Pudina Khet is a privately owned nature reserve in the quiet village of Saskhet, just above Hathipaon. Owned and managed by Abhay Nautiyal, it is more than a walk in the woods — it is a working model of what responsible mountain living can look like, built around organic farming, aromatic and medicinal plants, and the protection of local biodiversity.
The reserve sits at roughly 2,000 metres, folded into dense oak and rhododendron forest with the whole Doon Valley opening up in the distance. The pace is slow, the air is clean, and the focus is on noticing — the smell of a crushed pudina leaf, the call of a laughing thrush, the way morning mist lifts off the ridges below.
Pudina Khet is a short drive from Pahadi House. We handle the pick-up, introduce you to Abhay or one of the resident naturalists from nearby villages, and give you an unhurried half-day away from the crowded Mussoorie trail. Numbers are kept small by design, so advance booking is essential.
Every visit unfolds differently — what stays constant is the variety packed into a small, carefully tended reserve.
Pudina, lemongrass, tulsi, artemisia and more — grown organically across terraced plots. Crush a leaf between your fingers and the whole hillside seems to breathe.
FloraA living library of traditional Himalayan healing plants, cultivated and catalogued as part of the reserve’s conservation mission.
HeritageWhistling thrushes, barbets, sunbirds and raptors drifting over the ridges. The reserve’s quiet corners are a paradise for patient birdwatchers.
BirdsA clear opening in the forest where the valley spreads out below you — sunrise, sunset or a sudden break in the monsoon cloud, all unforgettable.
ViewsA typical half-day visit. We adapt the pace and route to your interest, fitness and the season.
A short drive up to Hathipaon and on to the village of Saskhet. Quick briefing on the reserve, its story, and what to watch for on the walk.
Meet Abhay or one of the local naturalists. A warm cup of herbal tea grown on the property sets the tone before you head in.
Walk the aromatic and medicinal plant terraces. Your guide explains how each crop is grown, used and protected as part of the reserve’s sustainable model.
Head into the oak and rhododendron forest above the terraces. Prime time for birdsong, butterflies, and signs of shy forest residents.
A quiet stop at the ridge with the whole valley stretched out below. Time to sit, breathe, take photos — and just be.
Return via a gentler path, learning about the reserve’s conservation work, village partnerships and the vision behind Pudina Khet.
Simple home-style refreshments at the reserve if you wish, then back to Pahadi House for lunch.
A reserve that is equal parts forest, farm and quiet teacher.
A complete half-day immersion in a private, community-run nature reserve.
Extras you can arrange on request.
A glimpse of the experience.
A few simple guidelines to get the most from your visit.
Small group sizes and a quiet pace are what make this experience — send us your dates and we’ll set it up with Abhay and his team.
Mountain Stays
Stargazing Nights
Pahadi Cuisine
Sunrise Treks
Eco Camping
Forest Walks
Riverside Retreats
Slow Travel
Mountain Stays
Stargazing Nights
Pahadi Cuisine
Sunrise Treks
Eco Camping
Forest Walks
Riverside Retreats
Slow Travel
Mountain Stays
Stargazing Nights
Pahadi Cuisine
Sunrise Treks
Eco Camping
Forest Walks
Riverside Retreats
Slow Travel
Mountain Stays
Stargazing Nights
Pahadi Cuisine
Sunrise Treks
Eco Camping
Forest Walks
Riverside Retreats
Slow Travel