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How to plan an itinerary for Dalhousie, Khajjiar and Chamba

Last Updated on January 16, 2024

Today I welcome our guest writer Vimal Bhatia who will take us on a virtual trip to the Himalayan cities of Dalhousie, Khajjiar, and Chamba. Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh this summer? Vimal has done all the hard work and created this perfect 3-day Dalhousie itinerary for you. Over to Vimal now.

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

Also read: Best Summer Destinations for family trips in India

Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful landlocked state in North India . With natural beauty spread all around, it is no less than a paradise on earth. I have been to many places in Himachal Pradesh but still can’t have enough of it.

The mountains, the rivers, the waterfalls, lush green meadows, snow-clad peaks, dense forests, religious sites, beautiful flora, and fauna, you name it and Himachal Pradesh has it.

Be it trekking in the cold desert mountain in Spiti Valley or backpacking in Parvati Valley , Himachal Pradesh attracts adventurers from all over India.

One of the most beautiful, family-friendly circuits in Himachal Pradesh is Dalhousie – Chamba – Khajjiar.

If snow-capped mountains and dense forests are your calling, don’t forget to check out my posts on Sikkim .

So, I am going to present an ideal itinerary for Dalhousie including day trips to Chamba and Khajjiar. This circuit is lush green and breathtakingly beautiful.

So, it is very difficult to squeeze in all the places worth visiting in three days. But still, I have tried to cover the best places to visit in Dalhousie and its neighborhood here.

This is the best 3-day itinerary for Dalhousie.

DAY 1 – Arrive Dalhousie in the morning. Visit nearby places of interest in Dalhousie.

DAY 2 – Reserve whole day to visit Chamba

DAY3 – Go to Khajjiar via Kalatop wildlife sanctuary

But before we embark on this virtual trip, let’s answer some practical questions.

A Quick Outline

How to reach Dalhousie?

The nearest international airport to Dalhousie is Delhi. From Delhi, you can take a flight to Chandigarh and then proceed to Dalhousie on a cab.

Or you can reach Delhi and from there you can go on a Volvo bus, which runs daily. If you want to travel by train, you can go up to Pathankot, which is the nearest railway station and from there you can hire a cab.

Dalhousie is located 560 km away from Delhi. You can also book a taxi for a scenic road trip from Delhi to Dalhousie.

Where to stay in Dalhousie?

There is no dearth of hotels and resorts in Dalhousie. You can easily get one to fit your budget. Here are some recommedations:

Fortune Park Dalhousie $$$$

Bear Valley Resort $$$

Grand View Hotel $$

Dalhousie Itinerary Day 1

My first strong recommendation, if you are traveling by road or train, travel overnight to reach Dalhousie early in the morning. This way you will get to utilize whole day for going around Dalhousie. I say so because Dalhousie is such a naturally beautiful and peaceful place that you need to be calm to enjoy the scenery and soak in the beauty and tranquility of the place. You can’t rush the things and still hope to enjoy.

Subhash Chowk

So, the day starts with you arriving in Dalhousie. After checking in to your hotel and freshening up, just get out of your hotel and head straight to Subhash Chowk.

It is more of a viewpoint, where you get a breathtaking view of the snow-clad mountains (if it has snowed), dense forests and lush green valley, all at one place. You can click as many selfies and pictures as you want.

The view is truly mesmerizing, and you won’t feel like leaving the place. Though it is called a chowk (crossing) it actually has five different roads originating from or crossing here. this place has been named after great freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose.

While at Subhash Chowk, go to iconic St. Francis Church , which is located right at Subhash Chowk. This church was built in the year 1894 in British architectural style. The interesting thing is that the army and civilians joined hands to build this church.

The inside of the church has glass and stonework. St. Francis Church has been maintained so well that nobody can say that this structure is more than 100 years old. It is surrounded by tall Deodar trees. And the ambiance of the church is so peaceful it will rejuvenate your soul.

From Subhash Chowk move to Panjpula. This picnic-cum-adventure spot is about 5km from Subhash Chowk. It is also the source of a stream that flows from the top and is said to supply water to the whole of Dalhousie.

Trek to the top to get a magnificent view. Walk alongside the stream and admire its flow. You can indulge in any of the adventure sports on offer here. Enjoy hot pakoras with steaming coffee.

Enjoy the density of the forest around the place. Buy some souvenirs. And above all, enjoy the snow if it is there (I was lucky that it had snowed only a couple of days earlier, so I could actually walk on the snow).

Gandhi Chowk

Once you are done, move over to Gandhi Chowk. It is the mall road and the main shopping center of Dalhousie. Though it is not a very big market you can see many eateries making local delicacies, which you can enjoy.

There are shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs and other stuff. Spend some time here and do your shopping. There is a Tibetan market also at this place. Check out my Narkanda Diary also.

Talking of Gandhi Chowk, there are two ways of reaching here. First is, you can walk from Subhash Chowk via Garam Sadak. This is a walk of 1 km but a very enjoyable one. Garam Sadak is called so because it receives sunlight throughout the year and hence remains warm.

This road runs along a deep valley and while you walk the road, you can enjoy the stunning view of the valley as well as hills. From Gandhi Chowk, you can take a cab to go to Panjpula.

Or alternately, you can do it another way around. You can visit Panjpula first and then stop at Gandhi Chowk on your return journey.

Now, you must be tired, so you can go back to your hotel to end the day, and relax.

Dalhousie itinerary Day 2- Visit Chamba

Rock garden.

You can explore Chamba today. The first stop would be the Rock Garden. It is an amazing sight. This is a natural rock garden.

Rocks have themselves fallen after disintegrating from mountains and have formed an attractive pattern here. The place has been developed as a tourist spot and is ideal for taking selfies and clicking pictures.

Chamera lake

Next, you reach Chamera dam and Chamera lake. Chamera dam has been built on the river Ravi, which flows through this place. The dam produces hydroelectricity. The lake has been built by the water collected around the dam.

It is a beautiful place. The lake is surrounded by lush green as well as snow-clad hills and is a very peaceful place. You can enjoy boating here in different types of boats and admire the beauty all around. Spend 2-3 hours at Chamera lake and visit the dam also.

When you drive further up, you start to move along the river Ravi, which is another thrilling site You can stop at a suitable spot for a little while. Enjoy the flow of the river. Spend time on the river bank and take pictures.

Exploring Chamba town

When you near Chamba town, you start to see small but lush green farms on the roadside. You can’t help but admire the scenery.

Moving into Chamba town, head straight to Laxminarayan temple in the center of the city, the oldest and the largest temple of Chamba. There are six beautiful idols of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

The main idol of Lord Vishnu is made of marble and is a sight in itself. The most amazing thing about the temple is that it always remains pleasant inside irrespective of the weather outside.

Next, go to Himachal emporium in Raja Umed Singh’s Rang Mahal . Here you can buy local handicrafts like shawls and handkerchiefs. Its timings are from 10 am to 1 pm and then from 2 pm to 5 pm.

There are a couple of more beautiful temples around which you can visit if you have the time.

That will end day 2 and you can return to your hotel and relax.

In the Indian terrain, shoes can make or break your travel experiences. Read to know about the best travel shoes in India .

Dalhousie Itinerary Day 3 – explore Khajjiar

This could be the most interesting day of your trip. This could be the most hectic yet most enjoyable day of your trip. I was unfortunate to miss a few of these places as the road was closed due to snowfall during my visit.

Kalatop wildlife sanctuary

You start early and reach Kalatop wildlife sanctuary. Kalatop wildlife sanctuary has a variety of wildlife and verdant grasslands.

Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and tall trees along with pleasing streams, this place offers you the most enchanting experience. Just explore the sanctuary and click pictures. It is very rich in flora and fauna. You will find species like leopard, bear, deer, langur, jackal, barking goral and many beautiful birds.

Ganji Pahadi

From here, the next stop will be Ganji Pahadi. It is again a beautiful place. The name says it all. Ganji means bald and Pahadi means hill. This has been named so because of its landscape. Ganji Pahadi doesn’t have any flora on it.

But the brilliance of the place is in the colors it reflects. It offers a panoramic view from the top. During winters it is fully covered in snow making it an offbeat winter wonderland of India .

Khajjiar Meadows - Dalhousie Khajjiar Chamba itinerary

Now moving to last but definitely not the least part of the trip. From here you head to Khajjiar. It is rightly called the “Mini Switzerland of India”. This is one place you should not miss for your life.

Unbelievably beautiful landscape, the surroundings, and the whole atmosphere make it a paradise. Khajjiar is a saucer-shaped lush green meadow with a small lake at the center. It is the most picturesque place you could ever see.

It is a sight for eyes to behold. Just go there and throw yourself on the green grass under the blue sky and soak in the beauty and tranquility that is lying all around.

You can enjoy adventure sports also like zorbing and paragliding. There is a small ancient temple here called Khajji Nag temple. Go there and seek blessings. While returning, stop at Jai Jagdambe temple, which has an 84 feet high statue of Lord Shiva.

So, return to your hotel and take rest.

So, this is the best three-day itinerary for Dalhousie-Chamba-Khajjiar and I am sure you will be three most enjoyable days you would ever have. Pin the image below to save it for later.

About the writer

Vimal Bhatia is a passionate traveler and keen travel blogger. He writes about stunning but rather unexplored places. In his own words, “first I learned to travel and now I travel to learn”. An engineer by training, after over 30 years of Industrial and corporate career, I decided to do what I like most. Just travel, explore and write about it. Travelling brings me out of me. I know I have covered only a minuscule part of this beautiful planet and there is a lot more to uncover”.

If you like our blog don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletters . The free downloads are waiting for you. Please share with your friends and family to inspire the wanderlust.

Have you visited Himachal Pradesh? Tell me about it in the comments. Disclaimer: All pictures except the featured image are provided by the guest author. The featured image is from Creative Commons on UnSplash.

Sinjana Ghosh is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. Backpack & Explore is a journal of her travel stories and tips she collected from her experience. She is the author of the travel book “Postcards from India” which is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notionpress.com

28 Comments

What an incredibly detailed itinerary! This looks like an absolute beautiful place to explore. I normally go for city destinations, but this would be great for some relaxation. Thanks for sharing!

Sounds like a great itinerary, full of variety. I would love to check out Chamera Lake, although I might need to spend more than 2-3 hours there! It’s so beautiful. The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary also sounds pretty cool to check out some of the local wildlife!

The itinerary sounds perfect for someone who does not know the area of India very well at all. When visiting Kalatop is it guaranteed that you can see leopards? This is something that I would love to experience. Chamera Lake and Dam looks such a peaceful area and very picturesque with the snowcapped mountains in the distance. Thanks for sharing this great itinerary.

Thanks Jane. I don’t think viewing leopards or tigers in India is guaranteed anywhere.Unlike lions which stay in barren lands, these delusive creatures love to stay in dense forests and are usually hidden from common sight.

This is a nice and varied itinerary about visiting this part of India. I’ve never been to the country, so enjoyed reading about Dalhousie and Chamba. The lake is so pretty, and I’d probably take a few hundred photos if I ever visit. I appreciate the accommodation options given too.

This is a lovey stretch too visit…

Chamera Lake is absolutely gorgeous! And I would love to visit the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary to see all the local wildlife. I can see why Khajjiar is called Mini Switzerland! So funny!

This is a beautiful itinerary of the most picturesque cities of HP. I have not been to any of these. I am planning for Spiti this summer, can these cities be included in Spiti itinerary? Would it be a good idea?

I think it would be a great idea!

I was born in India and did have the opportunity to visit Dalhousie when I was a child and this post brought back loads of memories I must say. I did not visit the other places but would love to go back there and discover Khajjar for sure for its natural beauty. I must admit I quite like the cuisine around this part of India and its rich and perfect suited for the cold weather. The wildlife safari looks good for the kids as well so will add that too. THANKS

Dalhousie looks amazing! I have never been to India but as I read more and more about it, I really want to go. I also love the photo from the lake, that looks like a lovely place to explore. I did not know that there is snow in India.

I have been to both Dalhousie and Khajjiar and loved the places. Though it is over-crowded during peak seasons. I prefer to stay in a secluded place, away from the crowd. This is a good itinerary for people who are planning to visit the places during summer vacation.

Thank you all for your nice comments. There are many more unexplored amazing places to see in India. Visit my website and get to know about these hidden gems of India.

I’m really curious about the adventure sports at Panjpula! I am down for just about any kind of adventure sport, so I feel like I’d want to spend more time there than at the markets/shopping areas. I just visited a hydroelectric waterfall in Peru and found it to be fascinating, so I’d love to visit the dam and learn more about how it generates hydroelectric energy!

Ah, it’s fascinating. I want to do that too.

I was really surprised that there was a Mini Switzerland in India. I didn’t imagine the landscape would look like that. Thanks for the very detailed itinerary. I am planning a trip to India in the next two years so this will be very helpful.

Glad to be of help!

I am not very familiar with India – but Himachal Pradesh sounds like a great place to visit. The town of Khajjiar is awesome – love that it is a mini-Switzerland of India! I would love to go there and just relax in the grass taking it all in!

Thank you. And thanks to the guest writer.

Unfortunately I don’t know a lot about India yet since I haven’t been able to visit, so I was happy that you described so well where in India this place is. I love the scenery and it looks like an awesome place to do some outdoors activities. It is interesting to see that they have those buildings reminding of Switzerland.

I love hill stations and therefore would love to visit Dalhousie, Khajjiar, and Chamba. But I was always confused about where to start and thanks to you for sharing a detailed itinerary as it is very helpful. Khajjiar really looks like Switzerland and really an amazing spot.

Dalhousie looks incredible. We were in Dharmshala last year and heard many wonderful things about it from other travellers too. Would love to include it on our next trip to India

I love the idea of driving from Delhi to Dalhousie so I could take in the beautiful scenery on the way. And then again on foot at Garam Sadak to walk the road along the valley for more mountain scenes. Chamera Lake looks absolutely picture perfect, too! You’ve offered some great suggestions that suit this “slow travel” gal. Thank you!

