Lal Tibba

The top of the ridge

Lal Tibba, "red hill", is in Landour, the old cantonment above Mussoorie. The hill, also known as Depot Hill, is the highest point in the Mussoorie area at about 2,275 m. The summit itself now carries a TV tower, so the viewpoint that bears the name sits a short distance away on the ridge. A small café there has telescopes that look north towards the Himalaya. A Japanese telescope was first put up here in 1967.

The view

On a clear day you can see a long line of snow peaks across Garhwal. The telescopes help you pick out the high summits, and the staff usually point out which is which. The view is best early in the morning, especially in October and November and on the days after rain. By late morning, and in summer haze, the peaks often disappear. Using the telescopes costs a small fee.

The winter line

Lal Tibba is also one of the best spots to see the winter line, a thin band of colour that can appear along the horizon just after sunset, usually from October into winter. It depends on the air, so it will not be there every evening.

Getting there

Lal Tibba is on the loop road around the top of Landour, a short walk from Char Dukan and St Paul's Church. From Kulri, the walk up to Landour is steep and takes about an hour. Taxis can take you up, but the lanes are narrow and parking is limited. Much of Landour is still a cantonment, so follow any signs about roads or areas closed to the public.

Make a morning of it

Walk the loop around Landour's ridge, stop at Char Dukan for bun tikki and tea, and come down in time for lunch. The walk through old deodar forest is as much of the visit as the view.