The Nag Tibba Trek, also known as the Serpent’s Peak Trek, is one of the most popular weekend treks in Uttarakhand. Standing tall at an altitude of 3,022 meters (9,915 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas, it is the highest peak in the Nag Tibba range of the Lesser Himalayas. This trek is an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned trekkers, offering a perfect blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural charm.
Known for its panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Kedarnath, and Gangotri ranges, Nag Tibba rewards trekkers with a breathtaking 360-degree Himalayan experience without requiring a long or strenuous expedition.
Reaching the Nag Tibba Trek is fairly convenient, as it is one of the closest Himalayan treks to Delhi and Dehradun, making it a perfect choice for weekend getaways. The trek usually starts from Pantwari village, a small hamlet in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, which serves as the main base camp for the trek. Here is a step-by-step guide to reaching the starting point:
1. By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 85 km from Pantwari).
From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Mussoorie or directly Pantwari village.
Many trekkers prefer staying overnight in Dehradun or Mussoorie before heading to Pantwari.
2. By Train
The closest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station (approx. 90 km from Pantwari).
Dehradun is well-connected with Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, and other major cities via express trains like:
Nanda Devi Express
Mussoorie Express
Shatabdi Express (from Delhi)
From the station, you can book a taxi, shared jeep, or bus to Mussoorie or directly to Pantwari.
3. By Road
From Delhi (approx. 340 km, 8–10 hrs): You can either self-drive or take a bus to Dehradun or Mussoorie and continue onward to Pantwari. Overnight Volvo and state transport buses are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Dehradun.
From Dehradun (approx. 90 km, 3–4 hrs): Taxis and shared jeeps to Pantwari are available from Dehradun. Alternatively, you can first travel to Mussoorie (35 km from Dehradun) and then onward to Pantwari.
From Mussoorie (approx. 50 km, 2 hrs): Pantwari is directly accessible by cab or local shared vehicles.
4. Trek Start Point – Pantwari Village
Pantwari village is the official base camp for Nag Tibba Trek. It lies at an altitude of 4,640 ft (1,414 m).
The drive from Dehradun to Pantwari passes through scenic towns like Mussoorie, Nainbagh, and Kempty Falls, offering a beautiful prelude to the trek.
Pantwari has small shops and guesthouses where you can stock up on essentials or rest before starting the trek.
Travel Tips for Reaching Nag Tibba
Best Route from Delhi: Delhi → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Pantwari.
Preferred Stay Option: Many trekkers prefer staying in Mussoorie overnight and beginning the trek the next morning.
Shared Cabs: Budget travelers can use shared jeeps between Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Pantwari.
Private Vehicles: If traveling in a group, renting a private vehicle from Dehradun or Mussoorie is the most convenient option.
Seasonal Conditions: In winter, roads to Pantwari may be slippery due to snow; keep buffer time in your travel plan.
Nag Tibba, located in the Garhwal Himalayas near Mussoorie, is not just about the trek itself—it is surrounded by several beautiful destinations that travelers can explore either before or after their trekking adventure. These nearby places are a blend of hill stations, cultural hubs, temples, and natural wonders, making the journey even more enriching.
1. Mussoorie (35 km from Dehradun, 50 km from Pantwari)
Known as the “Queen of Hills”, Mussoorie is a popular hill station offering panoramic Himalayan views.
Attractions: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Mall Road, Lal Tibba, Company Garden, and Cloud’s End.
Ideal for: Families, honeymooners, and those seeking a relaxed stay with colonial charm.
2. Kempty Falls (15 km from Mussoorie)
One of the most famous waterfalls in Uttarakhand.
Visitors can enjoy bathing in the cascading waters or simply admire the scenic beauty.
A great stopover while traveling from Mussoorie to Pantwari.
3. Kanatal (60 km from Pantwari)
A serene hill station near Nag Tibba offering apple orchards, pine forests, and camping opportunities.
Famous for: Adventure activities like camping, valley crossing, and ziplining.
Less crowded compared to Mussoorie, making it perfect for peace seekers.
4. Dhanaulti (35 km from Mussoorie, 40 km from Pantwari)
A quiet hill station known for its pristine landscapes and eco-parks.
Attractions: Eco Park, Surkanda Devi Temple, and Potato Farm.
Offers panoramic views of snow-clad peaks and is ideal for a short stay.
5. Surkanda Devi Temple (40 km from Pantwari)
A revered temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, located at 2,757 m.
Accessible via a short but steep trek from Kaddukhal.
