Discover about Dehradun Mussoorie Trek, Under Makeover

Let’s dive into the amazing things you can see and do on the Dehradun to Mussoorie Trek Route, is also known as Kipling trail in Uttarakhand!

1. Spectacular Views of the Doon Valley:

Just ten minutes into our walk, you’ll see beautiful, wide views of the Doon Valley. It’s like looking at a giant green painting that stretches all the way to the horizon. Even if it’s cloudy, especially during the monsoon, you might still catch glimpses of the valley when you start climbing!

2. Rich History and Colonial-Era Buildings:

This trail is super old! It was the only way to get to Mussoorie back in the colonial times. The British used it a lot, and you can see some really cool old buildings from that time. There are places like Jharipani Castle, which is now a fancy place to stay, and the Half-way House, Barlowgunj Bakery and Brewery, and Sikander Hall. Each one has stories from the past!

3. Bird Watching:

If you love birds, you’re in for a treat! Dehradun has over 500 bird species, and the Kipling Trail is like a bird paradise. With all the trees and forest around, you might see the Common Hill Partridge, Himalayan Bulbul, or even the Purple Sunbirds! It’s like nature’s own little show.

• Places to sit down and rest – Because after climbing those hills, everyone needs a good spot to catch their breath!
• Places to eat – Imagine enjoying a snack with a view of the mountains!
• Drinks for hydration – Very important to keep you going strong on those trails.
• Clean restrooms – So you can trek with peace of mind.

Dehradun Mussoorie Trek Under Makeover

So, grab your binoculars, and let’s go on this adventure where history, nature, and beautiful views all come together to make one unforgettable trip!

Suggested Read: Discover Top 12 things to do in Mussoorie in December

Our Experience

Our journey starts at the Ghanta Ghar, which is like a big clock tower. It’s not just any tower; it’s a famous landmark right at the end of Rajpur Road. Imagine this, back in 1953, when this tower was opened for the first time, it was like a newborn baby, all shiny and new!

Now, the Ghanta Ghar has seen so many changes in Dehra. It’s like it’s grown up with the city, watching all the new buildings, shops, and people coming and going. It’s like having a very old friend who tells you stories about how everything used to be different when they were younger!

Stretch 1: Clock Tower to Rajpur Chowk

• This is the easiest part of our journey. You can hop on a blue auto or even an electric bus if you see one! It’s so cool in the early morning because there’s no traffic, it’s quiet, and the air is clean. For just 20 bucks, you’ll reach Rajpur Chowk in 20 minutes. Find out more about Rajpur Chowk here

Stretch 2: Rajpur Chowk to Shehenshashi Ashram

• Once you step off the auto, it feels like you’re in a little village, even though Dehradun is growing so fast! You’ll walk on an easy incline for 2 kilometers. Look out for the green signboard that says ‘Amar Shaheed Manoj Rana Dwar’.
• On your way, you’ll pass by a Tibetan school on your left. Rajpur has some cute cafes you’ll see along the way! If you’re in a car, you can drive straight to Shehenshashi Ashram and park there.
• I love stopping at Shreya Tea Point for a yummy lemon ginger tea, or you can try Hathi Chai Shop just across the road. Keep walking for another 250 meters and you’ll see the Kali temple. That’s where we start our real adventure to Mussoorie!

Stretch 3: Shehenshahi Ashram to Jharipani

• Now, we say bye to houses and hello to forests! It’s a 4.5 km walk with an easy path that winds through trees. The best part? You get to see beautiful views of the Doon Valley as you climb higher. You’ll pass through Sura Hill, which is full of green Sal trees, and there’s a temple called Sura Devi hidden in the woods. You can learn more about this trail here (#).
• Just before you get to Jharipani, there’s an old building with a sign saying “Half-Way House”. It used to be a place where people would stop for tea and rest, right in the middle of the journey from Rajpur to Mussoorie.

Stretch 4: Jharipani to Barlowganj

• This 2.2 km stretch is super easy because we walk next to the main road. The views get even better as we see Mussoorie, the Queen of Hills, getting closer. I love stopping at a tea shack opposite St. George’s School in Barlowganj to enjoy the cool breeze and fresh air.

Stretch 5: Barlowganj to Picture Palace (Mussoorie)

• This part is a bit steep for 2.3 km, but we’re almost there! Once you cross Mussoorie – Chamba Road, you walk north past Wynberg Allen School until you hit Picture Palace, which is one end of Mussoorie’s Mall Road.

Stretch 6: Picture Palace to Library Chowk | Mall Road

• This last 2 km is so easy and flat. Mall Road is where all the fun happens in Mussoorie, with lots of people and shops. We end our hike at Library Chowk.

What Next?
You could walk back to Dehradun, but remember to start early!
Or, take a motor transport back.
I chose to stay at ArtBuzz, a cool hostel, to enjoy the misty afternoon in Mussoorie.

The next day, I woke up to a sunny morning with breathtaking views of the Doon Valley. I caught the first bus back to Dehradun from Library Chowk for just 65 rupees, ready to get back to my routine but with so many memories of our hike!

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took a hands-on approach to improve trekking experiences by personally inspecting the Dehradun  Mussoorie trek on January 5, 2025.

While trekking the Shahanshahi Ashram to Jhadipani route, he stressed the need to keep the natural beauty of the trail intact. But he also has plans to make your adventure safer and more enjoyable! He’s looking to add:

• Better Amenities – Think of comfy rest areas, cleaner facilities, and spots to grab a snack or a drink.
• Enhanced Safety Measures – Because your safety is the top priority, expect more secure paths and emergency services.
• Improved Signage – So you never feel lost, with clearer, more helpful signs guiding your way.

Conclusion

CM Dhami wants to make trekking in Uttarakhand not just an adventure, but a memorable journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in India. So, get ready for an upgraded trekking experience that blends the thrill of nature with comfort and safety!

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