Nature Lover headed to Mussoorie? Here are five things to can do to please your soul. 

Mussoorie is a beautiful place for a getaway for people residing in the neighboring states of Uttarakhand. It is a nice and comfortable drive, and has a host of options for places to stay. What a lot of people don’t know, is that in and around Mussoorie, there is a plethora of non-commercial places awaiting nature lovers.

1) Trek to Cloud’s End: if you want to overlook a beautiful sea of clouds and breathe in the sweet, fresh smell of nothingness, this is the hike to do. Seven kilometers from Mussoorie, is Cloud’s end, a viewpoint that makes you feel like we are mere mortals in this beautiful world of nature. Cloud’s End is also the entry point to Chhaskhet Nature Walk, a trail through the pine forest with stunning views of the Dehradun Valley. You will also pass Chhaskhet village, Bulyat village, and get a glimpse of the limestone cliffs that are a part of the lower Himalayas.

Note: You will need a permit before you go on the Chhaskhet Nature Trail. The permit can be acquired online.

2) Jabarkhet Nature Reserve: If you are an avid bird watcher, have an interest in the local Himalayan flora and fauna or generally like landscape photography, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve is the place for you. There are local guides available to take you around in case you are interested in a guided tour. Trails are marked if you want to explore on your own, and there are several interesting places for you to make pitstops and explore your surroundings. Some of their activities that you can participate in include butterfly trails, mushroom and flower identification, birdwatching and photography.

Note: An entry pass is needed to enter Jabarkhet Nature Reserve and is available on their website.

3) Trek to Parri Tibba: a hike, paranormal stories, and a location fit for it all, Parri Tibba, locally also known as Witch’s Hill, is an easy, two-kilometer hike from Mussoorie. There are several stories among the locals about paranormal activities at Parri Tibba, but it is perfectly safe to go to during the day. Parri Tibba makes for a great picnic spot so pack a lunch and make a day out of it.

Note: Highly advised not to go on this trek when there is a storm as it is prone to lightning strikes. Obviously.

4) Camping at Flag Hill: all the camping junkies out there, this is the place to be. A short walk through Happy Valley and up from The Gap, and you’re on your way to Flag Hill or Dalai Hill. Once you reach the top, you’ll see several Tibetan prayer flags dancing in the breeze. 

5) Trek to Benog Tibba: Going through the Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary, this is one of the shortest and easiest hikes around Mussoorie. A paradise for birders, you can spot the nearly extinct mountain quail among ninety species of other birds. The top of the trail is home to Jwala Devi, where a temple is built in her honor. The trek gives you a view of the Yamuna River and the snow peaked mountains of the Himalayas and is lined with Rhododendron and Deodar trees. The best time to visit is from September to June.