Uttarakhand

Tail of the Monkey

Contact us

Tail of the Monkey Trek: Hidden Himalayan Ridge Walk 2025

A unique Himalayan forestscape

Explore Devalsari’s ridges, forests, and villages on the Monkey’s Trail—rare, rewarding trek with Himalayan views.

18-22km

Total Trekking Distance

4,200m

Highest Altitude

October

Best Season

12-16

Group Size
Experience Host

Key Highlights

Mountain Villages

Discover some remote villages on the outskirts of Mussoorie

Deodar Forest

Trek through one of Himalayas' most expansive and captivating Deodar forests

Summit View

Witness a vast view of the peaks of the West Himalaya, from Luntsu Peak

Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A detailed breakdown of each day's adventure, from the moment you arrive in Bhutan to your final departure.

Highest Point:

Tail of Monkey Pass (4,200 m)

Region:

Eastern Himalayas

4

Day 4: Departure

After a leisurely breakfast in the peaceful surroundings of Landour, drive 1.5–2 hours back to Dehradun Airport for your onward journey. You return with the quiet pride of having completed one of the Devalsari region’s most unique and challenging hikes—connecting two summits across a seldom-walked forest ridge.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

3

Day 3: Ridge Walk luntsu peak – drive to Landour

Today, complete the grand traverse by climbing to the summit of Luntsu Peak (2,750 m). From this vantage point, enjoy your final panoramic view of the range before beginning your descent. The trail leads you down to the traditional village cluster of Devalsari, where a vehicle will be waiting. From here, drive 2 hours to Landour and check in to the Light of Landour. Celebrate the achievement of this rare ridge walk with a warm shower, good food, and comfort in the hills.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

2

Day 2: Naag Tibba Ascent & Ridge Walk

Begin your day with an early start and a steady uphill climb to the summit of Naag Tibba, rising to 9,995 feet (3,000 m). From the summit, take in sweeping views of the Garhwal Himalayas before setting off on a less-traveled trail along a high ridge. This stretch is rarely used and winds its way through forest and open slopes, curving and undulating like the back of a monkey—earning it the local name, The Monkey’s Trail. By late afternoon, reach a quiet campsite just short of Luntsu Peak and rest under the stars.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

1

Day 1: Into the Foothills

Your journey begins with a scenic 4 hour drive from Dehradun Airport to the remote village of Srikot, nestled in the lower Himalayas. From here, a short 1-hour uphill hike brings you to a peaceful forest camp set above the village—your home for the night. Settle in with views of distant ridgelines and the quiet hum of mountain life.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

Key Notes

The Monkey Trail is a short but engaging forest route featuring steep sections, rocky steps, and dense greenery, offering a mix of physical effort and close interaction with the natural landscape.

What to Expect

Inclusions & Exclusions

Everything you need to know about what's covered in your trip and what you'll need to arrange separately.

Included

Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at curated hotels, lodges, camps, or homestays as per the itinerary

All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

GST 5%

Services of experienced trip leaders, guides, or local experts as required

Not Included

Airfare or train tickets to and from the trip start and end points

Any additional transport outside the planned itinerary

Any costs arising due to changes in itinerary caused by weather, road conditions, health issues, or unforeseen circumstances

Change in plan due to unforeseen circumstances

Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary

Is This Trek Right For You?

Who This Trek Is Ideal For

At Juniper Outdoor, this journey is thoughtfully crafted for fit beginners and intermediate adventurers who are ready to step beyond the ordinary — seeking a meaningful, immersive outdoor experience that challenges and inspires, without requiring commitment to extreme expedition-level terrain.

Who Can Do This Trek

Suitable for trekkers with prior multi-day trekking experience. Participants should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours daily on varied mountain terrain and camping in remote conditions. Ideal for those looking for a challenging Himalayan crossing with high passes and wilderness camps.

Challenges to Expect

The Tail of the Monkey Trek involves sustained trekking at high altitude with several days spent above 3,500 metres. Trekkers will encounter long walking hours, steep ascents and descents, and cold nighttime temperatures. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and the route passes through remote areas with limited exit points, requiring good physical and mental resilience

Fitness Expectations

Trekkers should possess strong cardiovascular endurance and good overall fitness. The ability to trek continuously for multiple days while carrying a daypack is essential. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is recommended, and participants should engage in regular cardio training and strength conditioning for at least 6–8 weeks before the trek.

