Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, Mussoorie - Entry, Timings, How to Reach

Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve, Mussoorie Overview

Jabarkhet Nature Reserve is the first privately owned and operated wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand. Located on the Mussoorie- Dhanaulti road, around 15 kms from the heart of the city, the nature park is spread over 100 acres of land. At an elevation of approximately 2000 metres above the sea level, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve is set around different altitudinal zones with an extensive variety of rare plants, insects, reptiles, animals, trees, birds and mammals.

One of the well-hidden gems of Mussoorie, Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve is a respite and an ideal getaway in the bliss of nature. The park houses eight well-demarcated trails for a walk amidst stunning natural serenity. Guided tours are available for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. If you are seeking yet more adventure, you are free to venture off on your own with the help of tour maps which are colour coded and super easy to follow.

Ticket Pricing at Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve

Non- guided Walks- INR 350
Guided Walks (includes a guide, binoculars, umbrellas, leech socks etc.)- INR 500
Special Walks- Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve organises special walks every month, with expert historians, naturalists and photographers. You can get the announcements about special walks by sending a mail on [email protected]. The charges for this vary from INR 600 to INR 1000 depending on the duration of the walk, guide and area covered.
Tailored Walks- Jaberkhet Wildlife Reserve can also organise customised walks for you depending on the difficulty level of treks and the like. The charges for this may vary between INR 1200 (for day hikes) to INR 3000 (for overnight hikes).

It is also recommended to book your hikes well in advance, online or in person.

Best Time to Visit

Considering the rich ecosystem and the variable biodiversity, any time of the year is good to go for Jaberkhet Wildlife Reserve. Every season brings along different awe-striking vistas and new breeds of flora and fauna to fret over. Visit in spring for a full bloom of flowers, summer brings along an invariable experience of walking under the shade of oak and pine trees. Monsoon brings the charm of myriad wildflowers, ferns and mushrooms. In winters, you get a chance to trek on the snow-covered path and witness beauty like no place else. The reserve is open from sunrise to sunset.

Tips

1. One circuit will take about 3-4 hours to complete. Study the tour map in advance and ask for the trail with the seasonally blooming flowers and higher chances of wildlife spotting.
2. Carry enough water bottles, to keep yourself hydrated in the heat.
3. Wear light coloured clothes and your most comfortable pair of trekking shoes to scale the trail.
4. Ensure you stick to the route on the map, especially if you have embarked on the trail on your own.
5. Considering the amount of time taken for a single trail, reach the venue well in advance.
6. Carry some food of your own as the reserve doesn't have good food and catering facilities.

How to Reach Jabarkhet Nature Reserve

Located on the Mussoorie- Dhanaulti highway, Jaberkhet Wildlife Reserve can be reached in 30 minutes from Library Chawk in Mussoorie. You can book a private cab or drive on your own. The distance is even less from Landour or Picture Palace, and it just takes 15 minutes to arrive at the destination. If you’re staying at a hotel, you can check for tour buses or ask them to hire a cab of your own.