Days required– 3 days
Nearby places to visit – Sach Pass, Chamba, Dharamshala/Mcleodganj
Best time to visit – Anytime during the year but try to avoid in June (summer breaks = heavy traffic and overcrowded) but after the monsoon it is preferable. To witness the snowfall, visit in January and February. Although Sach pass is closed in winter.
How to reach –
By road – Most preferred route. Buses from Chandigarh, Delhi, and Pathankot are available.
You can self-drive the car, but it is recommended to avoid the same as hilly areas usually have narrow, steep roads and parking issues. Sometimes during peak season roads gets closed for four-wheelers to curtail the traffic.
By train – Nearest station is Pathankot from where you can take bus/taxi to reach Dalhousie.
How we traveled – We boarded the bus from Delhi ISBT. Usually, buses run in the evening so that you can reach there in the morning and not much of your day is wasted in traveling.
Where to stay – Book your hotel near Gandhi Chowk or Bus stand so that you don’t have to lift heavy luggage with you as the Taxi to your hotel which may be around 1 km could cost you approx. Rs 200-300. Also, you should be good at bargaining too.
How to go around – You can walk around the main market/Gandhi Chowk area but most of the sightseeing is far away from the city center so you have to hire a taxi. Bargain well to get the best deals.
Places to visit–
Khajjiar – A must visit place which is 21 km from Dalhousie, known as the Mini Switzerland of India, it is situated at an altitude of 1,951 m in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas and is part of the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary. Khajjiar is a picturesque spot with an emerald saucer shaped meadow amidst a dense forest which has a lake with a floating island at its centre.
Dainkund Peak– Also known as the singing hill, 17 km from Dalhousie Bus Stand, it is the highest mountain peak in Dalhousie. Tourists can enjoy a 360° view of the entire valley from this peak. This peak has two major attractions; one is the Indian Air Force base (which require permission) and the other one Pholani Devi temple which has nothing except a trident inside the temple. Do visit here for the amazing view.
Chamera Lake – 26 km from Dalhousie, it is an artificial lake formed by the Chamera Dam on the Ravi River, nestled in a valley amid pine forests, Himachal Pradesh Tourism department has built a boathouse adjacent to the lake which has facilities for water sports like river rafting, motor boating, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats and rowing boats.
Panchpula/Satdhara – near to the town, this place is equally famous among locals as well as tourists. You will enjoy the waterfalls, gushing streams and panoramic views of hills and forests that surround the area. On the way to Panchpula, you must give a pause at Satdhara falls. If you love photography, I am sure this scenic place will treat you with some amazing camera shots.
Subhash Baoli – Do stop by at this historical place not just to enjoy the beautiful views but also to pay your respect to great freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Garam Sadak – Stroll through the ‘Garam Sarak’ connecting Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk. Enjoy the beautiful Tibetan wall painted through the way, and a combo of roadside Chai & Maggi adds up to this beautiful way.
Sach pass – open only from June to October, not easily accessible. Hire a cab to reach there. It will be an adventurous trip with bad roads/ no roads, risk of landslides, snow, and greenery around.
Where to eat – There are lots of street food joints and eateries around Gandhi Chowk to enjoy.
- Cafe Dalhousie – perfect breakfast destination for a budget traveler.
- Old Sher-E-Punjab – don’t get confused as there are 3 restaurants by the same name. Look out for “old” one or ask the locals.
- Kwality Restaurant – one of the oldest and best in the business.
Itinerary –
Day 1
We reached the Dalhousie bus stand at 11 am after a night journey from Delhi. Our hotel was just a walk away but because of luggage, we preferred a taxi. Taxi union works here, and they cost a fortune for small distances. We paid Rs150 for getting to our hotel which was just1km far from the bus stand. We checked in to the hotel, took a bath and booked our ride for the day. We covered Subash baoli, Panjpulla, Dainkund and Khajjiar.
In the evening we reached the market place, Gandhi chowk for window shopping and to have snacks.
Day 2
We started our day for Chamba city which was a long drive of around 3-4 hours to visit the famous Laxmi Narayan temple which was closed at that time (be informed about the timings).
Then we went to the Bhuri Singh Museum. After having lunch nearby, we headed back to Dalhousie. On our way back, we visited Bhadrakali Mandir and a hanging bridge. You will get some beautiful view and photographs as you will drive along the river Ravi.
If you are running out of time, then you can avoid this journey and just visit Chamera lake.
We stopped at lake Chamera for boating. On a suggestion, we opt for speed boating instead of the usual pedal boat which was more fun. You will get Maggi and chai nearby lake. On the way back to Dalhousie, you will get to see another nice and decent place that is Rock garden. Spend an hour there for some fresh air and some good photograph. Spend your evening shopping near Gandhi chowk or go for Garam Sadak stroll.
Day3
This was our last day here, so we visited the famous St. John church, St. Patrick’s church. You can book Sach pass tour if it is opened at that time.
Quick tips for fellow travelers –
- Book accommodation and transportation in advance.
- The bus will pick/drop you at the bus stand which is a very known and busy place. Taxi counters, grocery stores, and departmental stores are nearby.
- Be in habit of walking around in these places – taxis are way too expensive also one gets a real feel of the place only when you walk around the place.
- Carry extra cash as ATMs are at very great distances even from Gandhi chowk(one was out of order that time).
Ratings (it is subjective and based on my opinion)
Destination overall rating – 8/10 – the place is quite beautiful. Khajjiar is a nature lover’s heaven.
Travel Expense – 3/10 – accommodation and travel are expensive. Hiring a cab will cost you Rs.2000-3000 depending on the season and your bargaining skills.
Travel ease – 6 /10 – 12-hour bus journey from Delhi. Roads are steep. Reaching to your hotel is a tiring task.
Food 6/10 – I didn’t try any local dish. One can go for their local wines, but I didn’t like them much.