Robber's Cave, known locally as Guchhupani, is a narrow river gorge near Anarwala village, about 8 km north of the Clock Tower in Dehradun district. A cold stream has cut a deep, winding passage through conglomerate rock, and the walls rise so high that in places they almost meet overhead. The cave is about 600 m long and is split into two parts.
There is no path inside: you walk in the stream, usually ankle to knee deep, to a small waterfall of about 10 m at the far end. On the way the water disappears under the gravel and comes up again a few metres ahead, which is how the place got its local name. The English name comes from stories that robbers hid here with their loot during British times.
Why go to Robber's Cave
Walk inside a river
Cold, clear water flows between towering rock walls, a welcome escape on a hot Doon Valley day.
The vanishing stream
The water slips under the gravel and reappears a little further on, the 'hidden water' of Guchhupani.
Waterfall at the end
The gorge ends at a small waterfall of about 10 m; on sunny days you may see a rainbow in the spray.
Main things to see
The gorge walk
Wade upstream through the narrow passage between high walls of conglomerate rock.
The waterfall
A small fall of about 10 m at the end of the gorge where most visitors rest and take photos.
Old wall ruins
Remains of a fort-like wall stand in the middle part of the cave.
Distances from Robber's Cave
Timings and entry
- Open daily, roughly 7 am to 6 pm.
- There is a small entry ticket at the gate.
- Rubber slippers can usually be hired near the entrance.
- The gorge may be closed after heavy rain or when the administration issues a warning.
Before you go
- You will get wet up to the knees or more; wear shorts or roll-up trousers and carry a change of clothes.
- Keep phones and cameras in a waterproof pouch.
- The stones are slippery and cold; hold children's hands throughout.
- No loud music inside the gorge; the walls echo and other visitors come for the quiet.
- Carry your plastic and food wrappers back out.
- Combine it with Sahastradhara or Tapkeshwar for a full day in Dehradun.
Robber's Cave FAQs
How far is Robber's Cave from Dehradun?
About 8 km from the Clock Tower and about 9 km from Dehradun railway station. It takes 25 to 35 minutes by road.
What are Robber's Cave timings?
It is open daily, roughly from 7 am to 6 pm. It may close after heavy rain.
Is there an entry fee for Robber's Cave?
Yes, there is a small entry ticket at the gate. Slipper hire and parking are separate.
How deep is the water in Robber's Cave?
Usually ankle to knee deep for adults, deeper in a few spots. It rises quickly after rain upstream.
Why is it called Guchhupani?
'Guchhu' is taken to mean hidden: the stream vanishes under the gravel and reappears a little further on.
