At heights of over 2,000 metres, the town has superb views of peaks in the western Garhwal hills, including Banderpunch Massif at 6,316 metres and Swargarohini at 6,252 metres. Trekkers begin their journey into the Hari-ki-Dun area with its snowscapes and verdant-forested slopes from Mussoorie.The backbone of Mussoorie is the Mall, where cars are not allowed during the peak tourist season. The Kulri Bazaar is stocked with shops selling souvenirs, modern games arcades and India’s largest indoor skating rink.

Gun Hill, a curious flat-topped hill to the side is the second highest peak of Mussoorie. You can reach it on foot or pony by a bridle path from the Mall. A 400 meter ropeway takes you up to the hilltop with great views of the Banderpunch, Srikanth, Pithwara and the Gangotri peaks. In colonial times, a gun placed on the summit used to fire at mid-day for locals to adjust their watches. Clouds End, the English chateau built in 1838 is tucked away about 8 kms of the Library. Now converted into a holiday resort, the house is surrounded by dense forests with a view of snow peaks and the Yamuna river.

Shops in the Landour market sell Raj memorabilia, silver jewellery and books. At the top of Landour is a meeting point with small cafes, where you can relax over a hot cup of tea and get filled in on local gossip. 3 kms west of the Library is the Tibetan settlement called Happy Valley, marked by the Tchechencholing gompa overlooking the Doon valley. The Bhadraj temple is worth visiting for its views of the Doon valley and Chakrata range.

So come to Mussoorie and experience the special charm of this colonial hill station.