Thank you for the detailed blog, it really is very helpful. we are visiting with family and an infant during the last 3 days of the november month. we expect some snow or it is going to be dry and cold winter weather.

This post brought back one of my fondest childhood memories of taking a road trip with my parents and grandparents during the summer break to Dalhousie, Khajiiar, Chamba and then heading off to Dharamshala. We had stayed overnight in Dalhousie – can still recall that feeling of waking up to the scent of fresh pine and view of misty mountains beyond. Loved the surrounding views from the lush meadow in Khajiiar.

Thanks Aditi. I am yet to visit this beautiful place. Thanks to our guest author for the guide.

I would have loved the article if you should have also mentioned where I can have a relaxing stay in Dalhousie. Except for that, you have almost mentioned everything that a person requires before making their trip to Dalhousie, Khajjiar, & Chamba.

The mountain views look amazing! India’s mountain ranges look so breathtakingly green!

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Perfect Dalhousie Itinerary For 3 Days – 72 Hours In Dalhousie

Situated at an altitude of 1970 meters, Dalhousie is one of the most famous hill stations in the country. With a dense population of pine & deodar trees, Dalhousie is blessed with vast verdant green meadows and snow-capped mountains of the Dhauladhar range. The streets, old buildings and churches still hold the charm of the British era. And the proximity to India’s Mini Switzerland, Khajjiar makes it more interesting to visit. For someone who is looking to seek inner peace amidst nature then Dalhousie is the perfect destination.

In this guide, we list down the Dalhousie Itinerary for 3 days including how to reach, best time to visit, place to visit & things to do and where to stay.

Is Dalhousie Worth Visiting?

Yes, Dalhousie is a worthy destination for those who seek peace, lush green natural beauty, high mountain peaks, easy yet adventurous treks, and historical buildings. Being a high-altitude town Dalhousie is blessed with pleasant weather conditions that make it a year-round destination. During winter there you can enjoy snow activities while in summer it adorned by picturesque natural beauty. And the proximity to places like Khajjiar, Chamba, Sach Pass, Pangi Valley, and many more makes it s good getaway for a long vacation.

Best Time To Visit Dalhousie

Due to pleasant weather conditions, Dalhousie is a year-round destination. However, March to September is the best time to visit. During summer Dalhousie becomes a popular weekend getaway in North India to get rid of heat. Many tourists start visiting Dalhousie to escape from the scorching heat. But during monsoon season this place becomes highly prone to landslides and floods. For more details, you can check our detailed guide to best time to visit Dalhousie –

How to Reach Dalhousie

Due to the hilly region, Dalhousie doesn’t have a railway station and Airport so the road is the only option to reach Dalhousie. But its nearby town Pathankot does have an airport and railway station from where you can continue your journey to Dalhousie via road. So here is the detailed guide –

By Road – Dalhousie is well connected by road to its nearby cities like Chandigarh, Pathankot, Kangra, Delhi, Ambala, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj , and Amritsar. If you’re traveling from Delhi then you can easily get a direct bus from Delhi ISBT to Dalhousie. There are frequent buses plying to Dalhousie from nearby cities by Himachal Road Transport and Haryana roadways.

If you’re driving a car to Dalhousie then make sure you’re comfortable driving to narrow mountain roads. If you’re not comfortable driving in the hills then you can also hire a car with a driver. It will be a little expensive but good road conditions and surrounding natural beauty make the journey beautiful.

By Train – Train is the easiest and cost effective way to reach Dalhousie. Pathankot has the nearest railway station to Dalhousie at a distance of 82 KM. From there you can easily get a direct taxi or bus to reach Dalhousie. You can also rent a cab from Pathankot to Dalhousie which will cost you between 2000 to 3000 INR per person.

By Flight – The nearest airport to Dalhousie is Gaggal airport which is situated in Kangra at a distance of 108 KM from Dalhousie. From there you can easily get a direct bus or taxi to reach Dalhousie.

How many days are enough for Dalhousie

3 days would be enough to experience the beauty of Dalhousie. If you have more than 3 days then it would be a bonus as in the remaining days you can explore the destinations like Sach Pass and Pangi Valley.

Dalhousie Itinerary

For this itinerary, I’m assuming that you’ve already reached Dalhousie.

First Day In Dalhousie

Day 1 – Dainkund Peak -> Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary -> Khajjiar

T rek to Dainkund Peak – Dainkund Peak is the perfect place to start your Dalhousie trip. Leave early (7 AM) in the morning for the trek of Dainkund peak so you’ll get enough time to explore the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary and Khajjiar.

Situated around 12 KM from Dalhousie, Dainkund Peak is also known as Singing Hill. With a Staggering height of 2755 meters, it gives you 360-degree views of Khajjiar lake and valley. To complete the trek of 5 KM you would need around 2 to 3 hours. The trek traverse through the beautiful grasslands, picturesque views, colorful flowers and rich vegetation. The trek is very easy and kids can also do it.

Visit Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – After the amazing trek of Dainkund Peak, it’s time to watch the diverse Himalayan wildlife in Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary which is just 7 KM away from Dainkund Peak. With vistas of lush green grasslands, dense forest and snow-capped mountain peaks it is a perfect place to visit for family & Kids. There you can spot diverse wildlife of the Himalayas including black bears, serow, leopard, wild cats, deer, Himalayan black marten, barking goral and many more.

Visit Khajjiar – Now it’s time to visit the Khajjiar – the Mini Switzerland of India which is located just 16 KM from Kalatop wildlife sanctuary. Khajjiar is famous for its unparalleled natural beauty. There is a small serene lake surrounded by dense cedar forest. The carpet of lush green grasslands makes it a perfect place for to spend quality time with family and kids. It is a perfect spot to try paragliding.

Second Day in Dalhousie

This day is going to be a bit relaxed as you’re going to explore the local attractions like Panch Pulla, Garam Sadak, Mall Road, Tibetan and Subhash Baoli.

Day 2 – Local Sightseeing and night camp at Ganji Pahari

Explore Local Attractions – Start your day with an early morning walk on Garam Sadak. It is the perfect place to enjoy the amazing views of the valley and Tibetan rock paintings.

Now it’s time to visit another popular attraction of Dalhousie named Subhash Baoli. It is one of the most scenic places in Dalhousie. Located 33 KM from Garam Sadak this place is the best to spend quality time in peace. There is a water spring which believed to have medicinal properties. Also, there are some eateries where you can enjoy delicious lunch.

After that move to Panch Pulla which is another famous attraction in Dalhousie. It is located 3 KM from Gandhi Chowk. There you can try various adventurous activities like Burma Bridge, Ziplining etc. This is the starting point of the Ganji Pahari trek which is going to be your next spot.

Trek to Ganji Pahari and Night Camping – Situated 5 KM from Dalhousie bus stand on the Pathankot road in Bakrota Hills, Ganji Pahari is famous for stunning views of sunrise & sunsets. To reach up there you need to take the 4 KM trek which takes around 1 and half hours. At the top, there is the facility to stay in Mudhouse or you can set up your own camp. You can get delicious homemade food from the nearby village. It is the perfect location for camping in Dalhousie.

Third-Day In Dalhousie

On the third day, you’ll be going to explore the famous nearby attractions including Chamera Lake and Chamba Town.

Chamera Lake – Chamera Lake is a peaceful lake formed by the Chamera Dam on the Ravi River. It is located 35 Km from Dalhousie. It is a famous spot to enjoy picnics with family & friends. There you can enjoy many types of water activities like motor boating, paddle boating, kayaking, canoeing and river rafting.

Chamba Town – 37 KM from Chamera Lake there is the famous Himachali Village known as Chamba. Blessed with the scenic beauty of Pir Panjal, Zanskar and Dhauladhar mountain ranges, Chamba is famous for its ancient temples, serene lakes, diverse wildlife and lush green natural beauty. You can easily spend a full day exploring its attraction. So, if you’re visiting Chamba then make sure to stay at least a night.

Where To Stay in Dalhousie

Being a famous hill station, Dalhousie has all kinds of accommodations including luxurious hotels, resorts, homestays, guest houses, cottages and hostels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in dalhousie at night.

Dalhousie doesn’t have much nightlife but here are the few things you can do at night – Night camping at Ganji Pahari, strolling around the mall road, and shopping.

What are the best things to do in Dalhousie?

Trekking, hiking, camping, paragliding, ziplining, Burma bridge, waterfall rappelling and shopping are the best things you can do in Dalhousie.

Hi Guys, My Name is Pursottam Saini, living the life of my dream – From traveling one destination to another and seeing the places I still don’t believe.

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Complete guide to a weekend trip to Dalhousie and Khajjiar

Dalhousie, a quaint town in Himachal Pradesh is known for its beautiful views of mountains, quiet serene surroundings, and nice weather. One can spend a few days here and feel rejuvenated. For us, Dalhousie is a kind of a place where you feel instantly joyful from the moment you reach there. Here you can go for long walks, savor its delicious street food and enjoy some time in nature.

Our best memories of Dalhousie are the long walks and its ultimate street food.

Whether you are planning a solo trip or a trip with your family and friends, Dalhousie is a place that is well-suited for people of every age group.

This guide to a trip to Dalhousie will help you with Itinerary, budget, and local contacts among other things.

Also, read our Andaman article to plan an epic trip to one of the most beautiful places in India.

Table of Contents

How to reach Dalhousie

By Bus – Dalhousie is around 560 km from Delhi and is well connected by road. There are plenty of direct overnight buses from Delhi to Dalhousie. The journey time is around 12 hours. Book a bus/ Volvo online at least a week before your departure.

How to book a Volvo bus from Delhi to Dalhousie

You can easily book a comfortable Volvo bus online. We booked it through Go Trip Holidays. You can contact Shivam @ +91-8800154496 to book it for yourself. It cost us around INR 1500 per person.

By Train – The nearest Railway Station is Pathankot which is around 85 km from Dalhousie. From there you can either take a taxi (2-3 hours) or a local bus to reach Dalhousie.

There are several direct trains between Delhi and Pathankot Cantt Railway Stations. You can easily book them online at www.irctc.com . To ensure a confirmed seat, book your train ticket at least one month in advance. Prefer booking an overnight train.

From Pathankot Railway station, taxi charges around INR 2000-2500 for Dalhousie.

We went from Delhi to Dalhousie via Volvo bus and came back to Delhi via an overnight train from Pathankot.

How to roam in and around Dalhousie

We think Dalhousie is best explored on foot. It hits you differently when every mountainous breath goes deep into your body and mind.

For long distances, you can hire a taxi/scooter/ bike for roaming around Dalhousie.

We found hiring a bike, the best and an economical way to roam around Dalhousie. We even went up to Khajjiar and Chamba on the bike itself. There are not many options for renting a bike in Dalhousie. The one we found is Motorbikewala. You can contact them @ +91-8894149999. It cost around INR 1000-1200 per day depending on the season.

You can also hire a taxi for roaming around Dalhousie. Contact Anil Sharma at @+91-9418040760.

Best time to visit Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a round-the-year destination. However, March to June and October to January is considered the best time to visit Dalhousie. Due to summer/ winter vacations, May to June and December to January is the peak season in Dalhousie.

For misty mornings/ evenings and bright sunny days plan your trip to Dalhousie during March-April.

For enjoying cold weather you can plan your trip to Dalhousie during October – November.

We visited Dalhousie in the mid-week of November. It was cold in Dalhousie during that time and we enjoyed this weather a lot.

Guide to a trip to Dalhousie and Khajjiar

Where to stay in Dalhousie and Khajjiar

From luxury stays to budget options to backpackers’ hostels, there are multiple stay options in Dalhousie for every budget.

In Dalhousie, we stayed at Grand View Hotel. Located in the heart of Dalhousie, this 120-year-old vintage hotel is the oldest in Dalhousie. It has both luxury and economical rooms. Colonial architecture, breathtaking views, and British-style multi-cuisine restaurants are some of its specialties.

In Khajjiar we stayed in Hotel Mini Swiss. Equipped with all the modern amenities, Mini Swiss is a luxury hotel. It is just 10 minutes walking distance from the major attraction of Khajjiar.

Our itinerary for a 3-day trip to Dalhousie and Khajjiar

Day 1: Reached Dalhousie in the morning and stayed in Grand View Hotel. Explored Dalhousie on foot.

Day 2: Went to visit Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Peak, and night stay in Khajjiar.

Day 3: Sunrise in Khajjiar Park, drive up to Chamba, back to Dalhousie, and an overnight train from Pathankot for back home to Delhi.

Day-wise breakdown of our trip to Dalhousie and Khajjiar

Day 1: reach dalhousie.

Reach Dalhousie early in the morning by taking an overnight bus/train from Delhi.
Check-in at your hotel. We stayed at Grand View Hotel in Dalhousie. It was just a minute’s walk from where our bus dropped us in Dalhousie.
After getting freshen up, we walked up to Mall Road (also called Gandhi Chowk) from our hotel. It took us around 15-20 minutes. Always bustling with activity, Gandhi Chowk is the high street of the town with shopping places, eateries, restaurants, bookstores, bars, and hotels. There are many street food options here that one can enjoy.
Visit St. John’s Church which is on Mall Road itself. The architecture of the church is inspired by the Victorian era which adds an aesthetical charm to the place. Lunch at Kwality Restaurant on Mall Road.
Visit Panchpulla Waterfall. It is around 3 km from Mall Road of Dalhousie. We walked 3 km to reach Panchpulla which took us more than an hour to reach there. But we enjoyed the views and weather of Dalhousie while walking. It is a touristy location, so you will find it a bit crowded. More than the waterfall, we enjoyed our walk up there. There are several eating options and souvenir shops in the local market. We had already stuffed ourselves too much at the Mall road that we were full even after walking 3 km in the mountains. While on our way back, we hitchhiked to reach Mall Road.
We rented a bike from Motorbikevala at Subhash chowk to visit places around Dalhousie.
Enjoyed evening activities at Grand View Hotel and had an amazing buffet for Dinner.

