About Chakrata

Uttarakhand

Overview

Chakrata is a hill cantonment in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, about 2,118 m up and 98 km from Dehradun. The British Indian Army set it up in 1869 in the Jaunsar Bawar region between the Tons and Yamuna rivers, and it is still an army town. Forests of deodar, oak and rhododendron and Jaunsari villages surround it, and the main outings are Tiger Falls, the Chilmiri Neck ridge, the Deoban forest and the meadow at Moila Top. It is an access restricted military area: Indian visitors should carry photo ID, and foreign nationals need prior permission.

Best Time to Visit Chakrata

Plan your trip around the right season

Oct to NovBest Window

Why visit

Clear ridge views, dry forest trails and very few crowds.

Keep in mind

Evenings turn cold and stays are limited, so book ahead.

Mar to Jun

Why visit

Pleasant weather and rhododendron in bloom in spring. Good for Moila Top and Deoban walks.

Keep in mind

Haze can soften the mountain views in early summer.

Dec to Feb

Why visit

Snow on the higher ridges and crisp winter views.

Keep in mind

Very cold, and snow or ice can close the roads to Deoban and Budher.

Jul to Sep

Why visit

Tiger Falls is at full flow and the forests are lush.

Keep in mind

Landslides are common on the Kalsi road, and the trails get slippery.

How to Reach Chakrata

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Dehradun railway station is 87 km away and Jolly Grant airport 113 km. From Dehradun the road climbs via Vikasnagar and Kalsi, about 3 hours. By road Chakrata is about 330 km from Delhi, around 7 to 9 hours.

Getting Around Chakrata

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Buses and shared taxis run from Dehradun and Vikasnagar. Hire a local taxi in Chakrata for Tiger Falls, Deoban and Budher.