Chakrata Hill Station

How to Reach Chakrata by Road, Air and Train

We all know that there are a few hill stations nearby Dehradun. One of the popular hill stations is Mussoorie and the other one is Chakrata. Every year, thousands of tourists visit these hill stations. If you are in Dehradun then you must consider visiting these hill stations for sure. The surroundings are so beautiful and you can see the beautiful bird eye view of Dehradun city from Chakrata. But the question is how to reach Chakrata, because the locals know the routes and procedures of reaching Chakrata, but other people don’t know. In this article, we will guide you on how you can reach Chakrata via different modes of transport.

But before getting started, let’s talk about the overview of Chakrata before visiting there.

Chakrata is a hill station in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India. It is located at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas. Chakrata is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. If you are searching for a perfect hill station or tourist destination nearby Dehradun, then Chakrata is the only hill station after Mussoorie. This place is so calm and the views from Chakrata are so amazing, you are going to love the beautiful view of nature. It is a perfect summer destination as well as a winter destination in Uttarakhand.

In this article, we will read how to reach Chakrata from Dehradun and what are the different routes to reach Chakarata and other necessary information.

By Air

The nearest airport to Chakrata is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. There are regular flights from Delhi and other major cities to Jolly Grant Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Chakrata.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Chakrata is the Dehradun railway station. There are regular trains from Delhi and other major cities to Dehradun railway station. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or bus to Chakrata.

By Road

Chakrata is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand and neighboring states. You can take a bus or a taxi to Chakrata from Dehradun, Mussoorie, Haridwar, and other nearby cities.

Now let’s see the different routes to reach Chakrata from Dehradun:

The following are the two main routes to reach Chakrata by road:

Route 1: Dehradun – Mussoorie – Vikasnagar – Chakrata

Route 2: Dehradun – Herbertpur – Kalsi – Chakrata

The distance from Dehradun to Chakrata is approximately 100 kilometers. The journey time by road is about 4 hours.

Here are some tips for reaching Chakrata:

  • If you are traveling by air or train, book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak season.
  • If you are traveling by road, make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. The roads to Chakrata can be narrow and winding, so it is important to be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride.
  • If you are traveling during the summer months, be sure to carry plenty of water and sunscreen. The weather in Chakrata can be hot and sunny, especially during the day.

Hope this travel guide to Chakrata will help you to reach Chakarata very easily. We discussed all the routes and different modes of transport to reach Chakrata. Do share this article with your friends who are planning to visit Chakrata. It is one of the favorite weekend destinations for the people of Dehradun.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Where is Chakrata located?

A: Chakrata is a small town located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state in India. It is situated at an elevation of around 2,118 meters (6,949 feet) above sea level.

Q: How can I reach Chakrata?

A: The nearest major airport to Chakrata is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 100 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chakrata. Chakrata is also well-connected by road, and you can reach there by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from Dehradun or other nearby cities.

Q: What is the best time to visit Chakrata?

A: The best time to visit Chakrata is during the summer months of April to June when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It is also a popular destination during the winter months for snow enthusiasts, but road conditions can be challenging.

Q: What are the popular tourist attractions in Chakrata?

A: Chakrata is known for its natural beauty and offers several attractions for tourists. Some popular places to visit include Tiger Falls, Budher Caves, Deoban, Chilmiri Neck, Ram Tal Horticultural Garden, and the Kanasar Forest.

Q: Are there accommodation options available in Chakrata?

A: Yes, Chakrata offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. There are hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and homestays available for visitors.

Q: What activities can I do in Chakrata?

A: Chakrata is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. You can indulge in activities such as trekking, hiking, camping, bird watching, and nature walks. The region also offers opportunities for rock climbing and rappelling.

Q: Is Chakrata safe for tourists?

A: Chakrata is generally considered safe for tourists. However, like any other travel destination, it is advisable to take necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines. It’s always recommended to be aware of your surroundings and avoid venturing into isolated areas alone, especially at night.

Q: Are there any medical facilities and ATMs available in Chakrata?

A: Chakrata has limited medical facilities and ATMs. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash and essential medications with you. But these days because of online transactions Gpay, Amazon Pay, PhonePe, and UPI are accepted almost everywhere. For comprehensive medical facilities and a wider range of banking services, it is best to visit Dehradun or other nearby towns.

Q: Can I visit Chakrata on a day trip from Dehradun?

A: Yes, Chakrata can be visited as a day trip from Dehradun. However, to explore the area thoroughly and enjoy its natural beauty, it is recommended to spend at least 1 day in Chakrata.