Day 2: Explore places around Dalhousie

We enjoyed an amazing buffet breakfast at our hotel and left for exploring places around Dalhousie.
Visit Monga’s Bakery.
Visit Dainkund Peak (13 km from Dalhousie). It is the highest peak in Dalhousie and from here one can get an unobstructed view of the entire valley. You can reach the peak after an easy hike of 2 km. One can also visit a local temple dedicated to Pohlani Devi which is a further 1 km hike from the peak.
Visit Kalatop peak. Kalatop is a wildlife sanctuary and you can take your vehicle up to the parking area to reach here. After the parking area, a 5-minute walk will take you to the rows of local rooftop restaurants where one can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains while having lunch. We enjoyed the sun, views, and delicious crisp hot bread pakoras while sitting at one of the rooftop restaurants.
Leave for Khajjiar and stay overnight. We stayed in Hotel Mini Swiss. By the time we reached Khajjiar, it went dark so we took a rest for the day.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Sunrise at Khajjiar Park

Located about 20 kilometers from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is the favorite of both honeymooners and adventurers. Khajjiar is mainly famous for its park which is a vast expanse of meadows surrounded by Deodar trees. The park is always packed with tourists, so we visited it early morning around 7:00 AM and there was not even a single person in sight during that time. We had it all for ourselves and during this time the mist evaporates from the grass and it is an amazing time to visit this place.
After breakfast, we left for Chamba with a short stop at Jot Pass. The drive from Khajjiar to Chamba is beautiful.
Visit Laxmi Narayan Temple and stroll around Mall Road of Chamba.
If you have extra days in hand, you can visit other attractions in Chamba and stay overnight.
We had a train to catch the same day, so we left for Dalhousie.
Hired a taxi to Pathankot Cantt Railway Station.
Train to Delhi.

Budget for a weekend trip to Dalhousie

Accommodation.

We stayed for one night in Dalhousie at Hotel Grand View and one night in Khajjiar at Hotel Mini Swiss.

Grand Hotel ranges between INR 3800-5000 per night per room (with breakfast and Dinner) depending on the type of room and season.

Hotel Mini Swiss ranges between INR 3500 – 5500 depending on the kind of room and season one visits in.

Also you can easily book a stay in Dalhousie/ Khajjiar for around INR 1200-1500 per night if you are on a budget.

Tip: Prefer taking a hotel near Mall Road.

Expect to spend around INR 7000-12000 for two days if you choose accommodation in the same range as ours.

If you are on a budget, you can easily get local/ street food for INR 100-200 per person. And if you are a foodie and love exploring cafes/restaurants, expect to spend around INR 500-800 per meal for two people.

We had breakfast and Dinner included in the package of our stay.

We rented a bike for our entire trip. The bike rental is around INR 1000-1500 per day (+ fuel).

Expect to spend around INR 2500 for two days if you rent a bike for your trip.

Virtual Tour of Dalhousie and Khajjiar

We have a YouTube Channel where we post our travel videos. We have posted videos from Dalhousie and Khajjiar on our channel to help you plan your trip better.

Do watch these videos and let us know what you think of them. Also, if you like our videos, do subscribe to our channel. It motivates us to create more such content.

Places to visit in Dalhousie

Places to visit in Khajjiar

Hope you find this guide helpful in planning your trip. If you have any questions for us related to this trip, do let us know in the comments below.

Dalhousie – How to Plan your Trip & What to See !

Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its epic beauty and scenery – high up in the Himalayas, the entire state is a feast for the senses. However, Dalhousie remarkably comes out on top of an already illustrious state which boasts locales such as Kinnaur Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Lahaul & Spiti Valley. This tiny hill station in the Chamba district is a dream come true for any traveler who wants to rediscover what the words peace and serenity mean. With dense, mystical woods of pine and Deodar trees and snow-capped peaks this place is temptingly isolated and at the same time within reach! Visit India’s very own Switzerland for your own unique experience!

Dalhousie defines the word sleepy in every sense. This is a town that is literally living in the past – from the British Era hangover with its old world charm of the high street and pony rides to thick forests of Deodar and pines which shelter the town. This is an ideal location for people who enjoy the sound of silence and want nothing more than to soak in the beauty of nature in a serene atmosphere.

In this post, I will talk about how you can plan a trip to Dalhousie including details like how to reach there, different modes of available transport, what to see, where to stay and how much it will cost you. Towards the end of the article, I will also provide a sample of an itinerary that you can follow for your trip.

Below is an index of the information that I have covered later in the article. The headings in the box are all clickable links. So if you want to jump directly to a certain part of the article, you may do so by clicking on the header inside the box.

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How to reach Dalhousie

Where is dalhousie located.

Dalhousie is located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh in north India. The modern town has been built on five hills. Bang opposite is the majestic Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, stark and snow-capped, so close that you can reach out and almost brush them. It is at a distance of 85 kilometers from Pathankot, 172 kilometers from Jammu and 560 kilometers from Delhi.

How to reach Dalhousie by Road?

Due to its location in the hills, reaching Dalhousie by road is the only choice. There is no train station or airport in Dalhousie so there will definitely be some amount of road journey involved. The good news, however, is that the nearby town of Pathankot is very well connected by both train and flights from where you can easily find a mode of commute for your final part of the journey.

Dalhousie is very well connected by road and getting there will not be any trouble at all. I will begin by first explaining the route you will follow if you were traveling by your own vehicle, either a car or a motorcycle. For the sake of this article, I will assume that you were starting your journey from Delhi. However, even if you were coming from a different place, the information below will still at least give you an idea on the route you can follow for driving to Dalhousie.

How to reach Dalhousie from Delhi

Starting from Delhi, route of your journey will be as mentioned below.

Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Kurukshetra – Ambala – Rajpura – Ludhiana – Phagwara – Jalandhar – Pathankot – Dalhousie

Traveling this way, your total journey will be of about 560 kilometers. There can be a few other variations to the route but the one I suggested above is probably the shortest and quickest one. Even if you were coming from Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Pathankot or Amritsar, the same route will still apply.

Delhi to Dalhousie Travel Time

Traveling the way I suggested above, it will take you about 10 to 11 hours to reach Dalhousie. I started from my home in Delhi at around 5.30 AM by my Thar and I reached by 4 PM.

Dalhousie Road Conditions

Condition of the road is super smooth all the way and that is why the travel time is not too high. Until Pathankot, it is a super smooth highway but has a lot of tolls on it. I think you will pay about Rs. 500 in toll fee between Delhi and Pathankot. The good part is that the road is very well maintained and you can easily maintain a constant speed. After Pathankot too, the road turns into a single lane one but remains to be in a good condition all the way.

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Dalhousie | When to go to Dalhousie

Best Vehicle for Dalhousie Trip

You do not need a high powered vehicle to get to Dalhousie. As long as your car or motorcycle is well maintained, you can make the trip even by a Maruti 800 or a 100 CC motorcycle.

How to reach Dalhousie by Bus

Being a major tourist destination, there are plenty of buses to Dalhousie from almost every major city. If you were planning to travel from Delhi by Bus then you can easily find one ISBT Kashmere Gate. Other nearby towns like Chamba, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj , and Shimla are also well-connected to Dalhousie. A mix of ordinary and semi-deluxe buses is provided by both Himachal Road Transport and Haryana Road Transport Corporations. You can also find luxury sleeper, semi-sleeper, and Volvo buses operated by private travel companies.

Dalhousie Bus Booking

Tickets for HRTC Buses can be booked online at the link below.

Himachal Roadways Bus Booking

For private companies, you can either buy one via the travel agency itself or online sites like RedBus .

Listed below are some buses out of Dalhousie for your return journey.

Dalhousie to Chamba Bus via Banikhet . Departure at 7am, 7.30am, 7.45am, 9am, 10.30am, 11.15am daily. Fare per person Rs. 80. Travel time of about 3 hours.
Dalhousie to Chamba Bus via Khajjiar . Departure at 9am, 9.30am, 4.30pm. Fare per person Rs. 80. Travel time of about 3 hours.
Dalhousie to Delhi Bus . Departure at 2.55pm, 6.30pm, 7.40pm daily. Fare per person is Rs. between Rs. 500 – 1400. Travel time of 14 hours.
Dalhousie to Dharamshala Bus . Departure at 7.15am, 11.50am, 1.20pm, 2pm. Travel time of 2 hour and fare per person is Rs. 230.
Dalhousie to Pathankot Bus . Several buses throught the day. Fare of Rs. 100 per person and travel time of 3 hours.

How to reach Dalhousie by Flight

The nearest airport is Pathankot Airport, 75 kilometers away from Dalhousie. This airport operates commercial flights, private chartered flights and provides helicopter landing pads. However, it only operates flights to New Delhi. The second one is Gaggal Airport nearby in Kangra district. This airport is connected to domestic and international locations. A private taxi from Gaggal to Dalhousie can cost up to Rs. 3000 in peak season. You can also board a direct bus from Gaggal to Dalhousie which will cost you about Rs. 150 per person.

How to reach Dalhousie by Train

This is the most convenient and cost-effective method to reach Dalhousie. Nearest railway station to Dalhousie is Pathankot Railway Station which is about 71 kilometers away. You can take deluxe, super fast and express trains to every station in India.

How to reach Dalhousie from Pathankot

Once you have reached Pathankot by either train or flight, you will majorly have two choices to get to Dalhousie from there. The first one is to rent a private taxi which will cost you about Rs. 1500 – 2000 or above, depending on your negotiation skills and the cab you chose. Second and a cost effective way is to board a Bus which you can easily find from Maharana Pratap Inter State Bus Terminal; which is about 500 metres from Pathankot Railway Station. HRTC operates several buses from here for Dalhousie and fare person is about Rs. 100. You can call the Bus terminal at 0186-2220088 to inquire about exact timings.

Also Read: What to see in Dalhousie | Fun Things to do in Dalhousie

Local Transport in Dalhousie

Private Taxis: These typically charge Rs. 2500 per person for the Pathankot-Dalhousie journey.
Self Driving: This will be the most convenient way to move around. Do note though that the internal roads in Dalhousie and towards Khajjiar are a bit narrow so be sure to know how to handle a car in the hills before you decide to drive on your own.
Private Car: For a full day of sightseeing, it is wise to book a private car. The cost will depend on how far you plan to travel and can range from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000. At the day end, they will drop you where you wish.
Walk : The Dalhousie town proper is best explored on foot. Take your time and enjoy the picturesque beauty of this hill station on long walks.
Horse Ride: Some areas on the Mall Road offer horses for short distances.
There are taxi stands in Dalhousie right next to the bus stand and at both Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk. Renting a taxi for moving within town will cost Rs. 100 to Rs.150. If you want to rent a cab for out of town, it will cost you Rs.1800 for Chamba via Kajjiar, Rs. 3200 to Dharamsala and Rs. 1050 return to Dainkund.
There are also local buses to Kangra, Dharamsala, Khajjiar and Chamba from Dalhousie Bus stand.

How to reach Dalhousie in Winter

All of the above information remains applicable in both summer and winter. Dalhousie remains open throughout the year and you should not have any problem reaching here irrespective of the month of your visit. Moving to Khajjiar in peak winter however may become a problem because the connecting road between Dalhousie and Khajjiar can get blocked by snow at this time.

Tourist Attractions in Dalhousie and Things to Do

Dalhousie has a long list of attractions and activities that can keep its visitors busy for days, weeks even. So long was the list in fact that I had to cover it in another post other this article would have gone too long. What you can see and do in Dalhousie is a mix that will please families and adventure enthusiasts alike. In this post, I will provide a comprehensive list as a reference. But if you want to know more about these places, including details on where they are located exactly and how you can reach, please read What to see in Dalhousie | Fun Things to do in Dalhousie .

What to See in Dalhousie

Subhash Baoli
St. John Church
Rock Garden
Garam Sadak
Dainkund Peak
Chamera Lake
Satdhara Falls
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Bara Pathar
Bakrota Hills
Ganji Pahari
Chamba Town
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

What to Do in Dalhousie

Photography
Star Gazing
Trekking & Camping
Motorcycling
Paragliding
Rock Climbing
Take a stroll through the Tibetan market.
Enjoy long peaceful walks and savor on the natural beauty around you.
Have a bonfire and enjoy pleasant nights sitting around a fire.
Enjoy a pony ride in Khajjiar

Weather of Dalhousie

Dalhousie retains a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year with misty mornings and evenings, bright sunny days and clear skies. Owing to its elevation, it is considerably cooler than the surrounding plains. Even in the spring, the climate can be downright chilly at nights. The monsoon months, however, tend to be incredibly wet and humid. The skies remain cloudy and it may rain for days on end.

The months of January and February are truly the months of white and it can snow here any time in these months. Chances of snowfall are however more in January than February. Snow starts to melt in March and is mostly all gone by the end of the month. Spring arrives towards late March and the following three months of April, May and June are considered to be the best time to visit Dalhousie. Weather in these months is at its best with warm days and pleasant nights.

Monsoon arrives in July and even though it doesn’t rain much in Dalhousie, it still would be wise to avoid traveling at this time. Ran can definitely pour down any minute and ruin your plans. With that being said, the scenery is at its best in both of these months with lush green carpets of grass all around. September is when the monsoon departs and the region sees quite a bit of tourists due to pleasant weather again. Autumn arrives in October and what once was green in September now turns golden orange giving a magical look to the valleys around. November is when the winter season starts again turning the vistas dull and dry making it a not so good time to visit. The temperature continues to drop and after December 15 th , it can once again snow here anytime.

