Shali Peak Ascent

An isolated pinnacle crested with Goddess Kali temple on its top is the highest peak in the vicinity of Shimla. Visible from the famous walking pedestrian The Ridge, in Shimla, a single day hike or overnight stay at the peak can enhance one’s Himalayan experience.

Two and a half hours of a picturesque drive passes through the village of Mashobra, which remained as weekend resort for the Viceroys and Governor-Generals since 1840’s till independence in 1947. The drive further continues through valleys, dotted with quant villages and the houses appear to be clinging to the cliffs. These fertile terraces on the slopes produce wide range of cereals, pulses and vegetables. The gushing streams, waterfall and rivers add music to these silent valleys.

Leaving car, at the base, summit becomes clearly visible however it still seems an intricate task. A century old trail, built by the local Raja in early 1900, unfolds up on the mountain slopes shaded with coniferous cover. Diverse Himalayan flora carpets the trail with numerous wild flowers and plants.

Silence of the forest is repeatedly been broken with a gush of mountain breeze or a shepherd playing a melodious note on his flute. Walking for two hours to the mountain pass which connects Sutlej valley with Shimla, base of a small temple, here inscribes marble slab with the year of construction of road to Shali Ghat.

Ascending further, the forest covers changes as the sweet aroma of Juniper trees invigorate the surroundings. This final climb now rewards the patient visitor with stunning views snow capped Himalayan ranges and numerous folded valleys which preserves a rich Himalayan culture here.

The pace of steps accelerates and within few minutes, this is the top of Shali peak. It takes some time to imbibe the natural bounty and the spiritual power of the place. With a visit to the ancient temple and being blessed by Goddess Bhima Kali, it’s now time to enjoy a well deserved packed lunch. Bidding farewell to the place, it takes about two hours to descend to the car.

FACT SHEET

Driving distance from Shimla : 48km
Driving hours from Shimla : 2.5 hours
Hiking distance to Shali Peak : 7.5km
Duration of hike to Shali Peak : 3-3.5hours
Duration of hike down from Shali peak : 2 hours

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Itinerary

Day1 : Shimla – Mashobra – Thaila – Deola

In the morning drive from Shimla to Mashobra, from here hike down through a thick coniferous forest, passing the glade of Seepur where amidst Cedar grooves stands an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Continuing down slowly the flora changes with elevation as we reach another small village of Deothi offering panoramic views of the vast expanse of the valley with towering Shali Peak. The descend continues through another hamlet of Shari to reach the river level at Rumthal village.

Here enjoy a swim in the fresh mountain water and a well deserved packed picnic lunch. The river is being feeding Shimla town and its vicinity with water since early 1900’s. The hike now ascends through village Rumthal mirrored by Mashobra Valley providing much awaited thrill of trekking in Himalaya. Negotiating a steep gulley now we arrive to village Gulthani which ease the grade of the walk. From here a concluding short walk brings us to Deola Village.

The village is based at the foot of Shali Peak and surrounded by terrace farms. Arrive at your cottage and after settling down and enjoy a hot cup of tea. For Sunset set out on a short walk to visit the village to appreciate the mountain lifestyle. Arriving back to cottage sit by a crackling bonfire and enjoy your evening. Post dinner overnight at the cottage.

Day2 : Deola – Talosh – Shali Ghat – Shali Peak – Deola

Wake up in the morning with a stunning view of Shali Peak and post breakfast set out to summit this highest peak in the close vicinity of Shimla.

Leaving the habitations after an hour’s walk, an ancient bridle path winds up through a coniferous forest allowing to admire typical Himalayan flora. As we start gaining elevation Mashobra, Shimla and many more adjoining areas becomes visible. Closer to the summit the beautiful snow capped Himalayan ranges can be now seen clearly.

Arrive at this isolated pinnacle enshrined by a temple dedicated to an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. And after getting blessed, enjoy the place, as your accompanying Naturalist introduce you the different mountain ranges and course of a pre Himalayan River originating from the Highlands of Tibet named as Satluej.

Spending a quality time at the peak now retrace your step back to the village Deola. Evening is at leisure and post dinner overnight at the cottage.

Day3 : Deola – Mashobra – Shimla

Today after a leisure breakfast wrap up your mountain memories and drive back to Shimla and further as per your travel plans.

Shali Peak Ascent