The Benog Hill Trek

Benog Hill is a day trek starting from Mussoorie, the queen of hills . A perfect trail for nature lovers in the Mussoorie Wildlife sanctuary. This sanctuary was established in 1993 and is home to the nearly extinct Mountain Quail. The lush green forests, the birds, a variety of flaura and fauna, and if we are lucky we can spot deers, mountain goats, flying squirrels and mountain quails. All of this makes it a very memorable trek from Dehradun, Delhi, Chandigarh and other nearby cities.

Benog Hill trek usually starts from Cloud’s End, located at the western edge of Mussoorie and leads into the dense forests of oak and pine. The trail is around 3 to 4 km one way and typically takes 3-4 hrs for a round trip. 

Benog Hill is known for its rich biodiversity. It is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Also, the breathtaking views from the summit, makes this trek memorable. On a clear day, you can spot the snow-capped peaks of Bandarpoonch and Chaukhamba. On top of that, the ancient Jwala Devi Temple, located on the hilltop, adds spiritual treasure to the trekking journey.

Overall, the Benog Hill trek is a short and pleasant trek which you can enjoy with your families and loved ones without making too much preparations. Except for the heavy monsoon and peak winter, it can be done all year. Its easy-breezy and tranquil vibes take your worries away and make you feel refreshed than ever.

History of The Benog Hill Trek

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.

Highlights of The Benog Hill Trek

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.

Difficulty Level of The Benog Hill Trek

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.

Best Time to Visit The Benog Hill Trek

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.

How to Reach The Benog Hill Trek

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.

Things to Carry in The Benog Hill Trek

• Backpack (20–30L): Lightweight & comfortable
• Valid ID Proof
• 1 warm jacket/fleece
• Trekking pants (avoid jeans)
• Raincoat (especially in monsoon)
• Good quality trekking shoes with grip
• Headlamp or torch (with extra batteries)
• Water bottle (minimum 2 litres)
• Electrolytes or ORS
• Energy bars, chocolates, dry fruits
• Toiletries 
• Sunscreen 
• Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkiller, Diamox for AMS if going higher)
• Mobile + power bank
• Camera (optional)
• Trekking pole (optional but helpful)
• Small towel or napkin
• Garbage bag (leave no trace)