Nag Tibba : The Stupefying Snow World
“Flakes, flurries, swirls, crystals—whatever form it comes in, I’ll take it.” ~ Lorelai Gilmore for snow in Gilmore Girls.
That was our motive when we booked our tickets to Dehradun for the Nag Tibba trek. Nag Tibba, in the local Garhwali language, is the Peak of Naag Devata, the Serpent God.
We wanted a winter trek with snow-laden trails, forests, and meadows. But when we reached Pantwari (village from where the trek starts), we came to know that there was no snow at all. After 9 km of a bumpy off-road ride from Pantwari village and a 2 km trek, we reached The Goat village, our base camp for the Nag Tibba trek. The Goat Village is at the height of 6500ft. It is at the midpoint of the Nag Tibba trek. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is a perfect example of rural eco tourism. The location is ideal, with a beautiful sunset view. All the cottages in the Goat village are made with mud and glass windows. Their cafeteria has a roof entirely made up of glass, giving dreamy yet cozy vibes. And there they pamper you with delicious Garhwali cuisine. The chef, Mr. Nath was terrific.
But we were little disappointed as in our minds we were coming to our winter wonderland. Our homestay caretakers told us that you should have called before coming… Little did they know that we had planned this trip back in September. But our driver was very sure. He told us that there was a strong prediction for rain that night. So don’t worry. You will get your snow.
After amazing hot pakodas for snacks and evening tea, we sat at a bonfire chatting about mountains with our guide, Mr.Chandu. We talked about sudden changes in weather to stars and planets. The sky was not clear that day, and he was as hopeful as our driver. After we had a scrumptious local pahadi dinner, we called it an early night. But what a night it was. There were constant thunderstorms and rain. The gushing wind was sending chills down my spine. Beside me, Shaurya, Satva, and Sheel were sleeping peacefully. I wanted to go out, but it all felt a little scary.
And then came the morning. It was like a transformation we had never seen before. The trees on the mountains are dusted with white snow, and the mountains are covered with patches of snow. The grass was shining with white frost, and the cottages’ roofs were glowing like a full supermoon and clouds were drifting like giant cotton candies in the valley. We can’t take our eyes off the scenery in front of us. It was a struggle to come out of cozy blankets, but once we were out, we were sprightly energetic. The knocking of snow on your door does that to you. It announces its arrival with a big bang that you want to pause and forget everything, and that’s why we started our trek late, at around 10:15. And that was our mistake…
Once you start from The Goat Village, you will get a few other campsites. And after that, there is an official entry into the Nag Tibba trail. And we were welcomed with snowy paths right away. We were at peace walking on the snow-laden trails, watching the snowflakes from the trees falling gently on the ground, hugging it tightly and melting into it just like it was meant to be. We didn’t mind the numbness in our feet, wetness in our hair, and shivering of our bodies… Undoubtedly, snowy trails have slowed us down, but they also gave us purpose, the purpose of going ahead…It was magical. As they say, “Everything’s magical when it snows.” It felt true with every step. The white feathery snow makes us feel rejuvenated and recharged. We smelled it, we tasted it, and we felt it in our hands and feet.
The trail passes through a dense forest of oaks and rhododendrons with few patches of clearings and little meadows in between, and we were lucky that all small fields were covered with snow. The few Rhododendrons have started blooming, stating that though you are falling in love with this windy winter, the best view of spring is arriving slowly.
I always felt that it is always about the summit. I felt disheartened when I couldn’t reach the top of Makhania Parvat. There is something about getting to the top and seeing deep valleys. That euphoria, that sense of accomplishment, and that grin of satisfaction. It can be Everest for some or Pawagadh. For some people, a small hill can be like climbing a giant peak.
So when we went for this trek, my aim was simple: reach the summit. And we were lucky enough to get snow-laden trails right from the beginning. The kids were flabbergasted. They wanted to enjoy each and every patch of gorgeous snowy carpet. And we let them. They took their time, played, glided, and did slides… They did snowball fights and made snowmen. We reached Nag Devta temple at around 2:15. It was like the scene from the postcard. The Vastness of snow-covered ground was enchanting. There is a small dhaba, and you can have Maggie and chai. Two serene temples amplify the peaceful vibes of surrounding mother nature.
