Ride the Jhula Ghar – Gun Hill cable car for panoramic winter views
• Walk Camel’s Back Road for sunrise or sunset
• Explore Christ Church and Company Garden for peaceful winter breaks

How to Reach?

• From Dehradun: Take a taxi or bus (35 km, 1.5 hours) to Mussoorie
• Within Mussoorie: Mall Road is accessible by foot from most hotels; cycle rickshaws and local taxis available
• For Cable Car: Walk to Jhula Ghar located mid-way on Mall Road
• Nearby Attractions: Camel’s Back Road and Christ Church are walkable from Mall Road; taxis available for Company Garden

Admire the Picturesque Views from the Gun Hill Ropeway Ride

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (may vary in winter)
• Location: Ropeway Station near Jhula Ghar, Mall Road, Mussoorie
• Ticket Price: Approx. ?150–?200 per person (round trip)
• Best Time: December mornings and late afternoons for clear Himalayan views

The Gun Hill ropeway ride is one of the best things to do in Mussoorie in December, as the winter skies often remain clear, offering sharp views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks. The cable car starts near Jhula Ghar on Mall Road and carries you 400 meters uphill to the summit of Gun Hill.

During the ride, you can witness stunning panoramas of the Bandarpunch, Srikantha, and Pithwara ranges, along with rooftops of Mussoorie, winding roads, and pine-filled valleys. At the top, travelers can use public telescopes to view distant peaks such as Gangotri, enjoy warm snacks, explore photography points, and browse small amusement stalls.

The ropeway provides a quick and scenic ascent compared to the 15–20 minute uphill walk, which also passes through pine trails and small viewpoints.

Top Experiences

• Enjoy a scenic cable car ride with views of Mussoorie and the Himalayas
• Use telescopes at the summit to spot distant peaks like Gangotri
• Capture winter photographs from designated viewpoints
• Try local snacks sold at mountaintop stalls
• Explore small amusement booths and souvenir shops
• Experience a fast, easy ascent compared to the uphill walking trail

How to Reach?

• Walk to Jhula Ghar from Picture Palace or Library Chowk on Mall Road
• Hire a local taxi if staying farther uphill or downhill
• Combine with Mall Road sightseeing, as both attractions are adjacent
• Follow signboards leading to the Gun Hill ropeway ticket counter

Visit the Beautiful Kempty Falls

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Kempty Falls, Mussoorie–Yamunotri Road, 13 km from Mussoorie
• Ticket Price: Free entry; cable car and boating charges apply
• Best Time: December mornings and early afternoons for clear views and pleasant weather

Visiting Kempty Falls is one of the best things to do in Mussoorie in December, as the cool winter weather makes exploring the area comfortable. The 50-foot cascading waterfall flows steadily throughout the season, and the lower pool offers a refreshing splash experience even in winter.

Travellers can walk up to the upper falls for quieter viewpoints, enjoy boating in the man-made pond, or wander through the local shops selling snacks, woollens, and essentials. The cable car ride provides panoramic 360° views of the falls and the surrounding hills, making it a great spot for photography in December.

Top Experiences

• Watch the 50-foot waterfall cascade into the lower pool
• Take a scenic cable car ride with sweeping valley views
• Visit the upper falls for peaceful viewpoints
• Enjoy boating in the nearby pond
• Explore local shops for snacks, souvenirs, and winter essentials

How to Reach

• Take a taxi from Mussoorie (30–40 minutes)
• Use local buses running towards Kempty/Yamunotri Road
• Drive via Mussoorie–Kempty Road with easy parking near the entrance
• Combine with a visit to Company Garden or Cloud’s End on the same stretch

Walk on Camel’s Back Road

• Timings: Open throughout the day; early morning and late afternoon best for scenic views
• Location: Camel’s Back Road, stretches from Kulri Bazaar to Library Chowk, Mussoorie
• Ticket Price: Free entry; horse rides and souvenir purchases priced separately
• Best Time: December mornings or afternoons for crisp weather and clear views

Walking on Camel’s Back Road is one of the best things to do in Mussoorie in December, as the chilly winter air makes outdoor walks refreshing. The 3–4 km stretch is named after rocks at the end that resemble a camel’s hump. Along the way, travellers can enjoy peaceful walks, spot snow on nearby hills, and photograph the scenic Doon Valley.

The road features historical British-era structures and a quiet old cemetery, adding charm to the stroll. For adventure, you can rent a horse or trek along the surrounding Garhwal hills. Benches along the path offer rest spots, while small shops provide antiques, local souvenirs, and snacks.

