The Natural World Around Mussoorie

What Does the Ecosystem Around Mussoorie Contain?

Which Forest Types Will You Find in the Mussoorie Belt?

The forest around Mussoorie changes as you climb. Knowing how it changes makes every walk richer.

• Lower broad-leaved forest (1,000 to 1,500 metres): You pass through it on the lower slopes as you drive up from Dehradun. It is a mix of broad-leaved trees with a thick canopy. The ground stays damp, and the undergrowth is dense.
• Temperate oak, rhododendron and deodar forest (1,500 to 2,200 metres): This is the main forest around Mussoorie and George Everest Peak. Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) is common on the ridges. Deodar and pine stand tall around Park Estate, where EBC sits at 2,160 m. Rhododendron arboreum flowers red from February to April. It is one of the most striking seasonal sights in the Garhwal hills.
• Higher conifer forest (above 2,200 metres, toward Dhanaulti): Deodar cedar and blue pine take over here. The forest grows darker and denser. It smells and sounds quite unlike the oak slopes below.

Which Birds Can You See Near Mussoorie?

Mussoorie lies in the western Himalayan foothills. It is a rewarding area for hill birds. Some live here all year. Others move up and down the slopes with the seasons.

Over 50 species have been recorded on the EBC estate and in the forest around it. Birds seen around George Everest Peak and the nearby forest include:

• Himalayan bulbul
• Verditer flycatcher (a bright turquoise blue, common in forest clearings)
• Blue whistling thrush and white-capped water redstart
• Himalayan woodpecker
• Kalij pheasant
• Cheer pheasant (rare, and listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List)
• Himalayan monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand
• Several kinds of laughingthrush
• Bar-tailed treecreeper
• Many warblers and flycatchers pass through on spring and autumn migration

Birds are busiest in the early mornings from March to May, and again in September and October.

What Should a Nature Resort Near Mussoorie Provide?

A resort that sells itself on nature should do more than sit in a pretty spot.

• Real forest close by: You should be within a ten-minute walk of living forest. A lawn with a few planted trees does not count.
• A guide who explains what you see: A morning bird walk with a naturalist turns a pleasant stroll into a real lesson. So does a guided session on trees and plants.
• Few rooms: Large places with 30 or more rooms bring noise and foot traffic that scare off wildlife nearby. A small property is far better for watching nature.
• Dark skies: A place that keeps outdoor lights low after dark protects the stars, and the night life of the forest.

Everest Base Camp Mussoorie meets most of these tests. It sits near George Everest Peak, where forest meets open ridge. It has just 14 rooms. Every stay includes the guided morning walk. Naturalist guides point out birds, wildflowers and medicinal plants, and now and then a fresh pugmark in the mud. Light pollution on Hathipaon Road is low, and on clear nights you can see the Milky Way. You can see the rooms on EBC Mussoorie's rooms and tents page.

Is the George Everest Peak Trek a Good Nature Walk?

Most people treat the George Everest Peak trek as a walk for history or views. It is also one of the best easy routes near Mussoorie for birds and plants.

The trail from Park Estate passes through several bands of plant life. It starts in open meadow and mixed shrub near the bottom. Then it climbs into thicker oak forest. Finally it comes out onto the bare, open ridge near the top.

Set off before 8:00 AM for the best birdlife. The open, rocky top is a good place to watch birds of prey. Himalayan griffon vultures often ride the warm air rising from the valley below.

For more on the walks, birding and other outdoor time at the resort, see EBC Mussoorie's activities page: forest walks, birding and more.

How Can You Judge a Nature Resort Near Mussoorie Before Booking?

Ask these questions.

• What kind of forest is right next to the property?
• Do you run guided nature walks or birding sessions?
• How do you handle outdoor lighting after sunset?
• How many rooms do you have in total?
• Are guests encouraged, and equipped, to explore the forest on their own?

If a place cannot answer the first two clearly, its "nature resort" is probably just a hotel with a garden view. See the rooms and setting on EBC Mussoorie's rooms and tents page to judge whether the stay matches a true nature break.