Temperature of Dalhousie

Here is the month wise average temperature break up:

Dalhousie in January – 1.2 to 9.8 degree Celsius; heavy woolen and warm clothes needed
Dalhousie in February – 3.1 to12.4 degree Celsius; heavy woolen and warm clothes needed
Dalhousie in March – 7.1 to 16.7 degree Celsius; snow begins to melt and the weather turns warmer
Dalhousie in April – 11.2 to 21.8 degree Celsius; pleasant weather
Dalhousie in May – 15.2 to 25.2 degree Celsius; pleasant weather, plenty of cottons with jacket
Dalhousie in June – 17.6 to 27.4 degree Celsius; pleasant weather, plenty of cottons with jacket
Dalhousie in July – 16.5 to 23.6 degree Celsius; monsoon season, waterproof everything and carry umbrellas and raincoats
Dalhousie in August – 16.2 to 22.6 degree Celsius; monsoon season, waterproof everything and carry umbrellas and raincoats
Dalhousie in September – 14.9 to 22.7 degree Celsius; this is the best time to visit Dalhousie
Dalhousie in October – 11 to 20.9 degree Celsius; winter starts to settle in towards the end of the month
Dalhousie in November – 7 to 17.5 degree Celsius; snowfall so heavy woolen and warm clothes needed
Dalhousie in December – 4.2 to 13.9 degree Celsius; snowfall so heavy woolen and warm clothes needed

Best time to visit Dalhousie

Like the topic of tourist attractions in Dalhousie, I have talked about when to visit Dalhousie in details in a different post, When is the Best time to Visit Dalhousie . But for a short summary, the months of April, May and June are vastly considered as the best time to visit Dalhousie because of the pleasant weather conditions. But you may want to avoid visiting in these months if you do not like crowded places. With summer vacations on in schools, a lot of families visit Dalhousie and the nearby town of Khajjiar at this time. The months of July, August, October, and November are the ones when there are only a handful of tourists around.

If you want to see a live snowfall, you should plan a visit between December 15th to January 30th but if you do not like cold weather in general, then you must avoid visiting between November to March. If you want to see lush green hills then you must visit in either July, August or September. But if rain bothers you, then it would be best to avoid July and August. November is a bad month to visit overall because the scenery at this time is a bit dull and dry. Weather will be very cold and there will not even be any snow around.

If you are traveling on a budget, then try planning in either July or August. As the number of tourists is less in these months, you may get a good deal at the hotels. In terms of photography, April, July, August, September, and October will be the best months to go. If you are into star gazing and stars photography, then best avoid traveling during monsoon season. For trekking, avoid January, February, July, and August.

What to Pack

Clothes for dalhousie.

Carry warm clothes no matter what time of year you are traveling. If traveling in April, May or June, pack plenty of cotton clothes but still keep a light jacket. Also, dress in layers so that you can put on or take off a layer when the temperature changes suddenly. In winter especially, thermal wear and heavy jackets are a must. Carry extra pairs of clean socks at all times. Dalhousie is best explored on foot, so sturdy, all terrain, all weather shoes are a basic requirement. Remember, respect the sentiments of the local tribal people and do not wear clothes which are revealing, especially when visiting a holy place such as a Monastery or temple.

Also Read: When is the Best time to Visit Dalhousie

Your packing will entirely depend on what time of the year you were visiting in. From October to March, pack warm woolens and a heavy windproof jacket. Gloves and a cap to protect your head too would be required. For visiting from April to June, just bring your regular cottons with a light jacket. For July to September, pack clothes that can dry faster, like polyester.

Carry a valid government-issued Identification proof and Address proof. Passport and Aadhar Card are the accepted ones. It is also advised to carry a list of emergency contact numbers on your person at all times.

Hygiene and personal care

A basic first aid kit should be carried on a priority basis which includes not just bandages and gauze but also medication for fever, diarrhea, indigestion, cold, etc. If you take prescription drugs, carry the adequate dosage of the same to cover the duration of your trip. Carry your own toilet paper and tissues if you are planning on trekking and camping. Also, for women, carry sanitary products.

Electronics

Carry at least two fully charged power banks at all times for your mobile phone or laptop along with extra batteries for torches. Photography enthusiasts should carry extra memory cards.

ATMs are few and far between outside Dalhousie, and the ones which exist may not have adequate cash at all times. So, it is wise to carry a decent sum of cash. Don’t rely on payment through card as most hotels and nearly all shopkeepers only accept cash. Distribute cash through all your belongings for safety.

Do not forget:

Pair of warm, waterproof gloves
Sunblock lotion with highest SPF that you can find (if visiting in Summer)
Toilet paper
Prescribed medicines if you are on medication
Head Phones/Earphones
Chargers for your electronic items
Umbrella or a Rain Poncho (if visiting during monsoon)
Snow boots if visiting in winter
Comfortable pants if planning to go on a trek as a pair of jeans is not advisable for this purpose

Accommodation and Other Facilities

Hotels in dalhousie.

Dalhousie has more than 100 hotels in all categories spread across various ridges and lanes. High season is May–June. Even though it is a tiny hill station; you will still find small budget hotels with all basic amenities in this town. The state tourism body Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) operates a chain of hotels throughout the region. They are located at prime spots, sometimes a stone’s throw away from the best attractions. They are also clean and spacious with courteous and helpful staff. Also, you can ask around in local restaurants and small businesses for accommodation. Many of them run homestays out of their own place of residence. These are a superb and authentic way to get some local flavor.

If you are visiting during peak tourist season, it would be wise to book your stay in advance. Otherwise, it would be better to reach your destination first, find a hotel per your liking and negotiate an on the spot deal. If you want to stay at a place where there are fewer people around, try looking for a place around Bakrota Hills or Khajjiar.

Camping in Dalhousie

Dalhousie is really a small town so camping inside Dalhousie may not be a possibility. It however can definitely be done on the outskirts of the town. If camping is on your mind then my advice would be to head straight to Khajjiar and do it there. You can either stay at any of the existing camp sites or can even pitch your own tent. For camping, you will not find a better spot anywhere else in Dalhousie.

Shopping & Foods to Try

What to eat in dalhousie.

Dalhousie cuisine has an eclectic character. You will find dishes of Pahari, Nepali, Gurkha, Tibetan and English cuisines. No matter the origin, the food is usually simple, homely, nutritious and inexpensive. Much of the food is grown and consumed locally. In fact, if you ask for local dishes, it is likely that the rice, wheat, vegetables or fruits are freshly harvested from some local garden. The organic produce tastes more flavorful than anything you would find in a city grocery. Food imports are mostly made to satisfy tourist tastes.

Here are some typical dishes you will find here. These are just some dishes from a wide range of food to try in Dalhousie.

Chicken curry

Where to Eat in Dalhousie

Dalhousie offers several options to eat out – large restaurants in the Tibetan area, tiny hole in the wall shops, street stalls, roadside dhabas, and Maggie points. You can eat a different dish every day at every meal! However, if you have the opportunity to befriend a local, try authentic homemade Pahari fare. Beats the market offerings any day!

Also Read: Mcleodganj – A Comprehensive Travel Guide and Itinerary

What to Buy in Dalhousie

Don’t leave Dalhousie without shopping to your heart’s content. Here are the Dalhousie’s most famous shopping choices. The list can be long but these are some of the best options in terms of shopping in Dalhousie.

Handcrafted Woolens: Dresses, caps, pullovers, socks, scarves, shawls and mufflers. Special shout-out to Pashmina goodies.
Brass and wooden knickknacks: Statues, walking sticks, boxes of various sizes and home decor pieces.
Accessories: In the Tibetan shops, you can find some very trendy, quirky and unique footwear, bags, purses, and jewelry.
Souvenirs: Lampshades, prayer wheels, prayer flags, books and porcelain, singing bowls, Buddha statues, handmade diaries, rugs, carpets, and paintings, miniature paintings.
Tea: Tibetan tea, Green tea, and Kangra tea
Books: On Tibetan Buddhism, mythology, spirituality and Tibetan History

Places to shop in Dalhousie

Gandhi Chowk market is located a stone’s throw away from the Central Bus Station. It’s a bustling place, not only for shopping but also for its restaurants and eateries.

Timings – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Come here for: Colorful and patterned scarves, mittens, shawls, sweaters, jackets, gloves, and caps all handcrafted and made of pure wool. You will also find Tibetan wall hangings, carvings, wooden sculptures, prayer flags and other Buddhist paraphernalia at the Tibetan Refugee Center. Also, unique items such as jewelry, bags, dolls, and purses can be found here.

Health & Safety

Is dalhousie safe for tourists.

It is very safe to be in Dalhousie throughout the year. The standard rules of safety like being alert with strangers and not to hang out in strange places will apply to everyone. If you are traveling alone then it is advisable to stay in a hotel in Dalhousie itself and not in a remote area. Visitors are also advised to stay cautious during monsoon season. Take a weather check before you leave home and if there is news of rains and landslides, better cancel or postpone your plan.

Another thing would be to consider your driving skills. Dalhousie is a hill station and getting here would mean that you would have to drive on some steep winding roads. If you are not sure that you can handle a vehicle in the hills, better hire a taxi for the trip.

In short, Dalhousie is a very safe place to visit as long as you act sensibly, drive responsibly, and do not take unnecessary risks. People here are very humble and will do their best to help tourists in time of need.

Also Read: Thanedar, Himachal – How to Plan your Trip & Explore

Travel with family

Dalhousie is a child-friendly place and there are plenty of attractions to keep the young ones occupied and happy. However, since they will be unfamiliar with the terrain, it is important to keep an eye on them at all times, especially in the wilderness areas like forests, viewpoints and picnic spots.

Travel with partner

Dalhousie is perfect for a romantic getaway, whether for a week or even just a weekend. It is in fact one of the top honeymooning destination in India. You will definitely not find yourself to be the only couple in town.

Travel possibilities during different seasons

During peak tourist seasons, all forms of transport will be highly expensive. To get to Dalhousie you must plan at least 2-3 months in advance and pre-book travel tickets. Otherwise, not only will you find prices sky-high, you may not be able to book a ticket at all. During monsoon, prices drop, but travelling through the mountain roads is tricky as landslides are frequent and devastating.

Health and Safety

There are several hotels and clinics located in Dalhousie that are capable to handle some serious cases as well. The nearby town too has some large and even better hospitals located. If you could not get the needed medical assistance in either of these places, the next place to go to would be Pathankot.

Facilities Available

Bank / atm in dalhousie.

All the commercial banks of India have branches and ATMs in various parts of Dalhousie. ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and Punjab National Bank are to name a few but there are other banks as well. Cash too remains available and it is very rare that you will run out of case in Dalhousie with no functional ATM.

Petrol Pumps/Mechanics

There are several petrol pumps and mechanics available in Dalhousie. You will find them on the route as well as in the town as well.

Mobile network in Dalhousie and data connectivity

All major mobile networks in India offer connectivity within and near Dalhousie. However, the farther you venture into remote areas, the lesser the chances of mobile connectivity, except BSNL network. Free Wi-Fi spots in Dalhousie are currently only available at hotels for their guests. I have been to nearby places like Khajjiar, Chamba, Kalatop and Bairagarh and remained on the network.

Also Read: Tirthan Valley – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary

People and culture

Languages spoken in dalhousie.

The locals speak “Chambyali”, “Gaddi” and “Holi” which at their core are distinct variations of Hindi that has evolved over centuries of isolation. The Tibetans speak their native Tibetan. However, almost everyone communicates readily in Hindi. Most people even have a basic understanding of English, courtesy of British Era influence.

Festivals Celebrated in Dalhousie

Dalhousie celebrates several festivals with happiness and fanfare.

January: Haldi – Celebrates the beginning of winter’s end. Expect bonfires and folk music and much dancing
February: Basant Panchami and Samvastar Pareva – Saraswati Puja
March: Losar – Tibetan New Year
October: Sharadotsav and Dussehra – This is the year’s busiest and most spectacular festivals and draws both domestic and foreign tourists. Lasting for nine days, these festivals involve pujas, melas, processions and street food galore!
December: Christmas – Courtesy of the British presence, this festival is celebrated in a winter wonderland of snow

Itinerary for Dalhousie

Below is an example of an itinerary that you can follow for your trip to Dalhousie.

Dalhousie Itinerary for 5 Days

Covers: Sightseeing in and around Dalhousie, Chamba and Dharamshala

Day 1: Land at Pathankot and transfer to Dalhousie. Visit Bara Pather, Panchpula, GPO, Satdhara Falls, Dain Kund and Bakrota Hills
Day 2: Day trip to Khajjiar, Kalatop; and Chamba town
Day 3: Trip to Dharamshala; and overnight stay
Day 4: Sightseeing in Dharamshala
Day 5: Breakfast followed by departure to Pathankot

Dalhousie Itinerary for 4 Days

For the second itinerary, I am going to assume that you are driving to Dalhousie by your own vehicle with Delhi as your starting point.

Delhi to Dalhousie – Day 1
Sightseeing in Dalhousie – Day 2
Dalhousie to Khajjiar – Day 3
Khajjiar to Delhi – Day 4

Dalhousie Itinerary for 3 Days

If you only had 3 days in hand, then you can skip Khajjiar and your itinerary can be like below.

Dalhousie to Delhi – Day 3

Another version of 5 days itinerary can be like this.

Dalhousie Sightseeing – Day 2
Dalhousie to Bairagarh – Day 3
Bairagarh to Sach Pass to Bairagarh – Day 4
Bairagarh to Khajjiar – Day 5
Khajjiar to Delhi – Day 6

If you only had 5 days in hand and cannot spare a 6th one, then do not stay in Bairagarh after coming back from Sach Pass and head straight to Khajjiar. It will be a long drive but it is doable and you will be able to save a day.

