Robber’s Cave in Dehradun, called Guchhupani locally, is one of the few places in the city where you walk through a river rather than beside it. A cold stream runs through a narrow limestone gorge, the cliffs close in overhead, and in places the water disappears underground and pops up again a little further on.
We live about 500 metres from the entrance, so we see it in every season. Here is what you actually need to know before you go: timings, tickets, what to wear, and when to visit so you aren’t shoulder to shoulder with a hundred other people.
Staying near Robber’s Cave? WhatsApp us, call +91 99170 03456, or send your dates. We reply within 4–6 hours.
Robber’s Cave at a glance
| Where | Near Anarwala and Malsi, north Dehradun, about 8 km from the city centre |
|---|---|
| Timings | Usually about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Entry ticket | Roughly ₹30–50 per person; parking and lockers are charged separately |
| Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours is plenty |
| Best time | Early morning, on a weekday, between October and June |
Timings and ticket prices change from time to time, so treat these as a guide and confirm at the gate. If you’re staying with us, just ask the evening before and we’ll tell you what we’ve seen that week.
What it’s like inside
From the entrance it’s a short walk down to the stream. Then you simply walk upstream, in the water, between rock walls that get higher and narrower as you go. Most of the way the water is ankle to knee deep and it’s cold, even in summer. The gorge runs for several hundred metres before it ends at a small waterfall.
It isn’t a technical walk, and children and older guests manage it fine, but the rocks are slippery. Go slowly and hold hands with little ones.
When to go
Go early
By late morning on weekends and holidays the gorge gets crowded and the water turns murky with all the feet. Get there close to opening and you’ll have the cold, clear water mostly to yourself. Staying nearby makes this easy: from our gate you can be there in five minutes and back in time for breakfast.
Best season
October to March is clear, quiet and fresh, though the water is very cold, so a sunny late morning in winter is more comfortable than dawn. April to June is when Robber’s Cave is at its best: the cold water is a relief from the heat. July to September is the monsoon. The stream can rise quickly after rain and access is sometimes restricted, so check before you go and never enter when the water is high or fast.
What to wear and bring
- Sandals or old sports shoes with grip, not flip-flops. You will be walking on wet stones.
- Shorts or trousers you can roll up above the knee.
- A change of clothes and a small towel, especially for children.
- A waterproof pouch for your phone, or leave it in a locker.
- Cash or UPI for tickets, parking and the snack stalls near the entrance.
How to get there
Robber’s Cave is in north Dehradun, off the road towards Mussoorie, roughly 8 km from the Clock Tower. A cab or auto from the city usually takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. There is paid parking near the entrance for cars and two-wheelers, and it fills up on weekends, which is another reason to arrive early.
Combine it with
Robber’s Cave fits easily into a day with other sights in this part of town. Sahastradhara is about 10 km away, and Mussoorie is about 26 km up the hill. Our 2-day weekend plan from Delhi fits Robber’s Cave into day one and Mussoorie into day two.
Where to stay near Robber’s Cave
Shivoham Retreat is a small, family-run homestay about 500 metres from Robber’s Cave, in Malsi just off Mussoorie Road. It has three rooms, eight guests at most, breakfast included, free parking and a garden with hill views:
- Luxury Valley Facing Room: private balcony, from ₹3,500 a night
- Luxury Studio Room: spacious, from ₹4,000 a night
- Harmony House: the whole two-bedroom house for up to four, from ₹6,000 a night
Guests often walk to the cave at opening time, come back for breakfast, and spend the rest of the day doing very little. See the rooms, or join a sunrise yoga session on another morning.
Want to be the first one in the water? WhatsApp us, call +91 99170 03456, or send your dates. We reply within 4–6 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Robber’s Cave timings?
It is usually open from about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Timings can change, especially in the monsoon, so confirm locally before you go.
What is the entry fee for Robber’s Cave?
Roughly ₹30–50 per person, with parking and lockers charged separately. Prices are revised from time to time, so check at the gate.
Is Robber’s Cave safe for children?
Yes, in normal conditions. The water is mostly ankle to knee deep, but the stones are slippery, so keep children close and avoid visiting when the stream is high after rain.
What should I wear to Robber’s Cave?
Sandals or shoes with good grip, shorts or trousers you can roll up, and bring a change of clothes and a towel.
Where can I stay near Robber’s Cave?
Shivoham Retreat is a family-run homestay about 500 metres from the entrance, with rooms from ₹3,500 a night including breakfast.