Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

“Elevate Your Adventure, Rejuvenate Your Spirit.”

Looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life? Look no further than the Nag Tibba Weekend Trek, a perfect escape to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

Located in the lesser-explored region of Uttarakhand, India, Nag Tibba offers a picturesque setting for a weekend adventure. The trek begins from the quaint village of Pantwari, where you’ll be greeted by friendly locals and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

As you ascend through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, the crisp mountain air fills your lungs, and the sound of chirping birds serenades your ears. Along the way, you’ll encounter gurgling streams, verdant meadows, and panoramic vistas that will take your breath away.

The highlight of the Nag Tibba Trek is undoubtedly the summit itself. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters, Nag Tibba offers sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, including Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and the Gangotri range. Watching the sunrise from the summit is a surreal experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

But the Nag Tibba Trek isn’t just about reaching the summit – it’s about the journey itself. It’s about connecting with nature, pushing your limits, and discovering the beauty of simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a novice adventurer, Nag Tibba offers something for everyone.

After a day of trekking, you’ll spend the night camping under a blanket of stars, sharing stories and laughter around a crackling bonfire. As the night sky twinkles above, you’ll feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over you, knowing that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and join us on the Nag Tibba Weekend Trek – a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with us in the heart of the Himalayas.

We all know summit climbs are incredibly rewarding in a trek. This is why we have trekkers flocking to treks like Kedarkantha or Deoriatal – Chandrashila. On a trail like Nag Tibba, you get to experience the thrill of a summit climb in just a weekend!

Resting at 9915 ft, the summit of this trek is the highest in the Nag Tibba range of the Garhwal Himalayas. From here, you see a 100-degree view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Srikantha, and Gangotri. You also see Kedarnath peak in the north, Doon valley, and the snow peaks of Changabang. With views like this and a climb to make you earn them, this weekend trek may be one of the best.

As you go up one side of the mountain and come down from another side, you also experience a variety of landscapes. This trek takes you through dense forests, clearings, and ridge walk. All within two days!

This relatively unknown trail near Mussoorie is a good fit for trekkers living in Delhi and National Capital Region, who want to have an adventure over the weekend. For beginners, this trek is great for an introductory trek to the world of trekking.

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Use this section to learn about the Nag Tibba trek. It has detailed information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it.

Short Itinerary

DAY 1

Drive from Dehradun to Pantwari and trek to Khatian

Drive Distance: 100 km
Drive Duration: 4-5 hours
Trek Distance: 5.2 km
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain: 4652 ft to 7506 ft
Pick up point: The Valley Rides assembly point Gandhi Road Dehradun
Stay at: Tents

Drive for about 4-5 hours. Easy-Moderate climb for the day. Gradual ascent throughout the route of the stone trail made by the forest department. The trail has long patches of loose stones.

DAY 2

Trek from Khatian to Nag Tibba Top via Base; Descend to Pantwari and Drive down to Dehradun

Trek Distance: 9.3 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude gain and loss: 7506 ft to 9915 ft to 4652 ft
Drop-off point: Railway Station Dehradun
Drop-off time: 6-7 pm

Moderate day with an hour’s gradual ascent to Nag Tibba base followed by a steep climb to the summit. Descend back to Pantwari and drive back to Dehradun.

IMPORTANT POINTS

• The breakfast during transit from Dehradun to Pantwari is not included in the trek fee
• You will be staying in tents overnight (2-3 per tent)

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Drive from Dehradun to Pantwari and Trek to Khatian

Drive Distance: 100 km
Drive Duration: 2-3 hours
Trek Distance: 5.2 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours­­­­­­­
Altitude gain: 4652 ft to 7506 ft

Difficulty: Moderate. Gradual ascent throughout the route through the trail made by the forest department. The trail has long patches of loose stones.

Highlights: Watch out for the drive from Mussoorie to Pantwari. The village has a beautiful setting with wheat fields. The trek builds up once you hit the forest check post.

The four-hour road journey (100 km) from The Valley Rides assembly point Gandhi Road, Dehradun to Pantwari village takes you via Mussoorie, Kempty falls, over Yamuna Bridge, and up to Nainbagh on the road to Purola. From Nainbagh’s main market, take a road going up on the right side (also known as Nag Tibba road). From here, after a 12 km drive, you reach Panthwari village which is the starting point for the trek.

There are three routes that you could take to go to Nag Tibba. This one via Panthwari village is the shortest, with a total trail distance of 8 km from Panthwari Village to the Nag Tibba Summit. However, you will not go all the way to the summit today but stop at Khatian, 4.5 km from Panthwari.

A cemented trail goes up from the heart of the village market. Look for a welcome gate as the trail goes up. A minute into the hike, a “Nag Devta” temple will appear on your left. From this point, the trail curves towards the left, and the cemented trail is now replaced with a rocky shepherds’ trail.

DAY 2

Trek from Khatian to Nag Tibba Top. Descend to Pantwari and drive to Dehradun

Trek Distance: 9.3 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Drive Distance: 100 km
Trek Duration: 2-3 hours
Altitude gain and loss: 7506 ft to 9,915 ft to 4652 ft

Difficulty: Moderate. An hour’s gradual ascent to Nag Tibba base with a section followed by a steep climb to the summit.

Highlights: The summit climb brings a sense of thrill when you trek through the forest section. From the shrine, the climb gets difficult. On the left-hand slope from the top, one can get a terrific view of the Himalayan ranges.

Rise early to get a head start as it is going to be a long day with a lot of walking to do. From Camp 1, locate a trail towards the right going straight into the forest. Most of the trail is in a thickly forested area. The trails from here are well defined. However, during January and February snow makes it difficult to identify the trail.

