Dalai Hills
About
Dalai Hills in Mussoorie is known for its peaceful environment and grandeur panoramic views. It is a natural gem, cherished by the renowned Buddhist spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. The beauty and charm of Dalai Hills captivate tourists visiting Mussoorie as well as nearby visitors. It is a perfect weekend getaway for many where they can spend some quality time and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Situated just 400 meters away from the Tibetan area known as Happy Valley, the trail to Dalai Hills passes through a narrow path, partly lined by a railing. At the top of the hill, a large Lord Buddha statue at the centre, decorated with Buddhist prayer flags, creates a serene sight.
A Birds Eye View
Perched at a height of over 6,400 feet, Dalai Hills is one of the major tourist attractions in Mussoorie. It is situated just 3 km away from Mussoorie Library Chowk, offering a bird's eye view of the surrounding landscape and the majestic Himalayan range. It is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike, especially to witness the mesmerising sunset. Post rain, when the skies clear, the Himalayan mountain range appears more vivid and stunning. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) is located near the Dalai Hills and is clearly visible from the Hills. People often walk down the hills towards the meadows, where they can relax and enjoy nature.
Food and Snacks
The area is surrounded by several food carts offering juice, snacks, sweet corn, tea, Maggi, Momo, and other items. These food stalls are also available along the trail and at the top of the hill. For Tibetan cuisine, you can visit Cafe Anahata located in the Happy Valley, near Shedup Choepelling Temple (Buddhist Temple).
Parking Fee
To park vehicles, visitors need to pay a fee of Rs 20/- for two-wheelers, and Rs 50/- for four-wheelers.
Accommodation
- Visitors have multiple accommodation options like Hotels, resorts, homestays, and Cottages, where they can stay and enjoy the starry night of Mussoorie.
Important Tips for Travellers
- To witness the best sunset, visiting in the evening is recommended.
- Paid parking is available for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
- Weekends in Mussoorie are overcrowded, when parking can be an issue, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Avoid visiting during the daytime in summer, as heat and unclear views may affect your overall experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will need to hike around 400 meters from Happy Valley.
- Heavy traffic may occur during peak hours, especially 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, due to nearby schools.
- Mobile Network issues are common, so it is advisable to carry some cash.
- Flying drone is not allowed.
Nearby Attraction
- You can explore Dalai Hills completely within two to three hours, after that, you can visit some other popular places in Mussoorie; such as: -
How to Reach
By Road: - Dalai Lama Hills in Mussoorie is located just 3 km from Mussoorie Library Chowk and about 38 km away from Dehradun ISBT. It is directly accessible only by taxi or two-wheelers. Buses are available only up to Mussoorie Bus Stand; from there, you can either hire a local utility or rent a two-wheeler to reach Dalai Hills. Uttarakhand roadway buses run daily from Dehradun Hill Bus Stand to Mussoorie. You can also book a taxi or rent a two-wheeler either from the Dehradun Hill bus stand or the ISBT. Alternatively, you can also avail AC Tempo traveller service started by Uttarakhand Roadways.
By Rail: - The nearest railway station to Dalai Hills is Dehradun Railway Station, around 36 km away. From the station, you can easily hire a taxi or take a bus from the adjacent hill bus stand. Multiple vendors outside the station also offer two-wheeler rental services.
By Air: - The closest airport is Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, about 62 km from Dalai Hills. Taxis are readily available from the airport to take you to Dalai Hills.
Best Time to Visit
August to April is considered the most ideal time, when the weather conditions are perfect to explore the beauty of the Dalai Hills.
Height from Sea Level
Dalai Hills is situated at an elevation of over 1,970 meters (around 6,400 feet) above sea level.