Know Dalhousie

Nearby Town(s) – Bakloh, Chowari, Dharwas, Khajjar, Pangi and Salooni
Population and density – Just above 7000 for locals, and a varying floating population of tourists and service providers during peak seasons
Religion – Majority Hinduism with a tiny presence of Tibetan Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and Muslims
Dalhousie Altitude – About 6460 feet above sea level
Currency – INR

Important Numbers

Kangra (Gaggal) Airport – 0189 223 2374

Pathankot Airport – 0186 210 0044

Pathankot Railway Station – 0186-2251594

Also Read: Kinnaur Valley – A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Brief history

Although the Chamba Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years and has changed hands in numerous empires, Dalhousie is its present form was formally established by the British in 1854. After the defeat of the Chamba King, he gave the British five hills as territory – Bakrota, Bhangora, Moti Tibba, Potreyn and Kathalagh. The original idea was to develop the place as a sanatorium. Soon though, the area’s remoteness and peacefulness made it into a favourite retreat for summer vacations, and even today you can see the old colonial bungalows built around the town.

Mythology and legends

The Chamba district in general, its rivers, mountains, landmarks and temples find mention in the Mahabharata literature. This area has been inhabited since the beginning of mankind. In fact, the entire Chamba region has a unique backstory – it is probably the only place on the Indian subcontinent where one single royal clan the Varman dynasty ruled uninterrupted for a thousand years! The rugged terrain helped in maintaining the region’s isolation. The Mughals attempted to conquer this area several times but always failed. Even with the coming of the British, the erstwhile rulers simply ceded some territory but were otherwise unharmed.

The Chamba region has been inhabited as far back as 20,000 years in the past. The original native Hindu inhabitants were hunter-gatherers, shepherds and herdsmen, who wandered around these holy, picturesque mountains and valleys with their flocks. These tribes still exist today, mainly the Gujjars and the Gaddis, and their way of life has remained virtually unchanged. The Gujjars, in particular, are a distinct Turkic origin community and have their own language and customs.

With the passing of the centuries, the arrival of other settlers, most notably the Brahmins and Rajputs from the plains, Sikhs from Punjab, Gurkhas from Nepal, the British and of course the Tibetans has contributed to a unique, melting pot of culture, tradition and peaceful coexistence.

Why to visit Dalhousie

You should visit Dalhousie if you want to spend some time at a place that has plenty of tourist attractions, activities to keep you involved. But at the same time, it does not get too crowded. Dalhousie should be your destination if you want to spend a peaceful area without going too remote. It is easily accessible, has all the facilities that you will need as a tourist and will keep you connected so you can feel safe as well. In short, it is a perfect place for a family vacation as well as a fun trip with friends.

Also Read: Manali – How to Plan your Trip and Explore?

Important FAQs about Dalhousie

1. Does it snow in Dalhousie?

Yes, it snows in Dalhousie towards the end of December and in January. Depending on the weather, a snowfall can also occur in the month of February.

2. Is Dalhousie safe for tourists?

Yes, Dalhousie is very safe for tourists.

3. What is the altitude of Dalhousie?

Dalhousie is located at a height of 1,970 meters.

4. Is Dalhousie worth visiting?

Yes, Dalhousie is a great hill station and definitely worth visiting.

5. Is Dalhousie crowded?

No, Dalhousie is not too crowded as compared to some other hill stations like Shimla and Manali . With that being said, a lot of tourists do visit here in the months of April, May and June.

6. Is Dalhousie better than Manali?

I wouldn’t really compare the two places because they are both equally beautiful and have their own pros and cons. In the end, it will all depend on your own preference and which one is easy for you to reach.

7. Is Dalhousie better than Dharamshala?

For Dharamshala as well, the answer would remain the same that I gave above for Manali.

8. Are there any budget hotels in Dalhousie?

Yes, Dalhousie has several budget hotels. For a cost calculation purpose, assume the per day cost of stay at Rs. 800 to be on a safer side.

9. Is Dalhousie expensive?

It will depend on your time of travel. If you went during top tourist season, it may cost you a little more than regular. If you want to make a budget trip, best would be to travel during off season.

10. Do you need any permits for visiting Dalhousie?

Sightseeing in and around Dalhousie does not require any permits or visa for Indian nationals or foreigners.

That pretty much is all that you need to know about visiting Dalhousie. If you have any other questions; or need any other details; please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum ; and I will be glad to answer.

Shivani Vedantam

India - of chaos and method, colors and starkness, heaven and hell. Me? Forever fascinated.

Kinnaur valley road status 2024 – 2025, rohtang pass status 2024 – 2025, sach pass status 2024 – sach pass road..., 43 comments.

nice, informative blog.

Thank you !!!

Hi, Thanks for the descriptive sketch of route and Dalhousie, its very informative. Can you please tell me about some place in between the route from Delhi to Dalhousie to stay and rest for few hours. I am planning road trip with family.

Is it safe to start from Amritsar at 4pm for Dalhousie? Is the ride towards Dalhousie after sunset advisable?

Traveling at night is not really advised. You will reach late in Dalhousie and finding a hotel will also be difficult then.

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with us. It is so appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to drop a note Shivani

Hello Vargis,

I’m planning to visit Dalhousie from 28th January 2022 to 3rd February 2022 with my wife. 28th and 3rd will be for traveling and rest. So we will get 5 full days.

1. Are 5 days enough? 2. Is the Delhi Dalhousie HRTC Himsuta bus sleeper one? Do private sleeper Volvo buses ply between these two places? Because we will reach Delhi in the morning and Himsuta leaves at 9:30 pm. 3. Will Dalhousie be snow clad on these days? I chose these dates because 1st Feb is our wedding anniversary. 4. Are there any nice affordable homestays which you can suggest to experience local stay? The wooden Interiors you know. 5. Any surprise activity/ place in Dalhousie I can take my wife to on the anniversary day?

Hi. I am planning to visit Dalhousie and Dharamshala in Dec end. Are there chances that the roads from Dalhousie to Dharamshala get blocked during this time due to snow ?

Not really. Even if it snowed on the road, the blockade will only be for a day most. I think you are Ok in Dec end.

Hi Vargis, Thanks for the detailed information.

Regarding the cab for pathankot to Dharmshala to Dalhousie ( Including Khajjar and Chamba), Can you guide me on following.

– Can we hire cab on daily basis, Approx how much it will cost us. – What should be ideal itinerary for this trip, dates are 25th sept to 30th Sept. – Any recommendations for can and hotels

Hi, thank you for this blog.. Really helpful. Just wanted to check…. We are planning for a trip on sept8 – sept12 this year.. Will be traveling by road from amritsar to dalhousie.

With so many news around lile landslide,cloud burst etc, can you please suggest whether it will be wise to travel during this time by road from amritsar to dalhousie?? How is the road condition??

Thanks in advance.. Aadya

It is hard to say anything right now Bhai. Depends on the weather but by September, monsoon would be gone and chances of landslides will be less.

Article is very helpful….explained nicely

Thank you Anirudh

Article is very helpful….

Very exhaustive and detailed.. Very helpful article.

Hi! Could you please tell me a bit about the way from Dalhousie to Khajjiar? What’s the present condition of the road? Is it safe, quick and convenient to travel from Dalhousie to Khajjiyar?

Right now yes it is. That road only gets blocked in the winter season.

Hello Ma’am, Ur blog is very informative… thank u very much for the detailed information. Ma’am we planning to travel to Dalhousie in may.. can u suggest is it safe for us to travel in this situation since We are travelling with kids..

Hello Mr.Khan, Thanks for the detailed post. We with kid are planning to visit Dalhousie in last week of september 2021. Will it be good weather in this time .. little bit nervous about the land sliding n all.kindly suggest .Travel would be from Delhi to Dalhousie-Kajjihar..

Thanks Shivani, Its very helpful and informative blog. I am planning to visit dalhousie in end of March with kids and parents (67,63 age). Do I have to book hotels earlier or will get it once reach. Will it be expensive during this time of the year? What kind of activities can be done? Will you suggest some local homestay with phone number or address for us?

Hello Mr Khan.

Your blogs are very comprehensive and well written. We are planning a trip to Dalhousie-Khajjar in last week of January. Should we stay in Khajjar and do a day trip of Dalhousie or stay in Dalhousie and do a day trip to Khajjar? Which is better ?

Hello Mr. Sinha – It depends on what kinda trip you were looking forward to. If you want to spend time in solitude then stay in Khajjiar. If you want to stay in a small town, eat out and walk around in the evening, stay at Dalhousie.

Also, keep in mind that the direct road between Dalhousie and Khajjiar can get blocked in January due to snow. If that happens, you will have to take the Chamba route to travel between both the places and that is longer.

The rent mentioned for cab for out of town, is it for round trip or one way trip?

It is for a drop to Dalhousie

Very useful informative blog… Ma’am v r visiting on 8th and 9th Jan delhousei.. Wl it snowfall??? Do v need to carry umbrella?? Whether woolen hand gloves (11yr boy) will b enough or leather hand gloves v hv to carry?? In case of mountain sickness which medicines shud b taken??

Snowfall – Yes it may Umbrella – If it is not inconvenient Medicines – None. Just rest in the hotel till your body acclimatizes.

Lovely blog Thanks for sharing I am planning Amritsar & Dalhousie During July 2020. Is it safe to travel during monsoon ? Thanks Sunil

Thank you Sunil. Yes it is OK to go as long as the weather was not extreme

Great Blog! Thanks for sharing informative content. I will definitely go through these ideas.

You are welcome !!!

Please provide same detail for manali and amritsar

Dear Vargis I m visiting Dalhousie (3 days) then planning to start at Kagatop or Khajjiar for a day and then proceed to Dharamshala ( 3.5 days) . Please help me to know what should be the best itinerary to follow and is there. Bus from Kagatop / khajjiar to Dharamshala / mcleodganj. Many thanks Indrani

Hi, Saw your blog. Was very informative. I am from Hyderabad, down south, anf planning to travel to Dalhousie, Amritsar in January with my kids 6 & 8. Can you guide me on 2 issues 1. Does it snow in January 2. How is the road from Amritsar. Can i come by a self driven car from Amritsar, as I have no experience in driving on snow, but yes 15+ on plain roads

Thank you for the detailed blog, it really is very helpful. Although you have mentioned November is not a good month to visit, unfortunately(or may be fortunately) we are visiting with family and a infant during last 3 days of the month. Can we expect some snow or is it going to be a dry and cold winter weather?

Mr Vargis , Your infromation is very appreciated for new visiters. I am planning to go there with faimly, kids and parents – is it worth going Delhi – Pathankot – Dalhousie – Dharmasala – Manali – Delhi. How many days it required? Is it worth in watching Dec (is the wrote is safe)

Thank you Mr. Varma. I will recommend at least 7-9 days to cover all the mentioned places. And yes, it is definitely worth visiting.

Can you please help me out with public transport options between Dalhousie to Amritsar ,Shimla to Dalhousie and Dalhousie to khajjiar unable to find buses

I have checked HRTC app and HRTC website, could not find Pathankot to Dalhousie bus service. Is it some kind of temporary error,or am I missing something or bus service is not operational between Pathankot and Dalhousie?

No it just means that it is an ordinary bus not available for online booking. You will have to board it on the spot.

Dalhousie Tourism and Travel Guide

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Trips and Itineraries for Dalhousie

Top Places To Visit in Dalhousie

Weekend Getaways from Dalhousie

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Travel begins with Savaari

Delhi to Dalhousie by Road – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information

High up within the layers of the Greater Himalayas, is a town that has stood through the test of time, where the hills and valleys come alive with the sounds of nature. The traces of its colonial past, modern travel community, and endless natural bounties make Dalhousie a destination to cherish. You can cherish this all the more when you do a road trip from the nearest metro city of Delhi and experience everything that lies on the way to this breathtaking destination in the Himalayas.

Why travel from delhi to dalhousie, traveling from delhi to dalhousie by car, best time to take a road trip from delhi to dalhousie by car, distance and time taken from delhi to dalhousie via nh44, popular places along the way:, places to eat on this route:.

How to Reach Dalhousie By Train
How to Reach Dalhousie By Flight

Attractions in Dalhousie for Sightseeing

Hotels and resorts – accommodation in dalhousie.

When you book a taxi service from Delhi with Savaari , you can not only get a completely customized trip option but also enjoy the ride through the plains, hills, and valleys.

The road from Delhi to Dalhousie makes for a scenic route with interesting stopovers. The road passes through the Delhi-NCR region, northern plains and finally heads into the greener, cleaner zones of the Lower Himalayas with uninterrupted views of mountains, valleys, and alpine forests. With our Delhi to Dalhousie trip packages, you can customize your entire trip, make convenient itineraries and enjoy the adventure that a classic road trip should be. Rent a car in Delhi & experience relaxing road trip to Dalhousie

Let us help you discover the best route and trip plans so you have a great trip from Delhi to Dalhousie by road .

Important Highway Information from Delhi to Dalhousie

Dalhousie sits in the northern part of Himachal and experiences the typical climate pattern of high-altitude locales. If you are seeking all-outdoor activities, then the summer months of April to June are perfect to visit. For the winter parties and holidays, visit around December, January but this is the most crowded time in Dalhousie. The rainy season can be slushy so, it’s better to avoid driving around or trek through the hilly areas during these months. The best time to visit Delhi to Dalhousie by car is between October to June.

Quick Facts about Delhi to Dalhousie

Delhi to dalhousie distance.

This is the shortest and fastest driving route to cover Delhi to Dalhousie distance of 576 KM. This route also has several interesting spots to stopover. It takes about 11 to 12 hours to reach Dalhousie from Delhi depending on traffic.

