Dalai Hills is in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the area. It is located above the Lal Bahadur Academy and not far from Happy Valley. People love it for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the Himalayas and green valleys. It is around 400 meters from the Tibetan temple, Shedup Choephelling Temple, in Happy Valley. The place is decorated with Buddhist Prayer Flags, and there’s a statue of Lord Buddha put up by the 20th Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Mussoorie. They made it to prevent sickness, war, conflicts, and natural disasters that happened on June 13, 2014.
The Dalai Hills offer a beautiful view of the Garhwal ranges. The place is full of greenery with trees, plants, and flowers, making it perfect for nature lovers. There are clear trails through the forest for people who enjoy hiking. It’s a peaceful spot with great views, making it perfect for watching the sunset, having a picnic with family, going camping, or taking pictures. And if you get hungry, there are food stalls nearby serving refreshments to make your visit even better.
Story How Dalai Hills got its name
In the 1950s, China initiated an invasion of Tibet, asserting dominance over a significant portion of the region. But it wasn’t easy because the Tibetan people resisted strongly. The resistance was tough, and because of that, Tenzin Gyatso, a young Tibetan leader, had to leave his home in Lhasa in secret on March 17, 1959. Subsequently, in pursuit of assistance, he dispatched two letters to India, seeking support at the border.
Tenzin Gyatso wrote one letter to Jawahar Lal Nehru, who was the Prime Minister of India back then, and another to the King of Bhutan. He trusted India’s promise of safety and faced difficult snowy conditions to reach Chutangmu, a post of Assam Rifles in Tawang, NEFA . Afterward, he traveled to Tezpur in Assam. Eventually, the Indian government officially provided asylum to Tenzin Gyatso. . Notably, the 14th Dalai Lama, in his youth, played a pivotal role in establishing the Tibetan government in exile.
After one year, security considerations compelled the Dalai Lama to relocate with his followers to Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Nevertheless, a significant Tibetan community continued to stay in Happy Valley, committed to advancing the development of the region. So it is the story behind how Dalai Hills got its name.
Quick Facts about Dalai Hills
- Location –Mussoorie, Mussorie Range, Uttarakhand 248179, India
- Timings – Open 24 × 7
- Entry Fee – Free entry
- Famous as – Trekking Spot, Picnic spot
- Attractions – Buddha Temple, Monasteries
- Exploring time – 2 Hours
- Distance from Library bus stand – 4 KM
- Best time to Visit – March to June end (summer season)
Timings and entry fee
While Dalai Hills is accessible around the clock, it is recommended to plan your visit during daylight hours, particularly from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
There is no entry fee to explore this enchanting location, providing visitors with a cost-free opportunity to enjoy its offerings. Remember the operational hours for exploration are from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
- Entry Fee – Free Entry
- Timings – 09:00AM to 05:00 PM
Dalai hills as a Trekking Spot
If you like trekking, Dalai Hills is a great place to go. There are different trekking routes that start from Dalai Hills and go through thick forests with lots of plants and animals. If you’re planning to trek to Dalai Hills, it’s a good idea to bring snacks to keep your energy up during the walk. After a long walk, you might feel tired. But it’s really important not to throw trash in the area. Make sure to bring your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Dalai Hills in Mussoorie is from March to June, which is in the summer. The weather is nice and clear during this time, making it perfect for exploring. You can do activities like hiking or trekking around the hill, and it’s easy to walk around the whole area. It’s a good idea for tourists to bring some important things like an energy bar and a water bottle to stay hydrated during trekking.
Activities to do at Dalai Hills
- The monasteries on this hill are open to the public.
- You can enjoy photography, capture some good pictures, and make it memorable. If you want, you can take a picture of the statue of Lord Buddha.
- You can enjoy a picnic with family and friends on this hill.
- You can also visit the Buddha Temple and receive blessings.
Nearby attractions
There are interesting places near Dalai Hills that you can easily visit. You can get there by walking or driving, so you can choose how you want to go and avoid long walks. If you plan to visit this Hill, it’s also a good opportunity to explore these nearby places conveniently.
- Dhobighat: A lovely place only 1.5 km away, with a peaceful atmosphere.
- George Everest: Explore this historic site, about 11 km from this Hills, famous for its wide-ranging views.
- Benog Hill: Positioned around 8 km from Dalai Hills, offering a captivating landscape.
- Cloud’s End: Experience the calm of nature at this destination, approximately 6.5 km away.
- Wishing Well: Discover this charming spot, roughly 9 km from the Hills, known for its scenic beauty.
How to reach Dalai Hills
Address – Dalai hills, Dalahill, Charleville, Mussoorie, Mussorie Range, Uttarakhand 248179, India
Latitude – 30.470 N, Longitude: 78.050 E
Mussoorie is well connected by road transportation, and its Library Bus Stand is just 4 km away from Dalai Hills. You can easily get buses from major cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh, and Noida to Mussoorie.
The nearest railway station is Dehradun, which is 38 km away from these famous hills, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, approximately 65 km away from this location.
FAQ about Dalai Hills Mussoorie
Dalai Hills is situated in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, above the Lal Bahadur Academy and in close proximity to Happy Valley.
The name “Dalai Hills” is associated with the historical events in the 1950s when Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, sought refuge in this area after fleeing Tibet due to China’s invasion.
Mussoorie is well connected by road transportation. Buses from major cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh, and Noida are available. The Library Bus Stand in Mussoorie is just 4 km away from Dalai Hills.
The Hills is open 24×7. There is no entry fee. However, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours, particularly from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Visitors can explore open monasteries, engage in photography, enjoy a picnic, and trek around the hills. The Buddha Temple is also a site for blessings.
The best time to visit is from March to June, during the summer season, when the weather is pleasant and clear.
Yes, there are several nearby attractions, including Dhobighat, George Everest, Benog Hill, Cloud’s End, and Wishing Well.
The nearest railway station is Dehradun, approximately 38 km away. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, approximately 65 km away. From both locations, one can reach Dalai Hills by road transportation.
You can discover additional Tourist Attractions by clicking the link below
tourist attractions in Mussoorie