Shali Tibba is a peak you cannot ignore. If you are a nature lover and live in Himachal or have visited Himachal Pradesh, you must have heard about the Shali Tibba trek. Located right behind the Mashobra ridge, it is clearly visible from most parts of Shimla.

However, the peak has not been able to attract the attention it duly deserves.

Shali Tibba Trek Distance

Shali is a peak that is known for its Shali Tibba temple. Shali tibba height in feet is 9,423, which translates to 2867 meters. The Shali tibba temple, like other temples, is located at the highest point of this peak.

This temple on the Shali Tibba trek route is dedicated to the goddess Bhimakali. This is a moderate level difficulty trek that can be completed in 3-5 hours depending upon your fitness.

To cover the Shali Tibba trek distance this can be divided into two parts. The first part is Shimla to Khatnol which is around 35 Km and can be covered by bus. To cover the Khatnol to Shali tibba distance, which is around 7 Km one way, you will need 3 to 5 hours.

To make things easy, a further stretch of 2 Km has been covered by a road which is unmetalled though. It is better to park your vehicle at khatnol and undertake this journey further up on foot. The forest cover of blue pine and cedar all along the way is sure to take away all your tiredness.

Shali Tibba History

Nothing much is known about Shali Tibba trek history or Shali Tibba history. All that can be mentioned here is that the Shali Tibba has a temple of Bhima Kali, who is the local goddess and is worshipped a lot by the people. A large rush of devotees is seen at the peak especially during the Navratri time.

You will find extensive use of wood and stone in the temple, which is a traditional landmark of this area. The Raja of Faridkot had constructed a walking trail to this temple in 1936 as the region was under the control of the King of Punjab at that time. This trail is well maintained even today and is the way to the Shali Tibba top.

My Memories of the Shali Tibba Trek

A description of Shali Tibba can be found in Shimla Past and Present by Sir Edward John Buck. The artistic impression of Shimla and the Shali Tibba Trek that John Buck has given is hardly evident today, but those like me who go into an illusionary world on such depictions shall find Shali Tibba the same as Sir Edward John Buck had described.

Shali Tibba Trek Itinerary

Just as you are to reach Khatnol, 300 meters before the village, you are likely to see a board that points Bhima Kali Mandir– Shali Tibba Trek. A road goes up for a further 2 Km, which is unpaved, and only experienced drivers should take their car up to the point where the dead end comes.

However, there is ample space for parking 3 to 4 cars. For me, the trek began right at the signboard, and if you wish to experience the true meaning of the Shali Tibba Trek, walk all the way. This road is through a forested area, and it is better to travel in a group. You can get a glimpse of Shali Tibba all along the way, and the chota Shali Tibba is also evident on the left side.

The point where the road ends has a small, stone-laden trail uphill. It is clearly evident except for extreme winter months when the area is covered in snow. A large number of twists and turns, bends come along the way as it zigzags upwards.

Short cuts can be taken if you go straight left up and any person with good stamina can reach the top of first hill in 15 minutes. Once on top of this hill, the trail is a straight walk for 10 minutes, during which it feels as if you are getting lost in a thick pine forest.

Courtesy: Holidify

Post 10 minutes, you will see the trail bifurcating into two, with one going straight and the other one right up. Your instinct should make you take the trail that goes right up as this is a shortcut that shall save you 10 minutes further up to the Shali Trek. The two trails again meet at an intersection.

Once at this point, you shall have views of the valley right before your eyes and a lush green forest below your horizon.

The trail is now towards the southeast part of Shali Tibba. The ascent in this part of the Shali tibba trek is gradual, and you will find level walking ground on the way too. One thing that you will find here is that the forest has gone dense and it will now remain the same till the top.

After around 15 minutes of such ascent, a series of bends come up and before you express your happiness, these will turn into sharp ascent which remains so till the top now.

Shali Tibba- A Trek in Sections

In other words, the uphill Shali Tibba Trek can be divided into three parts. 15 minutes into the trek, a small expanse of land comes up, and a view of Shali Tibba Peak is evident, covered in thick foliage. 20 minutes further up, a similar view comes up, but this time, the expanse of land is limited. Further 20 minutes up, you will have a clear demarcating path going towards the peak.

Two more crisscross sections will come your way till a point where a clear rock is evident. A clear view of the valley and mountains can be seen from this point and you should stop here once. The Shali Tibba is clearly visible and will take only 15 minutes from this point forward. A 180-degree view of the valley can also be seen from here, and it is a great place to relax before you make the final push.

The Final Push Towards Shali Tibba

The ascent is gradual, and you will feel that the difficult part of the Shali Tibba Trek is over. You will find yourself at the gate of the Shali Tibba temple or Shali temple. Like any other temple, the entrance has a bell hung on it. Climb some steps, and you will be on flat ground with the temple just in front of you!

This is Shali Tibba for you and you are on the top. You will get a panoramic view of Himalayan Peaks like Mt. Deo tibba, Mount Indrasan in Kullu, and the Sail Peak in Lahaul and Spiti.

Along with these, you will also get clear glimpses of Srikhand Range, Mount Hansbeshen, and Mount Krunsikring in Kinnaur. Churdhar Peak from its Chopal side is also seen here.

Peaks in Uttarakhand like Bandar Poonch, Badrinath can also be seen on a clear day. To identify all these peaks from the Shali tibba trek pinnacle point, you need to be a geography expert or should be accompanied by someone who has knowledge of peaks. Else, all these are The Great Himalayas for you!

Courtesy: Adventure 1st

Journey Back to Khatnol

You can trek back to Khatnol after spending time at the top. In case, you wish to stay back, accommodation is available near the temple. Food and bedding are available at request and need to be discussed with the caretaker.

If, however, you return back from the Shali Tibba trek on the same day, you can take another route, which begins from South West side. However, logically, you should go back by the route you came through as this shall help you in a faster descent. It shall take only two hours for the back journey if you are a good trekker.

FAQs

How Long is the Shali Tibba Trek?

This trek is 7 Km above Khatnol village which is at a height of 2873 meters. This is an easy-to-moderate trek and offers a 360-degree view of neighbouring regions like Kufri, Shimla, and Narkanda.

How much is the Shali Tibba trek Cost?

This trek is very light on the pocket since this is a day long trek only. This can be done under Rs 1000/- per person only.

Can this trek be done alone?

It is not recommended to do the Shali Tibba trek alone since the path goes through dense forest, and there is a danger of leopards in the forest. However, in a group, safety is always ensured.

Featured image: Himalayan Trips