Delhi to Dalhousie Road Condition via NH44

This route has tolls and may have some Delhi to Dalhousie traffic, especially during holidays or weekends. That’s why you should always check for real-time traffic updates and use live maps to better understand the Delhi to Dalhousie road conditions for driving. Here’s a basic Delhi to Dalhousie road map for this route:

Panipat Battlefield Memorial & Museum, Panipat – Famous historical site of war memorial and ancient battlefield and Tomb of Ibrahim Lodhi.
Cantonment Church Tower, Karnal – An old church tower dating back to the colonial days.
Rani Ka Talab, Ambala – An artificially made, ancient lake, surrounded with cenotaphs, good for a quick tour.
Lodhi Fort (Purana Qila), Ludhiana – Historical site with ruins of the ancient fort of Ibrahim Lodhi.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, Ludhiana – Public museum with information on regional and national history of battles, and a collection of weapons, armor and uniforms and more.
Mukteshwar Temple, Pathankot – A prominent hilltop temple on a river with man-made caves, dedicated to Shiva.

Amrik Sukhdev, Sonipat – Popular and busy highway side eatery with multi-cuisine buffet and a la carte options, good for families and large groups.
Neelkanth Star, Karnal – Standard highway side restaurant serving North Indian dishes, good for family and big groups.
Pooran Singh Da Dhaba, Ambala – Family-owned old dhaba famous for home-style lunches.
Haveli, Jalandhar – Fancy family restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating, serving classic Punjabi dishes, kid-friendly.
The View, Dasuya – Local diner serving traditional Punjabi and other north Indian meals, good for family.

Other means of traveling from Delhi to Dalhousie

You can also cover the Delhi to Dalhousie distance by bus, train, or flight.

How to Reach Dalhousie By Train

Dalhousie has no direct railroad connectivity from Delhi. The nearest railhead is in Pathankot, about 90 KM away. You can take a train to Pathankot from Delhi and from there you can hire a cab to take you to Dalhousie. As of now, there are 13 trains available from Delhi to Pathankot of which three trains run daily.

The fastest train is JAT FSTVL SPL (02421) which takes about seven and a half hours to reach Pathankot. For New Delhi to Dalhousie train ticket price, booking and updated timings, you can visit the Indian Railways website or check with any online travel portal to get the best deals.

How to Reach Dalhousie by Flight

You can also travel from Delhi to Dalhousie by flight. The nearest air strip is at Gaggal/ Dharamsala- Kangra/Kangra Airport (DHM) at a distance of 107 km from Dalhousie. The average Delhi to Kangra flight duration can range from one and half to four hours, depending on the airline or the flight route you take. You can book a convenient Dharamshala airport to Dalhousie cab and enjoy a hassle-free roadtrip to your destination.

For your Delhi to Dalhousie via Kangra flight booking, visit any online travel portal for the best deal or check with the airline’s direct website. The Delhi to Dalhousie flight cost via Kangra can range from Rs. 4000 to 6000, depending on the travel season, booking window, and available deals.

Explore Dalhousie Like a Local: A Handy Guide

Dalhousie is a treasure trove of exotic nature spots, away from the mainstream sites. Named after the Earl of Dalhousie and the British Governor General of India of 1854, this popular and populous hill town sits in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, on the slopes of the Dhauladhar Range. Spread across five hills, this picturesque settlement boasts classic colonial structures, mesmerizing landscape, and an old-world charm that brings you a feeling of joy and nostalgia at the same time. With our tips and suggestions, you can explore Dalhousie like a local and make your Dalhousie trip exciting.

Start by exploring the wild side of Dalhousie’s nature at the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, known for housing some endemic mountain animals and birds. Spend a day hiking through the alpine forests of Bakrota, Kholpukhar, Karelnu, which line the highways. Head to the Dalhousie Cantonment Forest and try your hands at paragliding. Don’t forget to visit the Satdhara Waterfall enroute.

For a dose on local history and heritage, visit the 19th century St. John’s Church and the Bhuri Singh Museum, which houses exhibits and historical and religious artifacts of Chamba. If you get a clear and sunny day, you might be able to catch the sunset views at Moti Tibba.

Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Dalhousie

The food culture of Dalhousie still reflects traces of its colonial past. However, in the present times, being a hotspot for international tourists, trekkers, and backpackers, the flavors Dalhousie is a mix of international and traditional fare.

When in Dalhousie, these are a few places to definitely sample the local taste –

Café Dalhousie, MDR49, Moti Tiba
Bon Appetit Bakes Fries Grills Roasts Restaurant, The Mall, Gandhi Chowk
Himachali Kitchen, Subhash Chowk Rd, Moti Tiba
Mohan Palace, Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie Khajjiar Rd
Friends Sher e Punjab Restaurant, Subhash Chowk

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Delhi to Dalhousie by Road – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information

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Places to Visit in Dalhousie

Panchpula: Surrounded by a cover of green pine and deodar trees, Panchpula is a popular picnic spot in Dalhousie. It is best known for Saptdhara Waterfall, the starting point of the Ganji Pahari trek and activities like Zip Lining, and Burma Bridge. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: Thick deodar foliage, a plethora of wildlife, snow capped mountains, carpets of verdant grasslands and easy on the eye streams of fresh water make up the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. The well laid out trekking and hiking trails in the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary make for a great nature walk with views of the towering and immaculate Pir Panjal range. St John’s Church: St John's Church is the oldest church in Dalhousie and assumes great historical significance apart from being a sentinel of Protestant belief in the region. Embodying the Victorian era, the church in Dalhousie is a reminder of the British regime in the region. The interior of the church is adorned with stunning glass paintings of St John the Baptist along with St Peter. Subhash Baoli: Named after the famous freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, Subhash Baoli is a perennial spring which has medicinal properties and is believed to have cured the freedom fighter of his ill health. It is an ideal spot for picnics and evening strolls. Mall Road: Gandhi Chowk, or GPO, is the bustling and vibrant street of Dalhousie. Unlike other hill stations, Dalhousie doesn't have a mall road, so Gandhi Chowk is the Mall Road of Dalhousie. Shop for simple local souvenirs, woollen clothes and every-day treasures here. St Francis Church: This is one of the prominent monuments in Dalhousie. Surrounded by Deodar trees outside, the interiors are adorned with Belgian glass and exquisite stone works. The age-old carvings and dioramas tell a story of 100 years of history. Chamba: Chamba is a Himalayan town located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Located almost 55km from Dalhousie, it makes for a great day trip. Chamba is popular for its traditional handicrafts and art along with the miniature Pahari paintings. It is also the base camp for several treks in the great Himalayan ranges.

Things to Do in Dalhousie

Khajjiar: Known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," Khajjiar is a paradise for nature lovers. The lush green meadow is surrounded by dense deodar forests and offers a mesmerizing view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Besides its natural beauty, Khajjiar offers adventure activities like zorbing and horse riding. You can spend hours here, enjoying the tranquility and taking in the stunning landscapes. Panchpula: Panchpula is a serene spot with gushing waterfalls and a memorial dedicated to the freedom fighter Sardar Ajit Singh. The main attraction here is the beautiful waterfall that originates from a natural spring. It's a perfect place for a leisurely picnic with friends and family. You can also explore the nearby Satdhara Falls for more natural beauty. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It's home to diverse flora and fauna, including pheasants, deer, and leopards. You can embark on a trek through the dense forest trails and enjoy the peaceful environment. The sanctuary also has a forest rest house where you can stay if you wish to spend more time amidst nature. Dainkund Peak: For those seeking panoramic views, a trek to Dainkund Peak is a must. It's the highest peak in the Dalhousie region, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trek is relatively easy and takes you through dense pine forests. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view. Chamera Lake: If you prefer a serene and relaxing experience, Chamera Lake is the place to be. It's an artificial lake formed by the Chamera Dam, surrounded by lush green hills. You can enjoy boating on the lake or simply sit by its banks and soak in the picturesque views. It's an excellent spot for a family outing or a peaceful day in nature. St. John's Church: For a touch of history and spirituality, visit St. John's Church in Dalhousie. This beautiful church showcases neo-Gothic architecture and houses some exquisite stained glass windows. It's a peaceful place for meditation and offers a glimpse into the colonial heritage of the region.

Best Time to Visit Dalhousie

The best time to visit Dalhousie is during the summer months, from March to June. During this period, the weather is pleasant and conducive for outdoor activities. The temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The lush green landscapes, blooming flowers, and clear skies add to the charm of Dalhousie during these months. It's a great time to explore popular attractions like Khajjiar, Dainkund Peak, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.

Food in Dalhousie

Dalhousie, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most popular hill stations, is a treat for the eyes and for the taste buds! Here you get to have delicious Himachali food as well as Tibetan, Chinese, continental and more.

Madra is a delicacy of the state, made by cooking boiled chickpeas or kidney beans in yoghurt along with spices, cardamoms, cloves, cumin, coriander powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida etc.
You can have siddu which is prepared by kneading dough of flour with yeast, stuffing it with dal daste made using soaked dal, spices, chillies etc., steamed and then served with meat or vegetables.
Many restaurants serve dham , a platter, that consists of rice, dal, rajma, boor ki kadi, curd, jaggery etc.
You can also try some bhey which is basically lotus stem that is thinly diced and cooked with onions, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste.
Tudkiya bhat is a pahari pulao made using a variety of spices, lentils, yoghurt, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, cardamoms, cinnamon etc. and is topped off with some lime juice.
Do have some mittha which is sweetened rice garnished with dry fruits like cashews, raisins, almonds etc.
Given that Dalhousie is close to the China/Tibet border, you can also find eateries serving delicious thukpa , a noodle soup with vegetables or meat. Momos are also quite popular here; steamed or fried, they contain meat or vegetables and are served with a spicy dip. You can also have chowmein here.
Apart from this, you would find many restaurants and cafes serving a number of continental dishes like pizzas, burgers, pastas, sandwiches, sizzlers, pancakes and more.
A few of the well-known eateries include Shiva Cafe, Mogas Cafe, Tandon Food Corner, Moti Mahal etc.

Shopping in Dalhousie

Dalhousie is an excellent destination to buy a bunch of Himachali as well as Tibetan souvenirs. You can find beautiful Kullu shawls in many markets here, made of different materials like angora, lambswool and pashmina and often featuring intricate embroidery.
Kashmiri shawls are also sold here owing to the region’s prominent handloom industry.
The hill station is also a great place to find some cosy yet simple woollen clothing items like sweaters, jackets, haps, scarves, gloves etc.
Since the state is quite close to the Tibetan borders, Dalhousie is also known for its wide array of Tibetan souvenirs; singing bowls, wall hangings, Thangka paintings, dresses, rugs and carpets, prayer wheels, bags, dolls etc. are some of the options.
Dalhousie is also known for its yummy jam and marmalade made by locals that you can have with cream and scones.
Some of the places where you would find these items include Bhuttico, Tibetan Handicraft Centre, Gandhi Chowk, Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium and DC Khanna Store, amongst others.

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Amritsar Dalhousie Dharamshala Tour Package: Family Edition

4 Nights / 5 Days

Amritsar(1N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Dharamshala(1N)

₹ 20,000* per person

₹ 20,000*

per adult on twin sharing

Fun-Filled Dalhousie and Dharamshala Package - 3 Nights 4 Days

3 Nights / 4 Days

Amritsar(0N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Dharamshala(1N)

₹ 15,000* per person

₹ 15,000*

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Dalhousie Khajjiar Chamba Dharamshala Tour Package - 5 Nights 6 Days

5 Nights / 6 Days

Dharamshala(3N) → Chamba(0N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Khajjiar(0N)

₹ 24,999* per person

₹ 24,999*

Charaming Dalhousie Dharamshala Honeymoon Package

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Khajjiar(0N) → Delhi(0N)

₹ 19,500* per person

₹ 19,500*

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Himachal Pradesh Itinerary: Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Shimla & Manali

8 Nights / 9 Days

Shimla (2N) → Manali (3N) → Dharamshala (1N) → Mcleodganj(0N) → Dalhousie (2N)

₹ 43,500* per person

₹ 43,500*

Blissful Dalhousie Tour Package (Volvo Tickets Included)

2 Nights / 3 Days

Delhi(0N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Khajjiar(0N) → Delhi(0N)

₹ 10,999* per person

₹ 10,999*

Himalayan Family Tour Package with Villa Stay in Masobara

7 Nights / 8 Days

Pathankot(0N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Manali(2N) → Kasol(1N) → Shimla(1N) → Mashobara(1N)

₹ 33,500* per person

₹ 33,500*

Dharamshala and Dalhousie Sightseeing Tour Package by Volvo

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Mcleodganj (0N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Khajjiar(0N)

₹ 20,299* per person

₹ 20,299*

Divine Dalhousie with Amritsar, Manali, Shimla and more

9 Nights / 10 Days

Delhi(0N) → Shimla(2N) → Manali(3N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(1N)

₹ 45,000* per person

₹ 45,000*

Dharmshala, Dalhousie and Amritsar Tour

Pathankot(0N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(1N)

₹ 23,599* per person

₹ 23,599*

Shimla Manali Dalhousie Amritsar Tour Package - 9 Nights 10 Days

Delhi(0N) → Shimla(2N) → Manali(2N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(2N)

₹ 47,999* per person

₹ 47,999*

Dharamshala Dalhousie Honeymoon Package with Mcleodganj Sightseeing

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Khajjiar(0N) → Dalhousie(1N) → Chamba(0N)

₹ 14,500* per person

₹ 14,500*

Majestic Himalayas Family Tour Package with Rohtang Pass

Pathankot(0N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Manali(2N) → Kasol(1N) → Shimla(2N)

Dalhousie Tour with Khajjiar: Switzerland of India Package

Delhi(0N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Khajjiar(0N)

₹ 11,499* per person

₹ 11,499*

Mcleodganj Dharamshala Deluxe Honeymoon Package

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Khajjiar(0N) → Dalhousie(1N)

₹ 13,500* per person

₹ 13,500*

Romantic Dharamshala Dalhousie Honeymoon Package with Chamba

Pathankot(0N) → Dharamshala(3N) → Chamba(0N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Khajjiar(0N)

