Dalhousie Khajjiar and Chamba Itinerary: One of the most popular tourist places in India, Himachal Pradesh is home to snow-clad peaks, stunning lakes, charming architecture, and vibrant culture. The state is studded with small hill towns each with its own unique identity.
For travelers looking to experience something unique and mesmerizing, Himachal Pradesh and especially the towns of Dalhousie, Khajjiar, and Chamba makes for a great holiday destination. So, here we are bringing to you the most needed Dalhousie Khajjiar and Chamba itinerary. To cover all three towns, you can either go from Dalhousie to Khajjiar to Chamba or from Khajjiar to Dalhousie to Chamba. We would recommend the former as it makes for a shorter and better-planned trip. Also, Dalhousie has some amazing stay options. From homestays to luxury stays like Elgin Hall, Dalhousie proves to be the best place to stay and explore the surroundings.
So, in this Dalhousie Khajjiar and Chamba itinerary, we are keeping Dalhousie as the base.
Let’s Plan DALHOUSIE KHAJJIAR AND CHAMBA ITINERARY
1.2.1 Things to see in Dalhousie
1.3.1 Things to see in Khajjiar
1.4.1 Things to see in Chamba:
How to reach Dalhousie
The nearest airport to Dalhousie is in Pathankot which is around 75 km away from the town. The airport is only connected to New Delhi and a flight journey from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Pathankot takes about 1hr 10 min to 1 hr 40 min.
The nearest railway station to Dalhousie is Pathankot’s Chakki Bank which is about 82 km away. Pathankot Railway Junction is well connected with many other cities apart from Delhi, including Bhatinda, Jammu, Ahmedabad, and Jodhpur. From Delhi, the train journey would take about 10 to 11 hours. After reaching Pathankot Railway Station the cab journey to the main town will take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
If you are traveling by road from Delhi, you’ll most likely take the route that would cover the cities like Karnal, Ambala, Ludhiana and Jalandhar, and finally Pathankot. This journey would take about 10-11 hours on the road. There are daily buses that are provided by the Haryana Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and the Himachal Roadways and can be directly taken from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi.
Once you reach Dalhousie, it is when your Dalhousie Khajjiar and Chamba itinerary begins. Ideally, to cover these 3 places you need, 4 days maximum:
Day 1: Dalhousie, visiting Daikund Peak, Chamera Lake, St.John’s Church.
Day 2: Khajjiar wherein try boat riding in the Khajjiar lake, explore the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, and visit the Kailash village.
Day 3: Visit Chamba and seek blessings at the Church Of Scotland, Golden Devi Temple and visit the Manimahesh lake.
Day 4: Relax and rejuvenate at Dalhousie, visit the shopping areas, and indulge in local food.
Day 1: Dedicate to exploring Dalhousie
HERE IS A LIST OF PLACES AND ACTIVITIES THAT YOU MUST DO WHEN IN DALHOUSIE
Dainkund peak
Dainkund peak is the highest peak in Dalhousie offering panoramic views of the mesmerizing Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. An ideal location for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, the place has numerous options for trekking and camping. It takes about 30-40 minutes from Gandhi chowk to the base, from where the journey to the top begins. The trekking usually requires around 1-1.5 hours to finish.
Chamera Lake
A stunning artificial lake in Dalhousie, Chamera lake is famous for its boat rides and picturesque views. The lake is actually a reservoir for the Chamera dam and is fed all year round by the river Ravi. A great spot for boating, fishing, and sightseeing, the lake turns even more graceful in summers when there’s a chance of birdwatching as well. In the proximity are many other great tourist destinations like Bhuri Singh Museum and Champavati Temple, so you can make a great day trip out of it.
St John’s Church
A beautiful protestant church in Dalhousie, St John’s church is a great place to start your day. The architecture of the church has been inspired by the Victorian era which adds an aesthetical charm to the place. The church is home to a rich compilation of books, rare photographs, historical artifacts, and paintings which makes it culturally and historically significant. On Sunday mass service, the church is even more magical so be sure to plan your trip around it.
Day 2: Spend time in Khajjiar
Known as the mini-Switzerland of India, Khajjiar is a small rejuvenating hill town characterized by its lush green landscapes. Traveling from Dalhousie to Khajjiar would take around 1 hour and the best way is to travel by a public bus or your own vehicle. The journey is smooth and picturesque.
Things to see in Khajjiar
- Khajjiar Lake
A stunning lake nestled in lush green deodar forests, Khajjiar lake is the most popular destination in Khajjiar. The lake offers breathtaking views of Mount Kailash and makes up for a serene picnic spot. For travelers looking to add an edge of adventure to their trip, the lake is the perfect destination as the vast green lawns in its vicinity host adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding.
Read More: How to Plan an Dalhousie Khajjiar and Chamba Itinerary
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
A haven for wildlife lovers, Kalatop Wildlife sanctuary is home to Himachal’s most exotic flora and fauna. Visitors can spot Pheasants, the Himalayan Black Bear, the Himalayan Black Marten, and a variety of bird species like Black Headed Jay, the Black Bird, and Eurasian Jay. With thick deodar forests, a plethora of wildlife species, magnificent mountains, stunning green lands, and water streams, the sanctuary is truly a nature retreat.
- Kailash Village
If you wish to delve into a quiet country life then Kailash Village is a must-visit. With apple orchards and sloping roofs covered in snow, the village would make you feel like you’re living in a painting. You can enjoy mesmerizing views of Mount Kailash which is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. An exceptional cultural experience awaits you when you’ll try the wonderful local dishes prepared with recipes handed down generations.
Day 3: Explore Chamba
Located around the Ravi river bank, Chamba is a beautiful town reminiscent of the British empire. The town has rebuilt itself gracefully to combine the best of old-world and contemporary. Traveling from Khajjiar to Chamba would take around 1 hr 4 min (22.6 km) via Dalhousie – Chamba Rd.
Things to see in Chamba
- Church Of Scotland, Chamba
One of the oldest churches in Himachal Pradesh, the Church of Scotland is a magnificent church that is 120 years old and took over 6 years to build. The church got its architectural inspiration from Dr M’Clymont, a Scottish monk which is reflected in its Indo-Scottish style of architecture. Spiritually and religiously significant, this church is a sight to behold.
- Manimahesh Lake
Manimahesh Lake is a sacred lake located close to Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The lake witnesses the majority of its tourists every year as devotees carry out the pilgrimage trek.
- Golden Devi Temple
The Golden Devi Temple is a revered structure visited by tourists and devotees from all over India. The temple got its name from its magnificent golden dome-shaped roof. With panoramic views of the surroundings, stunning architecture, and a strong spiritual and cultural presence, the Golden Devi temple is a must-visit.
Read More: 5 Religious Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh
Final Words
Hope our Dalhousie Khajjiar and Chamba itinerary was useful. You need a minimum of 3 days to explore these places. However, if you are someone who loves leisure exploration, you can allocate 5 days too. This Dalhousie Khajjiar and Chamba itinerary can be utilized anytime during the year. However, the best time would be October to February if you love snowfall, and March to June if you wish to escape summers.
With these three stunning locations in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, you would have a great holiday experience- one filled with nature’s bounties, architectural aesthetics, cultural charm, and a pinch of adventure. From the ideal temperature of Dalhousie to Chamba‘s cultural magnificence, you would experience the best of all three places.