Overview
The Bhadraj Temple trek features some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas. Located atop the Bhadraj Hill on the western flanks of Mussoorie, at an elevation of 7,277 ft, it is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra or Balram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna.
The trek begins from Cloud End near Library Chowk in Mussoorie, following the Milkman’s Trail. This path was, in the past, frequented by the villagers of Dudhli to supply Mussoorie with buffalo milk every morning. The Bhadraj Temple trek takes you through forest trails with dense wilderness of Oak, Pine, Deodar, and Rhododendrons.
The summit of the Bhadraj hill features a 360-degree panorama. On one side, you can see the Doon Valley to the south and the Assan Barrage to the west. And on the other hand, there are the Chakrata ranges and Jaunsar-Bawar Himalayan tracts to the north, and the Mussoorie ridgeline to the east.
The Bhadraj Temple trek is easy, suitable for beginners, families, devotees, and experienced trekkers alike. It can be completed as a full-day hike or split across two days with a camping halt at Dudhli village. The trek is accessible across most seasons, and is best avoided during the peak monsoon. The annual Bhadraj Mela, held from August 15 to 17, draws thousands of devotees, making it the peak pilgrimage season.
If you are looking for a short but fulfilling weekend trek in Uttarakhand, the Bhadraj Temple Trek is accessible from Mussoorie and Dehradun. Let us learn more about its day-wise itinerary, best time to visit, difficulty analysis, and how to reach the trailhead at Cloud End.
Itinerary
Drive Distance and Time: 37-38 km; 1.5-2 hr
Hike Distance and Time: 4.5 km; 3-4.5 hours (one way from Cloud End)
Altitude Gain: 640 m/2,100 ft at Dehradun to approx. 2,218 m/7,277 ft at Bhadraj Peak Summit
Highlights: Oak and deodar forest trails, meadows, and visit Bhadraj Temple
The trails of the Bhadraj Temple Trek start from Cloud’s End, which is about 7 km from Mussoorie’s Library Chowk. To start your journey, first arrive at Dehradun early in the morning or on day 0. The drive will take you through the winding roads of Mussoorie with scenic views of the Doon Valley.
On your way, you will cross the busy streets of Mall Road and Library Chowk. From here, a scenic drive or walk towards the western edge of the town will take you to Cloud’s End. Try to arrive here before 8:00-9:00 am to make sure you have adequate time enough time for the summit push and a safe descent to the campsite.
The trek starts from Cloud’s End with a gradual descent and flat walks through mixed forests of tall oak and deodar trees. You will be following the trails used by locals known as the Milkman’s Trail. After about 3 to 4 km of pleasant walking, you will arrive at Dudhli village. This small hamlet is surrounded by grassy patches and serves as a perfect spot for relaxing.
From Dudhli, the track steepens a bit, taking you towards the western ridge. You will notice a change in the landscape with dense Bhadraj forest on the northern slopes and expansive grasslands to the southern side. After continuing your climb for the next few kms, you will reach the final stretch to the summit, which is relatively steeper.
On your way, you will see shelters and a few signage boards indicating the way towards the temple and the distance left. Once you arrive at the temple, soak in the beautiful setting of this place of worship, surrounded by greenery and mountain views. After offering your prayers, sit and relax to catch the panoramic views of prominent peaks. On clear days, you will see the Swargarohini, Chakrata ranges, and the Yamuna Valley below.
For the night, we will set up our camps in the meadows of Dudhli Village. The descent is easier, and you will reach the campsite before evening. After erecting your tents, sit back and enjoy your warm meal. Enjoy your evening with camping and a bonfire under the star-studded and clear night sky.
Hike Distance and Time: 4 km; approx. 2-3 hrs
Drive Distance and Time: 37-38 km; 1.5-2 hr
Wake up early in the morning to witness the golden sunrise over the mountains. Pack your belongings after having a warm breakfast. We will start the descent back from Dudhli village toward Cloud’s End, where your vehicle will be waiting for the drive to Dehradun.
