Affectionately called the 'Queen of Hills', Mussoorie is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. While the mighty range adds to Mussoorie's alluring beauty and charm, its pleasant and delightful climate makes it one of the most sought after hill stations around Delhi and in the country as well. During a visit to this hilly retreat, one can enjoy the most panoramic views of the Shivalik ranges and the Doon Valley.
Attractions: Hills and Mountains, Waterfalls, Lakes, Heritage Buildings and the Mall
Activities: Trekking, Nature Walks, Bird Watching, Boating, Ropeway Rides and Waterfall Tours
Distance from Delhi: 270km
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
Perched at an altitude of 2,275 meters, Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie and a timeless favourite among travellers seeking panoramic Himalayan views and colonial-era charm. The trail to Lal Tibba begins from Landour, winding past pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests, quiet cemeteries, and stone churches, all echoing the hill station’s British legacy. Along the way, stop at iconic spots like Char Dukan and Ruskin Bond’s residence before reaching the viewpoint equipped with a vintage telescope that offers stunning views of peaks like Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, and Nilkantha.
Ideal for nature lovers, history buffs, and photography enthusiasts, the Lal Tibba experience is a peaceful, heritage-filled walk that offers some unmatched views of the Garhwal Himalayas. A must-add to your itinerary, it stands out as a cultural and scenic gem in many Mussoorie tour packages.
Mussoorie Lake is a charming artificial lake located just 6 km before Mussoorie on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road. Surrounded by lush hills and pine forests, the lake offers a peaceful escape with paddle boating, food stalls, and panoramic views of the Doon Valley. Developed by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), it serves as a popular stopover for tourists heading to the Queen of Hills.
Its easy accessibility, scenic setting, and family-friendly vibe make it an ideal place for short breaks, photography, and enjoying roadside snacks. Whether you’re on a day trip or staying nearby, Mussoorie Lake is a perfect detour for nature and leisure lovers.
The Mall road is the central hub of the Nainital and is definitely a must visit on your trip to the city. It has a bunch of places, couple of things and plenty of activities to do when on a vacation to the Mall Road.
Location: The Mall road is located at a distance of some 15 km from the Kempty Falls.
Highlights: The visit to the Mall road is enough to give you greater insight to the city. There are a bunch of restaurants, shops and other establishments located here. Some of the hotels found here include Hotel Silver Rock, Hotel Hamers, Honeymoon Inn, Hotel Drive Inn, Tulip Inn Green Castle, Hotel Mall palace, Howard International and more. The restaurants that you can try include the Kalsang, The Rice Bowl, Udupi restaurant. You can try out a range of dishes from all parts of the country here.
Best Time: Can be visited at any hour of the day.
Perched on a scenic cliff overlooking the Doon Valley and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the George Everest House is a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Once the residence and observatory of Sir George Everest, the Surveyor General of India, after whom Mount Everest is named, this colonial-era structure draws in history buffs, trekkers, and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by rolling meadows and dense pine forests, the area offers a serene setting for sunset views, photography, and leisurely walks, making it a must-include in your Uttarakhand tour package. Though timeworn, the house still showcases elements of 19th-century British architecture, standing as a quiet yet powerful reminder of India’s colonial past amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Jharipani Falls is a peaceful Himalayan hideaway located close to Jharipani Village, about 7–9 km below Mussoorie, along the historic Kipling Trail. A 1.5-2 km trek through oak, rhododendron and deodar canopy leads to a 20-30 m seasonal cascade that spills into an emerald pool from a small roadside parking area.
Sunrise or sunset light illuminates the falls and Doon Valley, making it a photographer's dream come true and perfect for half-day getaways. Monsoon swells the torrent, winter envelops the region in icy silence, and spring brings flowers. The pool provides quiet reflection, bird calls, foot dips, and a serene picnic area.
Shedup Choepelling Temple is located on top of Happy Valley near the IAS Academy in Mussoorie. It was built by the Tibetan community after the Dalai Lama found refuge there in 1959. The veranda has beautiful red, blue, and maroon pillars with detailed murals and prayer wheels on them. Clay lamps and fluttering prayer flags fill the air with a sense of peace.
There is a life-sized statue of Buddha outside, and inside there is a hall with statues of both Buddha and the Dalai Lama, as well as a small library of Tibetan scriptures. The sunrise and sunset are stunning, with the views of the Himalayas and Doon Valley, perfect for exploration and introspection.
Explore Gun Hill, Mussoorie's second-highest peak, which provides panoramic views of the Himalayas and Doon Valley. It's a popular place for photography and sunset views and is only a short cable car trip from Mall Road. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies, souvenir stores, and telescopic views here which makes it a must-visit destination in the Queen of Hills. Including Gun Hill in your Uttarakhand trip will enhance your experience with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant local culture.
Kempty Falls, located on the Chakrata Road about 15 km from Mussoorie, is a famous tourist destination in Uttarakhand. The falls are known for their picturesque splendour and flowing waters, and they provide a relaxing getaway. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and taking in the natural beauty of this gorgeous location tucked in the Garhwal Himalayas. For a comprehensive experience, consider including Kempty Falls in your Uttarakhand tour.
Besides the regular fare of extremely picturesque mountain-views, the Bhadraj trekking trail leads you into contrasting landscapes. While the northern slopes are carpeted with dense forests, vast grasslands are characteristic of the southern slopes. The Milkman’s Trail is highly used by trekking enthusiasts, and the best season to visit is post-monsoon—although it’s open throughout the year. Bhadraj Hill provides much-needed respite from Delhi’s insolent summer sun, and is of moderate difficulty.
Distance from Delhi: 332 Kilometers approximately
Nearest Railhead: Dehradun Railway Station
Nestled in the heart of Mussoorie, the Benog Tibba Trek is a short yet scenic day hike through the lush expanse of the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. Beginning from Cloud’s End, this beginner-friendly trail winds through pine, oak, and rhododendron forests filled with birdsong and filtered sunlight. With an altitude of around 2,250 meters, the trek offers breathtaking views of the Yamuna Valley below and the distant Garhwal Himalayan peaks above.
The route is dotted with serene clearings, spring wildflowers, and a peaceful temple dedicated to Goddess Jwala Devi at the summit. Perfect for nature lovers and first-time trekkers, the experience blends forest immersion with panoramic Himalayan views. For anyone seeking a tranquil and nature-rich trail without the stress of high-altitude trekking, Benog Tibba is a refreshing choice in Uttarakhand tour packages.