Naag Devta trek in Kimadi, Dehradun: Ultimate Guide
An easy walk from Kimadi village, a 15-minute steep push from Rikauli, and then you experience silence, meadow, and a small shrine to the serpent deity sitting in the clouds. This is the Naag Devta Trek, that rare Dehradun day-out that blends adventure and devotion without the crowds.
Kimadi sits off the Old Mussoorie Road on Dehradun’s outskirts, loved by cyclists and weekend explorers. On misty days, clouds pour over the bends, and you literally walk in the clouds. That’s the charm!
Why go for the Naag Devta trek?
Cloud walk vibes: gentle drizzle, low visibility, cinematic greens.
Short, rewarding trail: ~3 km paved walk + ~15 minutes of steep climb.
Temple + meadow: the Naag Devta shrine rests by a flat grazing field, often wrapped in fog.
Stories & stillness: living folklore, quiet prayers, and a mellow, village-side pace.
QUICK Facts:
Place: Naag (Nag) Devta Mandir, Kimadi—near Rikauli village, Dehradun
Distance from Dehradun: Roughly 15–18 km depending on start point and route (Old Mussoorie Road)
The Trail: easy paved walk (you can avoid walking on this one by driving up to Rikauli village) + short steep stretch
Best time: monsoon mornings / misty days
Good for: couples, families with older kids, solo walkers, and devout travelers
NAAG DEVTA TREK ROUTE
Dehradun → Kimadi Gaon (bike/car): follow Old Mussoorie Road and peel towards Kimadi. Park respectfully inside the village (space is limited on weekends).
Paved walk (~3 km): from Kimadi, stroll the quiet road until you near Rikauli.
Final climb (~15 minutes, steep): a short, honest push; the path can be slippery after rain. Meadow & Temple: the trail opens into a flat grazing field. The temple sits at one corner—simple, calm, and often wrapped in clouds.
Editor’s note: the 3 km + 15 min figures are from on-ground experience; timings vary by pace and weather.
What does the NAAG DEVTA temple mean?
HISTORY
Locals say that about 500 years ago, when people began settling here and digging into the earth, snakes kept appearing. The village took it as a sign. They understood this was Sheshnag’s land. They performed rituals and established Naag Devta on this sacred spot.
LEGEND
Another loved tale says a herdsman’s cow returned home without milk every day. He followed her and found the cow offering milk by herself on a special stone. The villagers were moved by the sign. And Naag Devta was consecrated here.
In India, Naag Devta shrines come alive during Nag Panchami (usually July/August). The devotees offer milk and flowers, and the temples are beautifully decorated. In 2025, Nag Panchami fell on 29 July.
WHEN TO go?
Misty magic: Monsoon and post-rain mornings = cloud-walk scenes
Nag Panchami: vibrant but crowded (plan parking and time your visit).
Winters: clear skies, crisp air; fewer clouds, more views.
What you’ll see & do
Walk in the clouds: trees dripping, breath visible, the world goes soft-focus.
Temple time: ring the bell, sit for two quiet minutes; keep phones down in the shrine area.
Festival feel: if you land on the right day, you’ll see rituals for the serpent deity. Tripadvisor
Add a tiny hike: wander the meadow edge; don’t trample the grass—this is grazing land.
Respect & etiquette
- Dress appropriately; carry a biodegradable offering if you plan to offer prasad.
- Keep calm and enjoy the surroundings; do not litter; avoid drones without local permission.
- Don’t disturb cattle or stray dogs.
What to pack for NAAG DEVTA TREK?
- Good-grip walking shoes
- Light rain layer, small towel
- Water + small prasad packet
- Zip bag for phone & camera (mist is sneaky!)
- Optional: trekking pole for the steep bit
Safety & difficulty
- Level: Easy to Moderate (short but steep finish; slippery in the monsoon.
- Weather swing: fog can go from 0 to 100 very quickly, so stick to the path.
- Solo is OK: you’ll meet locals around the village; still, tell someone your plan.
Pair it with (nearby attractions)
Kipling Trail: the old Dehradun–Mussoorie walking route, a classic nature/history hike. Wikipedia
Tapkeshwar Temple: a Shiva shrine in a natural cave by the Tons River—great for a spiritual double-header. Wikipedia
FAQs
Is Kimadi the same as Mussoorie’s Nag Devta Temple?
No. This guide is about the Kimadi/Rikauli side. The region has multiple Nag/Naag Devta shrines; some around Mussoorie are also decorated on Nag Panchami. Tripadvisor
How long does the whole outing take from Dehradun?
Most folks spend 3–4 hours door-to-door: drive, walk, darshan, photos, and back.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, for school-age kids used to short walks. Hold hands on the steep bit if it’s wet.
Best time of day?
Early mornings after light rain for the most “cloud-walk” effect.
