Chhaskhet Nature Walk
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy - Moderate
TREK DURATION
1 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
5,905 feet
GROUP SIZE
1 - 2
TREK DISTANCE
7-8 km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
All Year Round
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Chhaskhet Nature Walk – A Village Trail Through Forests and Fields
Chhaskhet Nature Walk belongs among the many gentle, immersive village walks around Mussoorie. The walk is characterised by a mix of forest trails, terraced crop fields, and the day-to-day life of the traditional Garhwali village people. Located at the top of the Doon Valley, the small hamlet of Chhaskhet makes the Nature Walk ideal for slow travellers, families, first-time visitors and individuals looking for a quiet, outdoors, culture- and nature-rich walking experience within proximity to the town of Mussoorie.
History of Chhaskhet Village Trail
Chhaskhet has long been an agrarian settlement. The village's walking paths leading into the forested areas and ridges have been established by local villagers as routes for their agricultural produce, as well as routes they would take daily to trade with other villages. Today, the walking trails established for these same purposes also provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the beauty and harmony that exists between mountain people and their natural resources.
- Authentic Garhwali Experience.
- Terraced farms growing seasonal crops.
- Oak and Other Mixed-Species Forest Walking Trail.
- Doon Valley View.
- Quiet, Non-Touristy Walking Route.
- Best opportunities for observing and photographing wildlife in nature.
Chhaskhet is situated near Mussoorie and not within commercial tourist areas. The area offers a slower way of life, reflecting stone homes, animals being raised on grazing land with narrow trails through the area, along with the open vistas found throughout the valley. It creates a contrasting view of the hustle associated with Mussoorie's scenic viewpoints.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: approximately 3 to 5 km round trip
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Terrain: Very gradual elevations.
This walk is great for beginners, children and seniors who are capable of normal activities
March through June: The temperate climate is very pleasant, and the sustainable lifestyle of the residents is in full swing; they operate farms and partake in village festivals.
September through November: Blue sky and sweet post-monsoon scenery abound.
December through February: Cold but peaceful; only white snow covers this trail, and the trail is not as occupied as it is during other seasons.
July through August: Trails contain nice greens, and picture-perfect views are present, but they can become muddy when it rains.
From Dehradun:
Travel towards Mussoorie. A side road will lead you to Chhaskhet (consult local sources).
From Delhi:
Overnight Trains & Bus Service to Dehradun. Continue by road to Mussoorie, and then continue to Chhaskhet.
From Rishikesh and Haridwar:
Regular bus service to Dehradun; take a bus to Mussoorie and then continue on by bus to Chhaskhet.
The Chhaskhet Nature Walk begins at the entrance to the Chhaskhet Village.
- A pair of comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket or shawl
- A water bottle
- A cap, sunscreen and sunglasses
- A camera or phone for taking pictures
- A small backpack
Arrive in Mussoorie:
- Half a day for a walk around Chhaskhet village and through the surrounding forests.
- Spend some time interacting respectfully with the local villagers.
- Return to Mussoorie for the night.
- Interact with the village people and observe their culture of agriculture.
- Photograph nature and landscapes.
- Birdwatching.
- Walk at your own pace and be aware of your surroundings.
- Learn about traditional mountain farming methods.
A good pair of walking shoes. (The walk will be relatively easy and short.) Only carry minimal essentials and leave unnecessary items at home.
- Be respectful of village privacy & customs
- Always ask before taking photos of people & homes
- Keep to marked paths.
- No Loud Music!
- Carry Back All Trash!
Himalaya Shelter provides guided nature walks to Chhaskhet, often combined with Pari Tibba Ridge, Benog Tibba, or heritage walks around Mussoorie. HS promotes responsible travelling, interacting with locals & having meaningful slow experiences in nature.
Chhaskhet Nature Walk offers a unique perspective on life in the Himalayas from the relative seclusion of a mountain village compared to busy tourist routes through larger towns, cities and popular tourist destinations. Gently graded pathways surrounded by beautiful valleys and villages, combined with the cultural richness that is available on this walk, create a very special short-term experience for anyone looking for authentic travel, simple travelling, and a slower pace while visiting the mountains.
Day 1: Travel from Dehradun to Mussoorie:
Arrive in Mussoorie and check into your hotel. Relax for the evening.
Day 2: Chhaskhet Nature Walk
In the morning, begin your nature walk through the village's paths, through the surrounding forests, and across the terraced fields. Get an opportunity to observe the local villagers at work and enjoy the valley views before returning to Mussoorie that afternoon.
Day 3: Return Trip to Dehradun
Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel before returning to Dehradun.
Yes, it is very easy and suitable for all age groups.
It is a nature walk, NOT a technical trek.
Yes, this is an excellent half-day trip from both Dehradun and Mussoorie.
No special permits are needed; however, it is important to behave respectfully.
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