Kasauli, a town that has made its reputation not just on scenic mountains but also adrenaline pumping trails that could lead you to earth-driven heaven. From walks through Pine forests to colonial architecture, this little hill station have everything you would want. The unhurried nature of this cantonment town makes a contrast to more strenuous Himalayan treks. The reward is the walk itself not the summit.

Many people visit this place to escape the heat of the plains, be it for vacationing or the trekking. This town hosts everything you would want. Birdwatching? You have it, local food? You got it, scenic deodar forest mountains? You ask it. Kasauli has everything store in for you.

The trails that leads to serenity, is easier to walk on. Because Kasauli sits at the modest altitude of 1900 meters from sea level, that marks it free for any technical difficulty. The trails weave through the dense forest opening the meadows of the mountains, it can be walk on by beginner or an experienced trekker.

So, hop on your boots and check which place you can start first with the list given below:

1. Gilbert trail

Gilbert trail is known to be the most loved trail of Kasauli. Known for it’s peaceful nature, scenic view of the forest cover mountains and the refreshing air, this town will give you inner peace so immersive that you will forget your stress.

The distance covers roughly of 1.5 Km to 2 Km, the trail starts from the just off Lover’s lane. The narrow path of this walk makes it easy to moderate to walk on. One the one side, you have hillside, and wooden gorge on the other. It is advisable to walk on this trail early morning so you can avoid the crowd and catch the sunset. Furthermore, the path is lined with the wildflowers that eventually ends up at a cliffside viewpoint- ideal for sitting and quietly taking in the scenery.

What to expect on Gilbert trail

• Narrow pathways that opens up at many ends
• Wildflower on the trails that would make your walk filled with giggles
• Cliffside where you can sit and forget about the world
• Beautiful sunrise and sunset if you walk in Morning and evening
• Scenic view of the forest cover mountains

It is recommended to wear shoes with decent grip, particularly, if the trail is damp after rain. Gilbert Trail is highly recommendable to the person who enjoy walking. It is beginner friendly so you could go worry free from paranoia of leg pain.

2. Lover’s Lane

A couple favorite spot that is another popular walking trail in Kasauli that is known for its scenic trails and peaceful walking. Looking for a relaxed walk instead of heavy trek? Fear not, this route is popular for relaxing walk with your partner or families.

This is a walk that is particularly pleasant during the early morning or evening when the air is cooler than the day. The scenic mountains and the surrounding trees create a peaceful setting for lovebirds and the families or the solo-travellers.

It starts near Christ Church and ends the path at Sunset point, in short, you can see colonial architecture along with the nature ahead. Sounds beautiful, right? It takes up to an hour to complete this walk- through pine forest, wrapped in greenery from all sides. This path also serves as connecting route to Gilbert and Sunset Point.

3. Nature walks around Upper Mall

The Upper Mall nature walks in pleasant for the leisure walks through the scenic trails. While passing through this route, you will find colonial heritage alongside with Cafes and restaurants. Although this doesn’t add up in the list of full fledged “trek”, it is still a good option to walk and spend some money of yours.

This path will give you a view of Kasauli at one side and a plate of momo on the other. Looking for a lazy walk rather than hopping on the stones and soil? This might be the best walk for you.

You won’t experience full on trekking here, but you will have an idea what Kasauli is all about. Make sure to visit on early bird’s time since it can be much crowded during the day. These walks are also suitable for families and older travellers, but be careful since the pathways can have slopes.

4. Forest trails around Sunset point

Sunset Point is the famous trail of the Kasauli, known for its beautiful sunset that you can capture in your eyes and phone. Golden hour is considered the best time to capture the beauty of this place. Unlike Gilbert trail, this has less wooden paths, but just equal results nonetheless. If you are looking for not too tough and easier to cover the path in shorter time, this is for you.

The mossy rocks and the Oak groves just makes the trail beautiful as it already was. This makes the place just perfect for photography and have a seat on one of the rocks and look ahead in the clearing. The occasional break in the tress in between gives the view of revealing valley below.

