Day 1:
Mode of Transport: Taxis and cabs are available in abundance. Booking a taxi will not be a problem. Today’s itinerary takes you far-off places, hence rent a cab for a day tour.
Khajjiar Visit
10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
First thing to do in Dalhousie is to get some fresh air at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.
10 km from Gandhi Chowk, Kalatop sanctuary falls on the way towards Khajjiar. The forest is thick and densely covered with Deodar trees and other species of flora. Animal sighting is rare but some species of bird can be seen. To reach the top of the forest, you can trek for 3 km or take your vehicle all the way up.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
After enjoying the greenery and freshness of the forest, head towards Khajjiar Lake.
Khajjiar is 10 km uphill from Kalatop and this is the place which attracts tourists to Dalhousie. This is also called Mini-Switzerland and it does appear to be like that when it is covered with snow. The landscape of this place is hard to explain in mere words and it is best to experience it.
There are restaurants nearby where you can have your lunch along with the mesmerizing views of the landscape.
Time duration: 3 – 4 hours
Highest point in Dalhousie
04:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Later, on your way back to Dalhousie, you stop by the Daikund Peak.
15 km from Khajjiar, Daikund Peak is the highest point of Dalhousie. The panoramic views of snow covered mountains of the Dhauladhar range is truly captivating during the sunset. The uphill walk to the peak will keep the shutterbugs very busy.
Don’t forget to seek blessing at Pohlani Devi Temple.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
In the evening, roam around the Gandhi Chowk and explore Indo Tibetan Market on foot and shop for souvenirs.
Also read: Best area to book your hotel in Dalhousie
Day 2:
Today you can choose from 2 options:
Option 1: Family Outing
Option 2: Adventurous Activities
Option 1: Family outing itinerary
Historical Excursion
09:00 AM – 10:00 AM
To understand more about the history of Dalhousie, pay a visit at St. John’s Church.
The church is not only the oldest but also the largest church in Dalhousie. It has become a popular tourist attraction due to its location at Gandhi Chowk. The architecture is something you should not miss. A library is adjacent to the church has huge collections of books and other documentaries that help you to know more about the town. History lovers will love to spend long time here.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour.
Mode of Transport: Walk for 5 min from Gandhi Chowk.
After visiting the church, you need to rent a taxi to cover the remaining destinations.
Leisure Activities
11:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Chamera Lake is the place to spend quality time with your family.
The lake is actually a reservoir of Chamera Hydro Power Station. The Chamera Dam is a famous landmark in the region. The reservoir is very large that it looks like a lake. Boating and fishing activities have been introduced to attract tourists.
Food joints along the lake offer traditional Himachali cuisines for lunch.
Time duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
After spending some memorable moments at the lake, head towards Dalhousie and on your way stop by at Rock Garden.
This is a little garden primarily set up to entertain the travellers. The garden is decorated with rocks and fountains. Children will have a good time and there are some activities to keep them engaged.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour
Head back to your hotel and just chill for the remaining part of the day!
Option 2: Adventurous activities itinerary
Trekking in Dalhousie
10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Trekking in Dalhousie is of moderate level and 5 km in length. It starts from Gandhi Chowk and ends at Ganji Pahadi with a pit stop at Panchpula.
The road from Gandhi Chowk to Panchpula is proper concrete road and cannot be called a trek. The real test begins from Panchpula. There are multiple destinations to choose your trekking route. Aspiring trekkers can trek all the way to Khajjiar, a 14-km long route.
Route to Ganji Pahadi is 4 km in length and difficulty level is moderate. First time trekkers will find it rather hard. Ganji Pahadi is another viewpoint with breath taking views of the mountains. This is something every traveller should not miss at any cost, albeit fitness and trekking shoes are paramount.
Time duration: 5 – 6 hours
Also read: Khajjiar Itinerary
Day 3:
Mode of Transport: It is very important to book a cab the previous night to cover today’s destinations.
This itinerary covers remote areas that are rarely visited by tourists and hence off-beat in Dalhousie and Chamba district.
Option 1: Saach Pass (150 km from Dalhousie)
Option 2: Bharmour (120 km from Dalhousie)
Option 1: Saach Pass
Adventure not for Light-Hearted.
07:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Saach Pass is located right at the northern end of Himachal Pradesh. The pass connects the tribal region of Himachal Pradesh with the other important places. The region is not developed at all and hence you get to explore something that is pure and untouched by modern world.
6 hours is what it takes to reach here so it is wise to start early to return back to your hotel on the same day. Bairagarh is the only place that has few options for overnight stays, if you find it difficult to manage in one day.
Option 2: Bharmour
Abode of Lord Shiva
08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Bharmour is a famous religious site in Himachal Pradesh. Every devotee of Lord Shiva plans to pay a visit in order to seek blessings from their master. Chaurasi Temple is known to every Himachali. NH 154-A will lead you to Bharmour in 4 hours from Dalhousie via Chamba.
Chaurasi Temple is a unique complex with 84 shrines and way of life in Bharmour is centre around the temple. If you are a devotee, you must pay a visit.
