Considered as the highest peak in the Great Himalayan region of Uttarakhand and famed as ‘Nag Tibba Range’, Nag Tibba trek is a wonderful delight for adventure lovers across the world. Situated at the height of 3,050 meters, the place is filled with serene beauty and thrilling trekking routes through dense forest and meadows.
The summit is called after the Serpent God because the community believes that the Nag Devta resides in the mountains. Throughout history, it has been a sacred location where worshippers show respect and offer prayers to the god.
The abundance of plant and animal life, along with the stunning views of snow-covered peaks of Gangotri, Kedarnath, Bandarpoonch, Changabang, and the Doon Valley, is a major attraction for those who love mountains.
Altitude: 3050 m
Trekking distance: 20 km
Difficulty level of the trek: Simple to moderate
Region: Mussoorie-Dehradun
Days of adventure: 2
Ideal months to travel: October through April
Trekking and Camping Experience
The Nag Tibba trek is a circular route that starts from Pantwari, a small village in Uttarakhand. It takes approximately 6 hours to travel from the state capital, Dehradun, to reach the starting point. The trek initially leads to the Nag Devta Temple and then continues through picturesque pine and Deodar forests, alongside enchanting streams that allow you to appreciate the untouched beauty of nature. Additionally, the trail offers a chance to discover terraced farms and small villages, which adds excitement to the trekkers and removes any exhaustion.
Camping during the trek enhances its charm. Spending a night amidst the forest and mountains, under the shimmering stars, is an indescribable feeling. Additionally, the Nag Tibba trek is highly recommended for everyone, particularly for those who are new to trekking.
The guidelines for ethical travel.
- Please show reverence towards nature, wildlife, and local customs.
- Travel in a group of 3 to 4 people
- Show consideration for the customs and traditions of the local community and demonstrate empathy towards the well-being of wildlife.
- Carry personal trekking gears
- Do not litter!
Trek Highlights
Dehradun to Pantwari Village
Pantwari Village to Nag Tibba Base (2600m)
Nagtibba Top (3050m)
Time to trek Nag Tibba
Chasing mountains and reaching their peaks is a thrilling adventure that many outdoor enthusiasts seek. Personally, I find great joy in trekking across high terrains, taking in breathtaking landscapes and following action-packed routes that provide exhilaration and pleasure. Among the numerous stunning trekking destinations in India, Nag Tibba stands out as a moderately challenging yet undeniably exciting option. It offers an opportunity for trekkers to uncover the hidden wonders of nature and appreciate the pristine beauty of the Himalayas. By traversing beautiful streams, mountainous rivers, lush forests, and scenic meadows, one can truly experience something unforgettable. Thus, one day, I made the decision to embark on a Nag Tibba trekking expedition with my friends, aiming to push myself and discover my true potential.
We gathered all our belongings, including warm attire and hiking footwear, and were prepared to commence our expedition. We departed on a flight at 5 am and arrived at Jolly Grant Airport two hours later. Subsequently, we hired a taxi that transported us to Pantwari village. En route to the village, we passed through Mussoorie, one of Uttarakhand’s charming hill stations. During a conversation with the driver, we learned about the breathtaking Kempty Falls nestled in a lush valley. This location is highly cherished by the local community as a popular destination for weekend outings and water-based activities.
We made the decision to go to the location and arrived there within thirty minutes. We enjoyed a revitalizing swim in the cold, natural pool. The waterfall was surrounded by abundant plant life on either side. Of course, I couldn’t resist taking numerous photos with my camera. We had a fantastic time at this breathtaking place! The incredible sounds of the rushing water and the beautiful songs of the wild birds brought great joy to our hearts.
While driving on the well-maintained highway, we were captivated by the expansive green farmlands and the vibrant display of blooming plants and trees in the natural surroundings. After two hours, we arrived at Pantwari village. Prior to beginning our hike, we enjoyed a cup of coffee and some snacks to fuel our ascent. Subsequently, we walked along a paved path that led uphill from the central market of the village.
The trail was steep and fantastic views of glacial valleys, adrenaline pumping waterways, dense pine forest, pastureland and high altitude provided an exceptional combination of thrill and excitement. We had lunch in a restaurant and then moved towards the campsite. It took around 5 hours and we reached there by evening. Our tour representative had set up a camp for us and we spent the night there. Also, after dinner, the bonfire under the glittery sky was so exciting!
The following day, we awoke to an incredible view of the sunrise, which was a truly unique experience. Afterward, we bathed and enjoyed delicious buttery Aloo Paratha accompanied by a hot cup of tea for breakfast. Later, we began our trek and encountered several locals and herders who had brought their goats and cows to graze on the grasslands. We continued hiking for approximately 2 kilometers and reached the summit of Nag Tibba in the next 3 hours. From there, we were able to admire the breathtaking sight of snow-capped mountains. I took captivating photos of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Neelkanth peaks with my DSLR camera. After spending some time there, we retraced our steps back to the base camp. We spent the night in tents and the following morning, we made our way towards the airport.
It was one of the most-cherished expeditions of my life! It was not only about hiking for a few hours but also about meeting the warm-hearted locals, knowing their socio-cultural lifestyle and exploring the hidden beauty of mountains. Surely, these reminiscences will remain entrenched in my heart deeply.
