Nag Tibba which is also known as Serpent’s Peak, is the highest peak (3022m) in the Garhwal region. It lends its name to the Nag Tibba Range. It is said to be the abode of Nag Devta. Local villagers used to come here to pray to Nag Devta for the protection of their cattle. Nag Tibba trek takes you to dense mountainous forests rich in flora and fauna.

Ideal season to trek Nag Tibba: It is from October to April.

Location of Nag Tibba: It is located 57 kms from Mussoorie, in the Tehri Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand.

Trekking Nag Tibba

Day 1: Mussoorie – Aunter Campsite

Begin from the Tehri road bus stand or from the bypass below. Follow the Tehri road past the Woodstock Estate. From here you catch the wonderful vistas of snow peaks, Doon Valley, and Changabang Peak (the world’s most beautiful one). Walk along the ridge road laced by the rhododendron trees till you reach Saukholi village. At the last tea shop, turn north and approach the junction of Thatyur on the Aglar River.

From Thatyur, there are 3 ways to Nag Tibba. All of them head north.

1. The shortest is via a bridge on the Pali stream, climbing west to Manglori village. From here, you directly reach Nag Tibba’s south-western flank. From here you reach Aunter village at the south-east foot of Nag Tibba Massif. Walk a short distance to camp for this evening.
2. Aunter is an easier route. Head north and march till you get to the base of Nag Tibba. You can camp halfway up the southern mountain face. The bridle path from Aunter continues up till west of the ridge top.
3. This is a long way. It avoids crossing stream, tends eastwards, and takes you to Devalsari village. You can spend the night here and start the next morning towards the west. You have to pass the forest at Nag Tibba’s base till reaching Aunter. Now, there is a village shortcut running east but a guide is required because of the thick forest.

An ascent begins from Aunter’s forest bridle path which proceeds along the mountain’s southern face. It drops you to a Gujjar camping site where you can camp for the first night here. On the way, you cross the ridge from Mangalori. Mangalori is on the west and Aunter on the east of the ridge. Aunter is significant for its stone temple.

Day 2: Aunter Campsite-Nag Tibba-Mussoorie

Reaching the Nag Tibba summit, you have a victorious feeling. You pass the Nag Devta temple. Then you come to a ruined bungalow sited for a snow view. From here move east to the ridge top. From here you can hardly see anything of natural beauty as it is densely forested. It is approximately 8 hours from Thatyur to Nag Tibba top but getting down through short-cuts and using transportation, you can reach Mussoorie much sooner. If you opt to go by Devalsari route, you camp at the village for the first night. The second night you would camp at Gujjar grazing grounds above Aunter. Your third day will begin with a climb to the peak. Then you’ll return to Mussoorie by transport. If you have time in hand, you can make an overnight stay at Aunter and return to Mussoorie the next day.

Among trekkers and adventure lovers, this place is heaven. Here winters are frosty and summers are lovely. One thing must always be kept in mind that Himalayan black bears are frequently seen here but the adventure is the essence of life for the adventurous, which makes the Nag Tibba trek all the more special.