Make sure your camera is ready to capture the migratory birds that comes there to rest before continuing to Gilbert trail. You will be astonished to see the rare Himalayan birds, but if you want to have experience in birdwatching, you might to turn to Gilbert trail.

5. Kasauli-Kalka route

This route is considered to be the most sweating dripping route from all the treks in Kasauli. Kasauli-Kalka route is one of the most demanding routes and is recommended for those people who want full day instead of smaller walks.

It sits roughly 30 Km from the Kasauli by road, so most of the people treats this as partial walk trails and then continuing their path in toy-train ahead rather than doing full stretch on legs. Past the small villages, the terrain descends through the forest that gives refreshing peace to the trekkers.

One interesting way to cover this area is by doing half trail by walk and then joining the heritage toy train to Kalka-Shimla route.

What can you expect in the Kasauli-Kalka route?

• Scenic mountains that will make you forget your stress
• A full day trekking for hiking enthusiasts
• The terrain full of forest descends
• Heritage railways on the Kalka-Shimla route
• Less crowded areas

6. Kasauli-Garkhal route

Garkhal is a small village settlement near Kasauli that is connected with the hill stations and the routes. This can be considered as the more rural and quieter path than the main trails. Moreover, exploring this area can give the travellers less crowded region, away from the busiest route.

It has a distance of 3-5 Km, which depends on the route that you have taken. This route is a good option if you are already done with Gilbert trail and Lover’s lane, and wants to experience less tourist spot.

Kasauli-Garkhal route passes through the smaller Hamlets, terraced fields, and orchards rather than the dense forest. This makes it perfect for those who doesn’t want denser paths but still wants leisure of the trek.

What can you expect in this route

• Less dense forest and orchards of Apple
• Local walking and exploration route
• Small village settlement to experience local life
• Less crowded paths
• Quiet and peace

What can you carry for trekking in Kasauli

Even the comfy treks needs preparation before starting, so what can you carry during your hikes in these paths? Let’s know below

• Comfortable clothes and shoes with good grip
• Water bottle- sufficient for whole day
• Snacks to eat during your rest in middle
• Light Jacket, preferable for cool air on the hilltops
• Sunscreen
• Rain protection- Umbrella or a raincoat
• Fully charged phone
• Power banks, batteries- if your purpose is photography
• A good mood to start your hike

Conclusion

Whether you want a lazy walk in Mall Road or a full day trek in Kasauli- Kalka route, this cantonment town hosts everything A to Z. You don’t need to spend a lot to watch the sky turn golden or to see mist covered mountains after a rain. Kasauli offers more than just decorative sites to visit or boring treks. Even if your forte is not in hiking, you can still start your walk in those wildflower cover trails.

Between you and these trails has your will to start at some point. Whether it’s Gilbert Trail, or Kasauli- Garkhal walking path, every experience is a new experience. Rather than treating trekking in Kasauli as a race to complete a trail, take your time, enjoy the landscape and let the walk become part of the travel experience itself.

FAQs

Q1. Is Kasauli good for trekking?

Yes, Kasauli is hiking-driven hill station with beautiful scenic trails and lots of pine, deodar forests.

Q2. What are some good trekking sites in Kasauli?

On a personal pick, Gilbert trail can consider a good hike for beginners and experienced trekkers.

Q3. How long is a Gilbert trail In Kasauli?

It is generally 1.5 to 2 Km longs, depends on where you start your hike from.

Q4. Are Kasauli trekking site good for families?

Yes, every trekking summit is good for families and to spend quality times with your loved ones.

Q5. Are there any easy hikes for beginners for Kasauli?

For first-time trekkers, Lover’s Lane or Upper Mall walk could be considered a good hiking start point.

Q6. What should I carry with me for my trekking?

You could carry things to your preference, alongside with water bottle, snacks to eat, light jacket, sunscreen etc.

Q7. Are Kasauli’s walking trail safe?

It is recommended to stay on the active path, avoid dark routes and walk with precautions. Take extra care during or after the rain.