LAL TIBBA

About Lal Tibba

Opening time- 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Prime days and hours- Weekends, Mornings

Suggested Duration- 1 day

Tickets- Available Offline

Nearest Railway Station- Dehradun Railway Station, about 33 km

Nearest Bus Stand- Mussoorie Bus Stand, about 7 km

Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, about 58 km

Set in the colonial charm of Landour, Lal Tibba is one of the most rewarding short treks in Uttarakhand. Starting from the Landour Clock Tower, this scenic 3 km trail climbs gently through pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests, past British-era cemeteries, stone churches, and quaint hillside cottages. Along the way, you’ll cross Char Dukan, a century-old cluster of cafés, before reaching the summit, where a vintage telescope offers panoramic views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath, Bandarpoonch, and Nilkantha.

Lal Tibba, sitting at 2,275 meters, is perfect for those who want the feel of a mountain trek without intense altitude or long travel days. The path is rich in natural beauty and history, offering sightings of Himalayan birds and glimpses into Mussoorie’s colonial past. On clear days, the Himalayan views from the top are nothing short of magical. As one of the most charming places to visit in Uttarakhand, Lal Tibba blends serene trekking, heritage, and Himalayan views into a single experience, making it a standout option among treks in Uttarakhand.

Lal Tibba Highlights

• Explore Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie, offering sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath, Bandarpoonch, and Nilkantha.
• Trek through serene colonial-era trails lined with deodar and rhododendron trees, echoing with birdsong and forest whispers.
• Pause at Char Dukan for tea, snacks, and photographs in a setting steeped in British-era charm and local legends.
• Spot rare Himalayan birds like the Blue Laughing Thrush and Verditer Flycatcher as you walk through the dense forest stretch.
• Use the vintage-mounted telescope at Lal Tibba Binocular Café to get a close view of distant Himalayan ranges on clear days.

How To Reach Lal Tibba

By Road- To reach Lal Tibba, drive up to Landour Clock Tower, which is about 5.5 km from Mussoorie City Centre, taking around 20 minutes to reach via Mall Road. 

By Trek- You can reach Lal Tibba by beginning your trek from Landour Clock Tower. The full trek is around 3 km one way and can be comfortably completed in 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace and sightseeing along the way.

Trek Route-

Landour Clock Tower to Ruskin Bond’s Residence (Approx. 1.25 km / 45–60 mins)

Start your walk at Landour Clock Tower. The path moves uphill through narrow lanes lined with pine trees, small cafes, and stalls selling local jams and souvenirs. You'll also pass Doma’s Inn and the peaceful residence of Ruskin Bond.

Ruskin Bond’s Residence to Char Dukan (Approx. 850 m / 20–25 mins)

This stretch winds through a beautiful forest trail with thick deodar trees. The sound of birds and rustling leaves creates a peaceful vibe. Stop at Char Dukan to relax with snacks and soak in the heritage charm.

Char Dukan to Lal Tibba Viewpoint (Approx. 900 m / 25–30 mins)

From Char Dukan, continue trekking uphill via one of two paths, both offer forest views and old cottages. You’ll pass Victor Banerjee’s residence and several birdwatching spots before reaching the Binocular Cafe at the summit.

Optional Return Trail via Kellogg Memorial Church (Approx. 1.1 km / 30 mins)

Take the alternate return route past the historic Kellogg Memorial Church and British military graveyard. This section adds a colonial touch and loops back to Char Dukan, from where you can return to the Landour Clock Tower.

Best Time To Visit Lal Tibba

Peak Season (March to June)

• Weather Insights: Clear skies, cool breeze, and pleasant temperatures ranging between 15°C and 27°C.
• Things to Do: Perfect for trekking, birdwatching, and cafe-hopping at Char Dukan. 

Moderate Season (July to September)

• Weather Insights: The monsoon brings misty mornings, lush green surroundings, and temperatures between 17°C and 24°C.
• Things to Do: Walk through the forests, enjoying wide Himalayan views through the mounted telescope, and photograph moody Himalayan landscapes.

Low Season (October to February)

• Weather Insights: The weather turns cold with temperatures dipping to 2°C–18°C, and chances of snowfall in peak winter months.
• Things to Do: Enjoy snow-dusted forest walks, clear and sharp Himalayan views, and a cosy retreat in the colonial cottages of Landour.

Lal Tibba Other Essential Information

Know Before You Go!

• You do not need any special trekking permits to visit Lal Tibba, but there is a small entry fee at the Binocular Café viewpoint.
• Wear comfortable walking or trekking shoes with good grip, especially for the steep sections between Landour Clock Tower and Char Dukan.
• Carry water bottles, sunscreen, light snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, as there are no facilities available beyond Landour.
• Mobile networks can be weak or inconsistent along the trail, especially near the summit so make sure to withdraw cash in Mussoorie as there are no ATMs beyond Landour.
• Avoid carrying plastic items and ensure you dispose of all waste responsibly to keep this heritage trail clean.