Three Easy and Scenic Hiking Trails to Experience the Beauty of Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a very popular hill station destination in Uttarakhand and is often known as the 'Queen of Hills'. Set among the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, Mussoorie was discovered by Captain Frederick Young in 1827, an officer of the British East India Company when he was exploring the region and stumbled upon Mussoorie's captivating landscape. Mussoorie has been a popular tourist destination since a very long time and hence it has become very commercialised with restaurants and hotels and lodges catering to the heavy tourist footfall all the year round. Wait! Did you think I am suggesting you to drop your plans of visiting this hill station destination? Well, No!!! Rather I would tell you about some beautiful trails in Mussoorie where you can walk over dried leaves, listen to the chirping of the birds and experience a 360 degree view of the enchanting Garhwal hills.

(1) Hike in the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve

The first trail that you must go hiking is the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve. This a sprawling private forest area with well marked trails where one can go hiking among the woods. During the spring time the trail becomes scarlet with fallen rhododendrons. While among the woods, the only sound that breaks the silence is the chirping of different birds. There are meadows, grasslands, steep climbs and peaks all along the trail which makes the hiking experience thrilling. On reaching the high peaks, the view of the surrounding mountains would take your breath away. At the entrance every group would be provided with a map with the trail marked. It feels exciting to read the maps and find out the directions in the trail.

Entry Fees: Rs. 350/- Per Person

This trail from the George Everest Base to the George Everest house is a 2km well marked trail with huge trees and forests on both the sides. The trail is a steep accent. One may take frequent breaks to experience and natural beauty all around and then start climbing again. At the top there is an open ground and the white washed Villa of George Everest.

Now, who was George Everest? George Everest was a British military surveyor and geographer who served in India during the 19th century. During his tenure as Surveyor General, George Everest conducted detailed surveys and measurements, primarily in the Himalayan region. After his retirement, the highest peak in the world, then known as peak 'XV' was named as Mount Everest in his honour.

The view from the top is mesmerising. We visited on a cloudy afternoon and when we reached we has a beautiful experience of floating in the clouds as the clouds moved around and covered the valley.

The trail to the top of the Dalai Hills is about one kilometer from the Tibetan Monastery in Mussoorie. This is a very beautiful trail lined with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. As you climb up the stairs you would see a beautiful view of the endless peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. At the top of the Dalai hills there is a statue of Lord Buddha to whom you can offer your prayers. The trail would remind you of your trip Ladakh or would give you a feel to plan a trip to Ladakh s