WALKING WITH LAATA: 50 Trails through Doon Valley's Living History & Nature

Did you know? Hathibarkala was so named because it had Barh or Banyan Trees with prop roots so large that elephants could easily pass through! Gun Hill in Mussoorie is an extinct volcano! The name Mussoorie comes from the Mansura bush! Kempty Falls was so named because when British parties started in the morning from Chakrata for Mussoorie, they would reach the waterfall right in time for Camp-Tea! Find out more about these places, and many more, in a fun filled book that takes you on a journey through Dehra Dun, Mussoorie, Uttarkashi, Haridwar and Rishikesh. It talks about people—George Everest, Pahadi Wilson, Proby Cautley, Ruskin Bond...and several others that made the valley their home. Our erudite walk leaders, experts in their fields, have authored each trail. The book is a 300-page-journey across 50 trails around the region. Richly illustrated with figures and maps, it has more than 300 memorable photos of Dehra, present and past. Each trail commences with a map and a QR code that can be scanned. Your smart phone instantly becomes your navigator, and you don't run the risk of getting lost (even though we would prefer that you lose yourself!) on a trail. Why Laata? Laata is a common pahadi, or mountain dwelling, character. He is found in every village and family. He is a simpleton, unaffected by worldly guile, and yet in love with nature and history. He loves to interact with people, taking them on walks, even though some may find it easy to dupe him. So, come, walk with Laata!