Why Jabarkhet?
Jabharket Nature Preserve is known for its swashbuckling views of the Garhwal Himalayan Range and a great assortment of local flora, fauna and avifauna. I decided to give it a try during my visit and was thrilled with the outcome.
Snow-clad Himalayan Range from one of the highest points of the preserve, Courtesy Jabarkhet Nature Preserve
The preserve is maintained by a private group and I paid a nominal entry fee to get in. There was an option of guided trek as well but I chose to go on my own this time.
Trail Stats
Length:2.7 km
Trail Type: Loop Trail
Time to Complete: 1-2 hours. I wrapped it up in about an hour in the solo trek.
Suitable for: All Ages.
A serene view from the Flag Top Hill
Trail Map
I did a custom route of Ridge Trail → Leopard Trail → Mushroom Trail → Wildflower Trail → Spring Trail → JNR Base.
Courtesy Jabarkhet Nature Preserve
You have to make some route choices as you start your hike.
I took the Ridge Trail detour to reach Flag Top Hill.
Tip: Ridge Trail has a steep ascend at some places, you could also also choose Rockfall Trail to hit the Flag Top Hill if looking for a flatter option.
This was a solo hike and there were a few points where I doubted if I went off-trail. The yellow signages along with way felt divine, at times.
And there goes the first milestone, aptly named “The Rocks”.
I ambled over to the highest point of the preserve – the ‘Flag Top Hill’.
Flag Top Hill offered some great views of the adjoining hills.
#oddlysatisfying – A family of aloe vera sticking together on the hill.
I was told the Lone Oak Trail is named after a real single oak tree at the end.
And the real Lone Oak Tree really looked majestic, towering above the others at the end of the ridge.
The weather turned a bit sour from hereon and it started to drizzle after a few blaring thunder sounds.
The Good News was that I was now entering the most dense part of the trail with good cover from the rain.
The Bad News was that the trail looked quite dark and ominous even at 3 PM in the afternoon.
Some of the the narrow ledges on Leopard Trail
There were some sinister-looking points along the trail.
To add to the gloomy mix, the jungle seemed to be alive with a ton of noises of birds and other animals…
It was just the right amount of thrill.
Interested to venture inside?
Upping the anxiety levels, I heard a rustling sound in the near-by bushes.
With not a soul in sight near me, I was least interested to explore what was behind the noise but unfortunately, the noise was coming from the direction of the trail so I had no option..
I heard a loud grunt as I cautiously ambled further and behind a patch of shrubs, there it was, my Holy Cow moment!
Gotta say it, I don’t think I have been more happier to see the revered Indian cow before this!
With no more misadventures, I hit The Hut soon, which meant I must have taken the Mushroom Trail along the way.
More importantly, it signaled the end of the denser area of the trail and I finally saw some skies.
Spoke too soon, there is another short patch of dense trail before you hit the entrance.
Tip: I lost my way a little on Spring Trail. Luckily, I was navigating via AllTrails app all this time so went right towards the starting point. Have found AllTrails to be indispensable for all my outdoor ventures.
My AllTrails recording is here, in case you are looking to mimic my route.
I believe the sunrise and sunsets would offer some unique photo ops, on a clear day.
A beaming smile greeted me as I reached the base.
That’s it! Would highly recommend Jabarkhet for your next family trip to the Mussoorie area.
So long, Jabarkhet! Courtesy Jabarkhet Nature Preserve
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