The Benog Hill Trek

Day 1 – Dehradun → Benog Tibba Basecamp

Morning (around 6:30 AM): Pickup from Prince Chowk, Dehradun → Clouds End, Mussoorie (approx. 2 h drive, 35 km)

Day 2 – Benog Tibba → Dehradun

Morning: Trek 200 m to trail exit near sanctuary gate → followed by 2 h drive (36 km) back to Dehradun (drive starts 10:30 AM)

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your Benog Hill trekking experience. Whether you're a beginner, solo traveller or a group of friends, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. 

Starting from Mussoorie (pick up point), the Benog Hill trek's trail passes through oak, pine, rhododendron forests and Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. It ends near Jwala Devi Temple. Himalaya Shelter ensures your journey is safe and memorable with experienced local guides and all necessary permits. You can even request offbeat routes or sunrise hikes for a more immersive Himalayan experience.

Moreover, no other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones.

Benog Hill holds a deep historical relation. Its surrounding region lies within the Garhwal Himalayas which was the part of Katyuri Dynasty (7th-11th century CE). It was a remote area but was used for seasonal migration and trade occasionally.

Benog Hill is believed to be the part of Trijuginarayan Temple region. As per locals, from ancient times, probably during Mahabharata time, the region was known as a meditation spot. Many sages and ascetics meditated here in the caves and dense forests of Benog Hill. Still the spiritual frequency of this region is very high. 

Benog Hill is also known for Jwala Devi Temple. Jwala Devi is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Durga. Locals tell stories about how Goddess Durga was manifested as Jwala Devi, born from fire on Benog Hill and defeated demon Jalandhar in a fierce battle. Locals believe that Jwala Devi is also one of the seven sisters (Sapt Jwala) and each one of them protects the a direction. Jwala Devi protects the western Himalayan belt, particularly Mussoorie and its surrounding hills.

During British times, when Mussoorie was developed as a summer retreat and popular hill station, Benog was explored and gained attention for its rich biodiversity. The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a protected area later and became part of the Rajaji National Park buffer zone. Today it is well known for its hiking culture and eco-tourism. It attracts many tourists across the world.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary: Benog Hill trek passes through the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to rare fauna and flora. You can spot mountain quail (once thought extinct), Himalayan goat, panthers and many species of birds. It is popular for bird watching; you can spot a rich variety of birds here, especially early morning chirping sounds will amaze you. The dense forests of oak, pine, deodar and wildflowers like primulas, violets and asters make it a perfect soul refreshing trail.

View of the Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba Peaks: From the summit, you can spot the snow-capped peaks of Bandarpoonch, Chaukhamba and Swargarohini on clear days. These panoramic views are like visual delight which makes your journey rewarding. For such beautiful sceneries, the Benog Hill trek rivals many popular Himalayan viewpoints, especially in a short hike you have a lot to see.

Sacred Jwala Devi Temple: Benog Hill trek is a spiritual hike also. At its summit, the sacred Jwala Devi Temple lies. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Here Goddess Durga is believed to be manifested as a fire. She is believed to be born from fire and devotees believe that fire burns eternally without any fuel. Trekkers often visit this temple and offer their prayers. It is believed to be the place where wishes are granted.

Beginner-friendly Forested Trails: Benog Hill trek is for all age groups. Being a beginners-friendly trek, people can enjoy this trek without being exhausted. The trek has forested trails. The forests of oak, pine, deodar and rhododendron are dense and lush green. Some trees are century old and known for their traditional usage in Ayurveda. Along the forested trails, you will see small caves where hermits and sages have meditated for years. Those who want a mindful walk, Benog Hill trek is perfect for them.

Benog Hill trek is considered an easy to moderate trek which is suitable for beginners, families and kids over 6 years. It is located near Mussoorie at an elevation of approx 2,250 m (7,380 ft). 

The trail starts from Cloud’s End or George Everest Estate and goes through the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and you get to see a variety of flora and fauna here. The trail is about 7 to 8 km long (in round trip) and takes 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Most people finish it within a half day. 

The trail is well-marked and involves mud paths, forest trails and normal uphill sections. You can encounter few steep patches near the summit but they are not technically challenging. You can hire a guide but they are not mandatory – trails are well-marked and beginner-friendly so no technical and navigation issues arise. 

Benog Hill is an all-season trek and weather is mostly pleasant year-round but still avoid monsoon and peak winter. Mornings and evenings are generally cooler, especially in winter. Summer is ideal for clear views and comfortable hiking.

Wear comfortable clothes (trekking pants) and good quality trekking shoes. Carry water and light snacks. Network is hampered in some areas so inform someone before you go. If you're a solo trekker and unfamiliar to routes, hiring a guide is recommended.

For the best and comfortable trekking experience, plan your Benog Hill trek from March to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, scenic trails, clear sky and good visibility of surrounding peaks like Chaukhamba and Bandarpoonch. 

March to June (Spring to Summer):

During these months, forests are lush green and vibrant. You will see blooming rhododendrons everywhere which make the journey pleasant and enjoyable. Trails remain mostly dry and safe. Sometimes there can be occasional rain but otherwise, weather remains clear. Daytime temperatures range between 15°C to 25°C. Nights can be chilly around 7°C to 12°C temperatures. Keep a light jacket and raincoat to avoid unpredictable weather conditions.

September to November (Autumn):

After monsoon, air becomes crisp and sky turns clearer. Landscapes are even fresher after rain but by late October they turn golden due to autumn. Sunlight feels cozy and visibility to view Himalayan peaks are very high. This is a good time for birdwatchers and nature lovers as the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is quite active around this season. Daytime temperature remains around 12°C to 20°C while at night time it dips to 5°C to 10°C. Winter clothes are must for this season.

Avoid Monsoon and Harsh Winters:

July-August (monsoon) should be avoided. Due to heavy rainfall, trails become slippery and leech-infested. Risk of landslides is also high. Similarly, avoid December-February for harsh winters. Temperature is near 0°C and below this time and visibility is very poor.

For trekking to Benog Hill, first reach Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. Mussoorie is well-connected by air, rail and road to major cities of India. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is located around 60 km from Mussoorie. From airport you can hire a taxi to reach Mussoorie (around 2 hrs).

By road, Mussoorie is well connected via NH 7 and NH 307. Regular buses, including deluxe and Volvo run from Delhi, Haridwar and Dehradun. Also, for train travelers, Dehradun Railway Station is the closest station, around 35 km away.

Upon reaching Mussoorie, the base point for Benog Hill trek is Clouds End which is located around 6 to 7 km from Library Chowk. You can reach Clouds End by private cab, rented bike or even by trekking through George Everest Estate. 

From Clouds End, the trek to Benog Hill passes through dense forests of pine, oak, rhododendron and Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail is approx 4 to 5 km one way and ends near Jwala Devi Temple.

To avoid any inconvenience, start early in the morning. Check forest entry timings as the sanctuary usually closes by late afternoon. Carry water bottles and light snacks.

Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:

To overcome the difficulty level of  trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.