If you go to where Zevlor is standing here in the grove there is an exit to the left up some rocks. When you go out this exit Karlach's spawn point is a jump down the cliff on the right. You'll take like 90% damage if you don't have featherfall or something similar like misty step but you get to her super early and don't have to deal with any other combat.
I'll do anything to get to my favorite companion early.
Video link demonstrating the route to her:
You can recruit Wyll at the Grove before doing this I guess.