₹ 24,500* per person

₹ 24,500*

Dharmshala Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Mcleodganj(0N) → Dalhousie(2N)

Complete Western Himachal

Pathankot(0N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(3N)

₹ 25,670* per person

₹ 25,670*

Dalhousie & Amritsar Family Tour Package

Dalhousie(3N) → Khajjiar(0N) → Amritsar(1N)

₹ 20,500* per person

₹ 20,500*

Exciting Manali and Dalhousie Trip in 7 Days

6 Nights / 7 Days

Chandigarh(0N) → Manali(3N) → Palampur(1N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Chamba(0N)

₹ 26,500* per person

₹ 26,500*

Extensive Himachal & Uttarakhand Tour

12 Nights / 13 Days

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(2N ) → Chandigarh(1N) → Kasol(1N) → Tosh(1N) → Prashar Lake(1N) → Barot(1N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(1N)

₹ 53,500* per person

₹ 53,500*

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Delhi Shimla Manali Dharamshala Tour Package

Delhi(0N) → Shimla(1N) → Manali(2N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Dalhousie(2N)

₹ 26,450* per person

₹ 26,450*

Adventurous Katra and Dharamshala Tour

Jammu(0N) → Katra(1N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(2N)

₹ 23,999* per person

₹ 23,999*

Dalhousie Tour Package with Amritsar & Manali - Excursion to Solang Valley

Manali(3N) → Dharamshala (1N) → Dalhousie (2N) → Amritsar (1N)

₹ 36,750* per person

₹ 36,750*

Senior Citizen Travel Package - Dalhousie and Amritsar

Dalhousie(3N) → Amritsar(1N)

₹ 19,000* per person

₹ 19,000*

Vaishno Devi and Best of Himachal Tour

Jammu (0N) → Katra(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Manali(2N) → Delhi (0N)

₹ 30,900* per person

₹ 30,900*

Shimla Kullu Manali Dalhousie Dharamshala Tour Package

Delhi(0N) → Shimla(2N) → Manali(3N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Dalhousie(2N)

₹ 44,000* per person

₹ 44,000*

Majestic Himalayas Honeymoon Special Package

₹ 35,500* per person

₹ 35,500*

Super Saver Package from Delhi to Himachal and Amritsar

Delhi(0) → Shimla(2N) → Manali(2N) → Kullu(1N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(1N)

₹ 47,000* per person

₹ 47,000*

Adventurous North India Tour

Delhi(0N) → Shimla(2N) → Manali(3N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Chandigarh(1N)

₹ 53,499* per person

₹ 53,499*

Delhi Amritsar Package Trip Including Dharamshala & Palampur

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(2N)

₹ 30,200* per person

₹ 30,200*

₹ 51,500* per person

₹ 51,500*

Best of Himachal and Amritsar

Chandigarh(0N) → Shimla(2N) → Manali(3N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(1N)

₹ 48,000* per person

₹ 48,000*

Relaxing Dalhousie Tour

₹ 10,800* per person

₹ 10,800*

Dharamshala & Dalhousie Tour Package

Dalhousie(2N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Palampur(1N)

Shimla Manali Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour Package - Day trip to Khajjiar

10 Nights / 11 Days

Shimla(2N) → Manali(3N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(1N)

₹ 50,000* per person

₹ 50,000*

Exciting Dharamshala & Dalhousie 5 Nights Tour

Dharamshala(3N) → Dalhousie(2N)

₹ 21,500* per person

₹ 21,500*

Beautiful Vacation Package including Dharamshala and Dalhousie

Delhi(0N) → Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(3N)

₹ 23,600* per person

₹ 23,600*

Supersaver Himachal and Chandigarh Combo Tour for 7 Nights

Dalhousie(2N) → Dharamshala(1N) → Manali(3N) → Chandigarh(1N)

₹ 31,000* per person

₹ 31,000*

Experience the Best of Himachal including Manali

Dharamshala(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Manali(2N)

₹ 36,494* per person

₹ 36,494*

Majestic Mcleodganj, Dalhousie & Amritsar

Mcleodganj(2N) → Dalhousie(2N) → Amritsar(1N)

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ALL GUD THINGS

Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar in winters- Road Trip to remember

“Mai ni meriye, Shimle Di Raahe, Chamba Kitni door” “O Shimle ni vasna, Kasauli ni vasna, Chambe jaana zarur” Oh Mother! How far is Chamba from Shimla Side, I don’t want to settle in Shimla or Kasauli, Have to go to Chamba only!

Have you heard this Himachali folk song ? The first time, we heard it, we were absolutely in awe of it and since then; had made up our mind to visit Chamba. On little research, we further found that a trip to Chamba can be clubbed with Dalhousie and Khajjiar. So, on my birthday it was the perfect time to make a winter trip to Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar.

Dalhousie, a colonial hill station in Northern Himachal Pradesh lies at an altitude 6500 feet above sea level and is a famous tourist spot whereas Chamba lies on the banks of River Ravi at 3300 feet and is an ignored tourist destination. With the similar notions in our head, even we left with a thought of first visiting Dalhousie, then Khajjiar and Chamba. But at times things don’t work according to your plans and you have to choose the paths directed by nature and that is what happened with us.

Table of Contents

Winter Trip to Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

How to reach dalhousie & khajjiar.

Dalhousie lies 560 Kilometers from Delhi and 313 Kilometers from Chandigarh . Further, Khajjiar lies 22 km from Dalhousie via Dalhousie Chamba road and 23 km from Chamba. From Delhi we took a halt at Chandigarh and started the next day early at 9:00 am to reach Dalhousie on time.

Route from Delhi Delhi – Panipat- Karnal – kurukshetra – Ambala – Rajpura- Sirhind- Ludhiana – Phagwara – Dasuya- Pathankot – Dalhuoise – Khajjiar

Route from Chandigarh – Chandigarh – Roopnagar – Garshankar – Dasuya –Pathankot – Dalhousie – Khajjiar

We reached Dalhousie around 4 pm. Roads were covered with slush and had walls of snow on sides whereas some trails were completely laid in white. Trees had specks of snow on them and few cars were covered by 2-3 feet of snow. It clearly seemed the area had received an adequate amount of snowfall this year. We went straight to our hotel JK Clarks Exotica, Dalhousie and after relaxing, left for a quick stroll. It was freaking cold, Sun was playing hide and seek behind the clouds. And as it started getting dark, the wind speed and chilliness increased. In minutes, the rain too joined the drama, and people started running to find the shelter wherever it was possible. We too joined the league and without much delay rushed back to our hotel. The whole night it continued raining and the temperature had fallen drastically (Probably -5 or even lesser than that).

Dalhousie in winters - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

The next morning, the sky was clear but had some hovering clouds. And within an hour, the weather took a drastic turn from sunny to cloudy. It started raining and locals predicted snowing in Khajjiar. Hearing this, we immediately packed and left for Khajjiar, which lies 23 kilometers ahead. But as soon we reached near Gandhi Chownk Market in Dalhousie, there was a big Que of vehicles apart snow and slush. Traffic was halted and was not allowed ahead to Khajjiar because of the roadblock due to snow. On further inquiry, we learned that it will probably take months or more to open this route.

Jk Clarks Exotica - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

Also Read: Chanshal Pass- The road less traveled in Himachal Pradesh

We started looking for another route option in GPS and the only way was to go Khajjiar from Dalhousie was via Chamba. It too looked completely luck dependent, as the Chamba to Khajjiar road was also closed due to snow till yesterday.

Bit disappointed, we took a U-turn to Banikhet (6 Kilometers from Dalhousie) to refuel our car, and there we saw a diversion for Chamba, stating 44 kilometers ahead.

Note: There is no fuel station in Dalhousie. The last one is available only at Banikhet

Also Read: Walk to the Nako Village in Himachal Pradesh

Dalhuoise to Chamba

From Banikhet itself, we took the Dalhousie Chamba road. Landscapes changed immediately. Roads got wider as compared to the Dalhousie road, and we were driving at lesser altitude. There was greenery all around and the towns on the way looked thickly populated.

On the way to Chamba - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

On the way, comes the turquoise green color Chamera Lake. It looks grand and was perfectly gelling with the surrounding. Indeed, with the backdrop of Himalayas, it made the perfect picture.

Chamera Lake - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar winter road trip

The weather was worsening, so we thought of booking the room at earliest before we don’t get a place to hide. The majority of the hotels were not operating. It looked people had gone to the hibernation zone and they will only come out once the sun warms up the place and summers come back.

Also Read: 5 Winter destinations to see snowfall in Himachal

First look of Chamba - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar Roadtrip.

Somehow Goibibo came into help and we got a place to stay at Anantson resort in Chamba. Reaching the resort was another task, but once we reached and saw the views from the cottage, our whole day pain vanished away.

Our Cottage at Anantson Resort, Chamba - Dalhouise Chamba Khajjiar

Rains had washed away the dust, everything looked crystal clear and now we knew why the above Himachali Song quotes “Chamba Jana Zarur” ( Must visit Chamba).

The town looked heavenly on the banks of River Ravi. There were shades of green everywhere, clouds were floating among the Himalayas and extreme winters looked like monsoons. The ancient town still looked unadulterated although modernity has begun to sneak into the lives of town people.

View of River Ravi and Chamba from our Balcony- Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

The beautiful Chambalis were happy to greet and meet us. We inquired about the Chamba – Khajjiar road from the manager and were happy to know that road had just been opened yesterday. For us the perfect day was still ahead; so, we spent rest day gazing and clicking the landscapes from various angles.

At Anantson Resort - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

Chamba to Khajjiar

The next day, after a good scrumptious local Chamba breakfast (Aloo cooked in Dahi and Puri), we left for the trip to a winter wonderland – Khajjiar, also known as Switzerland of India. It lies only 22 kilometers form Chamba. But just a kilometer ahead from the resort, there was a big landslide. Disappointment started building up again in our mind, but our heart was fighting back with positive thoughts. After an hour the road got cleared and we took a turn to Khajjiar.

Route for Chamba to Khajjiar

The single-lane road looked narrow, steep. We had to climb another 3300 feet in 22 Kms. Landscapes looked breathtaking. The great Himalayas in between were decorated with patches of terrace gardens, colorful houses and had adorned a beautiful white crown. Clouds were floating along with the scalps and it looked like rain on the mountain tops. We inquired from another crossing car about the way and were super delighted to hear Yes!

On the way to Khajjiar - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

Hotel Devdar, Khajjiar

We left our vehicle in between the road and climbed the stairs to check whether the hotel is operational or not. The manager came out and our fear came true. There was No water, No electricity from the past 7 days and it was too cold. Met Department had forecasted overnight snow and the roads might get closed for several days. Hotel Manager narrated this and asked us to stroll and play in the snow for an hour and go back to their Chamba guest house in the evening.

View of Khajjiar Meadows form Hotel Devdar - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

But “we were we”. We reversed the talks by saying that, we don’t need electricity, we just need a bucket of hot water and give us the same food you will cook for yourself. We will be more than happy. He got convinced and allowed us to stay.

Also Read : Must know Challenges before taking a winter Spiti Trip

Honestly, it was one of the best decisions we took. If one moment the snow meadows were covered with moving clouds, another moment we could see the saucer-shaped Khajjair lake in between the Devdar forest with a backdrop of white Himalayas.

Note: Other good locations to stay are Forest and PWD Guest House, but you need to have a prior booking with them.

Khajjiar Meadows

After having tea at hotel, we left for a quick walk. It was serene and magical beyond words. White powder was all we could see around. There we saw leading stairs to reach the Khajjiar meadows and we took them at once.

Our feet were sinking in the snow and looked only a few tourists had set their foot on it. Lake was completely frozen from one end and the other side looked semi-frozen. We wanted to walk along the circular meadow and visit the Khajjinag temple but it didn’t look like a perfect time. So, we retired back to our hotel early.

At Khajjiar Meadows - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar Roadtrip

At night, the moon was playing hide and seek with clouds and the snow in the meadows was glowing like a silver sheath. We wanted to take some good night shots but gave up in the freaking cold and started waiting for the next morning.

Also Read: Our love for Old Manali over New Manali

The next morning was a promising sunny morning. We got ready as active birds to roam in the circular meadows. The entire Dhauladhar range was clearly visible and it was painted in the shades of white and green.

Khajjiar Meadows in winter- Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar.

The Khajjiar meadows which looked all-white yesterday, now looked entirely different, colors were jutting out from white. Locals were out in the sun to bask their bodies whereas adventure organizers were hunting tourists for paragliding, tube Skiing, river crossing, snow skating, etc but all we wanted to do was see, feel, and click every inch of the circular meadows.

Khajjiar Meadows - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

Khajjinag Temple, Khajjiar

In between the Khajjiar meadows stood an ancient, golden dome Khajjinag Temple, dedicated to Naga- the lord of serpents. The temple is also known as Golden Devi Temple . It was built by King of Chamba in 12 th century and was renovated in 16 th century. The temple has a lot of wooden work, which looks a perfect blend of Mughal and Indian architecture. The Temple is believed to have a mythological significance too. The circumambulatory path of the temple has the images of Pandavas defeating the Kauravas in the epic battle of Mahabharata.

Also Read: Tabo – National Historic Treasure of India

From the temple keep moving toward the Khajjair lake. There were water streams in between and spongy earth around the banks of the lake, due to the dense growth of weed called vacha.

Boat in the frozen Khajjiar Lake- Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar

From there walk towards the fairytale HPTDC cottage, smushed between green and white. We couldn’t stay here this time, but for sure during the next visit.

HPTDC cottage in Khajjiar Meadows- Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar Road Trip

After the complete round, it was time to head back to the civilization but our heart and mind were not ready to leave. We were still looking back at the mesmerizing scenery at each step. Khajjiar is a perfect combination of lakes, meadows, and mountains which resembles a fairyland of the stories.