FAQs

Are your trips suitable for beginners or families?

Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek — it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.

Do I need travel insurance to join a Juniper Outdoor trip?

Yes — travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal or for trips rated 4 or 5 (difficulty rating), especially those in remote or high-altitude areas. Your policy should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, high-altitude trekking (if applicable), trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delays. While the chances of needing evacuation are rare, in the Himalayas, even minor health issues can require airlift or medical care, which is costly without coverage. We recommend policies from providers familiar with adventure travel, and we’re happy to share a list of trusted options depending on your country of residence. Please read your policy terms carefully and share your insurance details with our team before departure. For international destinations like Nepal or Bhutan, border officials may also ask for proof of insurance. Having the right protection brings peace of mind—for you and for us—so that we can focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not logistics in crisis.

What is Juniper Outdoor’s cancellation and refund policy?

Life happens — and we aim to be as fair and transparent as possible. If you need to cancel your trip, we request written notice as early as possible. Our standard policy:

  • 90+ days before departure: 90% refund
  • 60–89 days: 75% refund
  • 30–59 days: 50% refund
  • Less than 30 days: No refund (though we may offer a partial credit depending on the situation)

Refunds are processed to your original payment method, minus any non-recoverable costs like permits or third-party bookings. In case of trip cancellation due to weather, political unrest, or unforeseen force majeure events, we typically reschedule or offer full credit for future travel. We highly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation due to illness, emergencies, or flightdisruption. Please check individual trip pages, as custom trips or international expeditions may have slightly different policies. Our priority is to find a solution that works for both of us. If you have any additional questions, feel free to connect on our WhatsApp number shared in the contact section.

What kind of gear do I need to bring for the trek?

We provide a detailed packing list tailored to each region, season, and difficulty. Generally, you’ll need sturdy trekking shoes, a daypack, weatherproof outerwear (like a rain jacket or down jacket), layered clothing for cold and warm conditions, a headlamp, refillable water bottles, sun protection, and personal toiletries. For multi-day treks, we recommend moisture-wicking base layers, gloves, a warm hat, and trekking poles. Juniper provides all group camping gear — tents, sleeping bags, mats, and technical equipment (ice axes, crampons, if needed). We also help connect you with rental services if you’re missing something, especially for big-ticket items like jackets or sleeping bags. Packing light but smart is key. We’ll send you a downloadable checklist in your pre-departure kit, and our team is happy to review your packing plan with you before you arrive. Good gear means more comfort, confidence, and joy on the trail.

What happens after I book my spot? What are the next steps?

Once you’ve secured your place with a deposit, the real excitement begins! You’ll receive a Pre-Departure Kit via WhatApp with essential trip details: itinerary, gear checklist, fitness guide, weather info, and travel recommendations.Depending on the trip, we’ll also schedule a group orientation call or a one-on-one with our trip leader to walk you through expectations and address questions. For high-altitude or remote treks, we may ask for a basic fitness or medical declaration closer to departure. About two weeks before your trip, you’ll get a final checklist, contact sheet, and emergency protocols. If flights or permits are required, we’ll guide you on how and when to secure them. Our team stays connected with you throughout, ensuring you feel informed and supported. Whether it’s your first trek or your tenth, our goal is to make the lead-up smooth, fun, and empowering.

What kind of accommodation can I expect on the trip?

It varies based on the destination and route. On Himalayan treks, you’ll mostly stay in high-quality alpine tents, with warm sleeping bags and insulating mats provided by us. In base towns or en route, we partner with charming boutique guesthouses, homestays, and eco-lodges that reflect local character and comfort. On some trails, like in Bhutan or Nepal, we may use mountain lodges (tea houses) with basic but clean shared rooms and common facilities. In remote wilderness settings, our camps include a dining tent, toilet tents, and kitchen setups for full-service camping. For premium experiences, we offer glamping upgrades with large tents or hotels with heaters, or full bedding if you are only interested in luxury travel or a comfortable stay – look at your trip format tagged “Active Holidays”. Regardless of the setup, we prioritize hygiene, comfort, and views! All accommodations are handpicked and tested by our team to ensure they meet Juniper standards for safety, cleanliness, and atmosphere.

Key Highlights

No items found.

Interested in the trip?

Stay informed on upcoming trips, featured destinations, learn from our specialists on gear, preparing for an adventure.
Download trip as PDF
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
October