Why you should not skip Happy Valley in Mussoorie

It is very easy to give Happy Valley a miss when in Mussoorie. There is neither any designated scenic point for panoramic views nor any market for shopping. But that is why you should go to Happy Valley. Lack of these things means it is still unaffected by overtourism. There is more to Happy Valley than it just being a Tibet refugee settlement.

Lack of scenic points does not mean that there is no place for the splendid view of mountain peaks. But actually, it’s the other way around. The view that I got at the outside of monastery or Dalai Hill was by far the best view of my whole trip.

You will feel the air of tranquillity as soon as you enter the Happy Valley. Sights of ever bothering touts would be no more. Heck, you will not see many locals there. It is amazing that the busiest part of Mussoorie is just a couple of kilometres away from there. It would feel as if you have entered in some magical place where the whole place is emptied especially for you.

Spend a few minutes inside Buddhist monastery

Just a couple of kilometres into Happy Valley, you will reach the Shedup Choepelling Temple (Buddhist Monastery). Give your respect for a few minutes inside the monastery. As you will come out of the monastery, alluring beauty of nature will be waiting for you. There will be no electrical wires or houses or rocks blocking the stunning landscape of Mussoorie. It would be just you and verdant hills.

breathtaking view outside of Buddhist monastery

Continue your journey towards a km away Dalai Hill. There is a designated walking trail which starts from the outside of monastery to the top of the Dalai Hill.

prayer flags on the way to Dalai Hill in Mussoorie, India

As you will continue your hike at Dalai Hill, you will be welcomed by jillions of multi-coloured Tibet flags of prayer. You will forget about your tired legs and will be standstill in awe of its beauty.

Buddha statue on Dalai Hill in Mussoorie, India

prayers flag hung by people at Dalai Hill in Mussorie, India

More prayer flags as seen from Dalai Hill

Top of the Dalai Hill has a Buddha statue surrounded by more prayer flags. Buddha statue looks gorgeous in its golden colour. And more so when sunlight falls on it, thereby brightening the golden colour. Spend 30-60 minutes there and start your journey back to Mall road.

Breathtaking views, gorgeous Buddha statue, peaceful monastery, and enchanting prayer flags should certainly not to be missed in Mussoorie.

How to reach Happy Valley

Happy Valley is just a couple of kilometres from Library Chowk end of Mall road. Most of the section to the monastery is flat and will hardly take 30 minutes on foot.
Alternatively, you can also take a taxi. But if you are young and without any kid, I would suggest you go by foot to relish the scenic experience.

Go to the Happy Valley in your next Mussoorie trip and let me know your thoughts about it.

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