Top 30 Best Places To Visit And Best Treks To Do In Mussoorie: Queen of hills

Mussorie: “The Queen of Hills.” There is no doubt that Mussoorie is one of the most famous hill stations in India. Uttarakhand is truly a blessed state, adorned with innumerable sacred temples and shrines dedicated to all religions. Simultaneously, Uttarakhand is rich with famous tourist destinations where visitors from around the world come to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Himalayas. On one hand, Uttarakhand offers a transcendent experience to the Yatris (devotees) who come here for the Chardham Yatra, and visit Rishikesh, Haridwar, and on the other hand, it provides all the luxury and comfort that a leisure tourist can ask for in places like Dehradun, Nainital, and Mussoorie.

Mussoorie is renowned for its beautiful ancient Indian and British architecture. The British culture has a significant influence in Mussoorie, reflected through its old buildings, churches, picturesque mountain roads, and other heritage sites.

Mussoorie is a complete tourist destination in itself. It boasts beautiful waterfalls and serene spots offering magnificent views of the Himalayas, heritage buildings, gardens, temples, old cafes, and much more.

Here is a list of some of the most beautiful places that you should visit on your next trip to Mussoorie. And when you come here, we request you to leave all the nuisances of city life behind so that you can take back with you the immense beauty and serenity of Mother Nature.

Quick answer: The top places in Mussoorie are Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Landour and Lal Tibba, Company Garden and George Everest. The best short treks are George Everest (half day), Jwala Devi on Benog Hill (6 km return) and Nag Tibba (2 days). The most visited temples are Surkanda Devi, Jwala Devi, Bhadraj, Prakasheshwar Mahadev and the Buddha Temple in Happy Valley.

Best treks in and near Mussoorie

Famous temples in and near Mussoorie

Bhadraj Temple is one of the most famous yet underrated tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Famous because almost everyone has heard about it, underrated because despite knowing about it, very few people go to visit this beautiful place. Bhadraj Temple is located atop a hill from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset and sunrise. You can reach there by car, with a few steps to climb before reaching the temple.

Some adventure lovers choose to embark on a one-day hike from Mussoorie to Bhadraj Temple. The trek is approximately 6 km long and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.

George Everest Peak is the perfect destination for those seeking a small trek or day hike in Mussoorie. During British Rule, Sir George Everest served as the Surveyor-General of India for a significant period. He built his home and laboratory at a spectacular location in Mussoorie, which was later named after him. If you prefer not to undertake the exhausting trek, you can take a cab from Library Chowk to Hathi Paon. From there, it’s a trek of about 2.5 km to reach George Everest House. Along the way, you’ll pass by the famous Maggie Point.

For avid trekkers eager to enjoy the spectacular views from the summit, a further trek of 1.5 km is required to reach George Everest Peak. Those who haven’t trekked before may find this journey demanding. However, the breathtaking views from the summit will surely make up for any exhaustion.

The Buddhist Temple is located in Happy Valley, Mussoorie. Such a beautiful name for a place, isn’t it? It is the home of our Tibetan brothers. The Buddha Temple in Mussoorie is one of the most famous places to visit and also one of the most divine locations. It is said to be the first Buddhist monastery in India. When His Holiness the Dalai Lama came to India, he stayed here and consecrated this place.

On the way to the Buddha Temple, you will pass by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, where IAS officers receive their training.

Dalai Hill is located just 400 meters away from the Buddha Temple. A beautiful statue of Lord Buddha is placed there at the summit. To reach the summit, you’ll need to hike for about half an hour and climb a few steps. From there, you’ll be treated to the most breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Whenever someone plans their trip to Mussoorie, they surely hear about this place called ‘Kempty Waterfalls’ or ‘Kempty Falls’. In recent years, this waterfall has become extremely popular among tourists and has become a must-visit place in Mussoorie.

Kempty Falls is located on the Mussoorie-Yamunotri road, and you can reach there after a 15 km drive, which will take around half an hour. If you want to rent a two-wheeler, you can do so and drive to Kempty Falls. There is also a cable car service available that will take you down to Kempty Falls. If you prefer not to take the cable car, you can reach these famous waterfalls of Mussoorie after a short hike/walk of 15 minutes.

In the summer, this place remains filled with tourists. When the pool is crowded with people, it’s uncertain how hygienic it can be to bathe there. However, most tourists love to take a dip in the cold water of Kempty Falls.

There are many cafes and restaurants around Kempty Waterfall where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the beautiful views.

Travelers or tourists who prefer to avoid crowded places like Kempty Falls can choose to visit the Company Garden. It is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Mussoorie and is a must-visit place, especially if you are traveling with your kids. The Company Garden offers many rides for children. Additionally, you can experience the joy of paddle boating while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Almost all the famous hill stations in India have their own Mall Road, which always remains the main center of attraction for tourists, especially at night. Mall Road in Mussoorie is filled with quaint shops where you can purchase gifts for your loved ones. Moreover, there are cafes and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy meals.

