Planning A Trip To Dalhousie: Tips And Recommendations
“The mountains are calling, and I must go” – John Muir
I answer this call very often. Do you? If you are getting a call from the mountains and you are confused about where to go next, Dalhousie can be your destination. Located at an average height of 2000 meters in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, this is an amazing place that will give you the colonial feel of the British Empire.
This is among those hill stations that the British built for their summer retreat. This is not just a hill station; it is a place that will take you back to the old world’s charms. Five hills surround Dalhousie – Bakrota, Patreyn, Balun, Tehra, and Kathlog. The Pir Panjal range is also visible from this hill station.
How To reach?
If you are traveling by road and coming from Delhi, you will have to cover almost a distance of 570 km, which is an eleven-hour drive approximately. If you are planning to drive yourself, it will be a smooth drive as the roads are not in bad shape. There are buses that private operators run, and some are run by HRTC, which leave in the evening and reach Dalhousie early in the morning.
Pathankot is the closest rail station, located 84 km away from Dalhousie. Many trains run daily from Delhi, and it is best to take a train at night; then, you can reach Pathankot early in the morning. There are taxis available at all times outside the station and bus services from Pathankot to Dalhousie.
Gaggal (Kangra), approximately 130 km away from Dalhousie, is the nearest airport. It is a 3.5 hrs drive approximately. Air India and Spicejet run regular flights from Delhi to Kangra Airport. The easiest option is to avail a taxi from the airport to Dalhousie, and it will be the fastest option as well. There are private bus services as well to take you to your destination.
Places To Visit In Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a place for all kinds of tourists. Be it a family trip, a friend group trip, or a trip for honeymooners. If you are looking for a peaceful trip in nature’s lap, then this is your destination, or if you are looking for an adventurous trip, then also this is the perfect destination for that. The scenic beauty of this place is incomparable, and there are many places to visit. Let’s make a list of a few which you cannot miss.
Khajjiar
➼ Distance(from Dalhousie): 22km
➼ Elevation: 2000m
➼ Best time for visiting: All year long.
Best places for staying: Mystic Village, Kailash Island View, Fortune Khajjiar, Wolfandwoods, and Loghouse at Khajjiar Lake.
Places to Visit: Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Birds & Chirps, Cozy Swiss Meadows, Smart Hill Kalatop, Valley View rooms near Khajjiar Lake.
This place is known as the mini Switzerland of India. The image of Khajjiar floats in front of my eyes the moment I hear about Dalhousie. This is not very far from Dalhousie town, just 21km away, which is approximately 1-hour drive. This beautiful valley is surrounded by greenery. It is impossible not to spot pines and deodars wherever you look in this valley.
If you visit Khajjiar, you cannot miss a visit to Khajjiar Lake, which is situated between Chamba City and Dalhousie. This almost dry lake makes a very beautiful picnic spot for locals as well as tourists. Placed in between thick forests and green meadows, this place will not fail to amaze you with its majestic beauty.
You can try short-distance paragliding, horseback riding, try a photoshoot in Himachal’s local attire, zorbing, and a photo shoot with rabbits will light up your mood.
Dainkund Peak
➼ Distance(from Dalhousie): 10km
➼ Elevation: 2745m
➼ Best time for visiting: October-February
Best places for staying: Fortune Park, Moon Glide by Stylia Hotels, and The Devdar.
Dainkund Peak has a lot to offer, but there are three rivers that add to its beautiful view. Your trip to Dalhousie will be incomplete if you don’t visit the Singing Hills, which is another name for Dainkund Peak. The view of the three rivers – Ravi, Beas, and Chenab along with the lush green valley enhances the beauty of the place.
Ganji Pahadi
➼ Distance(from Dalhousie): 5km
➼ Elevation: 2085m
➼ Best time for visiting: October-February
Best places for staying: Fortune Park, Aamod, Alps Resort, Best Western.
This is a good place for a hiking expedition. Just 1-hour walk from Dalhousie, this peak is located in Bakrota Hills. The hilltop is barre, and that gives this peak the name bald hill. This is among the must-visit places in Dalhousie. The enchanting view from the top will take your breath away.
Satdhara Falls
➼ Distance(from Dalhousie): 5km
➼ Elevation: 2036m
➼ Best time for visiting: Mis-March and Mid-October
You can locate these falls en route to Panchpulla, and this will show one of the remarkable works of mother nature. It is believed that the water from these falls and healing properties. This waterfall gets its name from the seven different streams that feed the waterfalls.
Mall Road
➼ Distance(from Dalhousie): 1km
➼ Elevation: 1970m
➼ Best time for visiting: All year long.
Best places for staying: Snow Valley Resort, Hotel Surya Resort, Mongas Hotel & Resort, and Hotel Kings.
Places to Visit: The Ridge, Shri Hanuman Mandir
If you are a shopaholic and take back souvenirs for your family and friends, then this place is a must-visit. This is a very happening place, you can get all kinds of local goods, and taste the local delicacies. Enjoy the local view with the backdrop of the Pir Panjal range.
Conclusion
The place is mesmerizing throughout the year, but still, if you ask me, I would say the best place to visit Dalhousie is during the summers. From April to June, this place offers wonderful weather, this is the tie when the snow starts to melt, and the lush greenery is out in the open.
Every season is beautiful and different in Dalhousie. It is up to you what you want to experience and visit accordingly. To experience the snow, visit the place between December and February. October and November are just the beginning of winter, and it is not likely to snow at that time. If you want to see the romantic green valley, then visit the place during monsoon, which is between july and September.
“Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.” – Barry Finlay
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