Make sure you start the descent by 10:00 am, so you have time for your onward journey. The walk on the forest trails is short, and because the trails are well-maintained, it is easy to traverse. Notice the early morning birds and feel the fresh and crisp mountain air as you retrace your steps.
You will arrive in Dehradun in the afternoon. Here, you can stay overnight and explore the city or plan your journey back home in the evening.
Inclusion and Exclusion
Price Inclusion
Transport: Transport from Dehradun
Stay: Night stay
Meal: Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch
Forest Entry and Permits: All required fuel charges, tolls, forest entry fees, and permits are covered.
Guide: A qualified guide will accompany you.
Emergency Kit: First aid medical kits are provided for safety.
Price Exclusion
Emergency Evacuations: Any charges related to emergency evacuation are not included
Personal Expenses: Any meals or accommodations outside of the provided itinerary or additional services not listed in the inclusions.
5% GST
Check the booking procedure, including details on booking deposits, payment terms, and the cancellation policy.
Difficulty Level
The Bhadraj Temple trek is an easy-to-moderate trek, making it suitable for beginners, older children, and seniors with a basic level of fitness. The terrain provides a stark contrast with views of cemented roads, downhill sections, rocky paths, and shaded forest trails. While most of the route is an enjoyable walk, some sections require careful footing.
Though the overall altitude gain is manageable, the final stretch up the bald ridge to the temple is steep and requires stamina. The trek’s walking distance of around 11-12 km from Cloud End is doable and comes with a rewarding summit. Hence, it serves as the perfect introductory trek for anyone looking to get familiar with Himalayan trekking before taking on larger expeditions.
Things to Carry
- Sleeping Bag
- Common Tent
- Mattress
- Dining Tent
- Camping Stool
- Walkie Talkie (For Team)
- Utensils
1. Clothing
- Outer Layer: 1 Down Jacket (Winter)
- Gloves: (Winter)
- Headwear: 1 Warm Hat + 1 Scarf/Balaclava (Winter)
- Sun Hat: 1 (Summer)
2. Footwear
- Hiking Shoe
3. Backpack & Trekking Gear
- Daypack: 1 (For day-hike)
- Trekking Poles/Sticks: 1 pair
6. Health & Hygiene
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen
- Lip Balm: 1
- Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates
7. Accessories
- Bottle/Bladder: 1
- Sunglasses: 1 (UV-protected and polarized)
How to Reach Bhadraj Temple
Mussoorie serves as the base for the trek, and the official trail starts near Cloud’s End or Library Chowk. Let us discuss how you can reach here in detail:
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, approximately 59 km from Mussoorie. From the airport, hire a private taxi or take a UTC bus to Mussoorie. You can expect the total Journey time to be about 2-2.5 hours.
By Train
Dehradun Railway Station is the closest railhead, approx. 36 km from Mussoorie. It is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other major cities. From the station, shared cabs, taxis, and Mussoorie-bound buses are easily available from the adjoining bus stand.
By Road
- Route 1: Dehradun Clock Tower – Rajpur Road – Shiv Mandir – Bhatta Falls – Mussoorie Lake – Library Chowk.
Cloud End is about 7-8 km from Library Chowk. Local taxis and shared cabs are available for this short stretch. Many trekkers also rent a scooter from Mussoorie. Those who prefer to walk the entire trail begin directly from Library End and cover the 5.5 km road section to Cloud End on foot as part of Day 1.
The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From these stations, one can take a taxi or board a bus to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath. The road journey from Rishikesh to Chopta takes around 8 to 9 hours. Regular buses are available to Rudraprayag and limited services to Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, which is about 30 kilometers from Chopta, shared jeeps or private taxis can take you to the base.
If you’re planning to travel by car, it’s better to leave early in the morning and aim to reach Chopta by the afternoon. Ukhimath is the last town with ATM facilities and petrol pumps, so it’s a good place to stop and refuel or withdraw cash. Roads beyond Rudraprayag are narrow but manageable. It is wise to carry enough fuel, cash, and warm clothes.