You can choose to take a walk on Mall Road in the evening when the beautiful sunset creates picturesque views, or you can visit at night when the entire stretch of Mall Road will be lit up. You can also opt to take a cycle rickshaw to reach Mall Road.

Char Dukan literally means “Four Shops”. In the British Era, there were four small heritage shops on the way to Lal Tibba. That’s why people started calling this place Char Dukaan. This place is located very near to St. Paul’s Church in Mussoorie. It offers beautiful views of the Himalayas. The four heritage shops are still here where you can enjoy having tea/coffee or Maggie and Pakoda. You can purchase a book from the nearby book stall and read it while sitting on the bench with a cup of tea, enjoying the beautiful Himalayan scenery at the same time. Isn’t it the best way to spend some quality time with yourself?

St. Paul’s Church is a must-visit place in Mussoorie for travelers who want to explore the heritage sites of the town. The beautiful architecture of the church will draw you towards it. Jim Corbett used to frequent this church often. Inside, you will observe beautiful glass paintings, wooden ceilings, and benches.

St. Paul’s Church is also known as Christ Church and is considered to be the oldest church not only in Uttarakhand but also in the Himalayan region.

This church is a fine example of religious harmony in India and reflects the vastness of Hindu culture. All religions that seek to coexist peacefully are welcomed and cherished by the open-hearted people of India.

Nag Tibba Trek is considered one of the most famous short treks in Uttarakhand. The trek starts from Pantwari, a small village located 55 km from Mussoorie. If you are an experienced trekker and can walk long distances in one go, you can complete the Nag Tibba Trek in a single day. Otherwise, it requires 2 to 3 days to complete this 20 km long trek (round trip). Himalaya Shelter organizes the Nag Tibba Trek almost every weekend. Nag Tibba Trek is mainly famous for its sunrise and sunset views.

There is a small temple before the Nag Tibba peak dedicated to the God of Snakes. In India, every living creature is considered a form of the Almighty. They may be in different shapes and forms, but the same energy resides within all of them. Nag (Snakes) are considered very sacred in Hindu culture and are worshiped across India. For those looking for a one-day hike near Mussoorie, Nag Tibba is the perfect option.

Chakrata is an offbeat location that very few people know about. It’s not really near Mussoorie, but it’s also not too far. Chakrata is located at a distance of 80 km from Mussoorie. You can get a cab to reach there, or you can choose to go there on a two-wheeler, riding on the beautifully winding Himalayan mountain roads.

Chakrata is an ideal place to visit for those who don’t want to be among the crowd but want to feel the solitude in the lap of Mother Nature. There are one-day hikes near Chakrata, and you can also go there for camping.

Prakasheshwar Mahadev Mandir is also known as the Shiva Temple, Mussoorie. The Prakasheshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Shiva Temple is unique compared to others because it does not accept offerings from devotees. The beautiful architecture and divine ‘Sfatik’ Shivling attract many devotees and tourists to this temple. Located very near to the lap of Mussoorie, this temple is a must-visit place for spiritual seekers.

Soham Museum is a wonderful example of how one person’s effort and dedication can inspire the whole community. Soham Museum is the brainchild, or should we say heartchild, of the Shukla couple. Mr. and Mrs. Shukla settled down in the Himalayas in their quest for spirituality and offered their work to Mother Nature as their way of worship.

This beautiful museum showcases the history and culture of the Himalayas. The unique interior and wall paintings will inspire art lovers, and there are several art pieces made from waste materials, highlighting sustainability.

It’s interesting to note that the famous Uttarakhand Cap was designed by Mr. Shukla, and nowadays, it is worn by everyone across Uttarakhand as a symbol of their cultural unity.

Located very near the center of Mussoorie, the Santura Devi Temple is a famous spiritual destination near Mussoorie. After a 2 km drive from the center of Mussoorie, you can reach the Santura Devi Temple. After a certain point, you will not be able to bring your four-wheeler. There is a well-constructed trail that leads you to the temple. You will be able to reach the temple after a short hike of 15 minutes.

This temple is named after a great devotee named Sant Ram, who had the Darshan of the Divine Mother Amba at this place. Locals have experienced that the divine goddess protects the residents of Mussoorie from all kinds of natural calamities.

The Devalsari Temple is located amidst dense pine forests, approximately 50 km from Mussoorie. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple offers a serene and divine atmosphere.

To reach this temple, you will have to drive to Moldhar, and from there, after completing a small hike of 20 minutes, you will reach this beautiful place. The serene and divine atmosphere will mesmerize you. This is a must-visit place near Dehradun and Mussoorie for those who want to spend some peaceful moments of solitude in the lap of Mother Nature.