Top Experiences

• Walk the full stretch from Kulri Bazaar to Library Chowk
• Capture snowy hill views and panoramic Doon Valley scenes
• Explore British-era historical structures and the old cemetery
• Ride a horse or trek along the nearby Garhwal hills
• Shop for souvenirs, antiques, and local crafts
• Relax on benches and enjoy the calm winter atmosphere

How to Reach

• Walkable from most central Mussoorie points like Mall Road
• Hire a taxi or local cab from hotels or Library Chowk
• Combine with a visit to Gun Hill or Lal Tibba for a half-day trip
• Easily accessible by foot or cycle rickshaw along the route

Visit the Historic Lal Tibba

• Timings: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Location: Lal Tibba, Landour, Mussoorie (7,463 ft above sea level)
• Ticket Price: Free entry; refreshments and telescope usage may be chargeable
• Best Time: December for early-winter snowfall and clear Himalayan views

Visiting Lal Tibba is one of the best things to do in Mussoorie in December, as fresh snowfall creates scenic patches along the route. The trek from Landour Clock Tower is about 3 km one way with a steady climb, offering snow-lined paths and winter views. The trail passes through Char Dukan and other viewpoints, which are ideal for short breaks and photography.

At the summit, the mounted telescope allows visitors to see distant snow-covered peaks like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Bandarpunch. Stop at Char Dukan for hot tea, pancakes, momos, or parathas to warm up. Along the route, you can explore St. Paul’s Church, Ruskin Bond’s residence area, and British-era structures, while spotting winter birds such as the Verditer Flycatcher and Himalayan Griffon near Lal Tibba.

Top Experiences:

• Trek 3 km from Landour Clock Tower to Lal Tibba
• Enjoy snow patches along the trail after early-winter snowfall
• Use the mounted telescope to view Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Bandarpunch
• Stop at Char Dukan for hot snacks and refreshments
• Explore St. Paul’s Church, Ruskin Bond’s residence area, and British-era structures
• Spot winter birds like Verditer Flycatcher and Himalayan Griffon

How to Reach?

• Start from Landour Clock Tower; the trail is walkable and clearly marked
• Hire a local cab or taxi to reach the base if you prefer not to walk
• Combine with a stroll along Camel’s Back Road or visit Gun Hill
• Parking available near trailhead for self-drive visitors

• Hire a taxi from Mall Road, Library Chowk, or your hotel
• Take local buses or shared cabs running between Dehradun and Mussoorie
• Stop directly if you're driving up the Mussoorie–Dehradun Road
• Combine the visit with other attractions on the same route like Bhatta Falls or Jharipani Falls

Visiting Landour Bazaar is one of the things to do in Mussoorie in December, as it offers a peaceful walk through its colonial-era market. Winter months bring fewer visitors, making it easier to explore the shops, cafés, and narrow streets at a relaxed pace.

You can browse through woollens, ceramics, spices, and handmade snacks, and explore the historic cottages and the All Saints’ Church area. Short walks towards Taylor’s Flat or Survey Field often reward you with distant views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks if the skies remain clear. The bazaar also has small cafés and bakeries where you can enjoy hot chocolate, tea, and light meals during your winter outing.

• Shop for woollens, ceramics, jams, and local snacks
• Walk to Taylor’s Flat or Survey Field for clear Himalayan views
• Explore colonial-era cottages and All Saints’ Church
• Enjoy hot drinks and winter snacks at cosy cafés
• Take photos along the quiet, scenic bazaar lanes

• Walk or take a short taxi ride from Mall Road or Clock Tower
• Rent a scooter or cab for quick access to the bazaar
• Combine the visit with Char Dukan, Lal Tibba, or St. Paul’s Church in Landour

Trying local winter food is one of the top things to do in Mussoorie in December, as the cold weather makes warm, hearty dishes even more comforting. Winter brings out the best of Garhwali flavours, and local eateries serve a mix of traditional Uttarakhand dishes and classic Mussoorie favorites.

You can enjoy Aloo ke Gutke, a spiced potato dish cooked with Himalayan herbs, and Phannu, a slow-cooked lentil specialty that is perfect for chilly evenings. For sweets, try Bal Mithai, the famous chocolate-brown fudge coated with sugar balls, or Jhangora ki Kheer, a warm millet pudding that feels especially good in winter. Warm drinks like Buransh juice, made from rhododendron flowers, add a refreshing touch.

• Taste Garhwali dishes like Aloo ke Gutke and Phannu
• Try winter desserts such as Bal Mithai and Jhangora ki Kheer
• Sip Buransh juice or hot local beverages
• Explore cafés in Landour and Mall Road for authentic winter flavours
• Enjoy warm meals with views of pine forests and winter landscapes

• Walk to nearby cafés and restaurants from Mall Road or Landour
• Hire a taxi to reach popular eateries across Mussoorie
• Combine with nearby attractions like Camel’s Back Road or Lal Tibba