Offers spiritual significance along with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
6. Tehri Dam & Lake (75 km from Pantwari)
One of the tallest dams in the world, built on the Bhagirathi River.
Adventure activities: Jet skiing, boating, banana rides, and paragliding at Tehri Lake.
A must-visit for adventure enthusiasts and photographers.
7. Landour (40 km from Pantwari, near Mussoorie)
A peaceful cantonment town near Mussoorie, known for its colonial architecture and cafes.
Famous for: Char Dukan area, St. Paul’s Church, and Ivy Cottage (Ruskin Bond’s residence).
Ideal for slow travelers who love quaint experiences.
8. Chamba (85 km from Pantwari)
A small town with beautiful views of the Tehri Lake and Himalayan peaks.
Known for its apple orchards, handicrafts, and pleasant weather.
A good extension for those heading towards Tehri or further into Garhwal.
9. Dehradun (90 km from Pantwari)
The capital city of Uttarakhand, known for its laid-back charm and natural beauty.
Attractions: Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Temple, Forest Research Institute (FRI).
A convenient place to rest before or after the trek, with good connectivity.
10. Yamunotri (around 120 km from Pantwari)
One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Located at an altitude of 3,293 m, Yamunotri offers a spiritual experience along with natural beauty.
Ideal for extending your trek into a cultural and religious exploration.
Distance: Dehradun to Pantwari (85 km / 3–4 hrs by road) | Pantwari to Base Camp (4–5 km trek / 3–4 hrs)
Altitude: Pantwari (4,640 ft) → Base Camp (7,400–7,600 ft)
Highlights: Scenic drive, pine forests, camping under the stars.
Begin your journey early from Dehradun (640 m) by road, passing through Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, and Nainbagh.
Arrive at Pantwari village, the trek’s starting point, where you can have lunch and meet your trek guide/porters.
The trek begins with a gradual ascent through rocky trails, small mountain farms, and oak & rhododendron forests.
Reach the Nag Tibba base camp by evening. The campsite offers splendid views of the Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, and Gangotri peaks.
Enjoy a hot dinner around the campfire and spend the night in tents.
Distance: 3–4 km (one way) trek to summit | 6–8 km return trek
Altitude: Base Camp (7,400 ft) → Nag Tibba Summit (9,915 ft)
Highlights: Sunrise views, Himalayan peaks, adventure climb.
Start early in the morning for the summit push. The trail is steeper and passes through dense oak and deodar forests.
After a steady climb, you’ll reach the Nag Tibba summit (3,022 m). From here, enjoy 360° views of snow-capped peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Gangotri group, and Doon Valley below.
Spend some time exploring the Nag Devta temple, believed to protect local villages from natural calamities.
Descend back to base camp for lunch. Depending on your plan, either:
Stay overnight at the base camp (for a relaxed 3-day itinerary).
Or descend directly to Pantwari village and drive back to Dehradun (for a shorter 2-day trek).
Distance: 4–5 km trek | 85 km drive back to Dehradun
Highlights: Leisure descent, village walk, scenic return journey.
If you stayed overnight at base camp, enjoy a relaxed breakfast.
Trek back down to Pantwari village, retracing your steps.
Depart for Dehradun by road, arriving by evening.
This marks the end of the trek, with memories of a Himalayan adventure.
Best Time: October to March (for snow) & April to June (pleasant weather).
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, ideal for beginners and families.
Total Trek Distance: 16–20 km (depending on chosen route).
Accommodation: Tented campsites at the base camp, or homestays at Pantwari.
Nag Tibba, also known as Serpent’s Peak, is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It lies near Mussoorie and Dehradun, making it one of the most accessible Himalayan treks from Delhi and the NCR region.
Nag Tibba is the highest peak in the lesser Himalayan region, standing tall at 3,022 meters (9,915 ft) above sea level.
The trek is graded as Easy to Moderate. It is suitable for beginners, families with children, and even elderly trekkers with good fitness levels. The summit climb is steep but short and can be managed with proper pacing.
- The trek can be completed in 2 days (1 night) for those who want a quick adventure.
- For a more relaxed experience with camping and leisure time, it is recommended to do it in 3 days (2 nights).
- Winter (December to March): Snow-covered trails, magical views, and perfect for experiencing snow trekking.
- Summer (April to June): Pleasant weather, lush greenery, and clear skies.
- Monsoon (July to September): Not recommended due to slippery trails and landslide risks.
- Autumn (October to November): Crystal-clear mountain views and ideal trekking conditions.