Also Read: Padam Palace – The royal Palace in Rampur Bushahr

Why Khajjiar is known as Mini Switzerland?

Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world that bear topographical resemblance to Switzerland. On 7 July 1992, Mr. Willy T. Blazer, the Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India brought it on the world tourism map by calling it “ Mini Switzerland”. He also installed a signboard showing Khajjiar’s distance from the Swiss capital Berne -6194 km.

Khajjiar Meadows - Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar Road Trip

The counselor also took a stone from Khajjiar, which will form part of a stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to remind the visitors of Khajjiar as a Mini Switzerland of India.

Also Read: View of Chau Chau Kang Nilda from Langza

Points to Remember for Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar winter trip

Snow looks very fascinating but driving on it is really tough and risky. Don’t try to be a stunt man and drive as slow and cautiously as possible
There are high chances of vehicle slipping on applying brakes, so be really careful
Try driving 4* 4 and if you don’t have one, use snow chains to increase the traction
Do cover your bonnet at night to avoid freezing of fuel
Don’t drive in extreme snowfall as you can get struck too. Listen to the local’s instructions
Walk very carefully in the snow; as a severe fall can lead to fractures too
Fuel station is available at Chamba and Banikhet
Be prepared for NO electricity and No water at Kahjjiar in winters
There are plenty of ATM in Dalhousie as well Chamba

Other Nearby Attractions

Kalatop Sanctuary
Chamera Dam
Dainkund Trek

Best Season to visit Dalhousie Khajjiar & Temperature

Dalhousie Khajjiar can be visited throughout the year. Summers lasts from March – July (temperature lies between 32 – 44 degrees Celsius), Monsoon is in July – August (Temperature 22 – 35 degrees Celsius) and winters step from November till February (Temperature 7 to -4 degree Celsius).

For snow lovers, the best time is January- February, and remember it is an off-season too.

You can find more pictures of Dalhousie Chamba Khajjiar winter trip on our Facebook and Instagram accounts or find us by using #allgudthings .

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1-Day Dalhousie Itinerary

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Dalhousie in 1 day
2-Day Dalhousie Itinerary
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1-day itinerary, dalhousie mall road shopping market.

St. John's Church

Gandhi chowk

Beeji's park, garam sadak, hill station, st. francis church, where to eat, cafe dalhousie, kwality restaurant, old sher e punjab with himachali kitchen, illusion lounge bar.

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Popular road trips from Dalhousie

What's the weather like in dalhousie.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Dalhousie for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

Weather in Dalhousie in January
Weather in Dalhousie in February
Weather in Dalhousie in March
Weather in Dalhousie in April
Weather in Dalhousie in May
Weather in Dalhousie in June
Weather in Dalhousie in July
Weather in Dalhousie in August
Weather in Dalhousie in September
Weather in Dalhousie in October
Weather in Dalhousie in November
Weather in Dalhousie in December

All road trips from Dalhousie

Dalhousie to New Delhi drive
Dalhousie to Jaipur drive
Dalhousie to Amritsar drive
Dalhousie to Agra drive
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Dalhousie to Srinagar drive
Dalhousie to Mumbai drive
Dalhousie to Shimla drive
Dalhousie to Chandigarh drive
Dalhousie to Udaipur drive
Dalhousie to Leh drive
Dalhousie to Jodhpur drive
Dalhousie to Jaisalmer drive
Dalhousie to Mussoorie drive
Dalhousie to Jammu City drive
Dalhousie to Rishikesh drive
Dalhousie to Manali drive
Dalhousie to Lahore drive
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Dalhousie to Nainital drive
Dalhousie to Pokhara drive
Dalhousie to McLeod Ganj drive
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Explore nearby places

McLeod Ganj
Baijnath Tehsil

All related maps of Dalhousie

Map of Dalhousie
Map of Duhka
Map of Khajjiar
Map of Chamba
Map of Kohri
Map of Nurpur
Map of Madhopur
Map of Kathua
Map of Naddi
Map of Pathankot
Map of Dharamkot
Map of Dharamsala
Map of McLeod Ganj
Map of Bhagsu Nag
Map of Bharmour
Map of Kangra
Map of Palampur
Map of Gurdaspur
Map of Doda
Map of Jwalamukhi
Map of Chintpurni
Map of Pragpur
Map of Baijnath Tehsil
Map of Baijnath
Map of Patnitop
Map of Udhampur
Map of Sanasar
Map of Nadaun
Map of Mansar
Map of Qadian

Dalhousie throughout the year

Dalhousie in January
Dalhousie in February
Dalhousie in March
Dalhousie in April
Dalhousie in May
Dalhousie in June
Dalhousie in July
Dalhousie in August
Dalhousie in September
Dalhousie in October
Dalhousie in November
Dalhousie in December

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Chandigarh to Dalhousie drive

Chandigarh to dalhousie road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Chandigarh to Dalhousie. If you're planning a road trip to Dalhousie, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am start in Chandigarh drive for about 1.5 hours

11:21 am Ludhiana stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:21 pm drive for about 2 hours

2:25 pm Pathankot stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:25 pm drive for about 47 minutes

4:13 pm Khajjiar stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:13 pm drive for about 13 minutes

5:26 pm arrive in Dalhousie

driving ≈ 4.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Ludhiana Pathankot Khajjiar

What are some things to do in Dalhousie?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Dalhousie.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Dalhousie to Chandigarh drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Chandigarh? Try searching for places within 5 hours of Chandigarh .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Chandigarh to Dalhousie . Or get a full Chandigarh to Dalhousie flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Chandigarh well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Chandigarh!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Chandigarh to Dalhousie

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

Guest Post: Roadtrip to Dalhousie

The beginning.

Life is strange, sometimes it feels like limping and lingering on, and other times it moves faster than anything we know. My life was moving relatively slowly until the road trip to Dalhousie happened to me.

The Internet is a strange place too, people more often than not, seem always to have a different online personality than their true ones.

While cruising through the ‘yellow’ online ocean, I met this relatively simple person who seemed new to the ocean, and her online personality seemed to be no different than her offline one. The timing was just right; the second wave was over, things were opening up, and every atom in my body was aching to get out of home and travel somewhere.

Without much thought, the thought blurted from my mind into a message asking her to consider just getting out of town instead of going through the whole small talk routine of talking to strangers online. My phone instantly vibrated, as if it could feel my joy when the affirmative message popped on the cold gorilla glass.

Before I could respond with my excitement, she had already started making plans with places we could go.

She did, almost formally, ask me for my suggestions, though she seemed to have already made up her mind. She casually mentioned Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh as an option, and my sixth sense told me she wanted to go there. She did not have to do much as I was already sold on Himachal, a place I have visited so often and never been disappointed.

Dalhousie was a place I had never visited and seemed very interesting indeed.

I love travelling by comfortable bus, and Himachal Tourism buses mostly do not disappoint. We agreed on an overnight volvo bus journey to Dalhousie (about 12 hours) from Delhi ISBT. We did not plan much post that, as I like to keep my travels open-ended.

I think she agreed to the idea and that committing to a week-long trip with a stranger wasn’t prudent. Who knows, the stranger might turn out to be a creep, a junkie or even worse, a bore.

We set the plan to meet at ISBT around 7:30 pm, I should add, for the first time.

Bus Terminus

I did not prepare much for the trip except dumping my essentials in a rucksack, slipping on adventure shoes, reluctantly tossing my mum’s special namkeen and buying a few miniature red labels to beat the cold.

From the moment I stepped into the cab I hailed for ISBT, the spirit of adventure I was to embark on started to sink in. This journey was a true blue adventure, going to a place I had not even googled about, let alone about the person I was going with.

The Tintin in me stepped forward, and I was ready, LFG!

I immediately knew this was her when I spotted the only person with a new Decathlon rucksack, shining shoes and bright outfit in the ISBT common waiting place. I waved at my brand new friend, shook hands, exchanged pleasantries and lurched towards the Himachal bus terminal only to realise that the bus was running late..

How late? Nobody seemed to have a clue. HRTC officials were pleasant and also adept at avoiding specific questions. They finally told us the bus was not coming before 9ish (another bus was scheduled at that time from HRTC with reviews not as good as the 8.15 pm one).

We decided to eat dinner at McDonald’s near ISBT, and we were glad we did that as the bus was indefinitely delayed. Our conversations finally began to flow along with some humour. As she educated me later, both of us seemed to be high from the ‘ adrenaline of adventure ‘. After wrapping up dinner, we came to the terminal to find status quo.

There was still no definite answer from the officials. Finally at about 9:30 pm, the second HRTC bus arrived.. It seemed HRTC had merged to 8:15 and 9:30 buses, probably due to fewer passengers. Within 5-10 minutes, HRTC officials swiftly accommodated everyone waiting for both the buses. Almost seemed like a daily occurrence; probably part of their job aide by now.

The bus wheels and our adventure started to spin in no time.

ISBT to Pathankot

A few minutes after exiting ISBT, our bus got stuck in a long traffic jam. It took us nearly two hours to leave Delhi and come on to the national highway. The bus now started to move quickly and smoothly towards our destinations.

Our conversations and our bus on that highway were both flowing smoothly.

Somewhere, both of us were already glad to have met each other and found an exciting company, and we were indeed looking forward to the rest of the journey.

The bus made a slightly extended stop at Chandigarh. She had lived in the city, and I could see nostalgia running all over her face as the bus moved past the well-organised city.

Stop at Pathankot

When I woke up in the morning, we had reached Pathankot. The hills were almost visible now, and the air had turned nippy. The sun perched through the windows and settled on her closed eyes, almost trying to blanket her with warmth.

I was also admiring the view outside as the bus moved slowly across the well-kept landscape of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The bus stopped at Pathankot bus station, and the driver announced that this was going to be a long stop as the staff would refuel the bus.

Without wasting much time, we started finding a place to eat as she was almost getting ‘hangry’ and could have created a world war if she did not get her chai and something to eat in the next two minutes.

We found a tidy Dhaba near the bus station who had just what the doctor ordered, Parathas!

We chatted with a friendly person at the counter who said he would make a fresh batch of parathas for us. It was already cold, and having hot food seemed like the proper fix. He served us chai and told us about what we could do at Dalhousie and how Covid had impacted small businesses like his across Himachal.

It was almost time, and we shared our anxiety about possibly missing our bus. The friendly Dhaba owner smiled reassuringly and told us that he wouldn’t let our bus go anywhere without us. We did not want to take our chances, so we insisted on having our food packed and headed back to the bus.

When I entered the bus, I noticed something different. Our bus staff had changed (driver and conductor). It seemed HRTC swapped bus staff at Pathankot, perhaps because it was a long journey or needed a specialised team to drive on hills.

Journey into the Hills

Armed with hot parathas, we started the final leg of our journey towards Dalhousie. Almost immediately after crossing Pathankot, we found ourselves climbing up hills. It was a good thing that none of us had any motion sickness issues or we would have definitely regretted the greasy parathas.

The bus moved ever so smoothly around every curve and turn, almost as if we were riding a snake slithering on the soft grass. As we ascended further, the new bus conductor asked if anyone needed vomiting bags as the bus would not stop and the journey would take a few hours.

Soon we were surrounded by hills, and the sun was basking in full glory over the beautiful unexplored valleys. The skies were clear, and the views were stunning.

Both of us had been to hills before, and we started exchanging our stories involving them.

As the bus gained more altitude, so did our friendship as we understood more and more about each other.

Since our plan was pretty spontaneous, all we had was a one-way ticket and nothing more. We neither had an itinerary nor a hotel booking nor a return ticket. We checked out a few places on google but felt it would be a better bet to actually visit these places before making a longer booking. It eventually turned out that finding a good hotel was another adventure altogether.

We arrived at Dalhousie at around breakfast time. Our bodies were exhausted by the long road journey, but our minds were still fresh, awaiting an adventure that would hopefully not end with Dalhousie.

It is not every day that one gets invited to write on a blog as exciting as this one, and I sincerely would like to thank That Road Trip Lady for the opportunity. I hope this exciting blog succeeds as it covers more destinations, distances, and passengers on its ride.

Until next time…

Author: Namit Nagar

Priyanka Dhankher

I am the owner/driver of this blog and I love road trips. Women only road trips is a rarity in India and through this blog, I would like to inspire women like me to hit the road. Lack of male co-passenger should not be a deterrent. It took me a lot of years to finally go on my first women only road trip (in 2016) and since then there has been no stopping me. One long distance trip (>1000 km) and a few shorter ones per year is my aim.

2 thoughts on “ Guest Post: Roadtrip to Dalhousie ”

Wow! This is one of the most useful blogs we’ve seen in this field. It’s a great blog. I’m also an expert in this topic so I can appreciate your efforts.

Thank you so much!

dalhousie road trip

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How to plan an itinerary for Dalhousie, Khajjiar and Chamba

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Dalhousie Itinerary Day 1

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Dalhousie itinerary Day 2- Visit Chamba

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Dalhousie – How to Plan your Trip & What to See !

How to reach Dalhousie

How to reach Dalhousie by Road?

How to reach Dalhousie from Delhi

Delhi to Dalhousie Travel Time

Dalhousie Road Conditions

Best Vehicle for Dalhousie Trip

How to reach Dalhousie by Bus

Dalhousie Bus Booking

How to reach Dalhousie by Flight

How to reach Dalhousie by Train

How to reach Dalhousie from Pathankot

Local Transport in Dalhousie

How to reach Dalhousie in Winter

Tourist Attractions in Dalhousie and Things to Do

What to See in Dalhousie

What to Do in Dalhousie

Weather of Dalhousie

Temperature of Dalhousie

Best time to visit Dalhousie

What to Pack

Hygiene and personal care

Electronics

Accommodation and Other Facilities

Camping in Dalhousie

Shopping & Foods to Try

Where to Eat in Dalhousie

What to Buy in Dalhousie

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Health & Safety

Travel with family

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Travel possibilities during different seasons