Clouds dipping in the valleys, hanging cliffs, forested path, trails branching off in both directions, calls of some Himalayan birds and a few village houses sheltered by the wilderness are the main features of this trek. There is nothing here that does not fascinate you. You are going to be here with yourself. Leave everything that is associated with you and come close to your heartbeat and breathing sound.  Go alone or with your friends, you will enjoy but the first condition is to maintain silence and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.

Locals visit the temple on the top of the Shali peak almost every week. During Navratras a number for people also go for goat sacrifice. The temple is dedicated to Maa Bhimakali and is situated on a round shaped plateau with a square platform on the top. The tiny structure is constructed of local wood and stone with its roof covered with local slates. Below the temple from where a flight of stairs take you to it, a few rooms have been constructed for the visitors to stay. Blankets are available to escape the night chill.

Village Khatnol is set at the bottom of the peak from where a narrow trail whirls up around the hills and through the dense blue pine & cedar forests and Rolling Meadows. Khatnol is accessible by road from Shimla. Take a bus from Lakkar Bazaar bus station, just next to the Ice Skating Rink and a forty kilometers ride via Dhali, Mashobra, Baldiyan, Thaila and Sahol brings you to the bottom of the peak. This trek can also be increased by starting from Charabara. From here you can dip down to Gumma via Mashobra and Sipur. Stay overnight at Gumma in the village and then hike to Khatnol. There is a guest house at Khatnol that provides accommodation at a tolerant price. After visiting the temple you can descend to Dharampur on the other side of the mountain from where there are buses available to Shimla.

Shali peak dominates the entire region and is clearly visible from Shimla in the north. The peak is named after a local deity as locales tell various stories. Initially people used to walk up to the peak through various trails but in 1936 Raja of Faridkot built a designated path that is still used. From the peak you feel like wathing the Google Earth as all the valleys around are so deep that you feel like floating in the air.

If you are looking for a day hike or two to three days trek around Shimla, Shali trek is the best option.

Sumit Vashist is the Astounding Himalayas Editor for Wandering Educators