llSir George Everest House

Built in 1832, Sir George Everest’s House and Laboratory, also known as Park Estate, is a popular heritage site. This popular house was from where Sir George Everest helped the British measure the height of the world’s greatest peak, Mt Everest. For his contribution, the peak that was earlier called Peak XV, was named after him. The location of the house is strategic and at the time of Sir Everest. It was used as an observatory to view mountains that demarcated the boundaries of British India. Today, the house is being maintained by the government of Uttarakhand and is open to tourists all year round. From here, one can get a spectacular view of the Doon Valley and the Himalayas. It is located at a distance of about 8 km from Mussoorie.

About George Everest

George Everest Peak, located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, is a popular hotspot for tourists perched on a hilltop. The story of this mountain peak goes back to the time when George Everest who was the Surveyor-General Of India from 1933 to 1943. And remained in Mussoorie all this time and measured several Himalayan peaks. George Everest’s Secretary, Andrew Scott Waugh, who got the position of Surveyor General after George Everest, with the help of his friend, Radhanath Sikhdar made an assumption that the height of peak XV at that time may have been more than the then highest peak, Kanchenjunga Peak. Andrew Scott renamed Peak XV after George Everest’s name, to which George Everest objected because he believed that he had no contribution in the discovery of the mountain, however, it was ultimately named the George Everest Peak.

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George Everest Geography

At an elevation of 2005m (6578 ft) above sea level is the George Everest peak. Located in Mussoorie, the queen of hills, offering beautiful meadows, a panoramic view of the valleys, and the lush green mountains. About 300m away is the George Everest Mansion also called the George Everest House, which is being renovated. Being a picnic spot for tourists, this peak provides a spectacular view of the mountains and attracts hundreds of people every year.

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George Everest Mansion

About 6km from Mussoorie is the fabulous mansion of George Everest where he lived for 11 years before his retirement and used this house as a laboratory and observatory. The house also called the Park Estate, still has all the walls and roof, despite being so old. It was built in the year 1832 and is being renovated to finally make a museum. The place has a historical significance as the mansion has all the charm and flavor of history. The timing to enter the mansion is between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and there are no entry fees.

Hathi Paon

Trekking down the George Everest Peak about 3km is the heavily wooded area called Hathi Paon located in the village of Saskhet. Although the road to Hathi Paon is very bumpy so tourists can also walk on foot and explore the area. Hathi Paon also has a well which is a wishing well that is believed to make wishes come true if one throws a coin inside the well.

Happy Valley

Housing some ancient Tibetan monasteries, with a 360-degree panoramic view of the valley, the valley gives shelter to 5000 Tibetan refugees and is called the ‘Mini-Tibet’. Preserving the Tibetan culture, the Happy Valley provides Tibetan cuisines, the side shops sell souvenirs and you can witness the Tibetan culture and tradition with your own eyes and make yourself happy indeed. The story of Happy Valley dates back to the time when Dalai Lama took refuge in Mussoorie given by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru,

Where Dalai Lama stayed for a year and then moved to Dharamshala. During his stay, a Tibetan school and a Buddhist monastery came into existence. When Dalai Lama moved some of the people stayed and established the Tibetan culture which is still preserved today. Dalai Lama was honored with the Nobel peace prize and to celebrate the memorable event, every year there is a celebration, so the best time to visit Happy Valley is during the month of December to be a part of the celebration and witness the actual Tibetan culture and tradition.

Places Near George Everest

Kempty Falls (approx 18.5 Km from George Everest)

Kempty Falls, located 13km from Mussoorie is a hotspot for tourists in summers, and moving back to its history, around 150 years ago the area was used for tea parties but later it became a picnic spot for tourists. Falls has food joints where one can eat and enjoy. Maggi is quite common and even though everyone knows what Maggi tastes yet the one in Kempty Falls hit differently. Apart from that, there are flea markets for you to shop from. Enjoy a relaxing swim, after which one can try out the local dishes and then go shopping in the flea market. Kempty falls is one of the oldest and the most popular tourist hotspot.

Lal Tibba (approx 12.9 Km from George Everest)

The highest peak in the hill station of Mussoorie at 1830 m above sea level is the Lal Tibba, which literally stands for Red Hill. Also called Depot Hill, Lal Tibba is 6km away from Mussoorie. It also serves as a Military Camp for the Indian army. Lal Tibba point has a telescope installed by the municipality at the cliff that provides a spectacular view of the Greater Himalayas. One can also spot the house of a well-known writer Ruskin Bond. Buildings such as Kellogg’s Church and St. Paul’s Church from the times of Britishers are still present there. Although the place is visited by tourists almost all the year-round, the most suitable months are between March to June.

Cloud’s End

As the name speaks for itself, Cloud’s End, a little hill station. Is where you can actually feel the clouds and feel peace in your entire soul. It also has one of the oldest heritage buildings by a Britisher, Major Swetenham in the year 1838 which is now a heritage hotel. Cloud’s End is just 6km from Mussoorie City. The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station and the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport.

Best Time to Visit George Everest

George Everest Weather

• You can visit George Everest throughout the year but people prefer visiting between April to mid-July. And September to mid-Novemberwhich is the best time to visit George Everest.

Summers in George Everest

• Enjoying cool and moderate temperatures throughout the year. With temperatures in summer ranging from 15℃ to 25℃. Due to which George Everest witnesses hundreds of tourists during the summer months. Summers are long, lasting from March to June.

Monsoon in George Everest

• While some tourists believe that the monsoon is the best time to visit George Everest and others believe that landslides are very frequent and it isn’t very safe to visit during the monsoon season which is between July to September. However, if one wishes to visit the place in monsoon then he/she is in for some spectacular view of the valley.

Winters in George Everest

• From the months between October to February, the area receives heavy snowfall. Roads, and trees get covered in a sheet of snow, making you feel like you are in heaven. With temperatures dropping to 0℃, the winters are extremely freezing and roads may get blocked.

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Conclusion

Sir George Everest House and its surrounding areas in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, offer a rich blend of history. Natural beauty, and cultural experiences. The house itself, serving as both a residence and laboratory for Sir George Everest. Stands as a testament to the pivotal role it played in the measurement of the world’s highest peak. Visitors can explore not only the house but also trek to nearby attractions like Hathi Paon and Happy Valley. Each offering unique experiences and insights into the region’s heritage. Nearby destinations such as Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, and Cloud’s End add further allure to the area. Providing ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Whether one visits during the vibrant summers, misty monsoons, or snow-covered winters. The allure of George Everest and its surroundings remains timeless, beckoning travelers to explore its wonders throughout the year.