Gun Hill Point is the highest point in Mussoorie. It is called Gun Hill because, in older days, the British used to fire a gun/cannon from this hilltop to inform the residents of Mussoorie about the accurate time. These days, no such firing takes place, and the place has been turned into a famous tourist attraction. There are two options to choose from to reach Gun Hill:

1) By Ropeway
2) By doing a short hike from Mall Road

You can take a ropeway/cable car to reach the top, or you can hike for 20 minutes. There are also several souvenir shops and a gaming area nearby.

Landour is becoming increasingly popular among travelers visiting Mussoorie. The less crowded places and the beautiful, calm nature of the area win everyone’s heart. You can explore Landour, Char Dukan, St. Paul’s Church, and Lal Tibba at the same time since they are in the same direction.

We would advise you to go there for early morning or evening walks. From certain sections, you will be able to see the beautiful views of the Himalayan Mountain range. If the weather remains clear, you can even see Dehradun from there.

The real charm of Landour and Lal Tibba is seen in the monsoon season when the whole area remains surrounded by clouds. You can walk through the clouds to reach Lal Tibba. There is a cafe located at Lal Tibba where you can sit and enjoy your meals/beverages.

Bhatta Falls is located on the way from Dehradun to Mussoorie, only 10 km away from the Mall Road of Mussoorie. Bhatta Falls serves as a famous picnic destination in Mussoorie. During the peak of summer, you can come here and enjoy the cool breezes of wind and bathe in the chilled water of Bhatta Falls. There is also an adventure park that can be explored.

You can take your vehicle very near to Bhatta Falls and then walk for a while to reach there, or else, you can reach there by cable car.

There are a few food stalls near Bhatta Waterfall. They have arranged dining areas beautifully near the waterfall where you can sit, dipping your legs in chilled water, while enjoying a bowl of Maggi. Bhatta Falls is a must-visit place for those who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of Himalayan waterfalls without facing the heavy rush of the crowd.

Robber’s Cave is one of the most famous picnic destinations for families near Dehradun. The beautiful water streams and rocky caves attract adventure lovers seeking an easy day hike and a relaxing spot. We don’t know why it is called Robber’s Cave. Did some robbers try to hide themselves in these caves after a robbery? Who knows?

The shape of these caves is very unique. Somewhere it opens up, and in some sections, it’s really narrow and congested. It is worth a visit, but avoid going there on weekends.

Clouds End is a must-visit place in Mussoorie. You can take a taxi or rent a bike to reach this point, which is only 6 km away from the main center of Mussoorie. Once you reach there, you will feel as if you are on top of the world, with the clouds passing beneath you.

Your vehicle, whether it’s a car or a bike, can directly reach there. This place is surrounded by lush green forests. Upon arrival, you can explore the area. The George Everest peak is visible from this viewpoint. Try to go there during sunrise or sunset to witness the real beauty of the place.

Jaripani Waterfalls is one of the lesser-known waterfalls of Mussoorie. Despite its lesser-known status, you may find it crowded on weekends. It’s just 9 km away from Mussoorie. Instead of visiting on weekends, we advise you to go on weekdays when there is less crowd. We also recommend going there by two-wheeler so that you can get as close to the waterfall as possible. If you are going by car, you will have to park at a distance and walk for 15-20 minutes to reach the waterfall, as it involves a steep descent and ascent.

The waterfall is truly beautiful, and there is a natural pool beneath it where you can take a bath.

Mussoorie Lake is located 6 km away from Mussoorie. This place has recently been developed as a tourist destination. Situated on the Dehradun-Mussoorie Road, tourists traveling from Dehradun to Mussoorie often stop here. You can enjoy paddle boating in the lake. If you have sufficient time and wish to indulge in paddle boating and other adventure activities, visiting Mussoorie Lake is recommended. Otherwise, it can be skipped.

Camel’s Back Road gets its name from a rock formation on the hilltop resembling a camel’s back. This formation is visible from a specific spot beneath the Mall Road. To reach this point and view the Camel’s Back Rock, you’ll need to hike for about 2 km from Mussoorie’s Mall Road. There are binoculars installed at this spot for a better view.

However, we believe that the walk through the town will be more beautiful than seeing just this spot. You can start walking early in the morning from Mall Road, take in the sight of the Camel’s Back Rock along the way, and end your walk at Gandhi Chowk. The total distance covered during this short hike is around 5-6 km. Along the route, there is a gazebo installed where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayan Mountains while sipping a cup of tea. This gazebo spot is known as ‘Hawa Mahal’ among locals.

