A Glimpse into the Residence of the very man who found and measured Mount Everest!
Located near Mussoorie, this trail to George Everest Peak takes you to the residence of Sir George Everest who was the Surveyor General of India during British rule. This heritage house, which is in ruins, holds so much history pertaining to the mapping and surveying of the Himalayas. Standing at this house, you will be greeted with mesmerising views of Doon Valley on one side and Aglar river and the massive Himalayas on the other, making it a 360 degree spectacle. The trail is home to dense rhododendron trees and a variety of birds that are bound to excite you.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the George Everest Peak and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The George Everest Peak Trail
The trail starts from the Library Bus Stand in Mussoorie. You can also start from Hathipaon Chowk if you have your own vehicle. This will reduce your total trek distance by 4 kms. However, these 4 kms are scenic and offer great views which make the extra distance worth it.
Library Bus Stand is located just a little away from the Mussoorie library which is close to 200 years old! Walk towards Spring Road and pass by Pine Trees Apartments. Take a left at Ashok Guest house and walk ahead for 1 km. Upon reaching a junction, take a right turn which will take you to Hathipaon Chowk.
Your surroundings magically transform as the forest and wilderness begin to take over the scenery. Deodar and other coniferous trees tower around you as you make your way deeper into the forest. Keep an ear out for birds as this region is home to a whole variety of them!
At Hathipaon Chowk, you will find a signboard directing you to the base of George Everest. The trail descends down to the base and takes you through Rhododendron and Fir forests before ending in a clearing. The ascent to the George Everest Peak starts from here.
It is a gradual ascent from the clearing to the residence of Sir George Everest. The path is clearly demarcated and well paved with stones and railing. The trail is captivating with dense tree cover and the melodious sound of birds chirping around you. After trekking for around 1 km, you will reach the house of Sir George Everest. You can spend some time exploring this house which is now a cartography museum.
An open ground and a camping site can be found next to the house. There are a few stalls here and you can even find Himalayan Griffon Vultures circling around. From the camping ground, the train to the George Everest Peak is quite steep and can be challenging. Steps have been laid out to make this section easier. As you move further up, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains start to greet you, giving you a glimpse of what is yet to come.
The last section of the trail is filled with loose rock which can be slippery. It is tricky to navigate this bit so be careful and ensure you get a good grip before stepping forward.
The top gives you spectacular views of the Himalayas and the valleys below. You will see a number of prayer flags tied up that give you a sense of faith and hope as you gaze into the beauty of the mountains. You can spend some time at the top and maybe even have a small picnic before making your way back down. The same path will take you back to Hathipaon Chowk.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trail
1. Views from George Everest Peak
The views from the top of George Everest are stunning and will leave you admiring them for a long time. The valleys below, densely populated with coniferous trees, the towering Himalayan mountains, snow clad during the winters and early summers make for a beautiful landscape.
2. Flora and Fauna
The trail is rich in flora and fauna. A number of trees such as Deodar, Fir and Pine can be found in the forest sections of the trail. Rhododendron is in full bloom between March and April and enhances the colour contrast of the scenery. Birds such as Black Drongo, warblers, tree pie, Himalayan Griffon Vultures and Shikra can be found in abundance in this region. If you are a birder, you are definitely in for a treat!
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trail
1. Steep Section from George Everest House to the Peak
The steep ascent from the house to the George Everest Peak can be challenging if you are not fit. While not difficult in itself, this section can be difficult for people who are not otherwise physically active.
2. Loose Rock Section
The part of the trail right before the peak is covered in loose rocks and can be slippery. A good pair of trekking shoes will help navigate this section better.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
George Everest Peak is a level 2 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the George Everest Peak Trek
The best time to do this trek is post monsoon from September to November and also during the summer months from March to May.
The trail is inaccessible during monsoon and winter months due to heavy rains and snowfall respectively.
How to Reach the Base
Reaching Mussoorie is fairly simple whether it is by your own vehicle or by public transport. Mussoorie is located at a distance of 35 kms from Dehradun and takes 1.5 hours to reach.
A number of buses and shared taxis ply between Dehradun and Mussoorie at regular intervals. These can be found at the main bus station in Dehradun.
From Mussoorie, reaching Hathipaon Chowk is easy. It is around 4 kms from the centre and you can hire a taxi to drop you off. Alternatively, you can walk to Hathipaon Chowk from the Library Bus Stand.
Frequently Asked Questions about George Everest Peak Trek
1. Is there cellular network connectivity on the trail?
There is decent connectivity from all major operators even at the George Everest house. It could be patchy in the forest sections but catches signals at the clearings and at the house. The network is more dodgy on the section between the house and the peak.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
There are food stalls at Hathipaon Chowk and also near the house of George Everest. There are no food stalls beyond that point. If you wish to have a small picnic at the top, have some food packed and ensure you do not litter the surroundings. Make sure you carry sufficient water for the entire trail.
3. Do I need any permits for the trail?
You do not need any permits to trek to the George Everest Peak. However, if you wish to camp at the base, you will be required to take permissions from the officials present there. Ensure you carry your government issued ID card.
4. How long will the trek take?
If you are starting from Library Bus Stand, the trek will take you 5-6 hours to go up and return back. If you start from Hathipaon Chowk, the trek will take you 4-5 to go up and return back.
5. Is this trek for beginners?
The trek to George Everest Peak is an easy one and can be attempted by beginners. There are a few sections which can be difficult but it is definitely not impossible. And of course, a little bit of preparation will make it easier for you!
That’s all about the George Everest Peak trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to George Everest Peak, please feel free to reach out to our team.
