Chakrata is a small cantonment hill town at about 2,118 m in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district, on a ridge between the Yamuna and Tons rivers. The British Indian Army set it up as a cantonment in the late 1860s, and it is still an army town today. That is the main reason it has stayed quiet: there is no Mall Road, few hotels and very little traffic.
What you come for is the forest. Deodar, oak and rhododendron cover the hills around the town, and short drives lead to Tiger Falls, the high forest of Deoban and the meadows near Budher. In winter the higher ground often gets snow.
Entry rules for Chakrata
Chakrata is an access-restricted army cantonment. Indian visitors do not need a permit, but carry a government photo ID because it may be checked at the barrier on the way up.
Foreign nationals are generally not allowed to enter the cantonment area; any visit needs prior permission from the army authorities. Rules can change, so confirm before you travel. Do not photograph army buildings or installations.
Why go to Chakrata
Deodar forests
Thick deodar, oak and rhododendron forest starts right at the edge of town and runs for kilometres.
Tiger Falls
A tall single-drop waterfall of about 95 m (312 ft) falling into a pool in a forested gorge.
Quiet and winter snow
Far fewer visitors than Mussoorie, with snow on the higher ground in most winters between late December and February.
Things to do in Chakrata
Tiger Falls
About 20 km by road from Chakrata followed by a short walk down, or a steep trek of roughly 5 km from the town. Avoid the pool when the flow is heavy.
Deoban
A high deodar forest at around 2,850 m, about 13-16 km from town on a rough forest road. Known for wide Himalayan views and birdwatching.
Chilmiri Neck
A ridge top about 4-5 km from the market, popular for sunset views over the valleys.
Budher caves and Moila Top
Drive about 25-30 km towards Lokhandi, then walk 2-3 km to a high meadow with a small temple, a pond and limestone caves.
Kanasar
A forest clearing about 26-30 km away on the Tuni road, known for some very old and wide deodar trees.
Distances from Chakrata
Before you go
- Carry a government photo ID for every adult; it may be checked at the cantonment barrier.
- Places to stay are few, so book ahead for weekends and the snow season.
- Fuel, ATMs and medical shops are limited. Fill up at Vikasnagar or Kalsi and carry cash.
- Mobile network is patchy in the forest areas around Deoban, Kanasar and Budher.
- The road above Kalsi is narrow with many bends; avoid driving it after dark.
- Distances to nearby spots vary by source and route, so treat them as approximate.
Chakrata FAQs
Can foreigners visit Chakrata?
Generally no. Chakrata is an access-restricted army cantonment and foreign nationals need prior permission from the army authorities. Indian visitors can go with a government photo ID.
Does it snow in Chakrata?
In most winters, yes, usually between late December and February. The higher areas such as Deoban and Lokhandi get more snow than the town.
How many days are enough for Chakrata?
Two nights is comfortable: one day for Tiger Falls and Chilmiri Neck, and one for Deoban or Budher.
Is Chakrata in Dehradun district?
Yes. Chakrata is a tehsil of Dehradun district, about 90 km from Dehradun city by road.