From Rishikesh take a bus to Karanprayag and from there change buses for Tharali. Tharali is connected to Loahjung and local taxis are available. Alternatively, you can also reach Lohajung via Haldwani. From Haldwani, take a bus to Tharali and from Tharali take a taxi to Lohajung.
Best Time to Visit
The Bhadraj Temple trek is accessible throughout the year, with the best windows being post-monsoon and early summer. It features pleasant weather in spring and unobstructed views of the Himalayas in winter. The ideal time to visit depends on the experience you are looking for.
Here is a detailed breakdown of what to expect during different seasons:
Winter
- Months: Mid-November to February
- Temperature: 20°C- 12°C during the day; 5°C to sub-zero at night
If you are an adventure seeker who wants to experience the snow-covered views of the Himalayan ranges, this is the best time to visit. During the day, the weather remains cold yet pleasant for trekking, while the nights may get very chilly, especially during January and February. It is recommended to carry warm layers to protect yourself from the harsh climate at the summit and base camp.
Spring
- Months: March to April
- Temperature: 26°C- 18°C during the day; 10°C- 6°C at night
Spring arrives by early March, bringing greenery and fresh sprouting of leaves in the Bhadraj forest. The trails become colourful with flowering rhododendrons and blooming wildflowers. Many choose this season for its comfortable weather during the day. You get clear skies for viewing the distant peaks, the Assan Barrage, and the Yamuna Valley.
Summer
- Months: May to Mid-June
- Temperature: 28°C- 22°C during the day; 15°C- 10°C at night
The Bhadraj Temple trek is the perfect weekend destination for those looking for a short vacation with family and friends during the summer months. From May to mid-June, the weather is favourable for trekking. The dense forest canopies filter out the sweltering rays of the sun, keeping the trekkers cool throughout the climb.
Monsoon
- Months: Late June to Mid-September
- Temperature: 26°C- 20°C during the day; 16°C- 14°C at night
The region receives high rainfall during the monsoon, and hence, visiting during heavy rains is not recommended. The natural trails become slippery, muddy, and prone to leeches, making it risky for beginners. However, it is worth noting that for many devotees, this is the peak season because the annual Bhadraj Fair is held during Shravan Sankranti, around 16-17 August.
Autumn
- Months: Mid-September to October
- Temperature: 24°C- 18°C during the day; 12°C- 8°C at night
Autumn offers the best season for photography enthusiasts. During this time, the post-monsoon skies are completely clear, offering the most heavenly golden-hour views of the Doon Valley. The crisp mountain air and favourable temperatures make it one of the most rewarding times to take on this trek.
The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From these stations, one can take a taxi or board a bus to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath. The road journey from Rishikesh to Chopta takes around 8 to 9 hours. Regular buses are available to Rudraprayag and limited services to Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, which is about 30 kilometers from Chopta, shared jeeps or private taxis can take you to the base.
If you’re planning to travel by car, it’s better to leave early in the morning and aim to reach Chopta by the afternoon. Ukhimath is the last town with ATM facilities and petrol pumps, so it’s a good place to stop and refuel or withdraw cash. Roads beyond Rudraprayag are narrow but manageable. It is wise to carry enough fuel, cash, and warm clothes.
From Rishikesh take a bus to Karanprayag and from there change buses for Tharali. Tharali is connected to Loahjung and local taxis are available. Alternatively, you can also reach Lohajung via Haldwani. From Haldwani, take a bus to Tharali and from Tharali take a taxi to Lohajung.
Map and Weather
Nearby Attraction to Visit
- George Everest Peak
- Kempty Falls
- Corn Village
- Happy Valley
- Library Chowk/Mall Road
- Company Garden
- Benog Tibba Trek
- Nag Tibba
- Lal Tibba
- Landour
FAQs
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