We all wanna get lost in the mountains every now and then, but it’s not always easy to take time off from our busy schedules. Luckily, there are a few treks in the Himalayas that can be done in just about three days and Nag Tibba is one of them.
It’s a sweet little trek that will fill your days with the views of jungles, meadows, snow in winters, beautiful starry nights and of course the chance to stand on top of a mountain (no matter how small it is).
For those who are considering this trek, let me take you on a journey and so you know what to expect.
But first, here are a few facts worth knowing:
- Anyone can do this trek: you don’t need to have any prior trekking experience to head out to Nag Tibba. Come as you are; bring your friends or your teenage kids.
- It can be done all year round: Nag Tibba offers picturesque views in summers and winters, and can be done anytime of the year.
Ok. Let’s get started, here we go.
Day 1:
The trek starts from a small village in Uttrakhand called Pantwari.
You will see beautiful step-farms and temples here. Their land is their source of life – everything they need is grown there. You’ll see huge farms where rice, potatoes, corn, mustard and vegetables are homegrown. You’ll also come across apple orchards and walnut trees in the vicinity.
As you start walking uphill, the views of the entire valley will open up to you.
You will come across a few lonely huts along the way. These are basically homes of farmers who bring their domestic animals for grazing in the upper region during summers.
In just a matter of hours, you'll be in the middle of nowhere. An ideal place to be. Far away from the big cities and closer than ever to the mountains.
It’s always magnificent views like these that bring people back to the mountains.
Before 6pm, you’ll be at your campsite. Try to get here before the sun sets to watch the sky turn orange.
Let’s zoom out a little bit and put things in perspective.
Well this is your campsite in summers. There is nothing here but forests and beautiful naked mountains in front of you. And maybe some monkeys too.
The same campsite looks magical when it snows.
Day 2:
Today is the big day. The summit day. If the views filled you with joy on the first day, it’s just gonna get a whole lot better today. Fill your bellies with warm food and gear up for your hike. Oh by the way, it’s just a two hour hike to Nag Tibba top from here, so don’t stress out.
Have I been staring at this picture for too long or does it look like the guy in focus is missing a head? Anyhow, this is going to be your route at the beginning, before…
…you disappear in a beautiful lush green forest, to begin your ascend. There were a few steep patches, but just enough to give everyone a taste of what trekking in the mountain involves.
You will walk uphill for about 2 KMs...
...surrounded by massive oak trees
And before you know it, you’ll be standing on top of Nag Tibba.
If I told you the magic lies at the top, I lied.
It’s all in the journey. But it will feel magical to have reached the highest point on the trail.
You will also see the beautiful Himalayas from up here. Try spotting well known peaks like Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag and Swargrohini from up here
Leave your cameras aside and take it all in. These are going to be your special moments of silence up in the mountains.
The snow slopes near the top are sometimes perfect for glissading.
Run to the top and zoom your way downhill from there.
After heading back to the campsite, you can also visit the Nag Mandir, that is believed to protect and bless the villages in that area. It is just 5 minutes away from the base camp.
The campsite is all yours to enjoy for the rest of the day.
Day 3:
It is time to head back, but your itinerary is designed in a way to ensure there is no overlap of routes. So, instead of heading back to Pantwari, you will make your way to Auntar, which is another charming little village.
The trail is pretty much straight forward. You will walk up and down the hills and in and out of forests.
But majority of the trail runs downhill, so prepare your toes and knees for the same.
You’ll walk for a 3-4 hours...
...before your first human or domestic animal contact to welcome you back to civilization.
This is Auntar, where you will end your trek. Have a cup of chai or Maggie at the dhaba on the road here before making your way back to Dehradoon.
Yup, that is how your 3 days on the trek would look like, but then again, it all depends on the weather. I prefer this trek in winters, and if you do too, check the weather forecast and snow conditions before heading there.
Find out more about Nag Tibba here.
Happy trekking!
