Overview
Nag Tibba Trek – The Perfect Weekend Trek (2025)
Nag Tibba, meaning “Serpent’s Peak,” is the highest peak in the lower Himalayan range, standing tall at an altitude of 3,022 meters. Nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, it offers a perfect short escape for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. Just a few hours from Mussoorie and Dehradun, this trek is ideal for weekends, taking only 2-3 days to complete.
Trek Route and Natural Beauty
Starting from the quaint village of Pantwari, the trail winds through dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, picturesque meadows, and peaceful mountain clearings. The trek rewards you with panoramic views of the mighty Himalayan peaks — including Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Swargarohini, and even parts of the Gangotri group of mountains.
For those who choose to begin from Dev Thach, the journey offers an equally stunning experience — with richer forest density, river streams, and melodious bird calls enhancing the path. Both routes are blessed with rich biodiversity, often revealing sightings of wildflowers, langurs, and even barking deer.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Nag Tibba holds deep religious importance among the locals. It is believed to be the abode of Nag Devta (Serpent God), who is worshipped for protection and blessings. A beautiful temple dedicated to the deity lies at the base camp, where villagers from Jaunsar and Bawar gather annually to offer prayers and celebrate the Nag Devta Mela with great devotion and joy.
Historically, the trail was used by shepherds during seasonal livestock migrations — a traditional practice known as transhumance, adding to the cultural richness of the region.
Highlights of the Nag Tibba Trek
Breathtaking Himalayan Views: Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kedarkantha, Kala Nag, and the Doon Valley come into full view from the summit.
Rich Biodiversity: Trek through flourishing forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar, with vibrant birdlife and native flora.
Easy Accessibility: A short and beginner-friendly trek starting from Dehradun and returning in 2–3 days.
Adventure & Serenity: The trek strikes the perfect balance between adventure and peace, with scenic campsites and starlit nights.
Cultural Immersion: Interact with locals in traditional mountain villages and witness their age-old customs and faith.
Best Time to Visit
Nag Tibba is a year-round trek, but the best time to visit is from October to March for snow lovers, and April to June for pleasant weather and blooming forests. During winters, the trail gets covered in snow, offering a perfect snowy trek without the high-altitude risk.
Iitinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Pantwari (Taxi) | Pantwari to Khathiyan (Trek)
Distance: 90 km drive + 4 km trek
Duration: 4–5 hours by road, 2–3 hours on foot
Altitude: Khathiyan Campsite – 2,325 meters
Stay: Camping in tents on a twin-sharing basis
The journey begins with a pickup from Dehradun Railway Station, followed by a scenic drive through Mussoorie and Kempty Falls, heading towards Pantwari village, the base of the trek. Out of the three routes leading to Nag Tibba, Pantwari offers the shortest and most preferred path.
Once at Pantwari, begin trekking on a cemented trail that quickly leads to a small Nag Devta temple. Within minutes, the trail becomes rocky, offering views of Pantwari village and farmlands below.
Pass a drinking water point and then enter the “Pravesh Dwar” (Welcome Gate) of Nag Tibba. From here, trek through a beautiful forest rich in Rhododendrons (Burans), famous for their health benefits like regulating blood pressure.
Although shortcuts may appear, it’s advised to stay with your group and stick to the main trail to avoid getting lost.
After a final stretch through the forest, reach Khathiyan campsite, enjoy a warm dinner, and rest for the night under the stars.
Day 2: Khathiyan – Nag Tibba Summit via Base Camp | Trek Down to Pantwari | Drive to Dehradun
Distance: 12 km trek + 90 km drive
Duration: 12–13 hours total (6–7 hours trek, 4–5 hours drive)
Altitude: Nag Tibba Summit – 3,022 meters
Wake up early and prepare for a long but rewarding day. After a light breakfast, begin your trek through dense forest. In winter, snow covers much of this trail, making the journey more adventurous and challenging.
Within an hour, reach the Nag Tibba Base Camp, a large clearing with the Nag Devta Temple, highly revered by locals. Every year, a religious gathering draws thousands of people, including dignitaries, to pray for good harvests and cattle protection.
From the base camp, it’s a steep 1.5 km climb to the summit. The ascent takes around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on snow conditions. At the top, a flagpole (Jhandi) marks the highest point.
From here, enjoy panoramic views of the mighty Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Srikanta, Kala Naag, Gangotri, and Changabang peaks. On the opposite ridge, you can spot the route to Devalsari village.
After soaking in the majestic sights, begin your descent along the same path to Pantwari, then drive back to Dehradun, passing once again through Mussoorie and Kempty Falls.
Inclusion
What is Included In This Trek?
Transport Facility from Dehradun to Dehradun. Tempo Travllers or Bolero Taxi
Forest Permit and entrance fee
Accommodation in The Grand Shiva Hotel at Sankri Best Accommodation
Accommodation in tents on twin share basis
All meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, Coffee, Snacks, Soup and Dinner
High quality tents
Sleeping bags
Mattress
Liner
Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents
Dining Tent
Dining Table
Kitchen team
Radio Walkie Talkie for Communication
Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide
Medical Kit
Oxygen Cylinders
Crampons and Gaiters
Trek essentials
Necessary Items to Carry on a Trek
1. Basic Trekking Gear
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trekking Backpack (with rain cover) | 50–60L with padded straps |
| Daypack (with rain cover) | 20–30L (if off-loading backpack) |
| Trekking Poles / Walking Stick | 1 |
| Water Bottle | 2 thermos flasks (1L each) |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electrolyte |
2. Clothing Guide (Based on Season)
| Item | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-dry collared T-shirt | 2–3 | 2–3 (Full sleeves) |
| Fleece T-shirt (Full sleeves) | 2 | 2–3 |
| Fleece Jacket | 2 | 2 |
| Down Jacket | 1 (available on rent) | 1 (available on rent) |
| Thermal Inner (Top & Bottom) | 1 pair | 2 pairs |
| Quick-dry Trek Pants | 2–3 pairs | 2–3 pairs |
| Waterproof Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Woollen Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Poncho / Rain Jacket & Pants | 1 | 1 |
| Lightweight Quick-dry Towel | 1 | 1 |
3. Head Gear
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Head Torch | 1 |
| Sun Cap | 1 |
| Woollen Cap | 1 |
| Balaclava | 1 |
| Buff / Neck Gaiter | 1 |
| Sunglasses | 1 |
4. Footwear
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trekking Shoes (High ankle) | 1 pair |
| Flip-flops | 1 pair |
| Cotton Socks | 2–3 pairs |
| Woollen Socks | 2 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 pair |
| Microspikes | 1 pair |
5. Personal Care Essentials
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste | 1 |
| Toilet Paper | 1 roll |
| Hand Sanitizer | 1 |
| Lip Balm | 1 |
| Light Towel | 1 |
| Moisturizer | 1 |
| Sunscreen (SPF 30–40) | 1 |
6. Personal Medical Kit
Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
Pain Reliever | 1 strip |
Motion Sickness Medicine | 1 strip |
Fever/Headache Medicine | 1 strip |
Allergy Medicine | 1 strip |
Diarrhoea Medicine | 1 strip |
Cream/Spray for Sprains | 1 |
Antiseptic Cream | 1 |
ORS | 1–2 packets |
Band-aids | 5–6 |
Cotton | 1 small roll |
Gauze | 2 pieces |
Scissors | 1 |
Tweezers | 1 |
Elastic Bandage | 1 |
Diamox 125/250 mg | 1 strip |
Diamox 500 mg | 4–5 pills |
Nifedipine 20 mg | 1 strip |
Dexamethasone (4 mg) | 1 strip |