Benog Tibba Trek

Benog Tibba Trek: Home to Nearly Extinct Himalayan Quail (Benog)

Benog Tibba trek is one of the most underrated forest treks in Uttarakhand. Far from the bustling parts of Mussoorie, this short day trail is named after Benog, the Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa), which used to inhabit this region until it went nearly extinct in the late 1870s. The trek begins from Mussoorie Clouds End and takes you through the shades of Banj oak, Deodar, Pine, trees to Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s not long, not difficult, and that’s part of the charm. What it offers is a pocket of real silence in the middle of the hills, which is something harder to come by.

Every now and then, there’s a clearing where sunlight breaks through, and the quiet is interrupted only by the wind or the distant call of a bird. The trail doesn’t feel curated. It feels like it’s just been there, waiting for you.

The trek rises gently to about 7,460 feet, nothing extreme, but enough to give you those crisp Himalayan views if the weather’s in your favor. As you move higher, the trees thin out and the sky opens. You might catch a glimpse of Bandarpoonch and Yamuna Valley far below, shining in the sun.

Benog Tibba hill trek is one of those treks where you can be with yourself. There’s no crowd, no shops, and no race towards the summit. This 4-5 hour easy trail gives you ample time to enjoy the songs of nature, you can see rare mountain birds like Wall creeper, Tree creeper, Nightjar, etc, and constant mating calls of the Yellow Kempfer cicada create a scene similar to Japanese anime. 

This is one of those famous forest treks in Uttarakhand with no crowd, shops, or drama. That’s exactly why it’s special. It’s ideal if you’re in or near Mussoorie and want a few hours in nature that actually feel like nature, not a theme park. You don’t need specialized trekking gear; all you need is a well-informed local guide, a permit, and water to keep you hydrated throughout the trek. 

By the time you reach the top, you will spot a Jwala Mata temple mounted on the top of the Benog Tibba summit. The views of Yamuna valley and the distant peaks of the Great Himalaya are breathtaking. Here you can spot some prominent Himalayan peaks like Kalanag, Swargarohini, Bhrigupanth, Gangotri I, II, III, Bandarpoonch, etc.  

Benog Tibba isn’t about reaching a summit. It’s about walking slowly through a forest that still feels wild and letting your thoughts wander a bit. 

Benog Tibba Trek Highlights

If you’re looking for an offbeat trekking experience near Mussoorie, the Benog Tibba trek offers the perfect mix of nature, tranquility, and Himalayan beauty. Here’s what makes this hidden gem worth exploring:

1. A Peaceful Forest Trail Away from the Tourist Rush

Starting from Cloud’s End, one of the most serene spots in Mussoorie, the trail to Benog Tibba winds through a lush forest, offering a quiet escape from the usual tourist bustle. You’ll walk under a canopy of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, soaking in the sounds and scents of the Himalayas.

2. Explore the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

The route passes through the pristine Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Keep your eyes open for rare Himalayan birds like the red-billed blue magpie. While the Himalayan Quail is believed to be extinct, the area still holds ecological importance with its untouched biodiversity.

3. Stunning Views of the Garhwal Himalayas

Reach the summit, and you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the Garhwal Himalayan range. On a clear day, majestic peaks like Bandarpoonch and Chaukhamba shimmer in the distance, making it a perfect spot for photography or a quiet moment to take it all in.

4. Jawala Devi Temple Along the Way

On your way up, you’ll come across a peaceful shrine dedicated to Goddess Jawala Devi, located at the top of the Benog hill. This small temple adds a spiritual touch to the journey and is a cherished stop for both locals and pilgrims.

5. Ideal for Beginners and Families

The Benog Tibba trek is short, well-marked, and doesn’t demand any advanced trekking gear, making it great for beginners, families, and weekend adventurers. It’s a fantastic introduction to Himalayan trekking without the need for a long itinerary.

6. Perfect for a Weekend trek from Dehradun

Just a 2-hour drive from Dehradun, this trek can easily fit into a weekend plan. Whether you’re a solo traveler or coming with friends, it’s a refreshing nature retreat that’s big on experience but light on time. 

Short Itinerary Of Benog Tibba Trek

Day 1 – Drive to Mussoorie Clouds End Forest Resort from Dehradun and start trekking 

Drive Distance: 39.6 km | Trek Distance: 8.5 km | Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours | Trek Difficulty: Easy | Trek Altitude: 7,460 to 5150 ft

Day 2 – Benog Tibba CampSite to Drive Back To Dehradun

Trek Duration: 2 hours | Trek Distance: 300 m | Drive Distance: 39.6 km | Trek Difficulty: Easy

How Challenging is the Benog Tibba Trek?

