Trekking from Shimla

About Shimla

Shimla, encased in Rhododendron, Himalayan Oak, and fir trees is crowned with the title ‘Queen of hills’. Shimla has been in importance since the very beginning, from being the summer capital during the British era to being the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has always captivated numerous tourists from all over India and the world. The city has received its name from Shyamala Mata who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Kali for whom a temple is dedicated on the hilltop of Bantony as Kali Bari Temple. Shimla is one of the favorite hill stations in Indian hearts and is also listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites along with a few other hill stations of India. Also, the Shimla-Kalka Railway which still runs on the almost century-old engine built during British rule is listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites. Shimla was brought into importance only after the start of British rule. Shimla is home to the oldest post office and only Natural Ice skating Rink. In 1806 Shimla was invaded by Bhimsen That Nepal. After the Anglo- Nepalese war between 1814-16, the British East India Company took over the territory under control as per the Sugauli Treaty. Due to once being the Britisher’s vacation hub, Shimla has many structures influenced by British culture, one of those is the Second Oldest Church of North- India. Leaders of the freedom movement Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, and many others frequently visited Shimla during the struggling days of Independence. Shimla has an important role in Indian History as the India- Pakistan peace treaty, Shimla agreement was signed by Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi and President of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at that date in Viceregal Lodge which is now, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.  During its heyday, it attracted many princes, diplomats, merchants, and political leaders of countries like Tibet, Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, and other countries. Shimla is also an Agricultural trade center and has industries like manufacturing, Brewing, and handloom weaving.

About Trekking

Trekking is an aspect of walking undertaken with the distinct purpose of exploring and admiring the scenery. It usually takes place on tracks in regions of relatively unspoiled nature. Trekking is comparable to meditation when you climb up to a mountain peak.it somehow calms you down. You are with yourself for that sudden moment and there is no other belief that can match that serenity and nearness to oneself. Trekking is a positive walking experience that is a blend of hiking and walking activity in which one can take a multi-day excursion admiring the panorama of rural areas, rugged ridges & regions, valleys, and palaces.

Treks from Shimla

Shali Tibba

Trek location: Shali Tibba, Shimla

Starting point: Shipi near Mashobra

Ending point: Shipi near Mashobra

Trek height: 2,840 meters

Trek Distance: 7km

Duration: 1 day

Difficulty level: Easy

Eligibility: Amateurs to Professionals

Best time: March to December

The highest peak in Shimla District, Shali tibba is visible from Shimla looming over the Mashobra Bridge. The summit offers splendid 360 views of  Shimla,  Mashobra, Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda. The summit also abodes a temple of locally revered Goddess Bhima Kali which is well accessible by a trail constructed by the King of Faridkot in the year 1936. The trail is to Shali Tibba is beautifully accompanied by blue pine and cedar forests. Though Shali tibba is one day trek, one definitely has an option of camping near Kantol village.

Karol Tibba

Trek location: Karol Tibba, Solan

Starting point: Rani Laxmi statue at Chambaghat

Ending point: Rani Laxmi statue at Chambaghat

Trek height: 2,240 km

Trek Distance:5.6 km

Duration: 1 day

Difficulty level: Easy

Eligibility: Amateurs to Professionals

Best time:  March to June

Karol Tibba trek is a perfect day-long adventure for trekking enthusiasts visiting Shimla blanketed in lush green forests and  Kabrol tibba situated on the Shivalik ranges is the tallest peak of the Solan District. Karol tibba is one of the most frequent routes from Shimla. For time-strapped tourists, Karol tibba is one of the best options for treks quick yet adventurous. The trek starts from Chambaghat village an hour away from Shimla. The trek includes a visit to Pandava cave mightiest cave if the Himalayas and a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali situated on the summit offering alluring views of the city Shimla and the Churdhar Peak.

