Planning a Mussoorie trip? New rules you must know first

If you’re planning a serene escape to the Queen of Hills—Mussoorie—hold on before packing your bags. As of July 2025, the government of Uttarakhand has implemented mandatory new rules for tourists traveling to this picturesque destination during peak seasons.

From online registration requirements to QR code entry systems, these regulations are designed to control the overwhelming tourist footfall and safeguard the town’s fragile environment.

Why New Rules for Mussoorie?

Over the past few years, Mussoorie has witnessed a sharp spike in tourist arrivals—from around 11 lakh in 2022 to over 21 lakh in 2024. This massive inflow has choked its narrow roads, exhausted its resources, and compromised the experience for both locals and travelers.

Instances of emergency vehicles stuck in traffic, unauthorized parking, and plastic pollution have sparked concern among locals, environmentalists, and civic authorities alike. In one alarming case in June, a tourist reportedly died due to a delayed ambulance caught in a traffic snarl between Mall Road and Library Chowk. It was a wake-up call.

To restore order and preserve the beauty of Mussoorie, the authorities introduced a system of controlled tourism via pre-registration and real-time monitoring.

What Are the New Rules?

Mandatory Online Registration for Entry

All tourists visiting Mussoorie during high season are now required to register online through the official Uttarakhand tourism portal. The system collects details such as:

• Name
• Vehicle registration number
• Dates of stay
• Hotel/accommodation name

Once verified via OTP (SMS for Indians, email for foreigners), you will receive a QR code, which acts as a virtual pass for entry into the city. No QR code? You may be turned away at the checkpoint.

Checkpoints at Entry Gates

Security officials at Kimadi, Kuthal Gate, and Kempty now verify vehicle numbers via ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) cameras. If your registration details don’t match or are missing, you might be asked to turn back.

Hotel & Homestay Compliance

Your Mussoorie hotel or homestay is also required to upload your booking information to the portal upon your arrival. This helps regulate the number of visitors and avoid overbooking beyond the city’s capacity.

Goals Behind the Regulation

These rules aren’t meant to scare away tourists. Instead, they aim to:

• Reduce road congestion and long traffic jams
• Prevent last-minute, unregulated influx of travelers
• Manage waste and resource strain
• Ensure emergency access for ambulances and fire services
• Comply with National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines for ecologically sensitive zones

What Tourists Need to Do

Planning a Mussoorie trip under the new regime? Here’s a checklist to help you breeze through:

Register Online

Go to the official portal (URL expected to be announced soon). Fill out your details and download your QR code.

Book Your Hotel in Advance

Avoid spontaneous trips. Many hotels now require pre-registered guest QR codes to complete check-in.

Keep These Documents Handy

• ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Vehicle registration details
• Your QR code (digital or printed)
• Accommodation booking confirmation

Avoid Peak Hours

Check local travel advisories and avoid peak traffic windows. Weekends and holidays tend to be the most congested.