I took a day off and planned a solo escape to Mussoorie over the Holi long weekend—four days to unwind and explore at my own pace. I booked a bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, and to my surprise, the terminal felt more like a bustling railway station. It was massive, with buses lined up for nearly every major city!
And yes, this was a solo trip! I love being a solo traveller—it gives me a deep sense of control, freedom, and independence that I truly cherish.
The bus rolled out around 11 PM, and thankfully, the seat beside me stayed empty, giving me enough space to stretch out and relax. Around 1:30 AM, we stopped for dinner, but I only grabbed a cup of tea before continuing toward Dehradun. By 5 AM, the bus dropped me off, and an Innova was already waiting to take me up to Mussoorie.
I reached Mussoorie by 6 AM, and it was absolutely freezing! I arrived at Super Hotel by Perfect Stays, where I had made an advance booking, but the check-in wasn’t until 12 PM. The cold hit hard, so I quickly changed into warm clothes. I asked the receptionist if I could at least freshen up and brush, and thankfully, he agreed.
I felt exhausted and the long wait for a room drained me further. To make matters worse, the hospitality was disappointing. Despite my advance payment, the staff refused to give me a room. I finally decided to walk out and let it go—I couldn’t wait any longer.
With barely any sleep and nowhere to crash, I walked along Mall Road in search of a room. Luckily, I found Hotel Mayfield, a cozy place right in the heart of the area. As soon as I entered the room, I collapsed onto the bed and slept like a rock.
A short nap and a hot shower brought me back to life. I called the same driver who had dropped me earlier and headed out to explore Mussoorie.
Day 1 – Places to Visit in Mussoorie
CHAR DUKAN
My first stop was Char Dukan, a charming little stretch in Landour with four to five food stalls nestled together. The place had a peaceful, laid-back vibe, with people casually enjoying their meals and soaking in the quiet of the hills.
Café de Landour immediately caught my eye. With its quaint and inviting exterior, it stood out among the rest. I stepped inside, and the warm, cozy atmosphere instantly drew me in. The place served Italian cuisine, and I ordered a chicken pasta while soaking in the view. It turned out to be a perfect start to my Mussoorie journey—great food in a great setting.
I planned to visit a nearby church, but when I got there, I found it closed. So, I moved on and headed toward Lal Tibba.
LAL TIBBA
Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie. Entry will cost you Rs50, and they also had a binocular setup available for visitors. If the weather is clear, you can get a breathtaking view of the entire Himalayan mountain range. The spot offers a truly panoramic view—a peaceful escape with stunning natural beauty all around.
Screenshot 
After soaking in the sights at Lal Tibba, I made my way to the famous Landour Bakehouse, another must-visit in the area. Since private vehicles aren’t allowed up, you either have to walk about 900 meters or take a small cart, which charges Rs50 to drop you right at the Bakehouse.
Landour Bakehouse is a premium bakery known for its charming ambience and mouth-watering selection of food items. When I arrived, there was already a 40-minute wait, it was that popular!
Since I had just had lunch about an hour earlier, I wasn’t too hungry—I was really just in the mood for a hot cup of coffee. After waiting a bit, I spoke to the staff at the entrance and explained that I only wanted to grab a coffee and wouldn’t mind sitting by the door. Thankfully, he was kind enough to let me in.
The vibe of the place was lovely—warm, welcoming, and full of that cozy, old-world charm. I took a moment to glance around and soak it in before settling down by the door with my coffee. It was a simple yet satisfying experience—just me, a warm cup, and the quiet charm of Landour.
Just before reaching the Bakehouse, the cart driver had mentioned a famous tree near Café Ivy at Devdar Woods—a spot many visitors stop by to take photos. My curiosity was at peak, so after leaving Landour Bakehouse, I decided to check it out on my way back.
And I’m so glad I did—it was absolutely the right decision. The tree was massive, truly majestic, and it left me in awe. Standing under it felt surreal—it had that kind of quiet, ancient presence that makes you pause and just take it all in.
I didn’t step into Café Ivy this time since I had just come from the Bakehouse, but it’s definitely going on my list for the next visit.
Instead of taking the cart back, I chose to walk, and honestly, the distance wasn’t too bad. The peaceful walk through the woods added the perfect touch to a beautiful day.
These three spots—Char Dukan, Lal Tibba, and Landour Bakehouse—made up the highlights of my Day 1 in Mussoorie. After wrapping up my little adventure, I headed back and took a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, soaking in the evening vibes.
For dinner, I had already set my heart on Kalsang Restaurant, known for its Tibetan and Asian cuisine. It was quite crowded, as expected, but I was lucky enough to get a seat. I ordered their pork momos, which were absolutely sumptuous—full of flavor and just what I needed after a long, exhausting day.
With a full stomach and a happy heart, I made my way back to the hotel to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Day 2 – Holi in Mussoorie and Gun Hill
Waking up to Holi in Mussoorie was an experience in itself—vibrant, joyful, and full of life. The town came alive with color, especially near the Picture Gallery, where groups of people had gathered to celebrate. Everything had come to a standstill—shops were shut, and the streets were taken over by laughter, music, and bursts of colour. It truly felt like the whole town was celebrating together.
