Karol Tibba Trek: Hidden Trails and Forest Silence

If you’re someone who enjoys walking into the unknown, away from traffic and screens, this trek might just become your favorite memory. I recently went for the Karol Tibba trek, and honestly, I had no idea it would be this raw, this peaceful, and this powerful. What I thought would be a short day hike turned into something I’ll never forget.

The Drive from Chandigarh to Solan

The journey to Karol Tibba started early. I left Chandigarh around 6:30 in the morning, hoping to reach the base before the sun got too strong. The drive on NH5 through Panchkula, Kalka, and Parwanoo was smooth and scenic, with hills slowly unfolding as you move closer to Solan. From Solan, I headed towards Chambaghat, a quiet area where the trek begins. There’s a small gurudwara near the starting point, and it’s safe to park your car there before lacing up your shoes.

The Trek Starts Through the Forest

The first stretch of the trail is paved, but it doesn’t stay that way for long. After about a kilometer, the path disappears into thick forest. From there, it truly felt as if we had stepped into a different world altogether. The trees were tall and dense, the air had that rich, earthy smell, and everything around was quiet except for the occasional bird call. There was no phone signal, not a single soul around, and the silence was almost unreal. Just you, the trail, and nature.

Reaching Karol Mata Temple at the Top

After a few hours of climbing, I reached the Karol Mata Temple, which sits at the highest point in the Solan region. It’s a modest temple in appearance, yet the moment you step in, there’s a peaceful energy that gently settles over you. I took off my shoes and sat there for a while, just breathing and taking in the view. From the top, you can see Solan town below, and on a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of Shimla, Chail, and even Churdhar peak far in the distance.

Even after leaving, the calm I experienced at the temple stayed with me in a way I didn’t expect. The world looked small from up there, and everything felt a bit more balanced.

Exploring the Pandava Cave

On the way down, about halfway through the descent, we reached the famous Pandava Cave. There’s a long-held local belief that during their exile, the Pandavas took shelter in this cave. The cave is deep and mysterious. I went about 40 to 50 meters inside with a torch, and it was filled with hundreds of bats clinging to the ceiling. The air inside felt damp and chilled, with even the softest sounds bouncing back from the stone walls. 

A local villager told us that a leopard has been spotted around this area more than once. It didn’t surprise me. The forest is wild, untouched, and full of life. You can feel it all around you.

A Spiritual Moment at the Kutiya

Later, as we continued walking through the forest, we came across a small kutiya near a Shiv temple. There, we met a sadhu, a man with long jata and calm eyes. He welcomed us with a gentle smile and offered water. We ended up spending some time with him, just sitting together and soaking in the calm around us. He spoke about patience, ego, and how the forest teaches things that books never will.

That conversation felt like something out of a different time. Imagine sitting deep inside a Himalayan forest, next to a Shiv temple, listening to a sadhu speak about life. It was the kind of moment that stays with you long after the trek is over.

Things You Should Know Before You Go

• Start early. The trek takes a full day if you explore the cave and spend time at the top.
  
• Carry enough water, snacks, and a flashlight. There are no shops or shelters along the way.
  
• Wear proper trekking shoes. Some parts of the trail are steep and covered with loose soil.
  
• It’s best to go with a group or someone familiar with the route, as it’s surprisingly easy to lose your way in those dense forest paths.
  
• Respect the place. It’s sacred for many, and it truly feels that way when you’re there.

Conclusion

Karol Tibba trek wasn’t just a hike for me. It was a mix of nature, mythology, solitude, and something deeply spiritual. From the calm of the Karol Mata Temple, to the eerie silence inside the Pandava Cave, and finally the wisdom shared by the sadhu at the kutiya, everything felt meaningful.

I never expected something this wild and soulful so close to Chandigarh. If you ever find yourself craving something real, something that makes you feel alive and at peace at the same time, take this trek. Feel the breeze as you walk, listen to the forest around you, and simply stay present. You might return tired, but your heart will feel full.