Chakrata Uttarakhand and Places to visit Nearby

Chakrata Hill Station

Chakrata hill station is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun, located at an altitude of about 7000 ft above sea level. Chakrata in Dehradun is a hill station in Uttarakhand state and is a popular tourist destination ideal for mountain climbing, skiing, and trekking.

Chakrata is the most visited place in Dehradun like Mussoorie Hill station which you can visit in winter as well as in summer. But we will recommend visiting Chakrata during winter to see the beauty of snow-covered hilltops.

The town was known earlier than Jaunsar- Bawar(a small hamlet of the Jaunsari tribe). Yamuna valley is located down the hilly area. Chakrata was developed by the Britishers and was a summer destination for the high executives of the East India Company.

Presently Chakrata encloses a military cantonment and access is restricted here for civilian travelers. Kharamba peak is the highest mountain in Chakrata Uttarakhand with an altitude of about 10,000 ft. Trekkers, nature lovers, bird watchers, and wildlife lovers can spend days together here in the lap of the beautiful Chakrata. The forest around Chakrata is a habitat for amazing flora and fauna including wild dowels, spotted deer, and panthers.

Chakrata Travel Guide

Being a military area, Foreigners are required to obtain a permit from the Commandant 22 Force c/o APO to visit Chakrata. If possible, avoid visiting Chakrata during the monsoon season, you can face roadblocks, landslides, and other problems.

There are no resorts in Chakrata, so the best options for food are hotels in Chakrata. Chakrata doesn’t have petrol pumps. The nearest petrol pumps are at Vikasnagar which is at a distance of 50 Km. So it is advised to fill up your tank before visiting Chakrata.

Note: Chakrata hill station is one of the very popular places in Dehradun, Chakrata to visit all over the year and Mussoorie also.

Activities to do and places to visit in Chakrata

There are many caves and ancient temples near Chakrata which is the main attraction point of this secluded hill station. Most of the towns are peaceful and unpolluted.

The two famous temples at Chakrata are the Hano Mahasu temple and the Lakhamandal which are located on the banks of the river Yamuna and trace their existence to the legends of the epic Mahabharata.

Tourists can also find many small treks and hiking places around Chakrata and some famous waterfalls (Tiger Falls). The alpine meadows of Mundali offer skiing opportunities during winter. Below are some famous places you can visit in Chakrata.

Read our complete guide on how to reach Chakrata from Dehradun

Places to visit near Chakrata Hill Station

There are some other beautiful places to visit near Chakrata. You can roam and enjoy the beauty of nature there. There are many other hill stations near Chakrata and some famous waterfalls in Chakrata. Below are some famous locations in Chakrata that you can visit.

1 – Chilmiri Neck

Chilmiri Neck is the peak point in Chakrata where the mess and quarters of the military are located.  The view of the scenic mountains, lands, and dense forests from Chilmiri Neck leaves an unforgettable impact. It is the best location for bird watching and butterflies of different species. The beautiful Himalayan peaks like Rohini peak, Bandarpoonch, and Swarga peak are easily visible from here.

2 – Tiger Falls

Tiger falls is one of the famous falls of Chakrata, Dehradun, which is approximately 20 km from Chakrata.  The mesmerizing waterfall can be reached by an easy trek of 5 Km. The trek to Tiger Falls is an enthralling experience. Tiger falls is one of the highest falls in India, Uttarakhand having a height of about 312ft. Tiger fall is an ideal location for photography, picnic, trekking, and taking bath.

3 – Kalsi

The Ashoka Pillar Rock Edict built in 450 B.C. at Kalsi represents the post-war era when King Ashoka turned himself to the Buddhist faith. An edict is made in Kalsi with quartz having a length of 10 ft and 8ft breadth. The spiritual location is preserved by the National Archaeological Department(NAD) as this edict has great historical significance (relates to Ashoka).

4 – Kanasar

Kanasar is 28 Km from Chakrata(a forest of Deodar and Pine). The deodar trees here are said to have the largest trunk in the whole of Asia.

Note: Foreign tourists are not allowed to visit Chakrata directly, they are allowed up to Kalsi. For visiting Chakrata foreigners have to obtain permission from the Commandant 22 Force c/o 56 APO.

Overview Chakrata

  • Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
  • Best time to visit Chakrata: All the months of the year
  • Recommended stay: 2 days
  • Chakrata from Dehradun: 98 Km
  • Nearest railway station: Dehradun, 98 Km
  • Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 126 Km
  • Famous for: Tiger fall, Hill station, Peaceful location and Weekend destination