Our guide was firm that we would start descending by 3:30. As it was a sunny day and snow must have started melting, and at places, the trails will be slippery. So we had two options… Either to continue our climb and reach the summit, which is still an hour away… (Appx 1-1.5 km climb) or we can spend some time here, and the kids can play in the snow. Obviously, kids choose the second one and enjoy it like no other way…
And by looking at them, I realized that this was the summit for me. What matters is we four reached up here and are enjoying the first snow of the season… It was the first fresh snow for all four of us… and let me tell you, there is nothing like first footprints in the new carpet of snow. Fresh snowfall does that to you. It connects you instantly with mighty mountains. It calms your mind, body, and soul like the first rain. It suggests newness, change, and positivity. The mountain people wait for snow just like we wait for rain after scorching heat.
While descending, we were surprised as half of the trails were now of barren land. The land has started to thaw, and the fluffy white blanket is gone under the afternoon sun. Thus, we realize that the snow is as ephemeral as there liquid counterparts- raindrops. Your footprints in the snow are as fleeting as those on the sandy beach, and they ought to vanish. Just like moments in our lives. Just like the season. Changing and yet creating something new. The new fresh snow gives us a lifelong lesson of newness, motivating us to spread joy and positivity similar to itself.
Once we reached the Goat Village, we witnessed one of the most fantastic sunsets. It was so soothing that we felt contented though we were tired from the trek.
Routes:
To reach Nag Tibba, you first have to reach Dehradun.
Route 1-Dehradun -> Pantwari -> 8 Km trek to Nag Tibba and 3 km to Nag Tibba Summit, shorter but a little steep
Route-2 Dehradun- >Mussoorie road-> Devalsari village -> 13 km trek to Nag, longer, less steep
Route -3 – Dehradun -> Aunter, (a small village) from where the summit is around 6-7 kms. Mostly uphill but well-marked .
Nag Tibba Trek Best Time-
It is mentioned that the Nag Tibba trek can be done through all seasons, but the best time is the winter when the trail is covered in snow. It also offers clear skies to see mesmerizing Srikanth, Gangotri, Swargarohini, Bandar poochh, and Kedarnath peaks.
Difficulty level – easy to moderate . It can be tricky and slippery in monsoons and winter if the snow melts.
The altitude of Nag Tibba – is 9915 ft., the highest peak of the Garhwal Himalayas. 
Points to consider:
- You might not get hot food at the temple so take proper food and confirm with local people about it. Do take adequate water bottles.
- We also need proper trekking or sports shoes for a good grip as trails have snow, and the path is sometimes slippery.
- Take trekking poles with you. They are invaluable.
- Take warm inners and jackets even if it is spring or autumn as it gets chilly at night.
- If you are going for the first time, take a guide because you want to avoid roaming here and there in the wilderness.
All these made us think that we need this calm relaxing vibe each and every winter. We want to come to the mountain again and again to cherish this idyllic winter wonderland. The overwhelming quietness of the snowy environment is all we need from chaotic routine life. To get hypnotised by snowy peaks and snowy trails.
Thats’s it.
Don’t forget to share.
Thank you.
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As mentioned by my eye patient about this blog !
I love snow for the same reason I love Winter: It brings people together while time stands still. Cozy families like you 4 lazily meandered the hills and children trudged sleds and chased snowballs.
No one seemed to be in a rush to experience anything other than the glory of the day, with each other, whenever and however it happened.
Let me pass to my opthalmology society !
Thank you so much. We thrive on comments like this. Our elder one, Shaurya loves the snow crazily and we are planning to do more and more winter treks from now onwards. Nature is the best gift we can give to our children and we have just taken a step for that. Hope we can continue it.
Once Gaian we are so grateful for these kind words.
scripted fairytale with kids for their winter !
keep up good work
Thank u so much. Yes! A fairy tale indeed!! If I tell in Shaurya’s word then it was like different universe from his Mutiverse fantasy..
zabardast che ! 2-3 days ma trek and snow and with kids !
simply awesome planning and happy that u did not opt for summit ! Good planning with kids around
Thank you so much. And yes the way kids were playing, we didn’t thought about reaching the summit.
Thank u once again.
Wow…just simply awsome…each word u penned down was as if I was feeling the emotions n was enjoying that moment of snow…….really great dear…keep writing ..enjoyed …keep trekking
Thank u so much Meetadidi. It was an awesome experience.
Lovely.
You have enjoyed a heavon trip.
Kudos that Shaurya n Satva also enjoyed with you.
Great.
Thank u so much. Thanks for always motivating.