Popular hikes and treks for beginners around Mussoorie

Mussoorie is known as the queen of the hills and the place absolutely lives up to it's reputation, especially is you make a visit during the quaint non-touristy season. However, no matter when you go, there are still things that you can do which will take you far away from the maddening crowds. Presenting some easy to not-so-easy hikes and treks around Mussoorie which are a must-to-do for anyone who loves mountains.

On a trek around Mussoorie

Everest House

Not many know that the house of George Everest, after whom Mount Everest is named, has his house near Mussoorie. The house is about 6km away from Mussoorie and is unfortunately is not in a great condition. However, it's still worth checking out.

To reach the house, drive down to Mussoorie's iconic hotel, Cloud's End, by car and then walk to the house. It's a scenic walk and takes about 5 hours.

Bird Sanctuary trek

The Bird sanctuary near Mussoorie is actually a part of the Rajaji National Park and it's an excellent place for both birders as well as nature lovers. The sanctuary is not commonly frequented by tourists and so is a quite place which makes it easy to also spot birds.

Often barking deer can be seen along with the birds deep into the forest. The top of the sanctuary is a hill called Banog Hill and it can be accessed by a hike.

Kempty waterfall hike

Everyone goes to the Kempty falls, but this hike is different. Instead of going down into the valley from where you can see the water coming down, you take the opposite direction and walk with the stream before it becomes big and falls down from the cliff.

It's a fairly easy and flat hike and again not many people know about it, so it's still largely unexplored.

Aglad river trek

Aglad river is famous for it's trouts, and it's a great trek to take if you want to catch your own lunch! The region also celebrates a festival around the river trouts when the locals come and fish together.

The hike is about 3 hours long, and it's also possible to camp in the valley. Make sure you take a guide along to help you plan it all.

Happy valley hike

Happy Valley is the area where Dalai Lama was first settled when he came from Tibet, and even today there is a sizable Tibetan Buddhist population which lives and thrives here.

The valley is well connected by a road, but the charm of coming here early in the morning through a hike is unmatched. The trail isn't marked, but it's unlikely you will get lost. If worried, ask a local or take a guide along :)

Jabarkhet Nature Reserve hike

Jabarkhet Nature Reserve is a private venture set up to protect and conserve the ecology of the forests around Mussoorie. You can reach the entrance of the reserve either in a car or a bus which goes towards Dhanaulti.

There are multiple trails one could take up like Ridge trail, Rockfall trail. Leopard trail, Mushroom trail and so on. Jabarkhet is also famous to witness the unique winter line in the region.

Nag Tibba

If the previous hikes were too easy, perhaps you are now ready for Nag Tibba! At about 10,000 feet, Nag Tibba is one of the tallest peaks around and is a perfect weekend trek from Mussoorie. You need to first drive from Mussoorie to a village called Pantwari where you can then leave your car. The highest point on the trek is the peak itself called Nag Tibba ‘Jhandi.

The trek is best enjoyed if you stay the night on the hill in tents, however for that you need porters also. The hike is about 5 hours or so, and the peak is accessible all year round, though the difficulty level changes.

To reach Mussoorie

Mussoorie is well connected from Dehradun by buses, shared cabs and you can also hire a taxi. Dehradun has an airport which is connected well with New Delhi and the journey takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively you can also take a train or a bus from there and this will take you about 8-10 hours.

Stay at Mussoorie

I stayed at the JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, and they can organised all of the above treks for their guests. The guides are locals and very well trained.

Book: JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa