Shimla, fondly called the ‘Queen of Hill Stations, is a paradise for everyone who wishes to escape into the arms of nature. Blessed with colonial architecture, breathtaking landscape, and rejuvenating views of lofty Himalayas, Shimla is one of the popular hill stations in India, and among the must-include places in Himachal tour packages. The area surrounding this hill town is dotted with high ridges, and beautiful passes which attract numerous thrill-seekers and have challenged the travelers who opted for trekking near Shimla. Be it the holy Shali Tibba trek or scenic, as well as adrenaline-pumping trek to Jalori Pass, the capital city of Himachal, has a plethora of options. The rocky terrains, the steep slopes, and the white sheets of snow here have been providing an unprecedented experience as part of Shimla tour packages.
Check out below the list of 5 popular treks near Shimla that you should definitely try.
Shali Tibba Trek
Perched at an altitude of 9,423 feet, the Shaily Peak or Shali Tibba isa mountain peak situated near Khatnol in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the popular places to visit in Naldehra and among the most beautiful trekking destinations near Shimla. The peak provides a 360 degree magnificent view of Shimla, Mashobra, Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda. It looks exceptionally stunning during the sunrise and the sunset. Surrounded by forests, rocky trails, and dense vegetation, this peak attracts lot of adventurers and trekkers from all over the world. The snow-capped Himalayan mountain-ranges and beautiful landscapes located here are hard to miss, and the fresh breeze gives you a peaceful environment. There is a temple at the top dedicated to goddess Bhima Kali, who is highly revered by locals. Away from the hustle of Shimla, the 8 km trek to Shaily Peak from the Khatnol is beautiful, easy and can be completed in 5 hours. The up is constant, but the trail is wide and there are many switchbacks to limit the steepness. For those who are not keen on trekking a rocky trail, there is a motorable track to reach the peak. Besides, one can also hire ponies to reach the peak with a nominal charge.
Also Read : Best Hill Stations in India
Hatu Peak Trek
Standing high at an altitude of 3400 m, Hatu Peak is the highest peak in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Among the top Narkanda tourist places, the peak is a paradise on earth as it is surrounded by the snowcapped Himalayas and dense forest of deodar, fir, spruce, cedar, and blue pine. Hatu Peak is around 7-8 km total uphill drive from the Narkanda town and can be reached by hiring a taxi or on foot. The 7 km trekking trail to Hatu Peak starts from Narkanda and ends at Hatu Peak. The trek is considered to be moderate and takes close to 3 hours to reach the top. The Hatu Mata Temple rests atop the hill on Hatu Peak and holds great religious significance to the locals. The temple is dedicated to Mandodari, the wife of King Ravana. The 360-degree views of the surrounding from the temple are truly breathtaking. Also, Hatu Peak is famous for its ski slopes. The slopes of Hatu Peak are perfect for the skills of beginners as well as experienced skiers.
Book Here : Narkanda Tour Packages
Churdhar Trek
With an altitude of 3600 m, Churdhar is the highest peak in the lower-Himalayan region. It is one of the most well-known trekking places around Shimla. Surrounded by a 56 square km forest sanctuary, the 23 km trekking trail begins from Nohradhar and passes through lush green forests, and rocky trails. Once you reach the summit, the peak offers 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys and on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the famous Himalayan ranges such as Kinner Kailash. Also, the peak houses a towering statue of Lord Shiva which is highly revered among the locals. It is not exactly a beginner-friendly affair but perhaps one of the most challenging treks near Shimla, one of the top hill stations in Himachal. It is suggested to do the trek from May till November when the snow melts and the trails are accessible.
Also Read : Best Places to see the Snowfall in Shimla
Karol Tibba Trek
Placed at an altitude of 2240 m, Karol Tibba is the tallest peak within the Solan district and one of the easiest treks near Shimla, among the top Himachal tourist places. This is a 6 km long beautiful Himalayan trek that starts from Chambaghat and passes through lush forests. It takes around 1 and a half hours to reach the Summit. At the summit, there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali that offers mesmerizing views of Shimla City and the famous Churdhar Peak. On the way, one can spot the Pandava Cave which is believed to be the longest in the mighty Himalayas. Besides, one can do this trek in a day and also can do camping on the peak.
Must Read : Hill Stations near Shimla
Shimla-Jalori Pass Trek
Jalori Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 10,800 ft above sea level in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Located in the wilderness of white sheets of the Himalayas, Jalori Pass that connects Shimla to Kullu Valley, is a natural paradise to find the seasonal blossoms along with bountiful flora and fauna amidst the pristine solitude of the highlands. Shimla – Jalori Pass is one of the challenging treks near Shimla which require loads of stamina and patience. The trekking trail begins from Shimla and ends at Banjar Valley through Jalori Pass, among the top places to visit in Kullu. From dense forest areas to water streams, deep valleys to soaring high mountains, the trek passes through various scenic spots such as Luri, Ani, Khanag, Jalori Pass, and Jibhi. The trek is around 8KM long and can be easily covered in 6 to 7 hours. However, it is suitable for mountaineering experts not for beginners.
Book Here : Kullu Tour Packages
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