About Cloud's End
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, sunrise and sunset
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Offline
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, about 34 km away
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), about 63 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Mussoorie Library Bus Stand, about 170 m away
Cloud's End is a beautiful hilltop retreat about 7 km west of the centre of Mussoorie, and is one of the best things to do in Mussoorie. This peaceful retreat is on the western edge of the hill station and is surrounded by thick forests of oak, deodar, cedar, and pine trees that cover about 2,000 acres. At sunrise and sunset, clouds often drift below you, giving you a view of the Aglar River Valley and the distant Himalayan snow-covered peaks.
One of Mussoorie's oldest colonial buildings is the heritage bungalow that British Major Swetenham built in 1838. It is now a charming heritage hotel that keeps its period furniture, paintings, and other items. It also offers stays in nature and guided walks in the woods. There are easy hill climbs and biking paths that lead to nearby trails, the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Jwala Devi Temple.
Cloud's End is a peaceful getaway from the busy city of Mussoorie. It has beautiful natural scenery, colonial history, wildlife watching, and a place to think in peace. It's perfect for day trips or overnight stays.
Cloud's End Highlights
• Begin a beautiful forest trail from Happy Valley, culminating at the iconic colonial bungalow perched at the hill’s edge at the Cloud’s End Mussorie.
• Camp or picnic amid highland scenery, surrounded by mist-veiled valleys of the Himalayas, a rustic retreat atop the hill, off the beaten path.
• Witness the Himalayan panoramas, breathtaking vistas of the Aglar River Valley, and distant peaks like Chaukhamba and Bandarpoonch, especially glorious at golden hours.
• Trek through the forest with rhododendron, cedar, oak, and pine, and you can also spot songbirds and occasional wildlife.
How To Reach Cloud's End
By car/taxi: Clouds End is about 3 km from the Mussoorie city centre, via NH707A. It will take you around 20 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Cloud's End
Peak Season (March–June):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, with temperatures ranging from 15–30 °C
- Things to Do: nature walks, appreciating the sunset
Moderate Season (July–September):
- Weather Insights: Monsoon season with heavy rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 17–26 °C
- Things to do: enjoy nature in its full scope, nature photography
Low Season (October–February):
- Weather Insights: Cold, with occasional snowfall, ranging from 3–20 °C
- Things to do: appreciate the Himalayan panorama, take a stroll
Cloud's End Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and light layers, as the trail to Cloud’s End can be rocky and the temperature can drop significantly in the evening.
- Pack a water bottle and snacks, as food options are limited, with a few food stalls.
- Bring rain protection during monsoons; a waterproof jacket or umbrella is essential.
- Carry binoculars and a camera if you wish to capture the stunning sunrise and sunset, and the site is a hotspot for birdwatching.
- Dress in layers year-round, with light woollens in summer mornings and heavy ones in winter as the temperature ranges from 10 °C to sub-zero, depending on the season.
- Respect the environment, carry trash bags and avoid single-use plastics and preserve the beauty of the 2,000-acre forest.
Enjoy Tibbi Point Sunrise & Sunset
Tibbi Point is just past the heritage bungalow and has stunning views of the sunrise and sunset, with the sun's rays dancing over the Aglar River Valley. As clouds drift below the ridge, you'll feel like you're floating. This is a photographer's dream and a once-in-a-lifetime, magical moment in the Himalayas.
Relax at Heritage Bungalow & Forest Resort
Stay in the 1838 Major Swetenham bungalow, a colonial gem that is now home to Cloud's End Forest Resort. It has original furniture, period paintings, and grand architecture, and it is set on 400 acres of private oak and deodar estate. It's perfect for people who love history.
Embark on Nature Walks
Walk along forest paths that cover 2,000 acres of oak, cedar, pine, and deodar trees. Walking through the estate or onto Benog Wildlife Sanctuary lets you see a lot of different plants and animals, including pheasants, barking deer, Himalayan bears, and 104 other species.
Try Benog Hill Trek
Embark on the Benog Tibba trek, which is 4 to 5 km from Cloud's End, and climb to 2,250 m. This moderate walk goes through sanctuary forests, gives you views of Himalayan peaks, and gives you a chance to see rare mountain quail, red-billed blue magpies, deer, and sometimes leopards. It is a can’t miss experience of trekking in Uttarakhand.
Indulge in Birdwatching
Cloud's End and the sanctuary next to it are great places to watch birds. In a colourful canopy of oak, pine, cedar, and rhododendron, you might see ultramarine flycatchers, Red-billed Blue Magpies, White-Capped Water Redstarts, thrushes, woodpeckers, and even Himalayan vultures. A must addition to your birding tours in Uttarakhand.
Tourism Board Alliances
Cloud's End FAQs
How do I reach Cloud’s End?
You can reach Cloud’s End in 20 minutes by taxi or jeep ride from Library Bazaar, on a narrow and beautiful road. You can also go trekking on the Hathipaon-Benog route. It's best to hire a local driver or bike; walking alone is not safe because the forest is so far away.
Do I need to pay to visit Cloud’s End?
No, you can visit Cloud's End for free, and the area is open all year. Even though general access is free, some heritage hotel services or guided wildlife walks may cost extra. Before you leave, always check the local opening hours.
Are facilities & guides available?
There is a simple heritage-style café and parking close to the 1838 colonial bungalow. For an extra fee, some local guides will take you on nature walks or birdwatching trips. There are no permanent stores or bathrooms deeper in the forest, so bring water and snacks with you.
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