From late-night plans to pink forests, spicy chutney, and divine views—five friends ride into the mountains and into memory.
Introduction
We’re five colleagues—Akshay Jaswal, Santosh Aaryan, Sandeep Katoch, Saurabh Singh,, Sorav Das—who ditch the office grind for the thrill of the road when the mountains call. What started as a casual bike trip to Jaswant Nagar Bazaar turned into a wild and unforgettable quest for the Kali Tibba Temple near Chail, sparked by Santosh’s late-night stroke of genius.
Armed with an Avenger, a Bullet, and my trusty scooter, we packed snacks, tents, a chutney so spicy it could set rivers ablaze, and one legendary birthday bash for Akshay. Along the way, we found pink flower forests, riverside magic at Giri Ganga, glowing temple vibes, a feast in Mahog Village, and sweet sips of Solan’s famous fruit cider.
This wasn’t just a trip. It became a story—raw, flavorful, spiritual, and absolutely unforgettable.
Kali Tibba Temple – Where Solitude Meets the Sky
Kali Tibba Temple is a humble hilltop shrine perched at around 8,000 feet above sea level, tucked into the serene pine-clad ridges near Chail, Himachal Pradesh. Far less commercial than its neighbor Kali Tibba Temple, this spot rewards those who make the effort with soul-soothing silence and panoramic Himalayan views.
- Location: Near Chail, Himachal Pradesh
- Type: Hindu temple with local spiritual roots
- Access: 20–30-minute uphill trek through forest
- Highlights: Forest trek, pink flower bloom, snow-capped views, spiritual quiet
The temple is simple—no grand architecture or crowd control needed—just fluttering flags, glowing lamps, and air that feels like prayer. Locals and pilgrims come not just to worship but to soak in the serenity.
Day 1 – From Chandigarh to the Giri Ganga Camp
We rolled out of Chandigarh at 11:00 AM, not early risers by any means. The Bullet and Avenger carried our tents and gear, while my scooter loaded snacks and the hero of our trip: our fire-blazing green chutney, made from mint, chilies, coriander, garlic, and ginger.
Lunch in Solan
About 65 km in, we stopped in Solan to refuel our stomachs. On the menu: hot parathas and veggie chowmein, boosted (as always) by spoonfuls of that killer chutney.
From there, another somthing 15 km of mountain curves took us to Jaswant Nagar Bazaar, where we stocked up on fresh trout, spices, lemons, and rice for the night ahead.
Riverside Camping at Giri Ganga – A Dog we called Bhairvi
Just past the marketplace, we found the perfect camping spot by the Giri Ganga River—a quiet patch beside smooth stones and crystal-clear current. We pitched our tents, collected firewood, and began prepping dinner.
That’s when she appeared—a graceful, quiet, dog who trotted into our circle like she belonged. We named her Bhairvi, after the fierce goddess. She watched over us through the night, warming herself by our fire, and quietly accepted her share of our feast.
Campfire Feast Highlights:
- Tandoori Chicken – Fire-grilled to perfection
- Local Fish – Fresh fry fish from the local stream, seasoned with herbs and lemon
- Chicken Curry – Cooked over open flame, full of aroma
- Green Chutney – Added to everything, including the biryani
As Bhairvi guarded the edge of our camp, we danced to Bollywood and Himachali songs under the stars, lit up by the sound of Giri Ganga and the crackle of flames. That night, the mountains felt like home.
Day 2 – Temple Trekking Through Pink Forests
The morning began with a freezing splash in the Giri Ganga River, followed by biryani leftovers and warm chai. Then it was time to chase the spark that started it all—the Kali Tibba Temple.
Ride + Trek Info:
- Ride Distance: ~30 km to temple base
- Trek Duration: 20–30 minutes
- Path: Steep, rocky, with pink flowers lining the forest floor
The trail was straight out of a dream—forests dyed pink, wildflowers everywhere, and streams trickling alongside the path. The climb was tiring, but the reward at the top was pure magic.
The temple sat quietly, wrapped in incense and mountain air. Locals lit lamps. Travelers stood silent, soaking in the view. For a few moments, it felt like time had stopped.
Mahog Village Detour – Flowers, Food & Hillside Hospitality
We didn’t want the trip to end just yet. So instead of heading straight home, we are rest in Mahog Village, famous for its flower fields and peaceful aura.
Lunch in Mahog:
At a hillside tea stall, we ordered:
- Mix Paratha
- Kadhi Chawal
- Vegetable Chaumeen
- Pahadi Chai – Spiced and soul-warming
Cost: Approximately₹500 total for the group
We added the last of our chutney to the parathas and called it the perfect meal.
Final Stop – Solan’s Famous Fruit Cider
Before returning to Chandigarh, we made one last stop in Solan, known for its locally brewed apple cider.
We stopped at a small shop, tried a few sips—sweet, tangy, slightly fizzy—and bought 12 bottles for ₹1600 to take back as souvenirs of a Trip that already felt legendary.
Travel Tips
- Route: Chandigarh → Solan → Jaswant Nagar → Kali Tiba
- Trek Duration: 20–30 mins (moderate difficulty)
- What to Bring:
- Trekking shoes
- Snacks, water
- Flashlight, extra battery
- Layers for cold weather
- Trekking shoes
- Where to Camp: Safe zones like Giri Ganga River near Jaswant Nagar Bazaar
- Mobile Network: Limited coverage near temple and forest trail
FAQs
Q1: Is the temple family-friendly?
Yes. The trek is short but steep—seniors may need support.
Q2: Can I camp near the temple?
No. Camp in lower areas like Giri Ganga for safety.
Q3: Is the temple open year-round?
Yes, but winter access may depend on snow conditions.
Q4: Who is Bhairvi?
She’s the friendly dog who joined our camp by the river. The real guardian of the mountains.
Final Thoughts
Some trips are vacations. Others become part of who you are.
The ride to Kali Tibba Temple—through Solan, past Giri Ganga, into Mahog, and up a flowered forest path—gave us laughter, quiet reflection, glowing temple vibes, and a connection to the mountains that won’t fade.
It was spicy. It was beautiful. It was Bhairvi by the fire and Akshay’s birthday on a ridge. It was everything a Himalayan journey should be.
Incredible place and story telling. Where to next?
Give us some time we can go next trip maybe spiti
It look like unforggetten camping
Great Trip 😸