Happy Valley, Mussoorie

Visitor Information

  • Famous For: Nature, History, Religion, Photography, Shopping.
  • Entry Fee: No fee is required.
  • Visiting Time: Try and visit the enchanting valley during the day to enjoy the beauty of the place to the fullest.
  • Visiting Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Back in the 20th Century when technology had already started governing the lives of people, the quaint little hill station of Mussoorie had kept its natural splendour intact despite the alluring comfort of technology. Mussoorie was always a hill station that was marked by a deep sense of tranquillity. In one part of this picturesque hill station, the people lived in a valley in a jocund manner. Thus, after the fun, frolic and laughter echoing in the air above that tiny valley, it has been named as the Happy Valley.

Happy Valley
Happy valley gompa, Photo by Michael Scalet, CC BY-SA 2.0

Traveller Tips

  • Remember to carry a bottle of water because you will have to for or remain standing for a long time.
  • Do not pluck the lovely orchids that are growing there naturally. The flowers look much more beautiful in the place that they belong.

Things to Do There

  • Visit the monastery which the 14th Dalai Lama had established and offer your prayers to Lord Buddha.
  • Explore every nook and corner of the Happy Valley.
  • Take a close look at the lovely flowers growing there including orchids.
  • Explore the shops at the Happy Valley selling souvenirs and buy some memoirs for your family and friends.
  • Try out the local delicious Tibetan dishes.

Availability of Guides

Professional guides are rarely found at that destination. However, the local residents and the Buddhist monks residing at the Happy Valley are kind enough to take you through a series of knowledgeable information.

Best Time to Visit

Mussoorie presents different and gorgeous scenarios in every season. Thus, this peaceful hill station, especially the Happy Valley can be explored all the year round. However, it is recommended that you visit the place on 10th December to take part in the colourful celebrations.

How to Reach the Place

The Happy Valley is located at a distance of 2 km from the Library Bazaar. Thus, this place can be reached easily by hiring a car or by taking a short trek.

Interesting Facts About the Happy Valley

  • The Happy Valley was the first home of the 14th Dalai Lama in India who had sought refuge after the invasion of the Chinese army in Tibet.
  • Many followers of Dalai Lama who had also taken refuge in the Happy Valley have made it their permanent home.
  • At present, there is a monastery there that spreads the divine message of Buddhism. There is a school too where the students are taught to maintain their Tibetan culture alongside a thorough educational experience.
  • On 10th December, the residents of the Happy Valley gather together to commemorate the acceptance of Nobel Peace Prize of the Dalai Lama. The tiny and gorgeous Happy Valley indulges in fun and frolic to mark this grand annual celebration.
Sir George Everests House
Sir George Everest’s house, Photo by Paul Hamilton, CC BY-SA 2.0

Nearby Attractions

  • Kempty Falls
  • Camel’s Back Road
  • Bhatta Falls
  • Mossy Falls
  • Jawahar Museum
  • Sir George Everest’s House
  • Landour Clock Tower
  • Gun Hill
  • Mussoorie Lake
  • Christ Church
  • Shedup Choepelling Temple

Nearby Restaurants

  • Little Llama Café
  • Café Ivy
  • Kalsang
  • JW Café
  • Lovely Omelette Centre
  • Chic Chocolate
  • Emily’s
  • Momo’s Tibetan Restaurant
  • The Tavern

Mussoorie, the peaceful hill station, is a paradise on its own accord. This is not only a place which attracts tourists from all over the world because of its spectacular beauty, but, it is also the place that provides shelter and protection to the needy as seen in case of the Tibetan mass staying in the Happy Valley. The frivolous charm of this place that instills a sense of passion and amazement in the hearts of every visitor makes Happy Valley a coveted place for tourism. Thus, the enchanting Happy Valley is a must visit for all.

About Rohit

An architect by profession, Rohit Agarwal is a curious traveller, seeking out the minutest detail about the places he travels to, and that’s what one will find in his writings. His writings have appeared in various blogs, he’s currently trying to bring forth as many different places a traveller who shares the same level of curiosity like him would like to visit through his writings.

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