Shiv Dhank Trek: Hidden Scenic Hike Near Chandigarh
Whenever I thought about trekking, my mind would immediately go to places like Triund, Kedarnath, or Shrikhand Mahadev. I always believed that to experience real mountain adventure, I had to travel deep into Himachal or Uttarakhand. But recently, I discovered a hidden gem called the Shiv Dhank Trek, just a short drive away from Chandigarh. What I thought would be a simple walk in nature turned out to be one of the most refreshing and spiritual experiences I’ve ever had.
The Drive from Chandigarh to Shiv Dhank
I began my journey early in the morning, hoping to beat the heat and enjoy the drive. The road from Chandigarh towards Solan was smooth and surrounded by green hills. The air felt fresher with every kilometer I drove. Near Barog, I had to take a narrow turn towards a small place called Patta Ghat. This is where the trek begins.
The last stretch of the road became narrower, weaving through peaceful little villages. At one point, I had to stop and ask a local for directions. The villagers were more than happy to guide me to the starting point of the trek. This small interaction added a personal touch to my journey.
Walking Through Forests, Silence, and Scenic Views
The trek itself is not very long, around 3 kilometers one way, making it ideal for a half-day outing. As I stepped onto the trail, I was immediately surrounded by towering pine and deodar trees. Every little sound of nature felt alive – the birds singing in the trees, the gentle crackle of dry leaves under my steps, and the soft whispers of the breeze moving through the forest.
What I loved about this trek was the peacefulness. Unlike other crowded trekking spots, here it felt like the forest was all mine. Every few minutes, the dense woods would open into beautiful meadows where I could stop and catch my breath. From these clearings, I got panoramic views of Solan Valley, and in the distance, I could even see the faint outline of snow-capped peaks.
The Shiv Mandir and the Mysterious Damru Stone
As I reached near the top, I came across an old Shiv Mandir. The temple wasn’t grand or heavily decorated. It was simple, yet the spiritual vibe was powerful. There were no crowds, no loud chants, just a calm silence that made me want to sit there for a while.
But what made this place truly special was something a local had told me about—a large stone situated slightly above the temple. When I tapped on it gently with my hand, it produced a sound exactly like a damru, the hand drum associated with Lord Shiva. The sound echoed softly across the surrounding cliffs. It was surreal. The villagers believe that this sound is a divine sign, and in that moment, I felt why.
Why This Trek Stood Out For Me
I’ve done many treks, but this one and Karol Tibba felt different. It wasn’t about reaching a high summit or taking Instagram-worthy pictures. It was a simple, peaceful walk through nature, leading to a place that felt sacred in its own way. The fact that this experience was just two hours away from Chandigarh made me realize how much we overlook the beauty around us. This trek reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful adventures are the ones that are closest to home.
Some Personal Tips for This Trek
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail has a few uneven patches.
- Carry your own water and some snacks because there are no shops once you start the trek.
- Avoid visiting during the monsoon season, as the path becomes slippery.
- Respect the temple area by keeping silence and removing your footwear before entering.
Conclusion
The Shiv Dhank Trek was a quiet reminder that nature doesn’t always need to be loud or grand to leave an impact. Walking through the forest, sitting in silence at the Temple, and experiencing the mystical damru sound from a simple stone made this trek unforgettable for me. For anyone living in or around Chandigarh, this hidden trail is a perfect escape when you need a break from city life.
