Bhadraj Trek

The start of the Bhadraj Hill trek is at Library End. The streets around Library End have lovely old Victorian buildings. The trek from Library End to Cloud End Hotel is five and a half kilometres and from there to Bhadraj Temple is another seven and a half kilometres.

From Library End, take the road that goes on the left and upwards. This road is diagonally opposite to The Mall road. To ensure you’re on the right track, ask a local person for the road to Hathipaon. The initial trail is in good condition. After half a kilometre, the trail swerves right and ascends to a school. You can see the trail all the way to Cloud End stretching ahead of you.

Most of the road is level and well-made. After two kilometres, you will reach a junction, from where the trail goes to a marvelous George Everest House property. There are a couple of shops and a restaurant at this junction. However, if you have started early from Mussoorie, then it’s likely for the restaurant to be shut.

Around half an hour later, you will reach a vast meadow. This is Cloud End. From here, take the cemented trail ascending into a dense forest. After 10 minutes the trail bifurcates.  Take the trail that ascends gradually all the way to Cloud End Hotel. Cloud End is a very popular picnic spot. It also serves as a camping spot.

From Cloud End Hotel to Dudhli, the distance is three kilometres. This section is a refreshing downhill walk. From here, in half an hour, you’ll reach a junction again where the trail splits. Take the trail towards your right. It winds through a dense oak forest. You’ll see multiple trails in the forest leading to Dudhli.

As you reach the village, look for a newly built building with an ascending trail on its right. Look for ‘dukaan’ (shop) written in Hindi script. Keep in mind that packaged drinking water is not available here. However, you can get eatables like biscuits, maggi, etc. From Dudhli, observe the trail meandering to the second ridge of Bhadraj forest.

After trekking for few hundred meters, the trail forks again. Take the ascending trail. One can see a signage with details of the distance to Bhadraj Temple. The trek becomes a tad bit difficult from here. Stride by a rocky trail for about one and a half kilometres. The trail emerges into vast grasslands with great views of Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini ranges.

After this stretch, you enter the upper Bhadraj Forest. The trek to the temple is about two kilometres from here and should take you just over an hour. The initial one kilometer is a smooth flat walk. There are a few camping spots alongside the trail. As you exit the forest cover, a rain shelter appears.

From here, the last kilometer follows a winding trail all the way to temple complex. There are multiple shelters in the temple premises with large open areas with seats made of rocks. The temple priest visits only occasionally. It’s possible for the temple to be vacant.

Look towards the stairs at the backside of the temple. There is a trail that descends sharply to Koti. This is an alternative route to trek to Bhadraj Hill. This route is shorter. Take this route only if you have your own vehicle for a drop from Koti to Mussoorie.

History Of Bhadraj Temple

Bhadraj temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra who is believed to be Lord Vishnu’s reincarnation and elder brother to Lord Krishna. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the Dwapar Yuga after the epic battle of Mahabharat. After the battle Lord Balram embarked on a journey for some penance and it is here that he meditated for an extended time period giving it a significant importance. Locals believed that apart from meditation he also taught the shepherds some basic war tactics before leaving for Badrinath and he promised to return in the form of a stone to bless the people and protect them and their cattle. A local later found a statue of Lord Balram while digging for Ayurvedic medicine and this proves his prophecy. Even today the temple is worshipped by the locals who seek his blessings for their crops and good health.

Bhadraj Trek Highlights

• Weekend Getaway With One Day Trek 

It’s a perfect weekend getaway trek from Mussoorie to Bhadraj Temple covering a distance of about 12 kms and very beginner friendly. People from nearby cities of Dehradun, Delhi can come to Mussoorie and undertake this trek the next day and return back to their home cities making it a perfect weekend trip.

• Abundance Of Natural Beauty

The trek provides abundance of natural beauty in the form of dense forests, open meadows and panoramic views of the Himalayas and the Doon Valley. Though the trek can be done all year round the views of the flora and the lush green meadows right after the monsoons are over are just breathtaking.

• Milkman’s Trail 

The trail path leading to Dudhli Village is referred to as Milkman’s Trail as this was the path used by the milkman’s to transport milk to the whole of Mussoorie and nearby regions.

Difficulty Level Of Bhadraj Trek

Bhadraj  Trek is situated at an altitude of about 8000 feet and is considered to be a relatively easy and beginner friendly trek of about 12 kms which can be done as a day trek or an overnight trek if looking for a relaxed trip.  

The trail includes a mix of cemented roads, downhill sections, oak forests, and rocky paths some steep sections are present closer to the temple. The trek is quite comfortable even for those who don’t have a lot of trekking experience, A certain degree of physical fitness is however necessary. The trek is not suitable for families with very young kids less 10 yrs old due to its uneven terrain and long walking hours. Acclimatization is also crucial as nights at high-altitude can be colder than expectations. During summer time, temperatures are comfortable but unpredictable weather can add difficulties.

For climbing technicalities, there are no major technical sections, so no particular mountaineering skills are required but a prior trekking experience is beneficial while undertaking this trek. The guidance of a professional mountaineer or experienced guide is important here. Solo trekking is not advisable. Trekkers should make the preparations after seeing all perspectives.

Best Time To Visit Bhadraj Trek

Summer months of April – June and Late September November is the best time to trek Bhadraj temple During these months the weather is pleasant and accessible for trekking. The day time temperature ranges from 10- 25 degree C.

Post monsoon from September to November there is lush greenery everywhere and its nature at its best.

Months of monsoon July – August early September should be avoided due to danger of landslides and slippery terrains due to rains and if undertaking the trek then check the forecast before attempting the trek.

WINTER months of December to March – though the trek can be done during these months it is advisable not to attempt as chances of heavy snowfall is high.

How To Reach For Bhadraj Trek

The starting point of  Bhadraj Trek is Mussoorie. Mussoorie is just 1.5 - 2 hrs away from Dehradun and nearly 6 hrs from Delhi. The closest airport is Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun.

Mussoorie is a popular tourist spot hence it is very well connected by roads to all major cities of India with frequent bus and taxi service also available.

Things To Carry For Bhadraj Trek

As with all treks one should pack all the trek essentials like a study backpack, good quality trekking shoes, comfortable yet warm clothing including waterproof jacket, thermals which can be easily layered according to your needs. Apart from this one should also carry a headlamp, torch, sunglasses and sunscreen. Some provisions of food and water must also be taken care of before beginning the trek.  A first aid kit should definitely be included in your backpack which should include all your basic medicines and even specific medicines if you take it on regular basis. A government Id proof like Aadhar Card must also be carried whilst trekking. All permits and necessary permissions must be taken and sorted before the trek starts.

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