Library Chowk is one of the most famous locations and a major tourist attraction in Mussoorie. It can be called the heart of Mussoorie. The vintage library from the British era lends its unique name to this place. The beautiful architecture of the library is truly captivating. Near Library Chowk, there is a market known as Library Bazaar. Here, you’ll find numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Roaming around the Library Bazaar at night can be a wonderful experience, especially with the beautiful views of Dehradun visible.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place in Mussoorie for those seeking to escape the noise and crowds of city life. It is located 6 km away from Library Chowk and is very near to Clouds End. Upon arrival, you will need to hike for 1 km to reach the main entry gate of the sanctuary. There is a forest department office where you’ll be given a form to fill out. The entry fee is Rs. 150 per person.

The trail passes through lush green forests and offers spectacular views of the Shivalik Himalayas. If you wish to reach the summit, you’ll need to hike an additional 2 km. There is a small temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located at the peak.

For those looking for the best one-day hikes in Mussoorie, a visit to Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is highly recommended. Camping is not allowed, and entry is prohibited before sunrise and after sunset.

Jwala Devi Temple is located atop the hill within the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek to Jwala Devi is considered one of the best one-day hikes in Mussoorie. It spans 6 km in total (3 km one way). The walk through the forest is truly beautiful. However, those who haven’t done any trekking before may find this one-day hike exhausting, although there are no steep climbs involved.

The trek starts from Clouds End. You will need to hike to the forest ranger’s office, which is approximately 1 km away. Upon reaching the office, you’ll need to pay the required fees to obtain permission for the trek.

You might be surprised to learn that Jabarkhet Nature Reserve is a private forest owned by a Mumbai-based businessman. This reserve boasts beautiful forest trails winding through lush green forests. A local guide will accompany you on this hike. The reserve is home to many varieties of trees and wild Himalayan flowers. Various wild animals, not limited to leopards, roam freely in this protected area.

If you’re seeking a peaceful place for a short hike and to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas while breathing in the fresh, fragrant air of the Himalayan forests, you should definitely visit this stunning nature reserve.

Lambidhar Mines, also known as Lambi Dehar Mines, is considered to be one of the most haunted places near Uttarakhand. According to local beliefs, in earlier days, around 50,000 mine workers lost their lives in the Lambi Dehar Mines. Since then, locals often report hearing screaming sounds and sinister cries emanating from the mines. The mine is now closed and slowly being reclaimed by nature. However, thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush still pay visits to these abandoned mines.

Not only in Uttarakhand but this place is also considered to be one of the most haunted places in India.

The Kellogg Memorial Church is located in the Landour area of Mussoorie. During the British rule in India, this church was used as a school where Britishers were taught the Hindi language by a missionary. This church still serves as a school where Hindi language classes are organized. The architecture of this church is truly beautiful.

Surkanda Devi Temple is located 50 km away from Mussoorie and is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India. It is believed that Goddess Sati’s head fell at this place, which is why it was initially called “Sirkanda.” Later, it became known as “Surkanda” because it is situated on the mountain named Surkut. The beautiful architecture of the temple attracts many tourists and devotees who come here to worship the Devi.

To reach Surkanda Devi Temple, you first need to drive to Kaddukhal. From there, after completing a 1.5 km hike, you will reach the hilltop where the temple is located. On weekends, you may find it filled with devotees.

Located at an altitude of 8,858 ft, this temple experiences good snowfall during winter. From here, you can easily visit Dhanaulti, which is one of the famous hill stations of Uttarakhand.

Which are the best treks in Mussoorie?

George Everest Peak and the Jwala Devi walk on Benog Hill are the best half-day treks. For an overnight trek, Benog Hill and Nag Tibba (3,022 m) are 2-day options, and Bhadraj Temple is a good 1-day hike.

Which is the most famous temple in Mussoorie?

Surkanda Devi near Dhanaulti is the most famous; it is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. Jwala Devi on Benog Hill, Bhadraj Temple, Prakasheshwar Mahadev and the Buddha Temple in Happy Valley are also popular.

How long is the Dalai Hills trek?

Dalai Hills is about 400 m from the Buddha Temple in Happy Valley. The walk to the top with the Buddha statue takes about 30 minutes, with a few steps at the end.

When does Mussoorie get snow?

Mussoorie can get light snow from late December to February, most often in January. Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi and the Nag Tibba trek are higher and get snow more often.

Which is the best 2-day trek near Mussoorie?

Nag Tibba is the most popular 2-day trek near Mussoorie. It starts from Pantwari, reaches 3,022 m with wide Himalayan views, and has snow in winter.

Himalaya Shelter organizes customized trekking programs for Winter treks, Summer treks, Monsoon treks, High mountain passes treks, Glacier treks, Cultural Exploration treks, and many others. With Himalaya Shelter, you can expect to get the best trekking experience by trekking with trained trek leaders, getting excellent quality equipment, and enjoying delicious meals while savoring the beauty of Mother Nature. For more details Contact Us on…

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In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones.

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