Best time to visit Shimla

Shimla in Summers ( March- June)

Summer in Shimla is from May to June, while March and April are of the Spring season.  The temperature during this season remains between 15℃ to 30℃ making the land a little warmer and melting the snow after cold winters exposing the shadeful green meadows and blossoming flowers. The climate is gratifying throughout the day, perfect for tourists to enjoy and explore the place. During the summers Shimla is the escape for tourists in the neighboring town and states. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864. It is one of the most crowded times by tourists but that doesn’t decrease any level of joy that one could get. This season is perfect for summer adventure activities like paragliding, camping, hiking, trekking, etc. People can also enjoy the summer festivals like Holi,  Baisakhi, and Shimla Summer Festival which is a five-day carnival with folk music, dance, culture, and ritual performances with an exhibition of cultural handicrafts and many more.

Shimla in Monsoons (July- August -September)

Monsoons in Shimla are with heavy and unpredicted rainfall, not an appropriate time for tourists, and is considered as an offseason for tourism. Yet adventurous and risk-taking tourists visit to explore Shimla at the low budget prices available is in this season. The temperature in the monsoon sustains from14℃ to 20℃. Haryali Teej is a festival celebrated in the monsoon season on the first day of Shravan Maas, tourists can experience the culture of Himachal  Pradesh.

Shimla in Winters ( October- February)

Shimla is famous for its winters as it is the best time to visit snow-covered Shimla for snow lovers. Though the winter starts from mid-October, the coldest months of Shimla are December and January. The weather in October and November is pleasant and calm, best for sightseeing and shopping. As the winter season keeps getting colder the more perfect time is for Skiing and trekking to the snow-clad mountains or to have a snow fight with your companions with snowballs. The temperature in winter remains from -6℃ to 8℃. Shimla holds the Winter Carnival inviting people to indulge in winter adventure activities like skiing, ice skating, other entertainment, and cultural events.  People can witness other events like Navratri, Bhoj fair, Diwali, ice-skating Carnival, and Christmas in December and Lohri.

How to reach Shimla

Shimla By Air

The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV)  at a distance of approximately 28 km but only functions occasionally with limited flights from Delhi, Kullu, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala. The major nearest airport to Shimla is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) which is well connected with all major cities of India with frequent flights. Chandigarh International Airport is located 216 km away from  Shimla. Flights of Indigo, Vistara, Air India, and GoFirst land at Chandigarh International Airport. For further journey cabs, taxis and buses are available from the airport till Shimla.

Shimla By Rail

The nearest railway station to Shimla is Broad Gauge railway station, Kalka Railway Station at a distance of 89km. Himalayan Queen and Howrah Express are available from Delhi to Kalka daily. The journey further can be commenced by cab, taxi, buses but enjoying a toy train ride in Shimla is not an everyday delight to miss. Riding a Railcar in Shimla is a must-do activity that gives out of the world experience. Toy trains for Shimla Railway station (SML) from Kalka Railway station (KLK) are

• Kalka - Shimla Himalayan Queen
• Kalka - Shimla  Shivalik Deluxe Express
• Kalka - Shimla Holiday Special
• Kalka - Shimla Passenger
• Kalka - Shimla NG Express

Shimla by Road

The route to Shimla is very well constructed and well linked to other parts of Himachal Pradesh and other northern parts of India. Chandigarh-Shimla Highway is the nearest route to Shimla and a well-accessed road from Chandigarh requiring only a 3 and a half-hour ride covering 120km.  Deluxe and many more other buses are available frequently from all northern parts of India. Delhi to Shimla 347 km via NH44. The highways accessible to Shimla are NH05, NH44, and SH18.

Things To Carry

• ID Proof: Valid ID card issued by Government.
• Clothing: Warm clothing (Down jacket/fleece jacket, woolen cap/scarf, hat, lowers, woolen & cotton socks, thermal wears), cotton towels, trekking/hiking shoes & other comfortable sports wear.
• Toiletries: Lip balm, wet wipes, skin moisturizer, sunscreen.
• Medical Related: Personal medicines (if any), mosquito repellent, prescribed medicines for high altitude sickness, dehydration salt.
• Other Optional: Sunglasses, power bank, candy, dust mask, energy bars hydrating drinks, etc.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

• Do carry mask and Sanitizer
• Carry light edibles and energy drinks
• Carry eco-friendly and reusable items
• Carry your waste bag

Don'ts

• Do not carry excess luggage to the trek
• Do not litter or pollute the environment surrounding
• Do not wander alone or without a guide
• Do not disrespect locals or any local cultural beliefs.