Day Hikes Near Mussoorie
Mussoorie is fast becoming an ultimate adventure destination due to its pristine hill side, pleasant weather and geographical location. Day hikes near Mussoorie are the best way to explore the secluded and naturally preserved mountains around Mussoorie. Whether you are a beginner to trekking or an experienced hiker, Mussoorie has a perfect day hike for you. Benog hill, Bhadraj forest and Chhaskhet nature trail are the best short treks near Mussoorie.
TrailHikers organises group as well as custom day hikes near Mussoorie which include meals, forest permits and professional trek guide.
Who can do day hikes near Mussoorie ?
Day hikes near Mussoorie are ideal for people of all age groups. Most of the short treks near Mussoorie are perfect for beginners, kids & senior citizens. Minimum age for these treks is 5 years.
Benog Hill Trek
Benog Hill is located around 11.5 km west of Mussoorie. Also known as Benog Tibba locally, its 2,250 m from sea level which makes it one of the highest mountains around Mussoorie. Benog Tibba trek starts from Clouds End, which is 7 km or 15 minutes drive from Mussoorie. As you reach Clouds End, a well labelled forest sign board on the right side of the road marks the beginning of this amazing forest trail. Clouds End to Benog hill peak is 4.5 km trek one side and a 9 km trek overall which makes it perfect for adventurers looking for short treks near Mussoorie.
For the first 1.5 km, you will descend up to the base of the Benog Hill peak. This part of the trail which takes around 15-20 mins for an average hiker, makes you realize the beauty of unspoilt forests around you. As you keep descending, you will reach an umbrella shaped tin shed and a sign board put up by the forest department. The sign board shows 3 km up hill trek to Benog Hill peak. This umbrella shed place is called Andheri. From Andheri, there is also one trail going down towards the Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary and forest office.
Take the trail going up and trek 3 km up hill through the forested hill which will bring you to the Benog Hill, which also has Jwala Devi temple on top. Benog Tibba provides a 360 degree views which include higher Himalayan peaks to the north, river Yamuna to the west, Mussoorie city to the east and the beautiful Doon valley to the south. An amazing forest walk, secluded trail and panoramic views from the mountain top make Benog Hill one of the best day hikes near Mussoorie.
Itinerary
- Report at Clouds Ends at 9:30 am
- Our trek leader / guide will meet you there
- A short trek & safety briefing
- Trekkers are given snacks, juices & packed lunches for the trail
- Day trekking from 9:45 am to 3:00 pm
- Back to Clouds End by 3:00 pm – END OF TREK
- Drive back to hotel
Bhadraj Forest Trek
Bhadraj trek is one of the most popular short treks near Mussoorie. Bhadraj Hill (2,200 m) is located about 15 km west of Mussoorie. One can start the Bhadraj trek from Clouds End but the actual trek starts from village Dudhli, which is 3 km down hill. You can choose to drive till Dudhli village which is roughly 10 km from Gandhi Chowk in Mussoorie. From Dudhli village, a cemented trail goes all the way up to the beginning of the Bhadraj forest. Until recently, this was a natural forest path, but due to the huge foot fall of devotees at the Bhadraj temple during the 3-day annual fair in mid August, it was converted into cemented trail a few years ago.
Though the cemented patch takes away the charm of natural trail but still the Bhadraj forest trail ahead is worth doing. As you start climbing higher from Dudhli, you will notice a contrasting feature on this mountain which is quite surprising. The northern slopes of the Bhadraj mountain are thickly forested while the southern slopes are almost bare grasslands. After trekking up around 1 km from Dudhli, there comes a huge grassy clearing with a small pond ( if its rainy season) which a serves as a great resting place for trekkers. On a clear day, you can also catch a glimpse of higher Himalayan peaks from here. From here, a steep climb of 750 metre will bring you to the much needed forest trail which is almost a flat forest walk up to the Bhadraj hill.
Walk on this amazing forest trail through the dense Bhadraj forest and cherish your moment in nature. After a 2 km forest walk, you will reach a huge clearing which also has a cemented shed. This place is used to set up shops during the 3-day annual fair at Bhadraj Hill in mid August. A zig zag climb of 250 m further will take you to the Bhadraj temple. Bhadraj peak is just 50 m climb to the right. Bhadraj hill gives magnificent 360 degree views of Doon valley to the south, Yamuna to the west, Mussoorie to the east & the higher Himalayan peaks to the north. No wonder, Bhadraj trek is one of the most adventurous day hikes near Mussoorie.
Itinerary
- Report at Clouds Ends at 9:30 am
- Our trek leader / guide will meet you there
- A short trek & safety briefing
- Trekkers are given snacks, juices & packed lunches for the trail
- Day trekking from 9:45 am to 3:00 pm
- Back to Clouds End by 3:00 pm – END OF TREK
- Drive back to hotel
Chhaskhet Trek
Chhaskhet is a beautiful mountain village located about 12 km from Mussoorie. The trail to Chhaskhet village (1,800 m) starts from Clouds End which is 7 km from Mussoorie. You can drive up to Clouds End and park your vehicle near the Clouds End Forest resort. As you start on the cemented trail near the resort, it takes a turn towards west and descends steeply for about 500 m after which there is a diversion point. From here, the trail to the right goes to village Dudhli and the trail to the left goes to village Chhaskhet. Take the left path which descends gradually through the scenic pine forest.
As you march further on this trail, you will realize the beauty of this unspoilt hill side near Mussooorie. If one is looking for short treks near Mussoorie, one should start with the Chhaskhet Nature trail. Chhaskhet trail has several small & beautiful grassy clearings amidst pine trees which will compel you to stop, take a little breather or take a photo for sure. For most part of this trail, you will see the Bhadraj mountain in the background to the west.
After hiking 1.5 km, there comes a point where this cemented trail narrows down & bifurcates into two paths. The left one goes to village Bhulyat and the right one to village Chhaskhet. If you look carefully towards the forest on the west, you will also notice a small trail through the forest which joins this place to village Dudhli. Anyways, take a right turn and trek through the amazing tree line of oak, deodar & pine trees for 3 km to reach your destination – Village Chhaskhet. If lucky, you might spot the mountain goat ‘Ghural’ or the barking deer ‘Kakar’ in the nearby forest. Chhaskhet nature trail is one the most highly recommended day hikes near Mussoorie during rainy and winter season.
Itinerary
- Report at Clouds Ends at 9:30 am
- Our trek leader / guide will meet you there
- A short trek & safety briefing
- Trekkers are given snacks, juices & packed lunches for the trail
- Day trekking from 9:45 am to 3:00 pm
- Back to Clouds End by 3:00 pm – END OF TREK
- Drive back to hotel