The Benog Tibba trek difficulty is considered an easy trek, making it suitable for beginners, families, and casual trekkers. Unlike high-altitude Himalayan treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, Sar Pass treks, this trail is more relaxed in pace and altitude, but still offers a rewarding experience with stunning views and forest immersion.

Trek Gradient and Terrain

The trail involves a gradual ascent, with no steep climbs or technical sections. Starting near Cloud’s End, the route follows a well-trodden forest path through the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, with only a mild elevation gain, from around 2,000 meters to 2,250 meters. Almost 70% of the trail is shaded with Rhododendrons, Deodar, Box Myrtle (Kaphal), and soft underfoot, covered in forest soil, Banj Oak leaves, and occasional rocky patches.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Since Benog Tibba’s highest point is only 2,250 meters, there is no risk of altitude sickness. The air is cool and fresh, but oxygen levels remain normal, so no special acclimatization is required.

Support and Accessibility

The trek starts close to Mussoorie, with easy road access, no permit requirements, and no technical gear needed. Trekkers are advised to carry water, comfortable walking shoes, and light layers.

Note:- If you are trekking without an organized group or local guide, then you will need to pay entry fee of 150₹ at the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary Checkpost. 

Best Time to Visit Benog Tibba

Wondering when to plan your trek to Benog Tibba? While the trail remains accessible for most of the year, certain seasons bring out the best of the forest, views, and overall experience.

Spring (March to June): Fresh, Vibrant, and Inviting

This is one of the most popular seasons for trekking in the region. The forests come alive with blooming rhododendrons, including tiny white, pink, and yellow wildflowers. The weather stays comfortably cool, clear skies offer excellent visibility of the distant Himalayan peaks, and rare bird species make it heaven for birdwatchers and photographers. If you’re after lush greenery and pleasant temperatures, this is your window.

Autumn (September to November): Crystal Clear and Quiet

Autumn is the best time to visit the Benog Tibba trek. It’s a perfect time to experience the post-monsoon freshness in the air and the panoramic views become even sharper. The trail is dry, the skies are deep blue, and the air feels crisp. It’s a fantastic time for those looking to avoid crowds while still getting the best visuals.

Monsoon (July to August): Best Avoided

The trail tends to get muddy and slippery during the monsoon months. Leeches and unpredictable rains can make the hike uncomfortable, and the risk of landslides increases in the surrounding region. It’s best to skip this season unless you’re experienced and prepared for wet conditions.

Winter (December to February): Snowy and Serene

For trekkers who enjoy the cold and don’t mind a bit of a challenge, Benog Tibba in winter can be magical. Snow sometimes blankets the summit, turning the trail into a quiet, white wonderland. The hike becomes a bit more demanding, especially near the top, but the solitude and scenic beauty are absolutely worth it.

How To Reach Benog Tibba Trek 

Getting to the Benog Tibba trek is fairly straightforward, especially if you’re starting from Mussoorie or Dehradun. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you plan your trip.

From Dehradun

Dehradun is the nearest major city with excellent road, rail, and air connectivity. If you’re flying in, Jolly Grant Airport is your landing point. From there, it’s about a 2 to 3-hour drive to Mussoorie via a scenic hill road. Taxis and buses are easily available at the airport and the railway station.          

Reaching Cloud’s End (Starting Point)

The actual trek begins from Cloud’s End, a quiet spot located roughly 6–7 km from Mussoorie town. It’s accessible by local taxi or private car. The road up to Cloud’s End is narrow but drivable, passing through peaceful forest-covered stretches. This area also has a few heritage sites if you want to spend the night before starting your trek.

Once you arrive at Cloud’s End, the forest trail to Benog Tibba starts near the gate of the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. From here, it’s a gradual hike through thick woodland, perfect for nature lovers and those looking to escape the noise of city life.

Alternative Access

If you’re already in Mussoorie, hiring a local cab or even biking to Cloud’s End is a fun option. The route is short, but it offers stunning views along the way, especially around sunrise or sunset.

ATM & Network Connectivity 

When heading toward Benog Tibba, it’s best to be prepared in advance, as the area gets quite remote once you leave Mussoorie.

ATMs Availability

The last reliable place to withdraw cash is Mussoorie town. You’ll find several ATMs from major banks like SBI, PNB, ICICI, and HDFC along Mussoorie Mall Road and in Landour. Once you move toward Cloud’s End or the trekking route, there are no ATMs, so make sure to carry enough cash for transportation, snacks, or any last-minute purchases.

Mobile Network

Mobile connectivity can be spotty around Cloud’s End and completely unreliable deeper into the forest trail. While Airtel and Jio usually have decent coverage in Mussoorie, you might lose signal shortly after starting the trek. If you need to make calls or check maps, it’s a good idea to do it before reaching the sanctuary gate.

Pro Tip: Download offline maps and share your location with someone before heading into the forest zone.