Since my hotel was room-only, I stepped out in search of breakfast and was relieved to find Café Hinge open, located just downstairs. From the moment I walked in, I was charmed by its aesthetic vibe and warm ambiance. The café offered a delicious variety of Mexican, Italian, and American cuisine, and I ended up having one of the best breakfasts of the trip—a sausage sandwich and a steaming cup of coffee. It was filling, flavorful, and just what I needed to kickstart the colourful day.
After finishing up at Café Hinge, I stepped out to continue exploring Mall Road, still craving a cup of tea to truly start my day—coffee just hadn’t done the trick. After walking for a while, I was relieved to find a small roadside stall run by a local lady, serving freshly brewed tea. That first sip brought so much comfort—it felt like home in a cup.
As I wandered around, I noticed a man offering tourists the chance to dress up in traditional attire and get their photos clicked. For Rs300, they will provide the outfit, take your photo, and hand over a printed copy—a fun and colorful cultural experience for those interested.
Most of the shops remained closed for Holi, so I spent the day leisurely strolling through the town, soaking in the festive spirit. After lunch, I decided to visit Gun Hill, one of the iconic viewpoints in Mussoorie.
You can take a ropeway directly from Mall Road, with a two-way ticket priced at Rs220. The ride takes you to the second-highest point in Mussoorie, offering a peaceful escape above the town. Although many stalls and shops at the top were closed due to the holiday, the view was incredible. Gun Hill is built in a circular layout, allowing visitors to walk around, enjoy the panoramic views, grab a bite (if shops are open), and then head back via the same ropeway—which conveniently drops you off at your starting point on Mall Road.
After returning to Mall Road, I continued strolling leisurely, soaking in the energy and charm of Mussoorie. It was incredibly crowded—at one point, it genuinely felt like the entire Delhi NCR had arrived for the long weekend! The roads were packed with cars bearing HR, UP, and DL number plates, and there were traffic jams and crowds at every corner.
Eventually, I made my way to The Tibet Café. Since there were no vacant tables, I was standing and waiting when a kind couple invited me to join them at their table. The woman noticed my selfie stick and asked if I was a vlogger. I said yes, and just like that, a lovely conversation began. One of the best things about solo travel is these spontaneous interactions—you meet such interesting people along the way.
I ordered the chicken ramen for dinner. While the food was decent, the overall experience was a bit dampened by the crowd and the lack of attentive service. The café seemed overwhelmed, and the staff were barely available.
After dinner, I felt like having one last cup of coffee before calling it a night, so I stopped by Café Hinge again. It was bustling too, but I managed to find a tiny corner to sip my coffee. While I was sitting there, a girl approached me and politely asked if she could take the vacant stool next to me. I said yes, and soon enough, she struck up a conversation—she had noticed my selfie stick too and guessed I might be a content creator.
When a table nearby became available, she and her boyfriend insisted I join them, which I happily did. We chatted for a while—it’s always heartwarming to connect with strangers and share stories, even if it’s just for a brief moment. Before parting ways, we all followed each other on Instagram—a lovely way to stay connected beyond the journey.
While the day had been pleasant, the weather took a dramatic turn by nightfall. It started raining, and soon the sky was roaring with thunderstorms. I returned to my hotel, and the night was filled with the sound of heavy rain and crashing thunder.
The next morning was freezing, and the rain had just stopped. I later learned that schools had been closed and a red alert had been issued in Mussoorie due to the worsening weather conditions.
My go-to breakfast spot, Café Hinge, unfortunately had nothing available that morning. So, I quickly made my way to a nearby dhaba, needing something warm and quick to eat. There was a couple already dining there who had ordered paneer paratha, so I decided to go with the same—it would be quicker to prepare since they were already making it, and I was running short on time.
After a hurried breakfast, I rushed to Library Chowk, which was my pickup point for the ride back to Dehradun. My taxi was scheduled to depart at 10 AM from Mussoorie, and from Dehradun at 12:30 PM. Despite the weather and the chaos, I managed to reach on time, ready to begin my journey home—grateful for the memories, the people, and the peaceful chaos of the hills.
For my return journey, I had booked a sleeper bus, which turned out to be the perfect choice. It felt like having my own little cabin, cozy and private—just what I needed after a packed few days. I managed to get some real rest along the way.
The bus stopped for a quick lunch break, and by around 7 PM, I was back in Delhi. I returned with a heart full of joy, a head full of memories, and a soul recharged. This trip reminded me once again how essential these short getaways are—they keep you grounded and give you the energy to keep going.
Travel is my dopamine—without it, I feel adrift. I’m so glad I followed my instinct and chose to visit Mussoorie. It was truly beautiful, and the experience will stay with me for a long time.
Hope you enjoyed reading about my little mountain escape.
Until next time—cheers and happy travels!