The landmarks on this 2 km trail to reach Nag Tibba Base are the two small open patches of land which you pass 20 minutes and 35 minutes from Camp 1. The estimated time it takes to reach Nag Tibba Base is around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The route is mostly a gradual walk with a small section of steep ascent for 10 minutes in between. Nag Tibba Base is a large clearing with a temple dedicated to the Serpent God.

You get a view of the Garhwal peaks through the forest. In winter one will encounter a lot of snow here. The last 1 km is a very steep incline going into a forest with hardly any sunlight. This prevents the snow from melting. An able guide who knows the trail can come in handy in such conditions. There are 4 steep climbs while trekking in the forest.

The snow makes the climb more challenging. It can take anywhere between 1 to 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the summit. The summit is straight up and does not require you to go left or right. As you reach the top, you will see the trail re-appear and curve towards a ridge on the left. Walk for a minute till you see an open patch of land sloping downwards on the other side of the mountain.

Look for a flag on the highest point called Nag Tibba “Jhandi” or summit. Looking down towards the other side of the ridge you will see the route from Deolsari or Devalsari village.

On the left-hand slope from the summit, one can get a terrific view of the Himalayan ranges of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Srikanta, and Gangotri. The whole section looks beautifully carpeted in snow, making it a true winter weekend trek.

After spending some time at the summit, begin your descent. Retrace your way to Nag Tibba Base.

How Difficult Is Nag Tibba Trek

Easy

Suitable for Fit Beginners

At The Valley Rides, while rating a trek difficulty, we consider many factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

The trek is a short 2-day trek but it climbs quickly. The trek is short but it can get sunny as you walk up.

Best Time to Do Nag Tibba Trek

Nag Tibba in Autumn

The best time to do the trek would be in the post-monsoon months of September, October and November. Post monsoon, the sky is washed clean of all the haze.

It’s a great time to do Nag Tibba as leaves turn brown making the trek look orange in colour. Witness these as you trek, inhaling the crisp, pine-scented autumn air.

Nag Tibba during the Winter

The next best time to do Nag Tibba is in Winter. It provides a great time for snow experience on the Nag Tibba trek in the month of December-January-February. The snow isn’t too thick to block the trail. It isn’t so thin that it disappears within a few days either.

It’s a wonderful time to camp and trek in the snow.

Nag Tibba in Spring

Spring in Nag Tibba starts by mid-March and goes on till the end of April. The snows start to melt at the upper reaches while the grass begins to turn green throughout the trek. Tiny flowers make their heads out of the grass while rhododendrons bloom on the trees.

Nag Tibba during Summer

Summers bring out a green colour palette on this trek, one that you might not witness in any other season. You will witness of Coniferous and oak trees. The forests and meadows look bright and sunny during May-June.

The trek is at its easiest and is a great getaway from the summer heat of the plains. It also makes for the perfect time to introduce children to the Himalayas during their summer vacations.

What to Pack on the Trek

Things you must take on the trek

MANDATORY DOCUMENTS

These are documents required for legal purposes by The Valley Rides and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

• Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
• Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record.  The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download Disclaimer Form
• Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by The Valley Rides – Download medical certificate

Declaration Form – Download

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.

Shoes and backpack

• Trekking shoes with ankle support)
• Backpack with rain cover
• Warm Layers and Clothes
• Warm layers –
  1.  3 layers if you’re trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1
  fleece, 1 padded jacket)
  2. 4 layers if you’re trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
  3. 5 layers if you’re trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
• 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
• 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Accessories

• Sunglasses
• Sun cap with flaps
• Waterproof gloves
• Balaclava
• Socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
• Headlamp
• Trekking pole
• Rain jacket + pants/poncho

Toiletries

• Sunscreen
• Moisturiser
• Light towel
• Lip balm or Vaseline
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
• Water bottles

PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times.

• Diamox: 1 Strip
• Dolo 650: 5 tablets
• Avomine: 4 tablets
• Combiflam: 5 tablets
• Digene: 4 tablets
• ORS: 6 packs
• Knee Brace: optional

Inclusions & Exclusions

What is included in the tour

⦁ Transportation to & fro from Dehradun to Khatian Base Camp.
⦁ 1 night camp/hotel at Khatian.
⦁ tented accommodation during the trek
⦁ Trek equipment: Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Crampons, Gaiters, micro spikes, All kind of Utensils, Stools/chairs etc.
⦁ Tents: Trekkers tent (twin/triple sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent
⦁ Entry Permit Fee, Guide Fee & Driver charges
⦁ Standard vegetarian food for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner during trek days
⦁ 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader
⦁ Local Guide 1:6 ratio
⦁ Chef & support staff
⦁ Porters for carrying common equipment’s (like rations/tents/utensils/groceries)
⦁ The facility of keeping extra luggage at our Khatian base camp, when leaving for the trek
⦁ Personal accident insurance
⦁ Insurance, transportations, salary of guide & porter
⦁ Basic First aid Kit
⦁ All government, local taxes and service charges
⦁ The Valley Rides Fee
⦁ Personalized Dri-Fit T-Shirt

What is NOT included in the tour

⦁ The cost to reach Dehradun and back to your destination.
⦁ Airport Pick up and Drop Off
⦁ Personal trekking gear
⦁ Tips for guide, chef, porter, etc (calculated per person)
⦁ Excess baggage/porter charges
⦁ Local sightseeing and entrance fee, camera fee, etc
⦁ Mineral water or any type of soft drinks
⦁ Hot water for shower, etc, during the trek
⦁ Extra meals apart from inclusions
⦁ Food during travel days
⦁ Lunch and dinner while travelling from/to Dehradun
⦁ Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
⦁ All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay or vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation.